Have you even considered making your own laundry detergent? Stay tuned to learn how; but first, let’s look at some other laundry tips.

Stains should be treated right away, before they set into the material. Hot water will set the stain, making it harder or impossible to remove, so use cold water and a solution like vinegar or (for whites) hydrogen peroxide to help remove a stain. Soaking the stain in cool water right away will help to remove a stain if you are not able to wash it immediately.

White vinegar is your friend. It can be rubbed, un-diluted, onto dry laundry directly before washing, to remove odor and deodorant stains. It can also be added to laundry during the washing stage to brighten and deodorize.

Many people use a product called “Oxiclean” to treat stains and/or brighten laundry. A DIY substitute is available. Mix the following ingredients and shake well before each use:

2 Parts Water
1 Part Baking Soda
1 Part Hydrogen Peroxide

A common bleach alternative uses the following ingredients (but has to be used within a month’s time, as it will eventually oxidize and lose its strength):

12 Cups Water
1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
1 Cup Hydrogen Peroxide

Dry Laundry Detergent

1 Bar of Soap, Finely Grated
1 Cup Washing Soda
1 Cup Borax
Essential Oil

Mix the grated bar soap with the borax and washing soda, add essential oil to desired strength and mix well. (Baking soda can be used in place of the washing soda if you are desperate.)

Use 2-3 tablespoons per load of laundry.

Liquid Laundry Detergent

1 Bar of Soap, Finely Grated
1 Cup Washing Soda
1 Cup Borax
Essential Oil
2 Gallons Water
1 Quart Hot (Boiling) Water

Pour a quart of hot (boiling) water over the grated bar soap and stir over low heat until soap dissolves. Mix dissolved mixture with borax, washing soda and remaining water, stir until powders are dissolved. Add essential oil to desired strength and mix well.

It will be necessary to stir the liquid before each use, as it will gel.

Use 1/2 cup per load of laundry.