How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Clean your clothes the eco-friendly way.

May/June 2000
By Natural Home Staff 
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Simple Washing Powder

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16 cups baking soda
12 cups borax
8 cups grated castile or glycerin soap flakes*
3 tablespoons lavender, lemon, or grapefruit essential oil
Combine baking soda, borax, and soap flakes, add essential oil, and mix with a wire whisk. Use 1/8 cup of powder per load. This recipe makes enough powder to last a family of four one year.

*Source: Sunfeather Natural Soap Company, (315) 265-3648, www.sunsoap.com, or you can buy bars of castile soap (e.g. Dr. Bronner's) and grate with a kitchen grater.

Pre-Wash Stain Spray

1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
3 cups water
Stir together and fill a labeled spray bottle.

Spray on heavily soiled spots just before washing (as usual, test a hidden spot for colorfastness first).

Bleach/Brightner Substitute

1 cup hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup lemon or grapefruit juice
12 cups water

Store in a labeled plastic jug.

Add 2 cups per load.

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