Easy Non-Toxic Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

Gentle, Effective & All-Natural

I’ve always had sensitive skin—easily irritated and inflamed by overly perfumed products or harsh chemicals—so I’ve tried to avoid them as much as possible. But when I had my first child, who developed mild eczema closely linked to conventional washing powders, I realized just how important it is to look closely at what’s in these everyday products.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed: many commercial laundry detergents contain harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and additives that aren’t ideal for skin—or the environment. That’s why I love making my own homemade non-toxic laundry detergent at home. It’s simple, effective, and completely natural, using ingredients I trust. Plus, it pairs beautifully with other natural wellness routines, like my homemade bath salts!

Why Go Non-Toxic?

Switching to a non-toxic, homemade laundry detergent isn’t just about avoiding harsh chemicals. It also:

• Protects sensitive skin from irritation, skin safe and health protection.

• Reduces environmental impact, bio degradable breaks down naturally, no pollution.

• Saves money, more product less cost

• Multi purpose ingredients, staple in other homemade products

• Gives you control over scent and strength

Ingredients & Their Benefits

Here’s what goes into my recipe and why each ingredient plays an important role:

1. Washing Soda

Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is a naturally occurring compound, historically derived from plant ash and now commonly mined. With a high alkaline pH of around 11, it’s incredibly effective at tackling grease and stains.

For context, dish soap typically sits between pH 7–10, while bleach ranges from 11–13—so washing soda is a real cleaning powerhouse.

What it does:

• Breaks down grease and dirt

• Softens hard water to improve cleaning performance

• Helps brighten clothes naturally

This is the core ingredient that gives your detergent its strength.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is chemically similar to washing soda, but milder, with a pH of 8.4.

What makes it truly special is its ability to neutralise both acidic and alkaline odours, turning them into non-volatile salts. In simple terms—it eliminates smells rather than masking them.

Benefits:

• Neutralises odours effectively

• Balances pH, helping reduce skin irritation

• Boosts cleaning power when combined with washing soda

Together, baking soda and washing soda create a powerful yet gentle cleaning system.

3. Epsom Salt

This salt is a versatile and inexpensive product that your most likely associate with baths and body care, Epsom salt also has a valuable role in laundry.

Benefits:

• Enhances overall cleaning performance

• Helps improve stain removal

• Softens fabrics naturally

• Reduces static cling

• Adds magnesium for a more eco-friendly clean

  
  

4. Pink Himalayan Salt

This mineral-rich salt, known for its soft pink hue, contains over 80 trace minerals.

It’s more than just a pretty addition—it actively supports the cleaning process.

Benefits:

• Helps break down grease and grime

• Supports stain removal

• Acts as a natural fabric softener

• Gentle on both fabrics and skin

  
  

5. Essential Oils

This is where your laundry becomes a full sensory experience. Essential oils provide a natural fragrance without synthetic chemicals, while also offering additional benefits.

Popular choices include:

• Lavender – calming and soothing

• Lemon – fresh, uplifting, naturally antibacterial

• Tea Tree – cleansing and purifying

At Soft Earth Co., we take this a step further by creating our own essential oils at home using a traditional copper distiller. This allows us to ensure purity, quality, and a truly small-batch, natural product—something you just don’t get with mass-produced alternatives.

How Homemade Laundry Detergent Works

When combined, these ingredients create a detergent that:

• Cleans effectively without harsh chemicals

• Leaves clothes soft and naturally fresh

• Is gentle on sensitive skin

• Supports a more eco-friendly home

It’s a simple, effective alternative to conventional laundry products.

Easy Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Recipe

This recipe fills a 2-litre glass jar, leaving just enough room for a scoop—giving approximately 24–28 washes (around £0.38 per wash).

Ingredients:

• 3 cups washing soda

• 2 cups baking soda

• 2 cups Epsom salts

• 1 cup pink Himalayan salt

• 20–30 drops essential oils (I personally love citrus blends)

Method:

1. Mix all dry ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl.

2. Add essential oils and stir well.

3. Store in an airtight container.

4. Use 2–3 scoop which is approx. tablespoons per load, adjusting for water hardness and load size.

Why You’ll Love It

Making your own laundry detergent is a simple switch with big benefits. It’s gentler on your skin, better for the environment, and more affordable in the long run. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about knowing exactly what goes into your everyday essentials.

Even better, this kind of natural detergent can also help keep your washing machine cleaner—reducing residue build-up and supporting better performance over time.

Win, Win Id say,