You can easily make your own washing powder at home using just a few common ingredients! Here's a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 part Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
- 1 part Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate - also known as Super Washing Soda)
- 1 part Borax Powder (Sodium Borate)
- Optional: Grated bar soap (like Fels-Naptha, Zote, or castile soap) - for added cleaning power and fragrance
Instructions:
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl or container, mix equal parts of baking soda, washing soda, and Borax powder. For example, you could use 1 cup of each.
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Add Soap (Optional): If you want to add grated soap, use a cheese grater to finely grate the soap bar. Use about 1/2 part grated soap for every 1 part of the other ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
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Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. Make sure there are no clumps.
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Store: Store your homemade washing powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Usage:
- Use 1-2 tablespoons of washing powder per load of laundry. Adjust the amount based on the size of the load and how dirty the clothes are.
- For heavily soiled clothes, you can pre-soak them with the washing powder.
- This recipe is generally safe for both standard and HE (High Efficiency) washing machines, but always check your machine's manual.
Why these ingredients?
- Baking Soda: Acts as a natural deodorizer and helps to balance the pH of the water.
- Washing Soda: A powerful cleaner and water softener. It helps to remove dirt and stains.
- Borax: Enhances the cleaning power of the washing soda and acts as a disinfectant.
- Soap (Optional): Provides extra cleaning power and a fresh scent.
Important Considerations:
- Safety: Keep homemade washing powder out of reach of children and pets. Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, test the washing powder on a small load of laundry before using it for all your clothes. You can also omit the Borax if you have concerns.
- Scent: You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (such as lavender or lemon) to the mixture for a pleasant scent. However, be cautious with essential oils, as some can stain fabrics. Mix the essential oil with the baking soda before adding the other ingredients to ensure even distribution.
