A full wardrobe of freshly cleaned clothes is a delight. A bed neatly made with crisp, just-washed sheets is divine. Is there anything quite like clean laundry? You probably purchase your go-to laundry detergent from the store every so often, but have you ever wondered about homemade laundry detergent? There’s a lot of talk out there about the health and savings benefits of making a DIY laundry detergent concoction, but is it really safe? We dive into what you need to consider before making your own laundry soap.

This is the first question people usually ask about homemade detergent, and it’s certainly a good one: Does it really get fabrics as clean as store-bought detergents do? The answer is yes, but with a few caveats since homemade detergents require specific conditions to do their best.

Hard water has high amounts of natural minerals in it, and those minerals can hinder the removal of dirt and stains on your laundry. While store-bought detergents have added chemicals to prevent those minerals from interfering with the cleaning process of the soap, homemade detergent doesn’t; this means your clothes won’t be as clean when washed in hard water and they may feel stiff or have a filmy residue.

The ingredients used to make homemade laundry detergent don’t perform as well in cold water since they won’t dissolve completely. With most homemade laundry detergents, using warm or hot water is recommended.

While store-bought detergents contain chemical ingredients to assist with rapid and effective rinsing, homemade detergents are free of these chemicals. It’s always good to use fewer chemicals on your clothes, but that means an extra rinse cycle is likely in order if you’re using homemade detergent.

It’s good to weigh out the benefits and disadvantages of homemade laundry detergent to be sure it fits into your lifestyle, your health goals, and your laundry routine.

Our society has become more aware of harmful and toxic chemicals, particularly in our cleaning products, and many companies are making changes to provide more natural cleaning options to consumers. But making your own laundry detergent means you’ll know exactly what ingredients are used and you can protect your family from unnecessary exposure to toxins.

Store-bought laundry detergent, particularly the natural brands you buy if you’re trying to avoid chemicals, aren’t cheap. Making your own laundry detergent allows you to do a load of laundry at a fraction of the cost of store-bought detergents.

One downfall of homemade laundry detergents is that it requires a bit more work from you. Not only do you have to acquire the ingredients and make the detergent itself, but you also have to be sure your washing conditions are premium and your laundry is rinsed thoroughly. It’s definitely more work than simply throwing a detergent pod into the washing machine, that’s for sure.

Store-bought detergents, while convenient, can be expensive, and some even contain toxins you may be trying to avoid. Whether you’re looking to save money or eliminate unnecessary chemicals in your laundry, making a homemade laundry detergent is a great option for you. While it may be a challenge to make initially, you’ll know exactly what ingredients are used in every load, and you can save a bundle in the process. Just be sure that your home and your water supply have the right washing conditions for homemade detergent.

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