La creación de detergentes para la ropa en casa ofrece varias ventajas, como la reducción de costos y la opción de utilizar ingredientes naturales y biodegradables. Con solo unos pocos ingredientes comunes, como jabón de castilla, bicarbonato de sodio y borax, es posible crear un detergente para la ropa eficaz y respetuoso con el medio ambiente. Esta opción no solo es beneficiosa para la tierra, sino que también puede ayudar a reducir la cantidad de residuos químicos que se vierten en los ríos y lagos. A continuación, se presentan los pasos simples para hacer tu propio detergente para la ropa.
How to Make Laundry Detergent
Creating your own laundry detergent can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to purchasing commercial products. This guide will walk you through the process of making laundry detergent using simple ingredients.
Materials Needed
The following materials are required to make laundry detergent:
- 1 bar of soap (such as Fels-Naptha or Zote)
- 1 cup of washing soda
- 1 cup of borax
- 1 tablespoon of oxygen bleach (optional)
- Essential oil (optional, for fragrance)
Grating the Soap
Begin by grating the bar of soap using a cheese grater or a food processor. This will help the soap dissolve more easily in water.
Grated Soap
Mixing the Ingredients
Combine the grated soap, washing soda, and borax in a bowl. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
Mixing Ingredients
Adding Oxygen Bleach and Essential Oil
If desired, add 1 tablespoon of oxygen bleach to the mixture for extra cleaning power. Additionally, you can add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.
Oxygen Bleach and Essential Oil
Storing the Detergent
Transfer the homemade laundry detergent to an airtight container. Store the detergent in a cool, dry place.
Storing the Detergent
Using the Detergent
Use 1-2 tablespoons of the homemade detergent per load of laundry. Adjust the amount based on the size of the load and how dirty the clothes are.
Using the Detergent
Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Grated Soap | 1 bar |
| Washing Soda | 1 cup |
| Borax | 1 cup |
| Oxygen Bleach | 1 tablespoon (optional) |
| Essential Oil | 1-2 drops (optional) |
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in homemade laundry detergent?
The main ingredients in homemade laundry detergent include washing soda, borax, soap flakes or bars, and optional additives like baking soda, oxygen bleach, and essential oils. Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is a natural mineral that helps remove dirt and odors from clothing. Borax, or sodium tetraborate, is another natural mineral that acts as a cleaning agent and helps soften water. Soap flakes or bars, such as Fels-Naptha or Zote, provide the cleaning power and help remove dirt and stains. Baking soda can be added to absorb odors and help soften water, while oxygen bleach can be used to whiten clothes. Essential oils can be added for fragrance.
How do I make liquid laundry detergent at home?
To make liquid laundry detergent at home, you will need the following ingredients: washing soda, borax, soap flakes or bars, hot water, and a blender or food processor. First, blend the washing soda and borax together until they are well combined. Then, add the soap flakes or bars and blend until they are fully incorporated into the mixture. Gradually add hot water to the blender or food processor, blending until the mixture forms a thick paste. Transfer the paste to an airtight container and let it cool before using. To use, simply scoop out the desired amount of detergent and add it to your washing machine with your dirty clothes.
Is making your own laundry detergent cost-effective?
Yes, making your own laundry detergent can be very cost-effective. The ingredients required to make homemade laundry detergent are generally cheaper than buying commercial detergent, especially if you buy them in bulk. For example, a 50-pound bag of washing soda can cost around $20, while a 20 Mule Team Borax box can cost around $5. Soap flakes or bars are also relatively inexpensive. Depending on the recipe you use, making your own laundry detergent can save you up to 50% or more compared to buying commercial detergent. Additionally, homemade detergent can be customized to your preferences and needs, making it a more efficient and effective cleaning solution for your laundry.
Can I customize my homemade laundry detergent recipe?
Yes, you can customize your homemade laundry detergent recipe to suit your needs and preferences. For example, you can add different essential oils to give your detergent a pleasant scent. You can also adjust the ratio of washing soda to borax to soap flakes or bars to create a detergent that is more effective at removing certain types of stains or odors. If you have sensitive skin, you can use a fragrance-free soap or add oatmeal to the detergent for extra gentleness. Additionally, you can experiment with different ingredients, such as baking soda or oxygen bleach, to enhance the cleaning power of your detergent. By customizing your recipe, you can create a laundry detergent that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences.