How do you make homemade laundry detergent for dark clothes

This homemade detergent for dark clothes is a budget-friendly and natural alternative to commercial products, using ingredients you probably already have at home.

Ingredients

1 bar of soap (about 7 oz): Preferably a natural soap with no added fragrance or chemicals. Grate the bar to help it dissolve more easily.

1 cup of baking soda (about 7 oz): Helps deodorize and boost cleaning power.

1 cup of white vinegar (about 8.5 fl oz): Acts as a natural whitener and fabric softener, and also helps dissolve the baking soda.

1 gallon of hot water: Used to dissolve the ingredients and make the detergent.

How to make homemade detergent for dark clothes: step by step

1. Dissolve the soap:
   • Grate the bar of soap into small pieces to help it dissolve faster.
   • In a large pot, heat 1 quart (about 4 cups) of hot water and add the grated soap.
   • Stir over medium heat until the soap is completely melted.
2. Mix in the baking soda:
   • In a large bucket or another pot, add the baking soda.
   • Pour in the soapy water mixture and stir well until the baking soda is fully dissolved.
3. Add the vinegar:
   • Slowly pour the white vinegar into the mixture.
   • Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
4. Add more water:
   • Add 1 gallon (about 4 liters) of additional hot water to the bucket.
   • Stir well to fully incorporate everything.
5. Let it sit:
   • Let the mixture sit for about 24 hours. It will thicken slightly and take on a gel-like texture.
6. Store the detergent:
   • Transfer the detergent into clean, airtight containers. Recycled detergent bottles or jars with lids work great.

Usage

Amount:

• Use 125 ml (about ½ cup or 2 scoops) of this homemade detergent per load of white laundry in a top-loading washer.
• Use 60 ml (about ¼ cup or 1 scoop) per load in a front-loading washer.

Tips

• Tough stains: For stubborn stains, apply a bit of baking soda directly to the stain before washing.
• Extra softener: You can add 125 ml (about ½ cup) of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment to help keep clothes soft and residue-free.
• Reuse containers: Use empty commercial detergent bottles to store your homemade detergent.