DIY Laundry Detergent


Not long ago, we got a brand new washing machine at our house, which would have been a great thing, except that the landlord got one of those new high efficiency top-loaders. First of all, high efficiency top-loader sounds like a complete oxymoron, and it is! That thing doesn't work at all. I was so excited to have a big, brand new, shiny washing machine! But after I experimented around with different wash cycles and water levels and soaps, it just doesn't work. Sometimes I go down and open it up during the wash phase and it hardly uses any water, which if it worked would be a good thing. But it doesn't work. Drrrh.


So when my cousin mentioned that she had a recipe for homemade laundry detergent, I figured why not try it? It can't possibly make our laundry situation worse! Plus, it smells so ridiculously good that there is that. It's a new experience in smell alone.


This week has been a rough week with not much sleep and Coco being sick, so I was home a lot and it was a good time to catch up on laundry. I still think our washing machine is the worst, but regardless, it felt like a nice little escape to go down to the laundry room. This detergent filled the room with the smell of lavender and freshness. It felt pretty good to bring up a basket of fluffy, warm, nice-smelling clean laundry to fold while the cuties watched a movie.


Here is the recipe, if you'd like to try it. In a large airtight container, combine the following:
This combo pack is a great way to buy the main ingredients in bulk if you're interested in making a bunch, or giving it as gifts. It's so pretty and with a nice jar or canister, makes a lovely impression. Obviously it smells amazing because of the chemical-laden Unstopables! If you're chemical averse, leave those out and add a few drops of essential oils to each load instead. Or, if you think you'll use it up reasonably quickly, add essential oils to the mix. 

I'm really enjoying my laundry detergent. The clothes come out incredibly soft! Have you ever made laundry detergent? What are your favorite laundry detergents?

Comments

  1. The photo almost looks like something to eat! Haha

    Can you explain the whole American laundry machine to me? Here in Germany renters supply their own. All you do is plug it in after all! When you move you take it with you.

    Why does it seem like Americans just have to take whatever the landlord offers?

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    1. Some rentals specify hookups only so you bring your own. Others provide. But as a general rule, landlords put the most basic cheaper versions of appliances so they don't have to worry about renters treating them poorly. Renting in the US feels like a gamble, it sort of comes down to the ethics of the homeowner/agency. Not as many regulations or protections because the US favors homeowners.

      On the flip side, I find it weird the Swiss take their light fixtures with them! Ha.

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    2. Our landlord pays the water...so I'm thinking he chose a very low water machine. ;)

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  2. Funny--we just bought a brand new HE top loader and honestly, love it! Ours works great and you can fit so much in. Also no hassle with mold on the door seal. Was there a troubleshooting guide? Could be answers there!

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    1. I would bet that yours is a higher end model than ours! ;) It's not forever, so I'm trying not to stress!!

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  3. I keep going back and forth about making laundry detergent. I've read some about it not actually getting clothes clean, but I've also read about a ton of people that love it! I've started getting into making my own products lately (just made deodorant!), but haven't made it to laundry detergent yet. Is grating the Fels Naptha annoying? Because I've heard that you can microwave it and then it crumbles really easily...just Google it.

    Also, on the topic of washers & dryers: we have a Fischer-Paykel set and I absolutely love it! Both the washer and dryer are top loaders, which is SO EASY! You just lift both lids and one-handed switch to the dryer. I can do it holding my 1 year old!

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    1. Isn't it amazing how much washers and dryers impact our lives?! ;) I'm glad you're loving yours.

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  4. If you have a Swiss version of the ingredients, let me know! I don't even think Borax is sold here! Don't you miss the front-loading machines here? ;)

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    1. I am pretty sure it would be hopeless to attempt this in Switzerland. Even getting that much baking soda would be a challenge. ;)

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    2. YES. I miss our V-Zug washer and dryer SO MUCH. Yowza!

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    3. Ooops! Miele. Our first dishwasher was V-Zug and it was awesome.

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  5. How much dooou add to each load?

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    1. I've been using 1/4 cup per load. It seems to be rinsing well, but cleaning enough. :)

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