Making my own washing powder has been on my to do list for a while, so when my friend mentioned she’d found a recipe that worked for her I knew I had to try it. The ingredients are very straightforward and can be found in supermarkets, and various budget shops. It makes a large quantity, lasts ages and is so cheap to make.
Now I have two children it has definitely been noted how much more washing there is. I had forgotten how newborns go through vests, sleep suits, bibs and muslins like nothing else – and how much longer it takes to put the washing out when you have so many tiny vests to hang to dry. I am really pleased with the results and haven’t noticed any difference between this and my usual Ecover washing powder.
I would say we do about three loads of washing per week – possibly four if it’s a bad week, we have visitors or we need to catch up. I am quite laid back about household jobs in general and apparently three loads is much lower than average for a family of four. I always make sure there are 1-2 towels in each wash so we always have clean ones.
The average amount of laundry per week for a family of four is 6-7 loads, which to me seems a lot. My children don’t have a lot of clothes though – perhaps that’s why?
Here is how to make your own washing powder:
Ingredients
- 4 mugs soap flakes
- 2 mugs borax
- 2 mugs washing soda
- A few drops of essential oil – my current favourites are lavender, lemon or grapefruit.
Method
- Mix the soap flakes, borax and washing soda together and place in a dry container.
- You can add the essential oils straight to the drawer before starting a wash cycle, or to the container. I add mine to the drawer so I can change the oil I use each time.
- Use 2 tablespoons per wash.
E xx
I’m so impressed! A toddler and a newborn and you’re making your own washing powder – I must get more organised!
Honestly – it takes no time at all! In a lot of ways being pregnant with a toddler is harder than having a newborn and a toddler. At least now I can chase the cheeky beast! Using a sling indoors has changed my life! x
This is fab! I’ve been looking for a “recipe” for ages! How many drops do you usually put in the drawer? Xxx
I would say between 5-10 drops on average! xx
I’ve just bought all the bits but no where seems to sell soap flakes (only in liquid form). Not sure how this would work as you can’t mix it all up before hand :/
Oh and a huge congrats on the birth of your new baby xxx
Hey Lizi – sorry I haven’t replied to this earlier. Have you looked online? You can get them super cheap. If not, lots of supermarkets sell cheap soap in the washing powder section and you can grate it. Another option is just adding the liquid separate in the drawer to the powder rather than mixing it beforehand.
Thank you! xx