‘The recipe makes enough washing powder to fill a 750ml glass storage jar,’ says author Jen Chillingsworth, who has provided this recipe. ‘This amount of powder makes approximately 38 washes, using just over 1 tablespoon of powder per laundry load.’
How to make laundry detergent
This simple recipe for making laundry detergent can be personalized with fragrance. ‘If you prefer laundry with a fragrance, you can simply add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mix. For washing baby clothes, delicate fabrics or woollens, launder with just the Savon de Marseille soap or soap flakes,’ says Jen Chillingsworth. You will need:
1. Combine the ingredients
Add the soda crystals and the baking soda to the glass mixing bowl.
2. Grate the soap
Using a hand-held grater, finely grate the Savon de Marseille soap. It is important to grate it finely otherwise you may end up with clumpy bits left in the dispenser drawer as the soap will not dissolve properly. Alternatively, use the soap flakes.
3. Combine and seal the powder
Add the soap to the mixing bowl. If using, add the essential oils. Mix well with the spoon. Pour all of the ingredients into the storage jar. Seal and label.
How long does homemade laundry detergent last?
Homemade laundry detergent usually lasts around two months, so you can calculate how much your family might use for six to eight weeks and make enough in batches.
