I’ve been making my own laundry soap for– I dunno-at least four to five years now. I used to love to use the Persil laundry detergent. The smell was amazing. And those laundry scent boosters? Those were like a treat to my nose that I would occasionally buy when I had a coupon for them.
So why did I change if I loved what I used so much? T.J. began to break out all over with red whelps that signaled an allergic reaction of some kind, for starter. I knew at that point that I needed to change what I was doing to see if I could get him better. My mom had loaned me a book, called Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe that I was also reading, and it had recipes in the back of the book for those who wanted to divert to using products without all of the harmful chemicals and fragrances.
When Tell was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in the fall of 2022, I knew that I wanted to do everything I could to decrease the inflammation that was going on in his little body. And if making my own laundry soap was one step I could take to keep toxins and chemicals out of my home to decrease inflammation, then I was going to do it. Mind you, I had already been making my own laundry soap, but Tell’s diagnosis just confirmed my resolve even more and kept me from “fudging” with Persil, or the laundry scent boosters.
The laundry soap, in combination with switching to clean, pure soap like Castile, resolved T.J.’s allergic reaction. There is a peace of mind in knowing that the products I make are clean, safe, and free of toxins for my family. Not only that, but it’s a snap to make, lasts our family of 5 about a month (when I double the recipe), and is a cost-effective option when you are trying to save pennies!
That being said, let’s hop it!
First, you will need 2 cups of Borax, and 2 cups of Washing Soda. You can get these at Wal-Mart. I also order them from Azure Standard occasionally when it is time to order my wheat berries. I keep my Borax and Washing Soda in my pantry, so it is easier for me to add them to my jar directly from the pantry.
Next, add 1 cup of baking soda. I have intended to buy a matching glass gallon jar for my baking soda like I have for my borax, washing soda, and detergent, but I haven’t, so it stays under the kitchen sink. Don’t ask me why because I don’t know myself–it just does!
Grab a bar of Castile Soap.
Pull out your cheese grater and grate your soap! Tell loves to help with this part. Don’t ask me why. He just does and I appreciate the help!
Next, run your fingers through the soap curls, because, well, it’s just a must for the senses. I like the way they feel and fall through my fingers. Smells nice too!
Next, grab your 2 essential oil scents of choice. I’ve been told to stay away from citrus oils for laundry detergent because they will leave spots on your clothes. I’ve never experimented with using citrus because of this and have simply stuck with peppermint and lavender. Sprinkle your mixture with 20 drops of each!
Now you are ready to mix! Be sure and mix well. I use 1/4 cup of detergent per load. I also tend to double the recipe, but I mix it in two batches because it is difficult to stir in my gallon jar.
Recipe for Laundry Detergent:
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda
1 cup Baking Soda
1 bar grated Castile soap
20 drops Lavender oil
20 drops Peppermint oil
Mix together and use 1/4 cup per load. Store in an airtight container or a pretty, glass, gallon jar for display in your pantry.
What Laundry Softener Do I Use?
Most often, I like to use a cup of vinegar for softening our clothes. Vinegar is also an excellent ingredient to use in breaking down residue, resulting in cleaner clothes. It neutralizes odors in laundry and cleans your washing machine to boot!
I have recently started using a commercial softener from Thrive Market as well. Thrive’s brand of cleaning products is called Rosey, which is also supposed to be free of toxins. I like to use this softener for my clothes when I am wanting to enjoy some fragrance. I’ll post a link for Thrive at the end of this post in case you are wanting to check it out!
Last, but Not Least, Dryer Balls and Essential Oils!
Dryer sheets are also full of toxins, unless you choose organic ones, but those can be pricey. I use dryer balls! Dryer balls are effective at keeping static at bay and also work for softening clothes.
I love fragrant, clean smelling laundry. To achieve this, I add about 10 drops of lavender, peppermint, frankincense, or myrrh to 3-4 dryer balls before cycling the dryer. And there you have it! Clean, really clean, clean smelling clothes. Should I mention the word clean again? T.J. isn’t a fan of the frankincense or myrrh on his clothes, but I like to joke with him and tell him that if it was good enough for Jesus, it should be good enough for him too!
Please let me know if you have any questions and I’m happy to help!
References:
Here is my link to Thrive Market, a place where you can order healthy, discounted groceries and products! This link will give you $40 off your first purchase if you decide to become a member.
Dr. Axe, Josh. (2017). Eat Dirt. Harper Collins Publishers. pg. 247.
Ordinary Under Grace 
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