Making your own laundry detergent is an alternative to our laundry detergent sheets. It’s not for everyone, but if you really want to reduce your footprint and have some time to spare, this is an awesome option! 😊
A simple step in that direction is making your own laundry detergent with natural ingredients. In this blog post, we’re sharing our own recipe for homemade detergent using soap nuts, chestnuts, and ivy—so you can keep your clothes fresh and clean while doing your bit for a greener planet.
But first, here are the 3 options for making your own laundry detergent:
Option 1: Soap Nuts – Natural Cleaning Power
Soap nuts, straight from the Sapindus tree, are packed with saponin—a natural, soap-like cleanser. For the best cleaning power, just cut the soap nuts in half and use about 15-20 halves per load of laundry detergent.
Option 2: Chestnuts - Sustainable Cleaning
Chestnuts boost the cleaning power of your detergent. The shells of chestnuts contain saponin and add a sustainable touch to your homemade laundry detergent. Just chop about 10-15 chestnuts into small pieces to make the most of their cleaning properties.
Option 3: Ivy - Fresh Scent and Antibacterial Power
Ivy leaves don’t just add a pleasant scent to your laundry detergent—they also have antibacterial properties. Rinse a handful of ivy leaves thoroughly and add them to the boiling mixture for a fresh and hygienic boost to your detergent.
Try using these natural ingredients on their own and see how they work together to create an effective, homemade laundry detergent.
The recipe for your own laundry detergent combined with these natural ingredients for extra cleaning power and fragrance:
Ingredients:
- Soap nuts: These fruits from the Sapindus tree contain saponin, a natural soap-like substance.
- Chestnuts: The shells of chestnuts contain saponin and have natural cleaning powers.
- Ivy: The leaves of the ivy plant have antibacterial properties and add a pleasant scent to your laundry detergent.
Recipe:
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
- 15-20 soap nuts
- 10-15 chestnuts (including shell)
- A handful of ivy leaves
- 2 liters of water
Step 2: Prepare the ingredients
- Wash the soap nuts thoroughly and cut them in half.
- Cut the chestnuts into small pieces.
- Rinse the ivy leaves.
Step 3: Cook the ingredients. Put the soap nuts, chestnuts, and ivy leaves in a large pot and add 2 liters of water. Bring everything to a boil, then let it simmer on low heat for about 30-45 minutes.
Step 4: Strain and store. After simmering, strain the mixture to separate the liquid from the solids. Pour the liquid detergent into an empty bottle or container.
How to use: Use about half a cup of this homemade laundry detergent per load. You'll notice your clothes come out smelling fresh and thoroughly clean, without the harsh chemicals often found in commercial detergents.
Tip: Add a splash of lemon juice for extra freshness.
Benefits:
- Eco-friendly: By using natural ingredients, you reduce your impact on the environment.
- Budget-friendly: Homemade laundry detergent is often cheaper than store-bought options.
- Health: Skip the chemicals and allergens you often find in regular laundry detergents.
Conclusion: Making your own laundry detergent with soap nuts, chestnuts, and ivy is not only super easy, but also a great step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Give this recipe a try and experience the benefits of a natural cleaner for your clothes and the environment.
Did you know our laundry strips are plant-based? Maybe not as eco-friendly as this recipe, but still super sustainable. Good luck! 🤗
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