By Miriam Rees
Introduction
A few years ago, I started paying closer attention to what was inside the products I used every day.
Not just food.
Not just skincare.
But household products too.
And honestly?
Once I started reading ingredient labels on laundry detergents, I was shocked.
Artificial fragrances.
Harsh chemicals.
Skin irritants.
Ingredients I couldn’t even pronounce.
It made me stop and think:
If our clothes, towels, blankets, and sheets are covered in these chemicals every single day… what is that doing to our bodies over time?
That realization is what led me to switch to homemade clean laundry detergent.
And surprisingly, it ended up being:
- simple
- affordable
- effective
- gentler on our skin
- and better for our home overall
Why I Believe More People Should Switch
I think many people assume laundry detergent is harmless simply because it’s sold everywhere.
But many conventional detergents contain ingredients linked to:
- skin irritation
- hormone disruption
- respiratory irritation
- headaches
- allergic reactions
- and unnecessary chemical exposure
And the truth is…
Our skin is our body’s largest organ.
Everything we wash our clothes, sheets, and towels in sits directly against our skin for hours every day.
That matters more than most people realize.
The Problem with Synthetic Fragrances
One of the biggest reasons I switched was fragrance.
Most people associate strong fragrance with “clean.”
But many commercial detergents use synthetic fragrance blends made up of dozens—or even hundreds—of undisclosed chemicals.
And companies are often legally allowed to hide those ingredients under the word “fragrance.”
Why That Matters
Synthetic fragrances can contribute to:
- headaches
- migraines
- skin irritation
- hormone disruption
- respiratory irritation
- dizziness
- sensitivities in children and pets
Once I removed heavily scented detergents from our home, I realized how overwhelming they actually were.
Now I prefer laundry that smells:
- fresh
- clean
- light
- natural
Not overpowering.
Why Homemade Laundry Detergent Can Be Better
Switching to homemade detergent helped me:
- reduce unnecessary toxins
- save money
- simplify ingredients
- avoid overpowering scents
- become more intentional about what enters our home
And honestly, I love knowing exactly what’s in it.
No hidden ingredients.
No mystery chemicals.
Just simple ingredients that work.
My Homemade Clean Laundry Detergent Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bar castile soap or clean ingredient soap bar (grated)
- 2 cups washing soda
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup epsom salt
- 20–30 drops essential oils (optional)
Essential Oil Ideas
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Tea tree
- Eucalyptus
- Orange
Instructions
Step 1: Grate the Soap
Using a cheese grater, finely grate the soap bar.
The finer the soap, the better it blends.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl or container, combine:
- grated soap
- washing soda
- baking soda
- borax
- epsom salt
Mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Add Essential Oils
If desired, add essential oils and stir well.
This gives laundry a light natural scent without synthetic chemicals.
Step 4: Store
Store in:
- an airtight container
- glass jar
- sealed laundry bin
Keep dry to prevent clumping.
How Much to Use
Standard Washer
1–2 tablespoons per load
Large Loads
2–3 tablespoons
HE Washers
Usually 1 tablespoon works well.
Natural detergents require far less product than commercial detergents.
Why These Ingredients Work
Washing Soda
Helps break down grease, stains, and dirt naturally.
Baking Soda
Neutralizes odors and softens fabrics.
Borax
Boosts cleaning power and helps fight odors.
Castile Soap
Provides gentle cleansing without harsh detergents.
Epsom Salt
Can help soften hard water naturally.
Additional Benefits of Switching
Less Chemical Exposure
Reducing toxins in your home adds up over time.
Better for Sensitive Skin
Especially helpful for:
- eczema
- allergies
- asthma
- sensitive skin
- children
More Cost Effective
One batch lasts a long time and costs much less than many “clean” store-bought detergents.
More Natural Home Environment
I noticed our home simply felt cleaner and less overwhelming without strong artificial scents everywhere.
Natural Laundry Boosters
For Whitening
Add:
- 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
OR - 1/2 cup white vinegar during rinse cycle
For Odor Removal
Add:
- 1/2 cup baking soda directly into the drum
Natural Fabric Softener
Mix:
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
Add a small amount to the fabric softener compartment.
Healthy Living Doesn’t Have to Be Extreme
One thing I’ve learned is this:
Healthy living isn’t about perfection.
You don’t have to replace everything overnight.
Sometimes it simply starts with becoming more intentional.
One product.
One ingredient.
One small change at a time.
And over time, those small choices create a healthier home environment.
Scripture Reflection
“She watches over the affairs of her household…” — Proverbs 31:27
I love this verse because it reminds me that caring for our homes isn’t about perfection.
It’s about stewardship.
Creating a peaceful, intentional, healthier environment for the people we love matters.
Devotional Thought
Sometimes caring for your family looks like paying attention to the small things most people overlook.
The products we use daily matter.
Not because we need fear or perfection—but because wisdom and intentional living matter too.
Prayer
Lord,
Give me wisdom in the choices I make for my home and family.
Help me create an environment filled with peace, health, and intentional care—not pressure or perfection.
Teach me that small, faithful changes still matter.
Amen.
