Make Your Own Washing Powder and Fabric Conditioner

Why make your own laundry products

Commercial washing powders and fabric conditioners contain a long list of synthetic chemicals. Some of these are known skin irritants, and many end up in waterways after they leave your machine. If you have sensitive skin or young children, reducing exposure to these substances may be worthwhile.

There is also the cost to consider. Shop bought laundry products can add up over time, particularly if you wash frequently. Making your own versions at home is often cheaper, especially when you buy ingredients in bulk.

Basic homemade washing powder

A simple washing powder can be made from three main ingredients: washing soda, bicarbonate of soda and grated soap. Washing soda, sometimes labelled as soda crystals, is widely available in UK supermarkets and hardware shops. It helps soften water and lift dirt from fabric.

To make a basic powder, combine roughly equal parts washing soda and bicarbonate of soda. Add grated bar soap, using about half as much soap as soda. A plain, unscented soap works well for those with sensitive skin. Castile soap or simple household soap bars are both suitable options.

Mix everything together thoroughly and store in an airtight container. Experiment with the quantity to find what works best for your laundry needs, but one to two tablespoons per wash is a reasonable starting point. In hard water areas, you may need a little more.

For a light fragrance, a few drops of essential oil can be added to the mixture. Lavender and eucalyptus are popular choices, though this is entirely optional. Be aware that essential oils can sometimes leave marks on fabric if not thoroughly mixed, so use them sparingly.

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Homemade fabric conditioner

White vinegar can work as an inexpensive fabric conditioner. It helps remove detergent residue, softens fabrics and can reduce static. The vinegar scent disappears completely once the clothes are dry.

However, repeated use of vinegar may damage rubber seals and hoses in some washing machines due to its acidity. Check your machine's manual before using vinegar regularly, and consider alternating with other methods.

Use about 50ml of white vinegar in your machine's fabric conditioner compartment. If you prefer a scent, add a few drops of essential oil to your bottle of vinegar and shake before each use.

Another option is to make a conditioner using bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar and water. Dissolve a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda in warm water first, then slowly add the vinegar. This will fizz initially but settles down. Store this mixture and use in the same way.

Homemade conditioners will not provide quite the same level of softness as commercial versions, which often contain silicone compounds that coat fibres. But for most everyday laundry, they work well enough.

Tips and things to keep in mind

Homemade washing powder works best with cotton and everyday fabrics. For delicate items, wool or silk, you may want to use a product specifically designed for those materials. Note that washing soda can be abrasive over time, so monitor how your clothes wear.

If you have a high efficiency washing machine, check your manual carefully. Some manufacturers advise against ingredients that are not specifically labelled as HE safe, and using unsuitable products could affect your warranty or cause residue build up.

Store your homemade products in clearly labelled containers, away from children and pets. While the ingredients are relatively mild, they should still be handled with care.

• Buy washing soda and bicarbonate of soda in larger quantities to save money
• Use a cheese grater or food processor to grate bar soap finely
• Test homemade products on a small load first to check for any reactions
• Adjust quantities based on your water hardness and machine type

Making your own laundry products takes a little effort initially, but once you have a system, it becomes straightforward. The ingredients are usually inexpensive and widely available, though results can vary depending on your water, machine and fabrics.