Thank you! I have a very simple solution to the fragrance. I use TRUE LEMON powder packets. TRUE LEMON is just the dehydrated powdered form of real lemons. They also make this product in orange scent if you prefer that. When I make my homemade detergent (minus any bar soap), I add a couple packets of true lemon for the fragrance and this works out well for me. It doesn't add a lot of scent but it makes my laundry smell CLEAN... which is my purpose. I NEVER use shredded bar soap in any of my laundry detergents because it will result in dingy clothes after some time and can harm your washing machine because it builds up on the clothes and the machine over time.
This recipe is similar to the one I use. But I don’t use table salt instead I use epsom salts and I get this last one already scented to replace the essential oils which I agree with you doesn’t add enough to transfer to the clothes besides that depending on their quality essential oils could stain fabric. The other reason I don’t used salt is because salt can fade some type of fabrics and colors.
Hi there! I decided to research alternatives to starting an Earth Breeze subscription and came across your channel. This recipe is even better because I already use baking soda for creating other natural cleaning products. Thanks for sharing another solution for sustainable living.
So glad to have found your channel. Can't wait to go thru all the videos. Thank you for sharing this on laundry powder. Years ago I tried all the old ideas, even using liquid Dr Bronner's and all our clothes had a film on them. So I was back to spending more money on the few organic laundry detergents I could find. I don't know why I never thought to omit the soap. Thank you for the honest info.
I agree with the no soap bars, like you said they only cause build up on your clothes and soap bars/flakes/shaven’s should never put in any washing machine as they clog and cause soap scum eventually. However you don’t need two use two water softeners, skip the baking soda, it’s a filler, and arm and hammer WASHING SODA is a a DETERGENT BOOSTER, you have no detergent in there to boost, I’d suggest adding some Ariel or other less chemical powdered detergent. Salt makes water HARD, especially table salt, and it will eventually rust your machine from the inside as salt rust’s metal objects, if you must use salt, you need to use bigger pieces like kosher salt to rub up against surfaces.
@@sustainableslowliving If you can find anything else powdered detergent wise just add like 1/3 to 1/2 if that to your recipe for true detergent, since you have 2 water softeners and no surfactant it’s not detergent or soap. I took a class on this and making lye soap that had a surfactant quality but the secret is for true homemade soap/detergent you have to add a true detergent, they have true lye ones on amazon, after taking that class woooo that is too scary and dangerous for me messing with lye, but that’d be a truer detergent but kinda with most soap bars you’d have to be like our great grandmother’s and beat your clothes on a rock to get them clean and the soap out, so you definitely need some serious agitation, one of machine’s is a speed queen with an agitator but even I wouldn’t put soap bars in there. Just tweak your recipe, take out the baking soda and salt. If you can find a powdered detergent that is eco friendly that you feel comfortable with, adding the washing soda detergent booster with real detergent is a great idea! I hope I didn’t sound rude! I was just alarmed you had all fillers and used salt, with no detergent. The crap people use for DIY is so ridiculous when zote and fels both clearly say “laundry stain remover bar.” Yes they work great if you wet them, rub it on and pretreat stains, not “shred me up and I’m automatically soap/detergent!” I’m also very uncomfortable with fels as one of its last ingredients is a known carcinogen. Zote I’m iffy about because of the optical brighteners! But it is made with beef tallow, still wouldn’t shred it up for “soap” because they are both stain bars. I had to switch to Ariel with booster for something’s like stinky workout clothes, but otherwise my brother who sells washing machines at Lowes is always telling us how many machines get their warranties invalidated because of DIY damage. He says modern machines are meant to have liquid detergent, just to the first line because people use ENTIRELY too much and fill the scoop, which is also bad for your washer and clothes! If you can find a powdered detergent or liquid that you are comfortable with using I’d do that, I know it’s fun making your own stuff, believe me I have DIY’s with my kids slime, playdoh everything you can think of, and it’s so satisfying seeing them light up that we made our own and they feel proud! Again, sorry if I sounded grumpy, good luck to you and let us know if you change/modify anything! 💙
Ive worked in housekeeping for a few years and recently had some bloodwork done for a health issue.. certain chemicals were found in my blood and so one of my big projects now is finding simple non-toxic products THAT WORK! Things our ancestors probably used etc etc. I really like your recipe; and the peripheral info about mixing & use. I also liked your recipe & explanation for dish soap. Taking some notes and going to be giving them it a try. Thank you. 👍🏼
I have been using this recipe for a few months now! It works great and I love having the peace of mind of using a clean, safe product. I will never go back to toxic, expensive detergent. Love your channel!
Thank you so much! It's great to hear that you love the channel. And I'm so happy that this recipe is working for you. It's a good feeling when you can eliminate a toxin from your home.
