Prepare A Washing Powder At Home

Have you ever wondered how to make your own detergent? Many times, you have a multitude of products at home that can still extend their useful life … although it is not always known how.

The preparation of a homemade powder detergent could be a good alternative that, in addition, is respectful with nature. Thus, in passing, you will take advantage of those elements that no longer serve you and you will contribute to the care of the environment.

You can also add elements such as lemon or lavender. These, thanks to their aroma, will give your clothes a very special smell. However, do not forget to check that you do not suffer from any type of allergy related to any of the elements.

Next, you have the steps to follow for its manufacture. Do not miss them!

What are the benefits of eco-friendly washing powder?

The ecological powder detergent is a product that is based on the cleaning properties provided by baking soda, lemon essential oil and sodium percarbonate.

As suggested by this study by Dr. González Rojas, it is believed that sodium bicarbonate could act against some types of fungi, specifically, candida albicans .

For its part, lemon contains antibacterial properties, according to this research by a team from Shivaji University (India). These could be useful to incorporate into organic household detergent.

Sodium percarbonate, in turn, is made up of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide, and as stated in this report by the Royal Society of Chemistry, it is used as a bleaching element in many detergents.

The union of these three elements will give you a homemade detergent that, in addition to being useful, will leave a pleasant citrus aroma on your clothes.

How to prepare a washing powder for the washing machine?

The manufacture of this natural detergent is quite simple.  It is recommended for removing stubborn stains, especially those left on cloth diapers, linens, and socks.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of grated Castile soap (120 g)
• ½ cup of baking soda (125 g)
• ½ cup of sodium percarbonate (solid hydrogen peroxide) (125 g)
• 20 drops of lemon essential oil (you can change it for lavender, if you wish)

Instructions

• The first thing you have to do is grate the Castile soap with the help of a common grater.
• Then pour it into a food processor and grind it for a more manageable texture.
• Add the soap to a bowl and mix it with the baking soda and sodium percarbonate until smooth.

• Next, add the drops of lemon essential oil little by little and stir.
• When everything is well integrated, pack the product in a glass jar and store it in a dry and dark place.

Tips for use and washing

For each wash cycle it is recommended to use 6 tablespoons (60 g) of detergent in the soap box that the washing machine has integrated. If the stains are dark or stubborn, moisten the garment and apply a good amount of soap. Rub it in with your hands and let it sit for a few minutes before introducing it into the normal cycle.

If you want to enhance its softening effects , you can add half a cup of white vinegar to the washing machine just before finishing the last rinse. Although there is no scientific evidence to support it, it is believed that white vinegar could improve the color of clothes.

Important Note: Sodium percarbonate is not recommended on garments made of wool, delicate fibers, or unstable colors.

Prepare your own detergent, at your fingertips

As you have seen, preparing a natural detergent is not difficult at all. If you opt for the use of lemon, it will provide a very pleasant citrus smell and, by the way, you will be taking advantage of its antibacterial properties in the detergent.

However, remember that there is no magic element: if the detergent does not work as expected, you can go back to using the usual one.

Remember that it is important to wash your hands well after using it, whether it is homemade or not. Also, while doing the laundry, be careful not to put your hands to your face or mouth.