Doing your own laundry can feel mundane at times. However, with a few simple homemade laundry products, you can transform this chore into an enjoyable act of self-care. Not only are DIY laundry products often cheaper and better for the environment, but they also allow you the freedom to customize scents and ingredients to your liking. With just a bit of effort, you can whip up effective and natural solutions for stain removal, softening, whitening, and more.
Ready to take your laundry routine to the next level? Here are 10 easy DIY laundry products to make at home.
All-Purpose Laundry Detergent
A homemade laundry detergent is a versatile and economical option for washing all types of fabrics. With just three simple ingredients, you can make an effective formula that gets your clothes clean without unnecessary chemicals.
Ingredients:
- 1 bar soap, grated
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax
Instructions:
- Grate a bar of soap using a cheese grater or food processor. Any plain soap will work, like castile or Ivory soap.
- In a large bowl, mix together the grated soap, washing soda, and borax. Stir well until combined.
- Store the powder detergent in an airtight container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load.
The washing soda helps cut grease and remove stains, while the borax is a natural whitener and deodorizer. Feel free to add a few drops of essential oil for a light scent. This laundry detergent works great on both high efficiency and conventional washers.
Whitening Vinegar Rinse
For dazzling white linens and fabrics, a whitening vinegar rinse is just what you need. The acetic acid in vinegar helps remove residue and prevents yellowing over time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons baking soda (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a Downy ball or empty laundry detergent bottle with vinegar. The baking soda is optional but can help boost cleaning power.
- Add the ball or bottle to the rinse cycle. The vinegar will naturally dispense and brighten your laundry.
- For extra whitening power, soak whites in vinegar water before washing.
This simple rinse helps restore whites and prevent dinginess without using harsh bleach. Try it on towels, sheets, socks and more to make them look new again.
Lavender Fabric Softener
Harsh laundry detergents can leave fabrics feeling stiff and rough. A homemade fabric softener made with lavender oil will leave your clothes fresh, soft and beautifully scented.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 20-30 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
- Heat the vinegar lightly in the microwave or on the stovetop. This helps the lavender oil disperse.
- Remove from heat and add the lavender oil, stirring well to incorporate.
- Pour the mixture into a Downy ball or other dispenser and add to the rinse cycle.
The soothing floral aroma of lavender will infuse your laundry with a lovely perfume. Vinegar helps remove residue so fabrics feel extra soft. Use this on towels, sheets, t-shirts, and anything you want freshly scented.
Dryer Sheets
Skip the chemicals and make your own dryer sheets for soft, static-free laundry fresh from the dryer. These reusable sheets can be customized with your favorite scent.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fabric softener
- 1 cup hot water
- 10-15 drops essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix together the fabric softener and hot water. Add several drops of essential oil if desired.
- Soak clean cotton cloths, reusable baby wipes, or cotton balls in the mixture.
- Wring out excess liquid and allow to fully dry.
- Toss a few sheets in the dryer to leave laundry soft and static-free.
These reusable dryer sheets are an economical alternative to disposable ones. Switch up the scent each time – try lavender, citrus, vanilla, or other essential oils.
Oxygen Whitening Paste
For stain removal, this whitening paste is a miracle worker. The combination of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon lifts stains and naturally whitens fabrics.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide
- 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions:
- Mix the ingredients into a paste. Adjust lemon juice to reach desired consistency.
- Spread paste directly on stains at least 30 minutes before washing.
- Let paste sit before laundering as usual. Check stain and repeat if needed.
The oxygen in the hydrogen peroxide helps lift stubborn discoloration and whiten clothes over time. Use this on collars, underarms, or anywhere you need whitening power. Do not use this paste on delicate fabrics.
Stain Remover Spray
Removing fresh stains quickly is key to preventing permanent discoloration. Keep this stain remover spray on hand to pretreat spots and stains before washing.
Ingredients:
- 2 parts hydrogen peroxide
- 1 part dawn dish soap
- 1 part baking soda
- Distilled water
Instructions:
- Mix together peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda in a spray bottle.
- Fill remainder of bottle with distilled water and shake vigorously to combine.
- Lightly spray stain, let sit 5-10 minutes, then launder as usual.
The hydrogen peroxide and dawn work together to lift and dissolve stains. Baking soda helps scrub away discoloration. Be sure to use distilled water to keep spray viable longer.
Static Guard Spray
Zap static cling in your laundry with this incredibly easy DIY static guard. It leaves clothes soft and helps them come out the dryer static-free.
