The short version
The base is curd soap, washing soda and a little baking soda. Curd soap cleans, soda softens the water and boosts the cleaning power, baking soda neutralises odours. For whites add a scoop of oxygen bleach, done.
Homemade detergent is cheap, comes without unnecessary additives and saves plastic. It cleans everyday laundry reliably, but it is no replacement for heavily soiled or delicate textiles. For wool and silk use a mild delicates detergent instead.
Liquid detergent in 5 steps
Grate the curd soap
Finely grate about 25 g of curd soap, the finer it is, the faster it dissolves.
Dissolve in water
Dissolve the shavings in about a litre of hot water, stirring until you get a clear solution.
Stir in soda
Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of washing soda, that softens the water and boosts the cleaning.
Top up & let it rest
Top up to about three litres with water and let it cool. It gels, shake briefly before use.
Dose it
Depending on soiling, 100 to 150 ml per load. For scent a few drops of essential oil, not for pet blankets.
What it cannot do
Homemade detergent is no good for wool, silk and down, it is too alkaline for that. And it does not bleach: for whites and stains you also need oxygen bleach or pre-treatment with ox-gall soap.
What you need
What to look for:
- Curd soap as the cleaning base
- Washing soda to soften and boost
- Oxygen bleach for white laundry
Frequently asked
Is homemade detergent really clean?
Can I use it for wool?
Does it clog the machine?
Fresh laundry, less chemistry
From homemade detergent to bright whites: simple and honest.
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