Homemade Natural Laundry Detergent Recipe: Tough on Stains, Gentle on the Environment
- jordanswellness
- Jun 10
- 4 min read
There’s nothing quite like getting your hands (and clothes) dirty doing what you love—whether it’s hiking muddy trails, gardening under the sun, or chasing dogs through puddles. But with those joyful messes comes the not-so-joyful pile of laundry. Instead of relying on harsh, chemical-laden detergents, this post walks you through a powerful yet gentle homemade alternative. With simple, natural ingredients and a bit of DIY magic, you’ll tackle tough stains while staying kind to your skin, pets, and the planet.
There’s nothing like getting outside, getting dirty, and living life to the fullest—whether that’s hiking, gardening, or playing with your dogs. However, one thing that tends to follow all that fun is laundry. From mud stains to pet odors, the laundry can quickly pile up, making you wish for a cleaning solution that is both tough on grime and kind to your clothes and the environment. Luckily, you can make your own homemade laundry detergent that's effective, safe, and smells great—using natural ingredients that you likely already have on hand!
This DIY laundry detergent recipe harnesses the power of natural cleaning agents like Sal Suds, washing soda, baking soda, and essential oils, creating a detergent that's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and dog owners alike. It’s tough on stains, gentle on your skin, and leaves a refreshing scent without the harsh chemicals found in many commercial products.
Why This Detergent Works
Sal Suds: A plant-based cleaner known for its tough cleaning power, Sal Suds is derived from pine and fir oils. It’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and effective at cutting through grease, dirt, and stains.
Washing Soda (sodium carbonate): This alkaline compound boosts detergent’s effectiveness by breaking down stains and odors while softening the water to help the detergent work better.
Baking Soda: Acts as a natural deodorizer and a mild abrasive, making it great for neutralizing pet odors and tackling dirt without being harsh.
Castile Soap: A gentle, natural soap made from olive oil and other plant-based oils, it cleans without stripping clothes of their natural softness.
Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera helps soften fabrics and adds a little extra hydration to your clothes.
Citric Acid: Helps balance pH levels and is a natural fabric softener, ensuring clothes are soft and residue-free.
Essential Oils (optional): A few drops of your favorite essential oils can add a pleasant fragrance, masking any doggy or outdoor odors with natural, clean scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
1/2 cup Sal Suds
1/4 cup washing soda
1/4 cup baking soda
1 tablespoon citric acid powder
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
1/2 cup Castile soap (unscented or your favorite scent)
10-15 drops of essential oils (optional for scent)
2 cups water (distilled is ideal)
Directions:
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the washing soda, baking soda, and citric acid powder together. These ingredients are the backbone of your detergent’s stain-fighting power.
Add the Liquid Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in 2 cups of water and heat it gently on the stove (medium heat). Once it's warm (but not boiling), add the Sal Suds and Castile soap, stirring until everything is well combined. The water will help dissolve the powders and blend the soap into a smooth mixture.
Add Aloe Vera and Essential Oils: After the mixture is well-blended, stir in the aloe vera gel. Aloe will help soften your clothes and add an extra touch of gentleness. If you want your detergent to have a pleasant scent, add 10-15 drops of essential oils. Popular options for a fresh, outdoor-inspired fragrance include lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, or citrus oils. (Note: you can adjust the number of drops based on your scent preferences.)
Cool and Store: Once everything is mixed and the detergent has cooled slightly, transfer it into a glass jar or a plastic bottle for easy storage. Let the detergent sit for about 30 minutes before use to allow it to fully set. Shake well before each use as natural ingredients can sometimes separate over time.
How to Use:
For a regular load, use 1/4 cup of detergent.
For heavily soiled clothes (like after a muddy hike or dog playtime), increase the amount to 1/2 cup.
For an extra boost of stain-fighting power, you can soak your clothes in a small bucket of warm water with 1/2 cup of washing soda before washing them.
Tips & Tricks:
Pet Odor Removal: If your dog’s scent lingers even after a wash, try adding 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It’s natural and works wonders to neutralize odors without leaving a vinegar smell behind.
Stubborn Stains: For tough stains, pre-treat with a paste of baking soda and water, letting it sit for about 15 minutes before washing.
Eco-Friendly Additions: Consider adding a reusable laundry ball or a wool dryer ball to your drying cycle to help reduce drying time and soften fabrics without the need for chemical fabric softeners.
Why Go Homemade?
Commercial detergents often contain chemicals and fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin or the environment. By making your own detergent, you can control what goes into the mix, ensuring it's tough on stains yet gentle on skin and your laundry. This recipe uses natural ingredients that are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals like phosphates and artificial dyes.
Plus, this homemade detergent is a cost-effective alternative to store-bought options, and it works wonders for people who get outside, get dirty, and love their pets.
Whether you’re out on an adventure, getting muddy in the garden, or playing with your dogs, this homemade laundry detergent has you covered. It’s easy to make, tough on dirt and stains, and leaves clothes smelling fresh and natural. The best part is that you can feel good about using it, knowing that it’s safe for you, your pets, and the environment. Happy laundering!
All my light. All my love.
Namaste.
Jordan
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