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How to make your own natural cleaning paste (aka Laundry Butter)

🌱 DIY Green Cleaning Recipe
By Analisa from Under Your Sink

 

This recipe has a special place in my green cleaning journey. I first learnt it from a lovely soap maker at a market I used to visit regularly. Once I gave it a try, I never looked back and always keep a jar on standby.

It also connects back to my childhood. Growing up, my mum always had a bottle of Jif under the sink, and she cleaned just about everything with it. This paste is my natural alternative.

Once whipped up, it looks like velvety buttercream, but don’t be fooled - it’s strictly for cleaning! Do not eat it!! This paste is incredibly versatile, whether you’re scrubbing sinks, tiles, stovetops, or even laundry stains.

There are two methods for making it, but the ratio of ingredients is always the same. 

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  • HERES THE RECIPE...


    INGREDIENTS
    · 1/2 cup Coconut Soap Flakes
    · 1/2 cup of Washing Soda
    · 1/2 cup of Borax
    · 3-4 cups cup of water


    MAKES
    Roughly 1 to 1.5 litres of paste

    METHOD 1:
    Here your essentially just adding boiling water to your mix.
    1. Combine the powder ingredients in a large heatproof bowl taking care not to breathe in any raised particles.
    2. Add boiling water, stirring constantly, until the ingredients are fully melted and combined.
    3. Once your mixture is fully combined, allow it to cool. The mixture will thicken as it cools.
    4. Once it has solidified, blitz it with a stick blender/masher to create a buttercream textured paste and transfer it to a container for storage.


    METHOD 2: Recommended for larger amounts
    In this method you will use a pot on a stovetop, make sure it's large enough to hold your mix.
    1. Heat water in a large pot on the stove, but do not bring to the boil
    2. Combine the powder ingredients in a bowl taking care not to breathe in any raised particles.
    3. Slowly add the powder mixture to the pot of water, stirring constantly, until the ingredients are fully melted and combined.
    4. Once your mixture is fully combined, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool. The mixture will thicken as it cools.
    5. Once it has solidified, blitz it with a stick blender/masher to create a buttercream textured paste and transfer it to a container for storage.

  • 💡 Tips 

    To supercharge your laundry butter, scoop out what you need, then stir in a small amount of Sodium Percarbonate and boiling water just before use. You can also add a few drops of essential oils for extra fragrance and benefits.

    Important: Only add Percarbonate after the paste is made and right before you're using it. Don’t store any leftovers with Percarbonate mixed in - it activates with water and won’t stay stable. Just make what you need and rinse out the rest.

Common Questions

How do I supercharge the paste?

Supercharging your paste with percarbonate gives you an oxygen-boosted cleaner -awesome for grout or tough bathroom jobs!Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Scoop out the amount of laundry butter paste you need and place it in a bowl.
  2. Start by adding 1–2 teaspoons of sodium percarbonate. You can always add more if needed, depending on how much paste you're using.
  3. Add boiling water one tablespoon at a time. The heat activates the percarbonate and it’ll start to fizz and bubble - make sure your bowl is large enough, as it can rise quickly (like bread dough on fast-forward).
  4. Apply the bubbling mix to the area you want to clean, give it a good scrub, and rinse well.

⚠️ Important: Don’t store any leftover paste that’s been activated with percarbonate. Once wet, it becomes an active oxybleach and isn’t stable to keep - make it fresh each time.

How long does it last?

The prepared paste has a long shelf life. When stored in a sealed container, it remains effective for an extended period, even over a year. If it dries up, simply add some extra boiling water and re-mix.

When should I add essential oils?

I recommend holding off on adding essential oils when you first make the paste - the scent tends to fade over time. That said, it won’t hurt the mix if you do! I prefer to add essential oils just before using the paste, or into smaller portions I know I’ll use up quickly. That way, you get the full aromatic and therapeutic benefits.

Is it safe on all surfaces?

Almost, but not quite everything. Because this paste is made from washing soda, borax, and coconut soap, it’s naturally alkaline and powerful.

⚠️ Avoid using it on aluminium as the alkalinity can cause corrosion.
⚠️ Be careful with painted or varnished surfaces as it may strip paint or dull the finish.
⚠️ Use caution on delicate or porous materials like marble, unsealed stone, or untreated timber - always spot test first.

When in doubt, test it on a hidden patch first. It’s a brilliant all-rounder, but like any strong cleaner, it needs a little common sense in how you use it.

  • ⚠️ Please Note

    I’m not a scientist, just a long-time DIYer with a quirky love for green cleaning. Everything here is based on what works in my home, but every home is a little different. So test, tweak and most importantly - have fun experimenting!

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