DIY Eco Friendly Laundry Soap (Are The Ingredients Really Better?)

Thomas Nelson
December 30, 2023
Sustainable Living
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If you’ve found your way here, chances are you’re grappling with concerns that resonate with many eco-conscious individuals today. Perhaps you’re troubled by the alarming levels of plastic waste choking our planet, or maybe you’re seeking ways to stretch your household budget without compromising on your green ideals. You’re not alone in this quest.

In an era where every choice carries the weight of environmental impact, the products we use for our daily chores like laundry become significant. Store-bought detergents, though convenient, often come packaged in copious amounts of plastic and contain a cocktail of chemicals that can be harsh on both the environment and your wallet.

But what if there was a way to break this cycle? What if you could turn laundry, a routine task, into an act of environmental stewardship and a nod to frugality? That’s exactly what we aim to explore in this article. By the end, you’ll not only have a practical, eco-friendly solution at your fingertips but also a deeper understanding of the impact of each of the ingredients in this recipe.

DIY Eco Friendly Laundry Soap Recipe

In our continuous journey to embrace more sustainable living practices, one area that often gets overlooked is our laundry room. The detergents we use not only affect the longevity of our clothes but also have a significant environmental impact. This brings us to an eco-friendly alternative: homemade powdered laundry detergent. Not only is this DIY approach cost-effective, but it also reduces the number of chemicals released into our water systems.

The Recipe: Simple, Sustainable, and Effective

Our recipe centers around two key ingredients: washing soda and borax. Both are naturally occurring substances, known for their cleaning prowess and lower ecological footprint compared to many commercial detergents.

You will need:

Washing Soda: A 55-ounce box typically costs around $4.
Borax: A 76-ounce box generally costs about $5.
Bar Soap: Prices can vary widely, but let’s assume an environmentally friendly bar soap costs around $3 per bar.

Ingredients:

2 cups of Washing Soda
2 cups of Borax
1 cup of Grated Bar Soap

Instructions:

Grate Your Soap: Using a cheese grater or food processor, finely grate the bar soap. Finer flakes ensure better dissolution in the washing machine.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the grated soap with washing soda and borax. Stir until well combined. For a more even mix, you can give the mixture a quick blend in a food processor.
Store Safely: Transfer the mixture into an airtight container. This step is crucial to keep your detergent dry and effective.
Usage Guidelines: Typically, 2 tablespoons per laundry load should suffice. Adjust based on the load size and soil level.

Why Choose Homemade?

Reduced Chemical Footprint: This homemade detergent contains no filler or harsh chemicals, reducing the release of potentially harmful substances into waterways.
Biodegradability: Both washing soda and borax are more biodegradable than many synthetic chemicals found in store-bought detergents.
Gentle on Clothes: The natural ingredients are typically gentler on fabrics, potentially extending the life of your garments.
Cost-Effective: Homemade detergents are significantly cheaper than commercial options over time. Each load will cost you around $.13.

Considerations and Tips:

This detergent is best used with warm or hot water for optimal dissolution.
For those with sensitive skin, wearing gloves when handling borax and washing soda is advisable.
The recipe can be modified with a few drops of essential oils for a pleasant scent.
It’s eco-friendly but may require pre-treating for tough stains.

Making the switch to a homemade laundry detergent isn’t just about being eco-conscious; it’s about taking an active step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. This simple yet effective recipe is a testament to how small changes in our daily routines can contribute to a larger environmental impact. By choosing to create our own detergent, we’re not just cleaning our clothes; we’re also helping to preserve the planet.

Is Washing Soda and Borax Really Eco Friendly?

Assessing whether ingredients like washing soda and borax are more eco-friendly than store-bought laundry detergents, including those marketed as eco-friendly, requires a nuanced understanding of various factors:

Composition and Biodegradability: Washing soda and borax are single-component substances, which makes their environmental impact more straightforward to assess. Many store-bought detergents, even eco-friendly ones, contain a mix of chemicals, some of which may not be fully biodegradable or might have long-term ecological effects that are not fully understood.
Toxicity: Both washing soda and borax have lower toxicity profiles compared to some conventional detergent ingredients. Eco-friendly detergents often avoid using harsh chemicals like phosphates, optical brighteners, and certain surfactants, which are more harmful to aquatic life and can cause water pollution.
Manufacturing and Processing: The environmental impact of the manufacturing process is significant. Washing soda and borax are mined and processed, which has its own environmental footprint. However, the production of commercial detergents involves more complex chemical processing, which can be more energy-intensive and potentially polluting.
Packaging and Transportation: Commercial detergents often come in plastic containers and require more elaborate packaging and transportation due to their liquid form, contributing to a larger carbon footprint. In contrast, washing soda and borax are typically available in powdered form, which can be more efficient to package and transport.
Effectiveness and Efficiency: Eco-friendly detergents are specifically formulated to be effective in cleaning at lower temperatures and in smaller quantities. Washing soda and borax, while effective, may require higher quantities or temperatures for comparable cleaning power, potentially leading to greater energy and water usage.
Concentration and Dosage Control: Store-bought detergents are precisely formulated for optimal performance with minimal waste, whereas DIY mixes using washing soda and borax might lead to overuse or inefficiency, impacting the environment indirectly through wastage.
Downstream Effects: The impact on wastewater and aquatic life is a crucial consideration. While both washing soda and borax are naturally occurring, they can alter pH levels and introduce excess boron into water systems. Eco-friendly detergents are usually formulated to minimize such downstream effects.

