Homemade Natural Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin {free printable

I have struggled with sensitive skin all of my life… I used to think I was allergic to water since I always got red blotches from taking a bath/shower! Now, I know it was the soaps I was using.

I also have children with sensitive skin. So, I have always used dye and fragrance-free laundry detergent.

But, on my quest to find more natural alternatives to most of our household products, I wanted something that was not only free from dyes and scents but also free from potentially harmful chemicals/toxins. I also wanted it to be as organic as possible.

You can find/buy organically made natural laundry detergent, of course, but they cost quite a lot.

I have searched for homemade laundry detergent recipes but wasn’t convinced that Borax was something I wanted to use and I didn’t like the idea of making liquid laundry detergent in the 5-gallon amounts.

I have always used liquid store-bought detergents, so I was hesitant to try a powdered detergent. I remember how my mom didn’t like powdered store-bought laundry detergents (from a popular name brand), I think because it didn’t always dissolve and left a residue on clothes.

I use 2 tablespoons for each load (1/8 cup). I always add the detergent to the bottom of the washer before adding clothes, because I think that it helps dissolve the powder (and I haven’t had any problems with it)!

— If you want convenient, easy, and safe I recommend: Liquid Laundry Detergent. This ultra-concentrated, USDA certified biobased Liquid Laundry Detergent has been tested against the toughest odors and stains. The unique blend of enzymes easily breaks down and removes all kinds of odors and organic stains, getting your laundry exceptionally clean. Best of all, you never have to worry about harmful chemicals like bleach or added fragrances. It’s tough on dirt, not the environment.  And the BEST part is that it is around $.16/load (HE)! This is what I am currently using … because life happens. —

I calculated the cost of the ingredients that I used and came up with an approximate cost per load.

• baking soda per 4 cups = $0.97 (I bought mine from Costco)
• washing soda per 3 cups = $2.43 (I bought mine from Walmart)
• organic castile soap per bar/2 cups = $3.29 You can buy Dr. Woods pre-scented bar soap for cheaper ($2.99/bar) to bring the cost down and omit the essential oil drops
• essential oil drops = not sure, but it cost less than $17 for a 4oz. bottle of my favorite brand of Eucalyptus essential oil and that lasts for a VERY long time!
• total = $6.69 per recipe batch (30+ loads) -about half as much as what I had been buying!
• 22.3 cents per load

This is a small batch recipe that makes approximately 30 loads if using 2 tablespoons per load. This amount can fit in a 64-ounce (a half gallon) container.

Walmart has adorable glass containers with lids and 2 tablespoon size measuring spoons (coffee scoop). I just used an old gallon jar that I had, since I’ll probably make double batches from now on.