Making Scented Dry Laundry Detergent

Commercial laundry detergents can be expensive, and many contain strong dyes, perfumes, and other chemicals. These chemicals and additives may irritate sensitive skin or fade clothing. You can avoid this by making your own laundry detergent. Homemade detergent is less expensive, you control the ingredients, and you can create whatever scent you want with essential oils. Borax and soap flakes can be found in the cleaning aisle of most grocery stores.

Things You'll Need

• 16 cups baking soda
• Bucket or jar with lid
• 12 cups borax
• 8 cups glycerin flakes or grated castile bar soap
• Cheese grater
• 3 tablespoons essential oil
• Wire whisk
• Measuring cup

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Pour 16 cups of baking soda into a bucket or jar with a lid. Add 12 cups of borax, and 8 cups of glycerin soap flakes. You can also make your own soap flakes by grating castile bar soap with a cheese grater.

   • 2

     Add 3 tablespoons of scented essential oils in your choice of scent. Mix the ingredients with a wire kitchen whisk.

   • 3

     Place a small measuring cup into the bucket or jar, and cover the container. Use 1/8 cup of the detergent for each load of laundry.