Learn to make this easy, homemade non-toxic laundry detergent using all-natural ingredients. Not only is it easy to make, but it works great! With the addition of doTERRA’s essential oils, it is possible to make non-toxic alternatives for a healthier home. With a few simple ingredients and essential oils, you can create a detergent that delivers fresh, clean clothes that don’t just smell amazing but are also free from harmful residues.

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Understanding Commercial Detergent Ingredients

Many commercial brands claim freshness and cleanliness, but they often hide a cocktail of chemicals that can harm your health and the environment. Here are some key concerns:

Artificial Fragrances: Many laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets contain synthetic fragrances that can trigger allergies, asthma, and skin irritation.
Harsh Chemicals: They can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
Toxic Preservatives: Preservatives such as formaldehyde are known carcinogens, and methylisothiazolinone is a common allergen that can cause skin sensitization.
Dyes: Dyes added to laundry products can cause allergic reactions, especially in people with sensitive skin.

Why It Matters

Understanding the impact of laundry ingredients on your health is crucial. Opting for natural, non-toxic alternatives, such as essential oils, can significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. This, in turn, can lead to improved health outcomes for you and your family.

Benefits of Using Essential Oils

Want your clothes to smell fresh, naturally? Essential oils are your new best friend. These natural wonders do more than impart a pleasant scent to your laundry. Here’s how they work their magic:

Antibacterial Properties: Oils like tea tree and eucalyptus have natural antibacterial qualities, which help keep your clothes truly clean.
Natural Fragrances: Lavender, lemon, or peppermint oils can provide a calming and refreshing aroma without synthetic chemicals.
Skin-Friendly: Unlike harsh detergents, essential oils are gentle on the skin, making them suitable for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
Environmental Perks: Using these oils helps reduce the need for petroleum-based chemicals, which means fewer pollutants in our waterways and air.

Integrating essential oils into your laundry routine allows you to create your own scents, giving you the flexibility to change them whenever you want. This is a healthier option for you and your family.

Tools Needed to make Homemade Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent

Here’s what you need to get started.

Large Mixing Bowl– a bowl large enough to combine all ingredients.
Measuring Cups: a 1 cup measuring cup is all you will need.
Glass Air-tight Storage Container: A glass air-tight container keeps your homemade detergent in.
Mixing Spoon or Whisk: This is used to blend everything.

Ingredients Needed to Make Homemade Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent

Creating powerful yet gentle laundry detergent requires just a handful of ingredients, each playing a unique role:

Baking Soda: softens water and balances pH levels, making it a fantastic base for detergent. It’s easy on fabrics and tough on grime. You can find it in most grocery stores, but buying bulk from warehouse clubs saves money.
Washing Soda: removes tough stains and softens water. I live in rural Manitoba, Canada, and I’ve never seen it in stores, so I buy this kind online.
Salt: super stain remover on clothing, helps maintain bright colors, and can also reduce yellowing in clothes. Any grocery store brand will work.
Epsom Salts: softens fabrics, brightens whites, removes stains, and reduces odors. It can be found in most grocery stores or online.
DoTerra Essential Oils: Here’s where the magic happens. You can purchase these directly from here. So, is it IMPORTANT to use ONLY pure essential oils? Did you know that most essential oils are synthetic, adulterated, and/or diluted? This is why they are CHEAP! PLEASE be very careful with the brand you choose.

Each ingredient has its own superpowers, transforming your laundry routine into a clean and green affair. Play with different essential oils to create unique scents; try lavender or tea tree for their natural antibacterial properties. My favorite is Adaptiv and Lemon.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent

You won’t believe how easy it is to make your own laundry detergent. Not only do you have complete control over the ingredients, but you also ensure that your family’s clothes are free from harsh chemicals. Adding DoTerra essential oils gives your laundry a fresh, natural scent that commercial detergents can’t match.