Hi, thank you for your recipe. Can this powder be poured into the same tray as the liquid deter or do you need to put it in the washer first? Thank you
hello,how much salt are you using please? also you talk about clumping,what about pouring boiling water over it before you put in washing machine? thanks so much Andrea
You could pour boiling water over it before you use it to dissolve any lumps. For me, that would be a hassle. But if it doesn't bother you to do it, it's a good solution. I'm pretty sure the measurements are in the video. I made it so long ago that I don't remember. But the recipe is in the blog post on my website. Here's the link: sustainableslowliving.com/simple-diy-laundry-powder/
salt question. does anuone know about rock salt version epson salt or even we have salts we bought for a water softener we could not use , can we use that salt, too ????
Quite honestly, I'm unfamiliar with the HE washer and I have no idea how much you should use in it. I do hope someone with more experience than myself offers some advice for you.
There are recipes out there that use epsom salt. They claim many benefits are added to the detergent with this ingredient. I have no reason to dispute those claims. I have never tried it. So I can't validate them either. I don't see any reason not to give it a shot if you want too!
I make my own powdered laundry soap. I've checked out lots of channels where they make laundry soap/detergent. Some say you don't need baking soda if you use washing soda because washing soda is baking soda. But I use both. I super finely grate a 5 oz. bar of plant-based soap.....it's very , very hard soap. I can't stand the smell of Fels Naptha or Zote....so I never use those. My home made laundry soap works great for us. Has never harmed our washing machine. Some people claim home made soaps will hurt the machine. My machine is nearly 10 years old. One thing I'd like to recommend.....leave your washing machine door or lid OPEN after you've finished doing laundry. It's damp in there & needs to dry out thoroughly. I strongly suspect that people who complain about their laundry not smelling good is because they might have mold inside their machine from always closing the lid/door. Also, a lot of people use WAY too much detergent. That causes all sorts of problems. A couple tablespoons is plenty for a large load, believe it or not.
I believe the issue with handmade laundry powder hurting machines relates to new machines. Not sure what the details are. I've never had trouble either. And, yes, I leave my lid open too. The machine needs to air out. Thanks for sharing!
@@sustainableslowliving I apologize. I should have made it clearer. I'm saying I've used home made laundry soap a large part of the nearly 10 years I've had this machine. That tells me it hasn't hurt it. 😊It has stood the test of time. 😁👕👖🧦🩲🩴👚🧦🧤
@@patwagner9308 Thank you for clarifying. I did understand though. Maybe I was unclear. I hear people have problems with their machines. I often wonder why that is the buzz. I don't have any personal experience with it because I prefer old machines. So I've always had one. I appreciate hearing your experience. I suspect there are many who have had the same. And if they all spoke up it would drown out the negative reports. It could be that the negative reports are more closely related to the decline in production quality over the years. I think it is more likely to have trouble with machines in general. And it gets blamed on the homemade detergent.
@@sustainableslowliving nodding as I read your reply. Yes, I think you're onto something here. Such a thoughtful reply...I appreciate that. So nice of you. Have you ever watched Patric Richardson, the Laundry Evangelist? He's quite the guy. Seems to really know laundry. I have done laundry for the 54 yrs I've been married...but Patric taught me some things that have made a difference. He wrote a book, too.. Laundry Love. 📘
Washing soda and baking soda have two different actions as far as cleaning properties are concerned. Straight washing soda would be too hard on clothing. Baking soda has a much gentler cleaning action and balances out the blend.
I still like the recipe. I've used it for most of the year. I have moved several times and stayed with other people. In two of those situations they did not want me to use this detergent in their machines. But other than that it's been my go to.
@@sustainableslowliving Ty so much for the reply. I was going to try the homemade detergent recipe until I saw your post. I will try this recipe instead. Have a blessed day.
Thank you! I have a very simple solution to the fragrance. I use TRUE LEMON powder packets. TRUE LEMON is just the dehydrated powdered form of real lemons. They also make this product in orange scent if you prefer that. When I make my homemade detergent (minus any bar soap), I add a couple packets of true lemon for the fragrance and this works out well for me. It doesn't add a lot of scent but it makes my laundry smell CLEAN... which is my purpose. I NEVER use shredded bar soap in any of my laundry detergents because it will result in dingy clothes after some time and can harm your washing machine because it builds up on the clothes and the machine over time.
I'm going to have to look into true lemon powder. That's a very interesting solution. Thank you!
This recipe is similar to the one I use. But I don’t use table salt instead I use epsom salts and I get this last one already scented to replace the essential oils which I agree with you doesn’t add enough to transfer to the clothes besides that depending on their quality essential oils could stain fabric. The other reason I don’t used salt is because salt can fade some type of fabrics and colors.