Ingredients:
- 2 parts distilled water
- 1 part fabric softener
Instructions:
- Pour distilled water and fabric softener into a spray bottle.
- Shake well to fully incorporate ingredients.
- Lightly spray on fabrics before drying to prevent static cling. Reapply as needed.
The antistatic properties in store-bought fabric softener work just as well when diluted as a spray. It helps prevent cling in clothing and also makes laundry softer.
Homemade Dryer Sheets
These reusable dryer sheets help reduce static and soften laundry without added chemicals. With just water, vinegar, and essential oils, you can customize this dryer sheet recipe with your favorite scents.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 15-20 drops essential oil
- Reusable cotton cloths
Instructions:
- Heat water and vinegar together until just simmering. Remove from heat.
- Add essential oils of your choice and stir to incorporate. Cool slightly.
- Dip clean cotton cloths in liquid until saturated. Wring out excess.
- Dry cloths completely. Toss a few in the dryer to soften laundry.
The vinegar helps remove residue and prevent static. Essential oils add a light fragrance. Place dried cloths in an airtight container between uses. Lemon, lavender, and peppermint oils make great choices.
Liquid Laundry Starch
For crisp collars and minimizes wrinkling, homemade liquid starch is easy to make and use when ironing. Get perfectly pressed shirts and creased pants with this simple starching recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
- Dissolve cornstarch in cold water until smooth.
- Slowly add boiling water, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Allow to cool fully before using. Store excess in the refrigerator.
- Lightly spray over clothing just before ironing for crisp results.
Cornstarch thickens the liquid to provide firming properties that keep clothing stiff. Spray lightly over wrinkled areas, then iron as normal for crisp, creased laundry.
Wool Dryer Balls
These wool dryer balls are a reusable alternative to dryer sheets. Wool naturally softens fabrics and decreases drying time. Follow these steps to make cheap and effective dryer balls.
Ingredients:
- 100% wool yarn or roving
- Pantyhose or mesh produce bag
Instructions:
- Wrap yarn or roving tightly into a ball about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Place 2-3 balls inside a pantyhose leg or mesh bag and tie off.
- Throw in the dryer to soften clothes and decrease drying time.
- Use essential oils on the balls if you want added fragrance.
The wool fibers lift and separate laundry pieces for better airflow. Over time, these dryer balls soften fabrics without chemicals or static cling. Reuse them over and over for an eco-friendly solution.
Foaming Bathroom Cleaner
For gleaming porcelain that’s free of grime, try this DIY foaming bathroom cleaner. The combination of castile soap, vinegar, and essential oils cuts through soap scum.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons castile soap
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 8-10 drops essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix soap with water until dissolved. Stir in vinegar.
- Pour mixture into a foaming dispenser bottle if available, or reuse a soap bottle.
- Add several drops of essential oil if desired for scent. Shake before each use.
- Apply foam to surfaces in the bathroom and wipe clean. Rinse with water.
The castile soap and vinegar work together to clean soap scum and hard water stains. Use peppermint, lemon or tea tree oil for antimicrobial properties and a light, fresh fragrance.
Conclusion
With these 10 DIY laundry products, you can save money, customize your laundry routine, and skip the chemicals found in most store-bought options. Not only are homemade cleaners better for sensitive skin, but they are also often more effective at tackling laundry messes. Keep your clothes looking and smelling great with the power of natural, homemade ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some everyday items I can use to make DIY laundry products?
Many effective DIY laundry products can be made using simple, everyday ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, soap, hydrogen peroxide, lemon, and essential oils. You likely already have these items at home.
Where can I find recipes for homemade laundry products?
There are many recipes online for DIY laundry products using natural ingredients. You can also find recipes on DIY blogs, YouTube channels, and websites dedicated to non-toxic living.
How do I know if a DIY laundry product is safe on my clothes?
Spot test any DIY cleaner on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the fabric. Avoid using acidic products like vinegar on delicate materials like silk or wool.
Should I use DIY or store-bought laundry products if I have sensitive skin?
Homemade laundry products made with gentle ingredients like castile soap and plant-based oils can be great for those with sensitive skin. The chemicals in many commercial cleaners can cause irritation.
Are natural laundry products as effective as regular detergents?
Many homemade cleaners are extremely effective at removing stains, whitening, deodorizing, and disinfecting laundry. Brand detergents often contain harsh chemicals and perfumes that homemade options avoid.