Natural Washing Powder Recipe

Making natural washing powder at home is a great way to ensure your laundry detergent is free of harmful chemicals and environmentally friendly. Here are the key ingredients and a simple recipe to make natural washing powder:

Ingredients

1. Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate): 2 cups
   • Helps to remove dirt and stains and softens water.
2. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): 2 cups
   • Deodorizes and boosts cleaning power.
3. Castile Soap: 1 bar (grated)
   • A natural soap made from olive oil or other plant-based oils.
4. Borax (Sodium Borate): 1 cup (optional)
   • Enhances the cleaning power of the detergent and acts as a laundry booster.
5. Essential Oils: 20-30 drops (optional)
   • Adds natural fragrance and can provide antibacterial properties (e.g., lavender, tea tree, lemon).

Equipment

• Cheese grater or food processor (to grate the soap)
• Large mixing bowl
• Airtight container for storage

Instructions

1. Grate the Castile Soap: Use a cheese grater or a food processor to grate the bar of Castile soap into fine flakes.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Castile soap, washing soda, baking soda, and borax (if using). Mix thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Add Essential Oils: If using essential oils, add them to the mixture and stir well. Essential oils not only add a pleasant scent but can also provide additional cleaning power and antibacterial properties.
4. Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container to keep it dry and ready for use.

Usage

• For a standard load of laundry, use about 2-3 tablespoons of the natural washing powder. Adjust the amount based on the size and dirtiness of the load.

Benefits

• Eco-friendly: Free from synthetic chemicals and fragrances, making it safer for the environment.
• Cost-effective: Often cheaper than commercial detergents.