Scented epsom salts sounds like a good way to go ;)
Hi there! I decided to research alternatives to starting an Earth Breeze subscription and came across your channel. This recipe is even better because I already use baking soda for creating other natural cleaning products. Thanks for sharing another solution for sustainable living.
You are so very welcome! Glad you found what you were looking for.
So glad to have found your channel. Can't wait to go thru all the videos. Thank you for sharing this on laundry powder. Years ago I tried all the old ideas, even using liquid Dr Bronner's and all our clothes had a film on them. So I was back to spending more money on the few organic laundry detergents I could find. I don't know why I never thought to omit the soap. Thank you for the honest info.
My pleasure! Hope it works out for you 😉
Thanks for posting this! The channel I originally got a similar recipe from is no longer around and I'm glad this information is out there.
So glad it was helpful!
I agree with the no soap bars, like you said they only cause build up on your clothes and soap bars/flakes/shaven’s should never put in any washing machine as they clog and cause soap scum eventually.
However you don’t need two use two water softeners, skip the baking soda, it’s a filler, and arm and hammer WASHING SODA is a a DETERGENT BOOSTER, you have no detergent in there to boost, I’d suggest adding some Ariel or other less chemical powdered detergent.
Salt makes water HARD, especially table salt, and it will eventually rust your machine from the inside as salt rust’s metal objects, if you must use salt, you need to use bigger pieces like kosher salt to rub up against surfaces.
Thanks for the input. I looked at Ariel. From what I'm seeing it has just an average rating as an eco-friendly detergent.
@@sustainableslowliving If you can find anything else powdered detergent wise just add like 1/3 to 1/2 if that to your recipe for true detergent, since you have 2 water softeners and no surfactant it’s not detergent or soap. I took a class on this and making lye soap that had a surfactant quality but the secret is for true homemade soap/detergent you have to add a true detergent, they have true lye ones on amazon, after taking that class woooo that is too scary and dangerous for me messing with lye, but that’d be a truer detergent but kinda with most soap bars you’d have to be like our great grandmother’s and beat your clothes on a rock to get them clean and the soap out, so you definitely need some serious agitation, one of machine’s is a speed queen with an agitator but even I wouldn’t put soap bars in there. Just tweak your recipe, take out the baking soda and salt. If you can find a powdered detergent that is eco friendly that you feel comfortable with, adding the washing soda detergent booster with real detergent is a great idea! I hope I didn’t sound rude! I was just alarmed you had all fillers and used salt, with no detergent. The crap people use for DIY is so ridiculous when zote and fels both clearly say “laundry stain remover bar.” Yes they work great if you wet them, rub it on and pretreat stains, not “shred me up and I’m automatically soap/detergent!” I’m also very uncomfortable with fels as one of its last ingredients is a known carcinogen. Zote I’m iffy about because of the optical brighteners! But it is made with beef tallow, still wouldn’t shred it up for “soap” because they are both stain bars. I had to switch to Ariel with booster for something’s like stinky workout clothes, but otherwise my brother who sells washing machines at Lowes is always telling us how many machines get their warranties invalidated because of DIY damage. He says modern machines are meant to have liquid detergent, just to the first line because people use ENTIRELY too much and fill the scoop, which is also bad for your washer and clothes! If you can find a powdered detergent or liquid that you are comfortable with using I’d do that, I know it’s fun making your own stuff, believe me I have DIY’s with my kids slime, playdoh everything you can think of, and it’s so satisfying seeing them light up that we made our own and they feel proud! Again, sorry if I sounded grumpy, good luck to you and let us know if you change/modify anything! 💙
@@laffytaffy2916 You didn't sound a bit grumpy. I appreciate you sharing what you've learned. Thank you.
Try this, a small cloth bag filled it with rock salt and tie it up and place it in the jar , the salt will Absorb the moisture.
Thanks for the tip!
You're welcome 😊
Ive worked in housekeeping for a few years and recently had some bloodwork done for a health issue.. certain chemicals were found in my blood and so one of my big projects now is finding simple non-toxic products THAT WORK! Things our ancestors probably used etc etc.
I really like your recipe; and the peripheral info about mixing & use. I also liked your recipe & explanation for dish soap. Taking some notes and going to be giving them it a try. Thank you. 👍🏼
I hope they work out for you 😉 Thank you!
If you add white vinegar there is no soap residue.
Good to know!
I have been using this recipe for a few months now! It works great and I love having the peace of mind of using a clean, safe product. I will never go back to toxic, expensive detergent.
Love your channel!
Thank you so much! It's great to hear that you love the channel. And I'm so happy that this recipe is working for you. It's a good feeling when you can eliminate a toxin from your home.
Thank you
Hi, thank you for your recipe. Can this powder be poured into the same tray as the liquid deter or do you need to put it in the washer first? Thank you
I never put powder into the liquid detergent tray. I don't know if it can be done or not. I have always just placed it directly in the wash water.
