Making your own washing powder may sound a little homemade or reserved for “DIY pros”, but in reality, it’s a lot simpler than you might think. And believe me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back to industrial products full of stuff you can’t even pronounce.
What’s more, it’s economical, environmentally friendly and, let’s face it, there’s something gratifying about saying “I made it myself”. Want to give it a try? Follow me as I show you step-by-step how.
Why get into homemade laundry?
Well, let’s be honest. Making your own detergent isn’t just a question of money, even if it’s good for your wallet. There’s also a real pleasure in knowing that you’re avoiding all those nasty chemicals in your laundry. You know all those ingredients with names as long as a day without bread? You don’t want those.
Plus, when it comes to the environment, it’s a real winner. Fewer plastic bottles, fewer pollutants discharged into the water. In short, your conscience and your planet will thank you. So, what’s holding you back?
What you need to get started
You don’t need to clear out a DIY or kitchen store for this. You’ll be surprised at how simple the list is:
- A good Marseille soap: Go for the real thing, with no added glycerine (which clogs up the machines).
- Soda crystals: Perfect for boosting cleaning and eliminating grease.
- Baking soda: Neutralizes odors and acts as a natural fabric softener.
Bonus option: a few drops of essential oil if you like things to smell nice. Lavender, lemon, eucalyptus… Treat yourself. But frankly, it works just as well without.
The ultra-simple recipe
Come on, you don’t need a PhD in chemistry for this. Here’s how to make your own washing powder in just a few simple steps:
- Grate about 100 grams of Marseille soap. Yes, with a cheese grater. This is no time to skimp.
- In a large saucepan, heat 2 liters of water, but not to boiling point. Add your soap shavings and stir gently until they melt.
- Add 50 grams of soda crystals and 50 grams of baking soda. Stir well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
- Leave to cool a little, then pour into a can or large jar. (Tip: reuse an old bottle of detergent – it’s a green gesture too!)
- Shake before each use. Yes, it may thicken slightly, but that’s normal.
A few tips for best results
A dose of 150 ml (the equivalent of a small glass) is enough for a standard machine. And if your laundry is particularly dirty, add a little white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment. Not only does this make the fibers softer, it also prevents limescale deposits in your machine.
Oh, and for tough stains? There’s nothing like applying a little Marseille soap directly to the area before starting the wash. It’s the kind of trick that’s been passed down through the generations.
Ready to get started?
In the end, homemade laundry isn’t rocket science. It doesn’t take much time or effort, but the benefits are immense. And between you and me, there’s something satisfying about using a product you’ve made yourself, isn’t there?
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps and give it a try. Once you’ve started, I bet you’ll never look at the supermarket laundry aisles in the same way again.
