About the time I had started using essential oils, I came across a killer deal on a super green cloth diaper friendly laundry detergent, so I bought a TON of it. I was so proud of myself for scoring that deal. Since then I have wanted to try making my own several times, but just had no need for it! I FINALLY (after almost 2 years) have run out of my stash, so this was my project! My first attempt I followed a traditional recipe that used borax and that was a big NO GO on my little ones sensitive skin. I made a massive batch, and had to give most of it away!
My REVISED detergent is now borax FREE and it seems to be working quite well so far. Here are the ingredients that I have switched to for our homemade laundry detergent
- 2 cups washing soda
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup of course sea salt or epsom salt
- 1/2 cup of Biokleen oxygen bleach
- 1 bar of castille soap finely grated (a cuisinart with a finer grater attachment works great to do this quickly)
- 10 – 20 drops each of lavender and wild orange essential oils (I’ll change this up each time just for fun)
Dump it all into a container, mix it up, add in the essential oils, and there you go! Use about 1-2 Tbsp with each load, add in white vinegar with 2 drops of essential oil as the liquid fabric softener and run the load!
