Laundry Detergent - Only 5 Ingredients!

A simple five‑ingredient powdered laundry detergent that cleans clothes with minimal scent.

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Equipment

(Family‑size recipe; can be halved)

• 1‑wide mouth 10 cup plastic storage container with snap on lid similar to these:  Amazon  Walmart   Ace Hardware

• 1- tablespoon-sized detergent scoop -or- measuring spoon (store in container)

• Measuring cup

• Box Grater

• Shallow baking pan (glass lasagna pan works well)

• Dust mask

• Snug fitting Gardening gloves (to protect hands while grating)

Ingredients:

Family-size batch: Recipe can be halved for smaller batches.

• 2 cups baking soda

• 2 cups washing soda

• 2 cups Borax

• 1 (5oz) castile baby unscented bar soap (Refrigerate before grating)

• 1/2 cup unscented oxygen cleaner powder* ( Amazon, Walmart and Target)

Grate the Soap

• Lay the Box Grater flat inside the glass pan

• Brace the pan and grater against a counter wall for stability

• Wearing gloves, grate the soap using the side that yields small, fluffy shavings

Measure & Mix Ingredients

• While wearing dust mask, add all the measured and grated ingredients to the container

• Snap the lid on tightly

• Gently shake until evenly mixed

Recommended Use

• Small loads: 1 tbsp

• Medium–large loads: 2 tbsp

Place directly into the washing machine drum

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Scent (Optional)

To minimize skin irritation, it’s best to keep this detergent unscented.

If you choose to add scent, always test first before applying it to the entire recipe:

Set aside 1 cup of finished detergent powder for testing.

1. Add a light, clean, organic essential oil scent that you know is well tolerated, one that won’t cling to fabric.

   • Use no more than 1-2 drops per cup of detergent.

2. Seal the container and shake well to distribute.

3. Wash a small test load of laundry and monitor for any skin sensitivity, lingering scent, or fabric issues.

Only if the test batch is well tolerated should you consider scenting a larger amount, using the same ratio.

I plan to try this brand of organic essential oil soon and share my thoughts. Feel free to email your suggestions.