Make Your Own Eco-Friendly Washing Powder to Save Money and Your Clothes

Are you saving the environment while saving your clothing? Win-win!

Making Your Own Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent will not only save you money, but reduce exposure to chemicals for you, your family, pets and the planet.

Eco-fact: By cutting down on harsh detergents and reducing your eco-footprint, you’re simultaneously extending the life of your clothing, which is the most sustainable fashion commitment there is.

According to Branch Basics, there are literally hundreds of reasons to move away from conventional detergents, including poisonings, endocrine disrupters, neurotoxins and volatile organic compounds just to name a few.

They suggest the best bet is to keep things simple – “Reading labels doesn’t have to be complicated; look for the words “caution”, “warning”, or “danger” on the box or bottle. Those words (especially “warning” and “danger”) are a giveaway that there are potentially toxic chemicals in the product. It’s best to simply remove the product from your home. Also, look out for common precautionary statements like “Eye, Skin, or Lung Irritant”. For the most part, these precautionary labels signal the presence of toxic chemicals. If in doubt, get ’em out!”

How Toxic Are Traditional Laundry Detergents? Infographic Source: BranchBasics.com

Thankfully, there are plenty of simple, healthy and clean ingredient options for making your own laundry products, many of which you’ll already have in your home. Don’t be afraid to try a few different methods or mix-up your recipe to see which solution gives the best results.

The Best DIY Laundry Ingredients

1. Bi-Carbonate Soda (bi-carb) – This insanely cheap and easy alternative product is a miracle cure for cleaning jobs all around the home. Add this to your laundry recipe as a deodoriser with anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties.

2. Soap Berries aka Soap Nuts – These beauties make a great laundry alternative all on their own. Naturally occurring (grown on trees), include soap berries in your routine for an easy eco-washing alternative by putting around 5 ‘nuts’ into a laundry bag and just add to your wash. Don’t forget to add a few drops of essential oils to for fragrance (also see tip 3.)

3. Essential Oils – Add a few drops to your wash once the water has filled for that fresh linen scent you love – natural, botanical and chemical free.

4. White Vinegar – Adding half a cup to a rinse cycle helps remove excess oils and detergents from water, washing machines and clothing. Use to give that squeaky clean feeling with no nasty extras.

5. Ground Coconut Soap (made from coconut oil) – Simply dissolve 2-3 tablespoons in water and then add straight into your wash. Unscented, natural and biodegradable.

Shop these Ingredients (some suggestions are below) and Start Saving Money and Your Clothing Today!

Not sure you want to Do It Yourself? For a quick-fix, we’ve included some Ready-to-Go Eco-Laundry Solutions as well.

Must Have Eco-Laundry Ingredients

Organic Soap Berries (Soap Nuts) – from $ 16.95 – BIOME

Ground Coconut Soap – $19.95 – BIOME

Essential Oil Laundry Tonic, Clean Linen – $19.95 – THE CLEAN COLLECTIVE

BIOME Laundry Bag – $4.95 – Perfect for Soap Nuts

Ready-to-Go Eco Laundry Solutions

Natural Laundry Powder – $13.60 – THE CLEAN COLLECTIVE

Bondi Laundry Wash – from $22 – CONSCIOUS KIN

Unscented Coconut Soap Laundry Powder $20 – THE CLEAN COLLECTIVE

Green Potions Laundry Powder – from $10.95 – BIOME

Bondi Wash Laundry Care Trio – $25 – CONSCIOUS KIN

Natural Wool Dryer Balls – $29.95 – THE CLEAN COLLECTIVE

Natural Alternatives for Clothing Stain Removal

Laundry Stain Remover – $10.95 – THE CLEAN COLLECTIVE

MiEco Oxygen Bleach (Childsafe Cap) – $19.95 – BIOME STORES

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{Header Image – Photo by Annie Spratt}