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An easy, natural DIY Laundry Washing Powder

🌱 DIY Green Cleaning Recipe
By Analisa from Under Your Sink

 

Did you know that most supermarket laundry powders can contain up to 25 different chemicals - from synthetic surfactants and phosphates to optical brighteners, fillers, and artificial fragrances? Many of them aren’t even there to clean your clothes; they’re just for show. Brighteners make fabrics appear whiter without actually removing dirt, while fragrances are designed to mask odours rather than eliminate them.

I decided years ago that I simply couldn’t be bothered learning the ins and outs of every one of these chemicals. My solution? Strip it all back to a handful of natural ingredients that I know, trust, and have used for years. The result is simple, effective, and fuss-free laundry that actually feels clean.

Over time, I’ve tweaked my recipe to make life even easier. The biggest upgrade was discovering sodium percarbonate (oxy-bleach) and unlike in the early days, I don’t bother grating soap bars anymore!

The beauty of this recipe is that there are no rigid rules. Measurements don’t need to be exact, and you can adjust it depending on your load or what you have on hand. Think of it as a flexible guide rather than a strict formula.

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2 comments

Hi Shawn, Analisa here – great question and absolutely safe on coloured fabrics. Of course, when you get a new item you may want to wash separately in case it colour runs (just like normal) – but I wash everything with this powder, except delicates like wool or silk.

Analisa

Is this safe to use with colors?

Shawn

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  • HERES THE RECIPE..

    INGREDIENTS
    · 1/2 cup (125g) Sodium Percarbonate
    · 1 heaped cup (300g) Washing Soda
    · 1/2 cup (110g) Borax
    · 1/2 cup (125g) Bicarb Soda
    · 3/4 cup (90g) Coconut Soap Flakes


    MAKES

    Approx. 750g powder


    METHOD
    1.  Mix all the powder ingredients in large bowl until well combined, taking care not the breath in any raised particles.
    2.  Pour and store the laundry powder in an airtight container.


    HOW TO USE IT

    Simply add to the detergent department of our machine and follow your machine instructions.
    ·     For small loads, use 1 tablespoon (20-30g)
    ·     For large loads, use 2 tablespoons (40-60g)

  • 💡 Tips 

    • Add a few drops of essential oil for a natural fragrance boost.
    • If you have hard water, increase either Washing Soda, Borax or Bicarb as they are water softeners
    • Hot/warm wash cycle recommended for best results
    • Try our Fabric Softener Recipe for a great overall laundry solution

Common Questions

Can I use in cold water wash?

Although I recommend using a warm/hot cycle, it's not impossible to use in a cold wash and many customer report that thats how they use it, which is great!

In this case, I recommend diluting it first with hot/boiling water. This may be a bit tricky for front loaders as the mixture will bubble up when diluted with hot water and may overflow in a compartment (think bicarb and vinegar vibes)

That said, if you’re using a top loader, there’s a little workaround: fill your machine with cold water first, then dissolve the powder in a big jug with boiling water and quickly pour it in - move fast!

It’s a bit of a hack, but it can get you there when a cold wash is a must.

What temperature should I use?

For the best results, use our Laundry Washing Powder in warm to hot water. Heat acts as a natural sanitiser and activates the oxygen power within the sodium percarbonate, ensuring that your clothes not only come out clean but also free from harmful bacteria.

How much do I use?

Tailor the amount of powder based on your load size. For a small load, approx. 1-2 tablespoons (30-40g) are recommended. When dealing with larger loads, consider adding an extra tablespoon for extra oomph.

Can I add essential oils?

Absolutely! I recommended to add your favourite essential oils (as long as you’re not sensitive to them, of course).

I love using eucalyptus, tea tree, or citrus blends in the wash cycle for the extra cleaning and deodorising benefits. For the rinse cycle, I usually go for something softer like lemongrass or lavender.

There are no rules here - go nuts and make it your own!

Can I use this for handwashing delicates and wool?

Even though this is handmade, it is powerful and not recommended on wool or on delicate items. For delicates, I simply dilute a dash of liquid Castile soap in warm water and wash that way.

Should I use fabric softener?

I absolutely recommend using fabric softener - but not the toxic slimy store-bought type! Simply use citric acid or vinegar in your rinse cycle along with some essential oils if you desire.

This acidic rinse neutralises any left over soap residue that remains on clothes during the wash which causes it to be stiff. This way your clothes and towels come out soft and with the true smell of clean.

Is this septic & greywater safe?

I can never suggest what is the best thing for your body, however with minimal ingredients and fragrance-free formula its potentially going to provide some benefits. I can say that over the years, many customers have reported that it works great for their sensitivities.

Is this suitable for sensitive skin?

Its fine for septic tanks in terms of general cleaning, however do not use these products directly in the septic tank!

I would be wary using on greywater as these are alkali ingredients and I can't say with certainty that it wont harm your plants or greenery.

  • ⚠️ 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!

What Next

Grab any 4 ingredients from Under Your Sink and enjoy a 15% discount

2 comments

Hi Shawn, Analisa here – great question and absolutely safe on coloured fabrics. Of course, when you get a new item you may want to wash separately in case it colour runs (just like normal) – but I wash everything with this powder, except delicates like wool or silk.

Analisa

Is this safe to use with colors?

Shawn

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.