Homemade laundry detergent and why it works so well

Anna M
by Anna M
$15
10 Minutes
Easy
Homemade laundry detergent is all the rage these days but do you ever wonder if it really works? I love the idea of homemade laundry detergent, that costs a fraction of the price but I want to know that my clothes are actually getting clean, before I jump on the bandwagon!
The 4 basic ingredients of homemade laundry detergent are Borax, Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and Fels-Naptha bar soap. I also added Oxi Clean and doTERRA Wild Orange essential oil, to give it a little extra cleaning power, and a delicious citrus scent. Check out my full post to see how/why each of the ingredients work to create the best, most effective laundry detergent. Click here: http://askannamoseley.com/2013/05/the-best-homemade-laundry-detergent-and-why/
Edit: This detergent can be used in a front loading washing machine, there are instructions if you click on the link above. It is also safe to use if you have a septic system, I researched all of the individual ingredients and they are all safe to use. My sister has been using this for years on her septic system and she has never had any problems.
Borax is a natural laundry booster because of it's unique ability to clean, by converting some water molecules to hydrogen peroxide.
The high alkalinity of washing soda helps it act as a solvent to remove a range of stains. Also adding Fels-Naphta helps eliminate residual stains. It works as a stain remover, for tough stains
Download this free printable to make your laundry detergent into cute gifts or just look cute in your laundry room!
Anna M
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  • Deb Deb on Oct 16, 2018

    is this safe to use with HE machines? Thx

  • Marian Spurling Marian Spurling on Oct 23, 2018

    My family complains that our clothes don't SMELL clean when using this recipe. Is there any way that a scent can be added (such as a non staining Essential oil-like Lavender) or another fresh smelling idea? I personally love the homemade soap & don't want to switch. TY!!

  • Patricia Patricia on Jan 26, 2019

    Where IS the recipe? There is no way to download it either. Would love to try this!

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  • Dmotan Dmotan on Apr 05, 2022

    I use washing soda with an inexpensive detergent and sometimes I add borax or oxiclean, depends on what I am washing. Wash comes out smelling very nice.

    Because I have sensitive skin, I also do a dbl wash and add vinegar to the first cycle and nothing to the second cycle.

    I also use washing soda in my dishwasher. Really cleans dishwasher and dishes.

    • Amanda Amanda on Jun 02, 2023

      @Dmotan

      Wow! That’s very interesting! I’ve never heard of using washing soda in the dishwasher. May I ask; do you use it solely on its own or as an additive to regular dishwashing detergent?


      I’ve tried several different brands of dishwashing detergents and all of them, for the most part, are just rather disappointing. They either only partially get them clean or leave residue irregardless having a rinsing solution. (One example being my nice sauce pan was used to make a type of candied carrots and wasn’t cleaned immediately afterwards. It’s basically scorched inside the bottom and despite my best efforts, even soaking the pan, I can’t remove it. I could probably take foil or another sort of abrasive and scrub it but I’m desperately trying to not scratch up my sauce pot.)


      I do suppose I could’ve just tried using the washing soda instead of asking questions lol. I’m just very intrigued about how well this has worked for you on regular and heavily soiled dishes. Thanks so much for sharing this!


      Kind regards,

      Amanda

  • Stacie Stacie on Aug 27, 2022

    Click here: doesn't work.

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