In our bid to reduce the number of chemicals that we use in the home one of the first things, I switched over to a natural recipe that I make myself was our washing powder. I’ve spoken earlier this year about 5 simple things that we can do to live more naturally in the home and I think that this was the BIGGEST change we made. I know some people prefer a liquid washing powder and I have it on very good authority that the Laundry Soap from Happy Hooligans is an excellent alternative to store-bought even using a Borax Substitute like we have to in the UK but I do like using my powder so it took me a while to come up with a recipe that cleaned even the school white polo shirts especially after a painting session and keep clothes smelling fresh as well. This is one that I have been using for a while now and it’s saving us money as well as reducing the chemicals that we are using in the home. So here goes our DIY Washing Powder Recipe.
Ingredients for DIY Washing Powder
1 cup Borax substitute
1 cup Soda Crystal
1/2 cup Bicarbonate of Soda
1/4 cup of Soap Flakes
10 drops of melaleuca (tea tree) essential oil
10 drops of lemongrass essential oil
DIY Washing Powder
In a large bowl add all of the ingredients together and mix thoroughly…. YEP That is it. I did say it was easy.
I then use a container and to the wash, I add in 1 dessert spoon for a small wash and 2 for a heavy stained wash or a large wash.
One thing to note is that as this is a soap rather than a detergent it is best to use a 40-degree wash than a 30 or a cold wash and then once a month do a washing machine clean with some white vinegar on the hottest wash possible.
Looking for tips on how to make white clothes white naturally? Check out our Top Tips for whitening clothes naturally.