Laundry Washing Powder

DIY CLEANING RECIPE

There's no need to be overly precise with this recipe, just combine the powders and you're done. Use it on denim, socks, towels, colours, whites, bedding and stinky uniforms.

Suitable for:

• Front and top loaders
• Homes on septic systems
• Everyday washing

Added bonus: This powder can be dissolved in warm water to create a soapy cleaning solution for showers, baths, tiles, outdoor furniture, patios and even concrete.

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    Recipe & Instructions

    🫙 Makes: 750g (approx. 25 loads) 🕝 Time: 1-2 minutes


    INGREDIENTS

    • Washing soda: 1 heaped cup (approx. 300g)
    • Sodium percarbonate: 1/2 cup (125g)
    • Borax: 1/2 cup (110g)
    • Bicarb soda: 1/2 cup (125g)
    • Coconut soap flakes: 3/4 cup (90g)
    • Essential oils (optional): 40-60 drops (2-3ml)


    METHOD

    1. Add all the powder ingredients in a large bowl/container, taking care not to inhale raised dust.
    2. Add the essential oils (if using them) and then slowly mix your ingredients.

    Tip: You could also make it directly in a container with the lid, seal tightly and then shake.

    How to use it
    Add directly to the detergent compartment of your front or top loader washing machine.

    How much to use

    • Small loads: 1 tablespoon (20–30g)
    • Large loads: 2 tablespoons (40–60g)

    You can adjust slightly depending on load size and how dirty the laundry is.


    What temperature to use

    Warm to hot water above 40°C gives the best results. Heat is needed to activate the percarbonate snd dissolve the ingredients. If cold washing is unavoidable, dissolve the powder fully in hot water first before adding it to the wash.


    What to avoid

    • Use on delicate fabrics like wool, silk or lace.
    • Breathing in the raised dust when mixing
    • Digesting it! This is not for consumption.

    Please also read the care instructions on your clothing.


    Important storage information

    • Keep sealed in a labelled airtight container
    • Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight

    ⚠️ Must be stored away from children and pets, this can be dangerous if consumed.


    Shelf life

    If stored in the correct conditions, in its original powder form, this could last up to 2 years or even more. Moisture will cause clumps, which over a long time can reduce the effectiveness of the ingredients.


    Adding Essential Oils

    If you make small batches, you can add essential oils directly to the mix, ensuring you spread it through well. For larger batches I recommend adding at time of use to get the most freshness out if it. What oils to use and even how much is all your choice but usually 5-10 drops are enough. Another option is to leave out the essential oils in the laundry powder and use them in your laundry rinse.


    How to make laundry liquid?

    I actually don't recommend making a traditional laundry liquid. Many DIY recipes simply dilute laundry powder with water and store it in a container. While this can work, the mixture often thickens and separates over time.

    Adding water can also start activate ingredients before they're needed. For example, bicarb soda begin reacting once dissolved, which can reduce its effectiveness during the wash cycle when you actually need it.

    If you prefer something between a powder and a liquid, my Multi-Purpose Cleaning Paste (aka Laundry Butter) is a great alternative. It has a soft, creamy consistency that works well for laundry and a range of household cleaning jobs.


    What to use on delicate fabrics

    For delicate items or lighter jobs that doesn't require stain removal or heavy-duty cleaning, liquid Castile Soap is a great option.

    Grab what you need

    Washing Soda

    Washing Soda

    $7.50
    Sodium Percarbonate

    Sodium Percarbonate

    $12.50
    A kraft paper earth bag with simple white label with Under your Sink Logo and description Borax- all round Eco-cleaner – mid strength alkali There is a little wooden bowl with white crystalline Borax granules inside. It’s a clean image to show green cleaning. This is a product image for website as this is for sale in various sizes, online with Australia wide delivery.

    Borax

    $13.90
    A kraft paper earth bag with simple white label with Under your Sink Logo and description Soap Flakes- all round Eco-cleaner – surfactant. There is a little wooden bowl with white ground up coconut soap flakes for DIY cleaning and beauty products. This is a product image for website as this is for sale in various sizes, online with Australia wide delivery.

    Coconut Soap Flakes (Organic)

    $13.00
    A kraft paper earth bag with simple white label with Under your Sink Logo and description Bicarb- all round Eco-cleaner – mild strength alkali. There is a little wooden bowl with white crystalline Bicarb Soda granules inside. It’s a clean image to show green cleaning. This is a product image for website as this is for sale in various sizes, online with Australia wide delivery.

    Bicarb Soda

    $7.80

    Two Important Resources

    The Recipe Hub shows you what to make. The Learning Hub explains why each ingredient does what it does. Between the two, you'll never need to Google a cleaning recipe again.