In conclusion, washing soda and borax have certain environmental advantages due to their simplicity, lower toxicity, and biodegradability. However, eco-friendly detergents are formulated to optimize cleaning efficiency and minimize environmental impact, considering various factors like biodegradability of ingredients, manufacturing processes, and aquatic toxicity. The choice between them should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of these factors, along with considerations of personal needs and local environmental regulations.

Washing Soda: An Overview

Washing soda, chemically known as sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), is a highly alkaline compound with a pH level around 11. It’s derived from the ashes of plants growing in sodium-rich soils, but nowadays, it’s primarily produced by the Solvay process. This industrial method involves the reaction of sodium chloride (table salt) with limestone (calcium carbonate) using ammonia as a facilitator.

The result is a white, powdery substance that’s highly soluble in water, forming a strong alkaline solution. Washing soda is distinct from baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), though they share a similar base compound. Its high pH makes it effective in breaking down organic stains and grease, softening water, and aiding in cleaning.

Environmental Pros:

Reduced Toxicity: Compared to many commercial cleaners, washing soda is less toxic and doesn’t release harmful fumes or residues.
Biodegradable: It’s a naturally occurring mineral that is biodegradable, meaning it breaks down in the environment without leaving harmful chemicals.
Multi-Purpose Nature: Its versatility in household cleaning reduces the need for multiple, potentially more harmful cleaning agents.
Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing: The Solvay process, while industrial, is relatively energy-efficient compared to older methods of producing sodium carbonate.

Environmental Cons:

Industrial Production Impact: The Solvay process involves mining of raw materials (limestone and salt) and uses ammonia, which can have environmental impacts like habitat destruction and potential ammonia release.
Water Pollution: If released in large quantities, washing soda can increase the pH of water bodies, adversely affecting aquatic life.
Soil Alkalinity: In areas with poor wastewater treatment, high concentrations of washing soda can lead to increased soil alkalinity, which can affect plant growth and soil health.
Packaging Waste: Like many household products, washing soda often comes in plastic packaging, contributing to plastic waste if not properly recycled.

In summary, while washing soda is a more environmentally friendly alternative to many harsh chemical cleaners, its production and misuse can still have environmental impacts. Responsible manufacturing and usage are key to minimizing these effects.

Borax: An Overview

Borax, also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, is a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water (Na2B4O7·10H2O). It’s often found in evaporite deposits produced by the repeated evaporation of seasonal lakes. The most commercially important deposits are found in Turkey and California, USA.

Borax is a white, odorless crystalline powder that is soluble in water. Its properties make it a versatile product used in a wide range of applications, from household cleaning to industrial processes. It’s known for its cleaning power, mild antiseptic properties, and as a pH buffer.

Environmental Pros:

Natural and Mild: As a naturally occurring mineral, borax is generally less harmful than synthetic chemicals when used responsibly.
Effective Cleaning Agent: It boosts the cleaning power of soap or detergent by softening the water and making it easier to remove stains and grime, reducing the need for harsher chemicals.
Pest Control: Borax can be used as a natural insecticide, reducing the need for more toxic chemical pesticides.
Biodegradable: It breaks down into boron, which is a micronutrient for plants, though excessive amounts can be harmful.

Environmental Cons:

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: While less toxic to humans and mammals, borax can be harmful to aquatic organisms, especially in high concentrations.
Mining Impact: The extraction of borax from the earth can lead to significant environmental disruption, including habitat destruction and water use.
Potential for Overuse: Excessive use of borax in the environment can lead to soil and water contamination with high levels of boron, which can be detrimental to plant growth and aquatic life.
Packaging and Transportation: As with many mined substances, the packaging and transportation of borax contribute to its carbon footprint and environmental impact.

In summary, borax is a useful and generally eco-friendlier alternative to synthetic chemicals in many applications, but its environmental impact is not negligible. Responsible sourcing, manufacturing, and usage are essential to minimize its ecological footprint.