Laundry detergent is something nearly all of us keep stocked at home. We grab it, toss in a load, and move on without giving it much thought. But as moms, we know the laundry pile never really disappears. It feels like as soon as we fold one load, another one is waiting. Since it’s such a constant part of daily life, maybe you have wondered if there is a way to save money, keep things a little gentler on your family’s skin, or just feel better about what you are using. The good news is, you have options. You can make a simple DIY laundry detergent in your kitchen or pick from trusted, healthier store brands.
Why Try Something Different than Conventional Laundry Detergent
Conventional detergents, for the most part, do a solid job of cleaning, but they can include strong fragrances, brighteners, or preservatives that sensitive skin does not love. For many families, it is not about fear, but about preference. Making your own or switching to a cleaner brand can help you skip extras you do not need while staying friendly to your budget.
DIY Toxin Free Laundry Detergent
If you like the idea of making your own, here is a quick recipe. It is simple, affordable, and you can customize the scent so your laundry still smells fresh without heavy perfume.
Ingredients
1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax
Essential oils you enjoy, such as lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus (optional)
- 1 cup of scented epsom salt (I like this one) to add a fragrance (optional)
Instructions
Grate the Castile soap into fine shavings.
In a large bowl, mix soap shavings, washing soda, and borax.
Add a few drops of essential oils and stir.
Store the finished powder in an airtight container.
- Use about 2 tablespoons per load in high efficiency washers, or 1/4 cup for large or extra dirty loads in standard washers.
That is it. You have a detergent that cleans clothes, smells fresh, and gives peace of mind because you know exactly what is in it.
If DIY Is Not Your Thing
Maybe mixing and grating soap is not on your to do list, and that is okay. There are plenty of ready made options that aim to be healthier while still delivering a good clean. These brands avoid heavy dyes, strong synthetic fragrance, and harsh preservatives.
Five Popular Safer Alternatives
Dropps — Biobased pods with simple ingredients and eco friendly packaging.
Puracy — Concentrated liquid that is plant based and hypoallergenic.
Molly’s Suds — Gentle powder and liquid formulas that work well for sensitive skin.
Meliora — Minimal ingredient powder in plastic free packaging.
AspenClean — Plant based liquid with simple, family friendly formulas.
Refresh Your Laundry Routine
At the end of the day, laundry is something we all do. Switching to a homemade recipe or a healthier brand does not have to be complicated. It is about choosing what works for your family, your budget, and your comfort. Small changes like this can add up to a healthier, more comfortable home, and that is always worth it.
Forest Rose is a God Loving, Blessed Wife, & Mama to 3 girls. She’s passionate about lifting moms out of the trenches that are discouraged, overwhelmed, or feeling alone or isolated. Her hope is to point them to Christ and equip them to rise up with a newfound hope and joy within, that He alone can provide. Besides blogging, she also loves to create printables!
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