Substitutes for Washing Detergent

Liquid Detergents

• The best non-detergent household item that can be used to clean laundry is bar soap. It will be gentle on clothes and keep them soft; especially when used on cloth diapers and baby clothes. To make a homemade liquid detergent, combine 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate), 1/2 cup of borax and a grated bar of soap in three gallons of warm water. In order to make sure the grated soap dissolves completely, add it to 4 cups of boiling water until fully dissolved before adding it to the rest of the mixture. Allow the liquid detergent to sit for a full 24 hours before using in the washing machine. Use approximately one cup of the liquid detergent for each load of laundry depending on the size of the load.

Powder Detergent

• Homemade powder detergent is easier to mix together on the spur of the moment as the dry ingredients blend together well. To make your own powder detergent, add washing soda and soap flakes in equal parts to a large bowl or canister or directly into the washing machine for a one-time mix. One load of laundry will require from 1/3 cup to 3/4 cup of each ingredient. Add more of each for larger batches to store in your laundry room. To combat tough stains such as grass stains or mud, add 1/2 cup of borax to the mix.

Additions

• Adding 1 cup of vinegar or 1/4 cup of baking soda during the rinse cycle or directly into the softener dispenser of the machine will soften clothes and counteract the effects of hard water. Soak clothes in 1/2 cup of washing soda for half an hour prior to washing to pretreat tough stains. To add a fragrance to your liquid detergent, add a few drops of your favorite scented essential oils; such as lavender or peppermint.

Considerations

• If you are using bleach along with your homemade detergent, do not include vinegar in the mix as this will result in hazardous fumes, according to Inspired Living. After your liquid detergent has set for 24 hours, give it a good stir before using as the mixture may have coagulated in the meantime. Once stirred it is ready for use. Keep both powder and liquid detergents covered when not in use to keep bugs, insects or nosy pets and children away.