DIY Laundry Detergent: Low Toxic Ingredients

Laundry detergent is a household staple, but many commercial options contain harsh chemicals that can irritate skin, harm the environment, and contribute to indoor pollution. Making your own laundry detergent with low toxic ingredients offers a safer, eco-friendly alternative that saves money and reduces exposure to unnecessary chemicals. This post gives you my recipe that ive wbeen using for 8+ years so you can make the change and create effective laundry detergent at home.

Homemade laundry detergent in a glass jar that I keep in the laundry room.

Why Choose Low Toxic Laundry Detergent?

Many commercial detergents include synthetic fragrances, dyes, phosphates, and preservatives that can cause allergic reactions or disrupt aquatic ecosystems when washed down the drain. Choosing low toxic ingredients helps:

• Protect sensitive skin and reduce allergic reactions

• Minimize environmental pollution and water contamination

• Lower indoor air pollution from volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

• Save money by using simple, affordable ingredients

• Customize scent and cleaning power to your preferences

  
  

Homemade detergent also allows you to avoid unnecessary additives and control what goes into your laundry routine.

Key Ingredients for Low Toxic Laundry Detergent

Creating your own detergent requires a few basic ingredients that are safe, biodegradable, and effective at cleaning clothes. Here are the most common components:

Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda)

Don't consfuse this with Sodium BICARBONATE, which is baking soda. Sodium CARBONATE a.k.a "Washing soda" is a natural water softener that helps actually break down grease, remove dirt. It raises the pH of water, making it easier to lift grime from fabric fibers. You can find washing soda in the laundry aisle or make it by baking baking soda at 400°F for about an hour.

Sodium Per carbonate

This is the main ingredient in OxyClean. It is an eco friendly oxygen bleach that brightens clothes. This is different then chlorine bleach. Oxygen bleach is a gentler, more versatile product. It's main ingredient is typically hydrogen peroxide and can safely be used in laundry and on many hard or soft household surfaces. Less corrosive and easier on fabrics. It also doesn't have a strong odor we associate with chlorine bleach.

Jabon Zote OR FelsNaptha Or Castile Soap

Castile soap is a plant-based, biodegradable soap made from olive oil or other vegetable oils. It cleans gently without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Use a grated bar soap for your detergent base.

I was raised in Mexico, so my preference is Jabon Zote because it truly is the best-known product for stain removal. But feel free to use FelsNaptha or Castile Soap Bars.

Sodium Citrate

Not to be confused with citric acid. This is an important ingredient. Do not substitute. This softens the water and makes the other ingrediets more effective.

Essential Oils (Optional)

For fragrance, add a few drops of essential oils like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus. These oils provide natural scent without synthetic chemicals.

How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Follow this simple recipe to make a powdered laundry detergent that works well for most washing machines and fabrics.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Sodium Carbonate

• 2 cups Sodium Percarbonate

• 1 Cup Sodium Citrate

• 1 cup grated Castile soap (or 1 cup liquid Castile soap)

• 15-20 drops essential oil (optional)

  

  

  

  

  

Instructions

1. Grate the Castile Soap

If using bar soap, grate it finely using a cheese grater or food processor. This helps it dissolve better in water.

1. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all the other ingredients. Stir well to blend evenly.

1. Add Essential Oils

Add essential oils drop by drop and mix thoroughly to distribute the scent.

1. Store Properly

Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or jar. Label it clearly and keep it in a dry place.

Usage

Use 1 TBSP of detergent per regular load. For heavily soiled clothes, increase to 2 tablespoons. This detergent works in both standard and high-efficiency (HE) washers.

Tips for Best Results

• Pre-treat stains with a paste of baking soda and water or a small amount of castile soap before washing.

• Use hot water for whites and heavily soiled items to boost cleaning power.

• For delicate fabrics, use less detergent and cold water to avoid damage.

• Shake the detergent container before each use to redistribute ingredients.

• If you have hard water, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften clothes and remove residue.

  
  

Benefits Beyond Cleaning

Making your own laundry detergent with low toxic ingredients has benefits beyond just clean clothes:

• Reduces plastic waste by reusing containers and avoiding single-use detergent bottles.

• Supports sensitive skin by eliminating dyes and synthetic fragrances.

• Lowers household chemical exposure for children, pets, and allergy sufferers.

• Promotes sustainability by using biodegradable, plant-based ingredients.

  
  

Common Questions About DIY Laundry Detergent

Is homemade detergent as effective as store-bought?

Yes, homemade detergent can clean clothes just as well when used properly. It may not produce as many suds, but suds do not equal cleaning power.

Can I use this detergent in a high-efficiency washer?

This recipe is safe for HE washers because it contains low sudsing ingredients. Use the recommended amount to avoid buildup.

How long does homemade detergent last?

Stored in a dry, airtight container, it can last up to 6 months. Moisture can cause clumping, so keep it sealed.

Can I customize the scent?

Absolutely. Essential oils allow you to create your own fragrance blends without synthetic chemicals.

Making your own laundry detergent with low toxic ingredients is a practical way to protect your family’s health and the environment. It uses simple, affordable materials that clean effectively without harsh chemicals. Try this recipe to experience fresher, safer laundry and take a step toward a more sustainable home.