Ruqayyah Snyder
Making your own washing powder at home is a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to commercial detergents. Homemade washing powder is made from natural ingredients that are easily available at local supermarkets and is suitable for both front and top-loading washing machines. It is gentle on the skin, effective in removing stains and grime, and can be customised with essential oils for added fragrance. With a single batch yielding over 100 loads, making homemade washing powder saves time, money, and reduces the use of chemicals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | It takes less than 5 minutes to make a batch of homemade washing powder. |
| Cost | Homemade washing powder costs between $5.20 and $7.93 per kg, depending on the ingredients used. This is cheaper than the cheapest eco-friendly washing powder, which costs $7.50 per kg. |
| Ingredients | Washing soda, borax, grated soap, and bicarb soda. Essential oils can also be added. |
| Benefits | Homemade washing powder is natural, eco-friendly, gentle on the skin, and free from chemicals and artificial fragrances. It is also cost-effective, with one batch making over 100 loads of laundry. |
| Storage | Store in an airtight glass jar or plastic container to keep the powder moisture-free. |
| Usage | Use 1-2 tablespoons of powder per load, depending on the size and soil level of the load. For heavily soiled loads, use 2-3 tablespoons. |
| Precautions | Keep away from children and pets. Homemade washing powder is harmful if ingested or inhaled. To prevent clumping, keep the powder dry. |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients and cost
Homemade washing powder is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to commercial laundry detergents. The ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets and can be purchased in bulk from hardware stores, health food shops, or online.
The basic ingredients for a homemade washing powder recipe include:
- Washing soda (available at Coles and Woolworths)
- Laundry soap bar (such as Velvet pure laundry soap)
- Borax (optional, available at Coles)
- Citric acid (optional)
- Essential oils (optional)
The cost of these ingredients varies depending on the source. For example, at one local supermarket, a 1kg bag of washing soda costs $5, and a four-pack of home-brand laundry soap bars (total 500g) costs $2.80, resulting in a combined cost of $7.80 for 1.5kg of ingredients. This yields a per-kilo cost of $5.20 for homemade laundry powder. Adding borax increases the per-kilo cost to $7.93.
In comparison, the cheapest home-brand washing powder costs $5.00 per kilo, while the cheapest eco-friendly option is $7.50 per kilo. Thus, the homemade version without borax is only slightly more expensive than the non-eco-friendly alternative, and it is still more cost-effective than the eco-friendly option.
It is worth noting that the amount of powder used per load can vary depending on the recipe, water hardness, and washing machine type (front loader or top loader). Some recipes suggest using one scoop (about 1/3 cup) per wash, while others recommend one to four tablespoons per load, depending on the load size and soil level.
Essential oils, such as lemon and eucalyptus, can be added to the mixture for fragrance, but these are optional and can be omitted for those with sensitive skin.
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Mixing and storing
Mixing your own laundry powder is a simple process. First, grate your chosen bar of soap into a bowl. You can use a food processor to save time and effort, but ensure the soap is a super-fine dust so that it dissolves easily in cold water. If you are using warm or hot water, it can be slightly coarser.
Next, add your other chosen ingredients. This could include washing soda, borax, citric acid, and essential oils. You can mix these in a food processor or a blender, blitzing until all ingredients are well combined. You can also add essential oils to your washing powder, dropping them onto a tablespoon of powder and adding them directly to your wash.
Once your powder is mixed, it is important to store it in a moisture-free environment. Use an airtight container such as a glass jar or plastic container. You can also get creative and design a label for your container.
A batch of homemade washing powder can last for several months, depending on usage. It is a good idea to keep the powder away from children and pets, as it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.
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How to use
The amount of homemade washing powder you use per load will depend on how soiled your laundry is and the size of the load. For a regular load, use 1 tablespoon of powder. For a large or heavily soiled load, use 2-3 tablespoons. If you have a front loader, you will need less powder than for a top loader.