@@sustainableslowliving thank you 😊
hello,how much salt are you using please? also you talk about clumping,what about pouring boiling water over it before you put in washing machine? thanks so much Andrea
You could pour boiling water over it before you use it to dissolve any lumps. For me, that would be a hassle. But if it doesn't bother you to do it, it's a good solution.
I'm pretty sure the measurements are in the video. I made it so long ago that I don't remember. But the recipe is in the blog post on my website. Here's the link: sustainableslowliving.com/simple-diy-laundry-powder/
Thank you very much 🙏🙏
So very welcome!
Really Nice video, keep it up
Thank you!
salt question.
does anuone know about rock salt version epson salt or even we have salts we bought for a water softener we could not use , can we use that salt, too ????
I am uncertain about either of those choices. I hope someone else can answer your question for you.
I have a HE machine. How much should I use in it?
Quite honestly, I'm unfamiliar with the HE washer and I have no idea how much you should use in it. I do hope someone with more experience than myself offers some advice for you.
Can this be used in the dish washer as well or do you have a video for that as well? Thanks
This cannot be used in the dishwasher. And, unfortunately, I don't have a video for a dishwasher detergent.
Can I change the regular salt to epsom salt?
There are recipes out there that use epsom salt. They claim many benefits are added to the detergent with this ingredient. I have no reason to dispute those claims. I have never tried it. So I can't validate them either. I don't see any reason not to give it a shot if you want too!
Thanks
So very welcome 😉
I make my own powdered laundry soap. I've checked out lots of channels where they make laundry soap/detergent. Some say you don't need baking soda if you use washing soda because washing soda is baking soda. But I use both. I super finely grate a 5 oz. bar of plant-based soap.....it's very , very hard soap. I can't stand the smell of Fels Naptha or Zote....so I never use those. My home made laundry soap works great for us. Has never harmed our washing machine. Some people claim home made soaps will hurt the machine. My machine is nearly 10 years old.
One thing I'd like to recommend.....leave your washing machine door or lid OPEN after you've finished doing laundry. It's damp in there & needs to dry out thoroughly. I strongly suspect that people who complain about their laundry not smelling good is because they might have mold inside their machine from always closing the lid/door.
Also, a lot of people use WAY too much detergent. That causes all sorts of problems. A couple tablespoons is plenty for a large load, believe it or not.
I believe the issue with handmade laundry powder hurting machines relates to new machines. Not sure what the details are. I've never had trouble either. And, yes, I leave my lid open too. The machine needs to air out. Thanks for sharing!
@@sustainableslowliving I apologize. I should have made it clearer. I'm saying I've used home made laundry soap a large part of the nearly 10 years I've had this machine. That tells me it hasn't hurt it. 😊It has stood the test of time. 😁👕👖🧦🩲🩴👚🧦🧤
@@patwagner9308 Thank you for clarifying. I did understand though. Maybe I was unclear. I hear people have problems with their machines. I often wonder why that is the buzz. I don't have any personal experience with it because I prefer old machines. So I've always had one. I appreciate hearing your experience. I suspect there are many who have had the same. And if they all spoke up it would drown out the negative reports. It could be that the negative reports are more closely related to the decline in production quality over the years. I think it is more likely to have trouble with machines in general. And it gets blamed on the homemade detergent.
@@sustainableslowliving nodding as I read your reply. Yes, I think you're onto something here.
Such a thoughtful reply...I appreciate that. So nice of you.
Have you ever watched Patric Richardson, the Laundry Evangelist? He's quite the guy. Seems to really know laundry. I have done laundry for the 54 yrs I've been married...but Patric taught me some things that have made a difference. He wrote a book, too.. Laundry Love. 📘
What is washing soda? I use baking soda already for washing.
Washing soda is sodium carbonate, otherwise known as soda ash. It is a natural cleaner and a water softener 😉
Why use baking soda, when you are using washing soda?
Washing soda and baking soda have two different actions as far as cleaning properties are concerned. Straight washing soda would be too hard on clothing. Baking soda has a much gentler cleaning action and balances out the blend.
Is this detergent also suitable for dark clothes? Because I heard that baking soda might lighten dark colors. Anyways, thanks for sharing!
I've not heard that before. I could see how that would make sense. I don't feel like I have an issue with it though.
@@sustainableslowliving lovely to hear, thanks for your prompt response! I'll try it with my next load :)
After a year, how is this recipe working for you?
I still like the recipe. I've used it for most of the year. I have moved several times and stayed with other people. In two of those situations they did not want me to use this detergent in their machines. But other than that it's been my go to.
@@sustainableslowliving Ty so much for the reply. I was going to try the homemade detergent recipe until I saw your post. I will try this recipe instead. Have a blessed day.