Home & Garden
Going Green: How to Make Your Own Laundry Soap
It's easy to make your own, costs less and is better for the environment!
Did you know that laundry detergent can contain, phosphates, petroleum distillates and sodium hypochlorite, in addition to a host of other harmful ingredients?Here’s why those ingredients are considered harmful:
- Phosphates upset the balance of marine eco-systems: they end up in waste systems and are difficult to break down by ordinary wastewater processing systems. Phosphates increase algae growth and, subsequently, decrease the oxygen needed for healthy aquatic life. Phosphates use has even been banned in certain states.
- Petroleum distillates can cause cancer and other diseases: they have been linked to lung inflammation and damage to mucous membranes.
- Sodium hypochlorite is a known carcinogen: more commonly known as household bleach, sodium hypochlorite can react with other materials and create toxic compounds that can cause reproductive, endocrine and immune system disorders.
- You know exactly what’s in it.
- There are no unnecessary perfumes.
- Most commercial laundry detergents are harsh- on you, on the environment, on your clothes.
- It saves you lots of money.
- It’s easy once you know how!
- Grate 1/2 bar ivory soap in a food processor,
- Add 1 cup Borax,
- 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate, found in laundry aisle of most stores)
- and 1 cup baking soda.
- Process until mixed. Let sit overnight before use.
*Note: there are many disputes as to the validity of the toxicity claims of compounds included in laundry soap. I suggest you do your research, read everything you can find from both sides of the argument and come to your own conclusions about the theories.
Article originally posted on The Haddams-Killingworth Patch in 2012 and recycled for use during Earth Day week 2013.
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