Laundry powder recipe
Whip up a small or bulk batch of this super effective laundry washing powder and know exactly what's going on your clothes and skin.
There is no real "making" in this recipe, more just mixing or shaking. It comes with a bonus that it can be dissolved in warm water to create a soapy cleaning solution for showers, baths, tiles, outdoor furniture, patios and even concrete.
The recipe
Add all the powder ingredients to a large bowl or container, taking care not to inhale raised dust.
Add the essential oils, if using, then slowly mix until everything is well combined.
How much to use
Recommended usage amounts for an average 8kg machine. These are estimates — actual usage varies with how tightly the powder is packed and your machine size. Leave enough room for clothing to move freely, and adjust for heavily soiled laundry or hard water.
Roughly one teaspoon to half a tablespoon (7–10g).
Or half empty, depending how you look at it 😜 Use approx. one tablespoon of powder (15–20g).
Increase to around two tablespoons (30–40g).
What temperature to use
To get the best performance from this specific chemical formulation, match your wash cycle temperature to your laundry needs.
Hot · 60°C+
Dissolves the soap and activates the sodium percarbonate easily. Great for heavily stained items, whites, bedsheets and towels.
Warm · 40–55°C
Warm enough to dissolve and benefit from the soap micelles and trigger a steady release of oxygen bleach. Perfect for coloured loads, school uniforms and moderately dirty clothes.
Cold · 30°C↓
Soap flakes and sodium percarbonate struggle to dissolve and activate in cold water, which can leave a residue on dark fabrics. . Top loaders only — Dissolve the dose in hot water first, then pour into the machine. Use an oversized heatproof container and work fast as the mixture will rise.
Good to know
What to avoid
Although this is a handmade powder, the ingredients are powerful and not suitable for delicate fabrics like wool, silk or lace. Please also read the care instructions on your clothing.
For delicate items or lighter jobs that don't need stain removal or heavy-duty cleaning, liquid castile soap is a great option. See our wool and delicates solution below.
See the wool & delicates solution →Storage and shelf life
Moisture is the killer of powders — keep it sealed in a labelled airtight container. Stored correctly, in its original powder form, this can last up to two years or more. Moisture causes clumps, which over time can reduce the effectiveness of the ingredients.
Must be stored away from children and pets. Like all cleaning products, keep them up high and away from children and pets. Although it's natural, it's not suitable for consumption and can be very dangerous if consumed.
Why this works
This combination of ingredients, at the right temperature, lifts stains and dirt and is perfect for everyday washing.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Washing soda (sodium carbonate) |
Main alkalinity agent (pH ~11). Softens water, breaks down grease and helps soap work more effectively. |
| Sodium percarbonate (oxygen bleach) |
Releases hydrogen peroxide to chemically break down organic stains. |
| Coconut soap flakes | The main surfactant. Traps and lifts oils and dirt. |
| Borax | Boosts bleach performance, deodorises and kills some bacteria. |
| Bicarb soda (sodium bicarbonate) |
Buffers the pH so it doesn't exceed 11, and softens water to boost the soap. |
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