To use, place the powder directly into the drum of your washing machine. You can also add white vinegar to the rinse dispenser to leave your laundry fresh and soft.
If you are using essential oils, add them to 1 tablespoon of washing powder and add the mixture to the designated compartment in your washing machine.
To prevent soap buildup in your washing machine, run a hot wash about once a week.
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Front vs. top loaders
Homemade washing powder is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to commercial laundry detergents. Making your own washing powder is a straightforward process that only requires a few easily accessible and inexpensive ingredients.
When using homemade washing powder, it is important to consider the type of washing machine you have, as the amount of powder and type of detergent required may vary between front and top loaders.
Front loaders typically use less water than top loaders, and as a result, front-loading detergents are designed to dissolve in less water and produce less lather. These detergents contain anti-foaming ingredients to prevent excessive suds from developing. Using a top-loading detergent in a front loader can cause a buildup of foam, which can damage the machine over time. Therefore, it is crucial to use the correct type of detergent and follow the recommended dosage for your specific machine.
For a 7kg front loader, users have reported success with 1/4 to 1/3 cup or 2 to 4 tablespoons of powder per load. It is recommended to adjust the quantity based on factors such as water hardness, soil level of laundry, and machine size.
On the other hand, top loaders fully immerse the load in water during the wash cycle, allowing for the use of lower efficiency detergents that dissolve in larger volumes of water. Any powder or liquid detergent is generally suitable for top loaders. For a 7kg top loader, users have suggested using 4 tablespoons of powder.
It is worth noting that while powder is usually cheaper, liquid detergent is less likely to leave residue on clothes. Additionally, liquid detergent is more suitable for handwashing, soaking, and pre-treating stains.
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Eco-friendliness
Homemade washing powder is an eco-friendly alternative to commercial detergents. It is made from natural ingredients that are easily available in supermarkets, such as washing soda, borax, laundry soap bars, and essential oils. These ingredients are mixed together to form a powder, which can be stored in an airtight glass jar or plastic container.
The natural ingredients used in homemade washing powder are effective in cleaning and washing. They possess grime-fighting, water-softening, and stain-removing capabilities. Homemade washing powder is also cost-effective, with the price per load ranging from 10 to 14 cents when using supermarket-sourced or bulk supplier-sourced ingredients. This is significantly cheaper than commercial eco-friendly washing powders, which can cost up to $7.50 per kilo.
Homemade washing powder is also beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. Commercial detergents often contain strong artificial perfumes and chemicals that can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. By making your own washing powder, you can control the ingredients used and avoid potential irritants. For example, borax, an ingredient commonly found in store-bought powders, can cause skin irritation and is not recommended for use with infants. By excluding borax from your homemade powder, you can create a gentle, hypoallergenic detergent.
Additionally, homemade washing powder allows you to customise the scent of your laundry by using essential oils of your choice. Popular options include lemon, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, and tea tree oil. These oils not only provide a pleasant fragrance but also offer additional benefits such as treating spots and stains.
Overall, homemade washing powder offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and customisable alternative to commercial detergents. It is simple to make, utilising easily accessible ingredients, and provides effective cleaning results while being gentle on the skin and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
The ingredients vary depending on the recipe, but generally, you will need washing soda, borax, grated laundry soap, and essential oils. Other ingredients may include citric acid, fine salt, and bi-carb soda.
The cost depends on the ingredients used and where you source them. For example, at one Australian supermarket, a 1kg bag of washing soda costs $5, a four-pack of laundry soap bars costs $2.80, and borax costs $7.93 per kilo. In total, this comes to $7.80 for 1.5kg of homemade laundry powder or $5.20 per kilo without borax.
The amount of powder used depends on the size and soil level of the load. Most sources recommend using 1-2 tablespoons of powder per load, but for larger or heavily soiled loads, you may need to use 2-4 tablespoons. For front-loading machines, less powder is generally required.
