DIY Natural Laundry Detergent

A simple do-it-yourself laundry detergent that is non-toxic and only has 4 ingredients.

Store bought laundry detergents are full of hidden toxins, (VOCs), or volatile organic compounds. Being exposed to these can cause numerous short term effects like headaches, skin reactions, asthma, eye irritation and unfortunately a lot more.

Not only are these toxins harmful to you, they are also not environmentally friendly. If you have small children in the home, exposure to most store bought cleaning products can lead to severe health issues, short or long term, and even death.

This diy natural laundry detergent is natural, safe for your family, and environmentally friendly. On top of that, it can be cost effective.

Why I ditched the store bought brands and started making my own laundry detergent.

After seeing a video on Tiktok that talked about how many toxins are actually in store bought detergents, and how these chemicals affect a person's body and brain, I immediately started my own research about it. The video I saw on Tiktok was a natural health advocate named Barbara O'Neil. She always has an important health tip to give and has been encouraging to me to find more answers out about the world we live in when it comes to the health care and food systems.

These toxins are in your store bought laundry detergents.

• Fragrance - scented detergents are packed with chemicals considered to be carcinogens and reports found these chemicals to be spread through dryer vents. Scents smell nice but it is just the combination of these known illness and disease causing chemicals being mixed together.

• Surfactants - like petroleum distillate or naphtha, which boost the cleaning power in detergent, while also damaging mucus membranes and lungs, potentially leading to respiratory problems. Inflaming the lungs and linked to an increased risk of asthma and lung cancer. Most store brands also use the surfactant phenol which many people have an allergic reaction too. It can impact organs, your nervous system and even cause death.

• Phthalates - making scents last long, while causing endocrine disruption, impacting hormones, increasing your risk of cancers, and affecting fertility, being only a few examples of the health risks.

• 1,4-dioxane - being always present in ethoxylated surfactants, but not always listed on labels due to it being a byproduct. If the ingredient ends in "eth", it's ethoxylated.

• Bleach - commonly hidden under alternative names, such as sodium hypochlorite, optical brightened or UV brightener. It is known to cause skin problems and allergic reactions

• Formaldehyde - preservative and antibacterial agent that irritates the lungs, eyes and respiratory system. Also linked to eczema.

• NPEs-Nonylphenol Ethoxylates - risking endocrine and hormonal disruption, fertility, along with significantly impacting childrens growth and organ function. Banned in Europe and Canada, but the United States still allows it.

• Dyes, Ammonium Sulfate, Benzyl Acetate, EDTA, Dichlorobenzene - causing headaches, skin issues, immune dysfunction, hormone disruption, respiratory function, infertility, organ damage, cancer, and vision loss.

Unfortunately, these toxic chemicals are found in most of your household cleaners.

If you're just starting out on your natural living journey, I'm proud of you! It can be hard wrapping your head around how harmful these things are and the fact they are sold, bought, and used daily in most households.

I suggest you to do your own research to see what products fit you and your family best.

The EWG database has tons of valuable resources when it comes to replacing toxic household products.

Natural DIY Laundry Detergent Recipe

Total Time

• 10 minutes

Equipment

• Measuring cups

• Large glass bowl

• Quart mason jar with lid

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Epsom salt

• 1 1/2 cups Sodium Carbonate (washing soda)

• 1 1/2 cups Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda, find one aluminum-free)

• 1/4 cup Sea salt

• Optional: 20-25 drops of essential oil

Directions

1. Measure out the ingredients into large glass bowl.

2. Mix well, and be sure to mix all of the ingredients, including essential oils if you're using them.

3. Store in glass jar with lid.

4. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load. Use 2 for larger loads.

A great recipe to get the kids involved in; teaching math, science and health in a quick, ten minute lesson.

Passing on the knowledge of this simple natural detergent could benefit the health of your future generations to come.