Y’all, let’s talk about laundry. It’s one of those never-ending chores, right? And if you’ve got a big family like mine, you know that mountain of clothes isn’t going to wash itself. But have you ever thought about what’s actually in that store-bought detergent?
Most commercial brands are packed with artificial fragrances, harsh chemicals, and who knows what else. Not exactly what I want soaking into my family’s clothes (or my skin, for that matter). That’s why I started making my own homemade lavender and tea tree laundry detergent—and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.
This simple DIY detergent is natural, budget-friendly, and actually works. It’s gentle on skin, safe for the environment, and leaves clothes smelling fresh without any of those overpowering, fake scents. Plus, it’s easy to whip up with just a handful of ingredients.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or sweet tea), and let’s make some laundry soap, y’all!
Why Go Natural?
There are plenty of reasons to switch to a homemade detergent, but here are the biggest perks:
1. It’s Safer for Your Skin
If you or your little ones have sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies, traditional detergents can be downright irritating. This homemade version is free from dyes, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, making it a gentle alternative that won’t leave you itchy.
2. It’s Eco-Friendly
Many store-bought detergents contain phosphates and chemicals that pollute our waterways. This homemade detergent is biodegradable and safe for septic systems, so you can keep your home and the planet a little cleaner.
3. It’s Budget-Friendly
Y’all, laundry detergent ain’t cheap! Making your own costs just a fraction of the price of big-name brands. A few basic ingredients go a long way, and you won’t have to constantly buy plastic jugs of detergent.
4. It’s Naturally Antibacterial & Odor-Fighting
Lavender and tea tree essential oils aren’t just for smelling nice—they fight bacteria, mold, and funky odors. So whether it’s sweaty gym clothes, muddy jeans, or that mystery stain from your toddler, this detergent will tackle it all.
DIY Lavender & Tea Tree Laundry Detergent Recipe
What You’ll Need:
- 6 cups boiled water (helps dissolve everything)
- ½ cup washing soda (boosts cleaning power & softens water)
- ¼ cup baking soda (fights odors & brightens clothes, but safer for darks)
- ½ cup liquid lavender Castile soap (plant-based & gentle)
- 10 drops lavender essential oil (smells amazing & antibacterial)
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil (fights germs & mold)
How to Make It:
- Boil the water and pour it into a large mixing bowl or bucket.
- Add the washing soda and baking soda, stirring until they fully dissolve.
- Stir in the Castile soap gently to combine.
- Drop in the essential oils and stir well.
- Let it cool, then pour into a reusable container or an old detergent bottle.
That’s it! Told you it was easy.
How to Use Your Homemade Detergent
- Shake well before each use.
- Use ½ to 1 cup per load, depending on how dirty the clothes are.
- Works great in both standard and HE washers (it’s low-sudsing, so it won’t mess up your machine).
- For extra freshness, add ¼ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle—it works as a natural fabric softener!
Washing Darks? Here’s a Tip!
Even though this detergent is gentle, baking soda does have some natural whitening properties, which is great for whites but can slightly fade darks over time. If you’re washing darks or delicate fabrics, you can:
✔️ Skip the baking soda entirely and just use washing soda and Castile soap.
✔️ Add a splash of white vinegar (¼ cup) in the rinse cycle to help soften clothes and balance pH.
✔️ Wash darks in cold water to minimize color loss.
Final Thoughts
Switching to a homemade, non-toxic laundry detergent is such a simple way to ditch the chemicals, save money, and keep your clothes fresh without any junk. Plus, there’s just something satisfying about knowing exactly what’s going into your laundry (and onto your skin).
Give it a try, and let me know what you think! Have you ever made your own cleaning products? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your favorite DIY recipes!
Happy washing, y’all!
p.s FREE Printable of Natural Laundry Detergent Recipe, more facts, and BONUS Natural Stain Removers recipe!! DOWNLOAD BELOW!
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