First, Gather Your Ingredients: 3 cups washing soda, 3 cups baking soda, 1 cup Epsom salt, 1 cup fine salt (table salt) and essential oils (I recommend DoTerra Adaptiv and Lemon)
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the washing soda, baking soda, table salt, and Epsom salt. Use a whisk or spoon to ensure they are thoroughly mixed.
Drop in the Essential Oils: Add 20-30 drops of your selected DoTerra essential oil. Thoroughly stir again to infuse the scent into the soap mixture.
Storing Your Detergent: Store your detergent in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and potency. An old glass jar or a reusable plastic container works well.
Label Wisely: Remember to label your container with the date you made it and the essential oil used. This will help if you want to tweak scents in future batches.

This journey of crafting your own non-toxic detergent is not just about creating something practical. It’s about embracing a healthier lifestyle and adding a touch of creativity to everyday chores. Just give it a try, and let the freshness of homemade detergent enhance your laundry experience!

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Using Your Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent

We all know that too much detergent doesn’t clean our clothes better. It might do more harm than good, leaving residues that cling to your clothes. Here’s a handy guideline for your new, non-toxic detergent:

Small Load: Use 1/8 cup of your detergent.
Medium Load: Bump it up to ¼ cup.
Large Load: If you’re doing a full load (like all those towels from Saturday morning), go for ½ a cup. Use a bit more for extra dirty clothes, but never exceed ¾ of a cup.

Laundry Tips for Best Results

The way you approach your laundry can make a significant difference in the results. Here are some tips to ensure your clothes come out looking bright and smelling delightful:

Pre-Treat Stains: Try this homemade stain remover. It is amazing! Roll on the spot, and let it sit for ten minutes before washing.
Temperature Matters: Cold water is gentler on the environment and works well for most clothes. However, warm water can more effectively break down dirt and oils for heavily soiled items or whites.
Add Fabric Softener: Try this homemade, non-toxic fabric softener recipe. Add it to a Downy ball and place it in the washer along with your load of laundry. The Downy ball dispenser will release the fabric softener in the rinse cycle.
Essential Oil Boost: Want an extra touch of fragrance? Use these DIY dryer sheets.
Don’t Overload the Drum: Clothes need space to move and spin.

Special Tools (affiliate links): Large Glass Jar with Lid | Epsom Salts | Baking Soda | Washing Soda | doTERRA oils

Crafting your own non-toxic laundry detergent with DoTerra Oils isn’t just about avoiding harmful chemicals—it’s a step towards a healthier home and environment. The joy of knowing exactly what goes into your washing routine can provide peace of mind, not to mention the delightful scents that make every load a pleasure.

If you try this recipe and love it, please tag me on Instagram and Facebook @grindinggearsfarmstead.

Happy creating, happy sharing, and may your kitchen always be filled with laughter and love.

Glass jar full of homemade non-toxic laundry detergent with wooden measuring cup.

Easy Homemade Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent

Create this easy homemade non-toxic laundry detergent that is gentle on clothes. Say goodbye to chemicals and hello to fresh laundry.

Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl
Measuring Cups
Glass Air-tight Storage Container
Mixing Spoon or Whisk

Materials

3 cups Baking Soda
3 cups Washing Soda
1 cup Epsom Salts
1 cup Table Salt
20-30 drops Essential Oils

Instructions

Gather Your Ingredients: 3 cups washing soda, 3 cups baking soda, 1 cup Epsom salt, 1 cup fine salt (table salt) and essential oils (I recommend DoTerra Adaptiv and Lemon)
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the washing soda, baking soda, table salt, and Epsom salt. Use a whisk or spoon to ensure they are thoroughly mixed.
Drop in the Essential Oils: Add 20-30 drops of your selected DoTerra essential oil. Thoroughly stir again to infuse the scent into the soap mixture.
Storing Your Detergent: Store your detergent in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and potency. An old glass jar or a reusable plastic container works well.
Label Wisely: Remember to label your container with the date you made it and the essential oil used. This will help if you want to tweak scents in future batches.

How to Use

Small Load: Use 1/8 cup of your detergent.
Medium Load: Bump it up to ¼ cup.
Large Load: If you're doing a full load (like all those towels from Saturday morning), go for ½ a cup. Use a bit more for extra dirty clothes, but never exceed ¾ of a cup.