Once you learn how to make your own laundry detergent, you’ll never want to go back!
We don’t typically want to admit it. But the fact is, most of us fill our bodies with nasty chemicals, toxins, and artificial gunk every day. We do this through the food we eat, the materials we use, and through the things we ingest from the environment around us.
However, one of the sneakiest culprits that can negatively affect your health is commercial laundry detergent. Although this is often the most convenient option, most brands actually put tons of toxic chemicals into their detergent. And this can have a negative impact on your family’s health.
So what to do when we live in a world where nearly everything is artificial and has some sort of chemicals?
You make your own.
Homemade laundry detergent is surprisingly easy to make. It’s also free of toxic chemicals, and is actually cheaper than the store-bought stuff. Plus, you can make it when SHTF, and it’s just as effective as commercial detergents. It’s a win-win!
The ability to do laundry is going to be crucial in a crisis. Especially since the risk of bacteria and infection will be much higher than normal. That’s why, to keep you and your family safe and healthy, you’ll need to know…
How To Make Your Own SHTF-Worthy Laundry Detergent
Stuff You’ll Need
The great thing about making your own laundry detergent is that you need just a few simple ingredients. For this DIY method you’ll need:
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax
- 1 bar (or 4.5 oz) of soap
How To Make It
Making your own powder laundry detergent is surprisingly easy. The only time-intensive part is shaving the bar of soap you’re using.
One of the most effective ways of doing this is with the use of a cheese grater. Just grate the bar of soap, so that it comes off in little curl shavings. Use this method like you would any normal block of cheese. Easy as that!
Then, combine the borax, washing soda, and soap shavings in a medium-size bowl. Once it’s thoroughly combined, place the mixture into an airtight storage container. This can be a plastic bag, a piece of tupperware, or even a cookie jar if you get desperate.
How To Use It
Generally, you’ll want to use about a tablespoon of this homemade detergent for every load of laundry. However, extra-dirty loads may require a little extra detergent. The recipe above will make for about 64 loads of clean laundry. Very comparable to most store-bought brands!
The Many Benefits Of Making DIY Laundry Detergent
As said earlier, one of the biggest advantages to making your own laundry detergent is the fact you can avoid the health risks that come with commercial detergents.
However, there are many other benefits as well. For instance, this homemade recipe isn’t going to plug up the pipes (not a guarantee with the commercial stuff). So this is an ideal option for people without septic tanks.
Even if you have a septic tank, this natural detergent isn’t going to break down all the good bacteria in the septic tank (like many commercial detergents do). And this is a really good thing, considering septic tanks need this good bacteria in order to work effectively.
Not to mention, anybody that’s bought commercial detergent will tell you it gets expensive, fast. And this is especially true for large families, and those with kids who are in sports (hello, dirt, blood and grass stains).
That’s why this is the perfect option for anyone wanting to save $$. Many homesteaders report saving at least 16 cents every time they wash their laundry. And, considering this recipe makes 64 loads of clean laundry, you’re easily saving more than $10 just by doing it yourself. And, when you consider how cheap the ingredients are, you save even more. It’s a win-win!
When it comes down to it, you can continue throwing away your money while pumping your body with toxic chemicals (and plugging up your pipes and septic system). Or you can save money on a natural, homemade detergent that will keep your family healthy, even when SHTF.
