With the price of washing powder increasing at an incredible rate, and with living on a dusty property with black clay, and animals, I tend to do a lot of washing. Also, with trying to remove as many toxins and such and moving to more natural products, this easy to make washing powder was one of the main priories that needed to be changed.

Washing Powder

With the endless loads of washing and a person who is sensitive to certain ingredients, this easy to make homemade washing powder contains only a few ingredients that you may already have at home.

Using this Washing Powder

To use this powder, add 1 to 2 TBSP of powder to your washing machine for a small load. Use a little more for a large load or for heavily soiled clothes. You will also need to adjust this depending on your washing machine and the types of loads you are washing. A front loader will use less powder than a top loader.

You will find that this powder does not produce a lot of suds like commercial powders do. Though, what matters the most is that it cleans the washing.

We have a top loader, so I only use 1 TBSP of powder and find that the results are good. We are also on rain water.

My machine also heats up the water itself, depending on the cycle that is being used. You may find that the results vary, depending on the temperature of the water and the type of machine you are using.

If you are consistently using cold water to wash in, try running a hot wash once a week. This may help prevent soap buildup that can apparently happen with homemade washing powder.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this washing powder is being used on the clothes that go on your body, you will need to use essential oils that are gentle enough to be applied to your skin – and use in the correct quantities.

Before Using this Washing Powder

Before using this powder, you will need to understand a few things.

Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this washing powder is being used your clothes, you will need to use essential oils that are gentle enough to be applied to your skin – and use in the correct quantities.
Be mindful of who will be using the balm when adding essential oils as some people can’t use some oils and some oils can’t be used on younger people. Do your research before adding and using any essential oils!
Test on a small amount of clothes before diving in and fully using it. If there’s any irritation, stop use immediately.

Storing Homemade Washing Powder

To keep homemade washing powder, once mixed, place in an airtight glass jar to keep the moisture out.

If moisture does get it, you may find that your powder goes a bit lumpy.

More Homemade Products

Ingredients for Washing Powder

To make 16 ounces of this washing powder, you will need:

Washing Soda – Also known as sodium carbonate. This helps soften hard water and acts as a solvent to help remove stains.
Borax – Acts are a cleaning agent, while disinfecting and softening the water. It can also help neutralise odours. Though it is a natural mineral with amazing cleaning properties, you may want to wear a mask when using and mixing this powder. Also, if you have a septic system or use the washing machine grey water on the garden, then omit borax from this powder.
Bicarbonate of Soda – Also known as baking soda, it also helps soften the water, and removes odours.
Soap Bars – Any type of laundry soap bars will work. Most use Castile or Velvet soap bars. I use sunlight laundry soap bars as that is what is convenient to purchase here in Australia.
Essential oils – Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus or Peppermint as good choices.

Making Washing Powder

Add the washing soda, borax, and bicarbonate of soda together.

Grate the Castile soap bar and mix through the other dry ingredients.

Add the essential oils if using and mix through.

Store in an airtight glass jar.