Alternatives to Laundry Detergent With Products in the House

Stove Top Liquid Detergent

• If you prefer liquid detergent, start with a cup of soap shavings. Laundry bar shavings are the best option, but any basic bar soap that is fragrance free, such as castile, can work. Mix the shavings into 6 cups of water on your stove over medium heat until they melt. Next, add a 1/2 cup of washing soda and a 1/2 cup of borax to the solution. Mix until all of the ingredients combine and the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat. Fill a separate 2-gallon bucket with 1 qt. hot water. Once the soap mixture reaches room temperature, pour it into the water and mix until well combined. For most regular loads, use a 1/2 cup to 1 cup of the detergent. Shake well before using because the mixture may separate when cool.

Powdered Detergent

• For an effective homemade powdered detergent, start with a cup of soap shavings. Add a 1/2 cup of borax and a 1/2 cup of washing soda. You may substitute 2 cups of baking soda for the washing soda if you don't have any on hand. You can also add a cup of oxygen bleach powder to the mixture if you have some at home. Mix the ingredients until well combined. If you prefer a finer texture, run the mixture through your food processor to make it more powdery. A tablespoon of the detergent is enough for regular loads, while 2 tbsp. is best for heavily soiled items.

No Heat Liquid Detergent

• For a homemade liquid laundry detergent that doesn't require heat, begin with 1 oz. of liquid castile soap. Add 1 cup of washing soda, 1 cup baking soda, 2 tbsp. glycerin and 2 cups warm water. If you have any essential oils at home, you can add approximately 10 drops to the mixture to give it a pleasant fragrance. Stir the ingredients until well mixed and store in plastic container. Like the stove top version, you should shake the detergent prior to use. Add a 1/4 cup for regular loads and a 1/2 cup for heavily soiled loads.

Detergent Balls

• For an interesting alternative to homemade liquid and powdered detergents, consider making detergent balls for your wash. Grate a clear bar of glycerin soap to create a cup of shavings. Mix the soap with a 1/2 cup of borax and 1 cup of baking soda. Taking small pieces of the mixture, press into balls that are approximately a 1/2 inch in diameter. One ball is usually sufficient to wash a regular load of laundry. Store unused detergent balls in a sealed container and use within a few months.