Zero waste recipe: make your own laundry detergent
Save money and waste by making your own laundry detergent. Even if you don't aspire to a zero waste life, making your own laundry detergent can be really nice. You know exactly what your detergent is made of, so no obscure mess! Get started with this simple recipe from a zero waste expert.
Tools
- 1 bucket
- 1 grater
- 1 kettle or pan for boiling water
- 1 whisk or hand blender
- 1 funnel
- 2 - 5 empty detergent bottles
Materials
- 50 gr household soap
- 2 ½ litres water
- 8 - 10 drops essential oil, e.g. lemon or lavender (This oil does not stain waxes).
Instructions
- Grate the household soap and put it in the pan, bucket or large bowl and pour in 2.5 litres of boiling water (if necessary, put on a mouth mask or a scarf, it can sometimes sting a bit). You can buy it already grated at some shops.
- Stir this well until the soap is dissolved in the water. Add essential oil if necessary for a nice scent.
- Leave the detergent for a few hours or overnight (outside) to cool down.
- Then beat the stiffened mixture with a whisk or a hand blender to liquefy it again.
- Using a funnel, pour the detergent into an old detergent bottle.
- Done and washed!