Among the many crazes and trends that have popped up online, many swear by homemade cleaners and products, including homemade laundry detergent. This is great, and in many cases, we encourage it. Making your own cleaning products can help you save money and lessen your impact on the environment, but it is not always a wise idea. Often cleaning your floors with something simple works fine, and a simple solution of white vinegar and baking soda can often clear your drains just as much as a harmful store-bought chemical. Yet, the same logic doesnt apply when it comes to laundry detergent. Interacting well with the floor does not mean something will work with your washer. And while some formulas are sworn to work, they simply are not a substitute replacement for the real thing, which is designed meticulously to work in modern washing machines and be perfect for your clothes of choice. With variations needed to handle whites, darks, delicates, and more, there is a detergent that fits your needs. Can people say with complete confidence the same is true for homemade options? Plus, you never know if a homemade product is safe for a front loader, high-efficiency or another “fancy” washing machine.
Here are ten good reasons you should ditch that homemade laundry detergent recipe, avoid using homemade laundry detergent and use a trusted brand instead:
What may not be good for your washing machine is homemade laundry soap because it lacks ingredients that keep the consistency of the product. It can clog the drains and build up residue. Using DIY laundry soap may also cause oversudsing, which will affect the performance of your washing machine.
Homemade Laundry Soap Can Harm Your Washing Machine
Washing machines are made with laundry detergent in mind. You cant run any chemical through a washing machine and hope it will be ok, even if its something relatively common or natural. After all, “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe.” Crude oil is natural, but you certainly wouldn’t dump it in your washer! Washing machines were built with specific products in mind, and other options are not generally recommended. Mixing other substances isnt going to help matters. Chances are, your machine’s manufacturer recommends a specific brand or formulation to ensure the best results. Using the wrong products when you do a load of laundry could even void your washer’s warranty, so keep that in mind. This is especially true for HE washers.
The actual damage you can cause varies, and it might not appear overnight (except for the worst cases.) Still, homemade detergents can reduce the lifespan of your expensive and beloved washing machine. It could clog up the dispense, build up in the water lines and cause all sorts of other problems, especially if you do not clean your washing machine. If you are using something that isnt detergent, be extra careful and limit it to tried and tested things. Vinegar and baking soda or washing soda (not at the same time) are likely fine, and some people like to put in a tiny bit of lemon juice for cleaning or some loads. Outside of these, be careful and dont overdo it. Generally speaking, making your own laundry detergent simply is not worth the risk.
It Could Be Dangerous
In most cases, your homemade detergent might not be great for your clothes or washing machine, but it wont harm you. There are, however, times where it could be toxic or relatively harmful. We obviously arent talking about drinking the stuff: that isnt recommended no matter what brand you use. Yet, some recipes might not be the best idea, especially if they are relatively untested.
For example, take vinegar and bleach. Both are commonly used in home cleaning solutions (and certainly have their place in the household), but it would be a huge mistake to mix them in any way for a homemade detergent. While we hope that any online materials will have the wisdom to test or check things out before publishing, this historically hasnt always been the case. With store-bought detergent, you can rest assured that all its ingredients remain safe when mixed.
In addition to the point about allergies earlier, it might not be suitable for your skin either. Using bleach as an example again, if you are using it as part of a homemade cleaner, the cleaner, by extension, wont be good for the skin. There are a few ingredients like this, so always take care.
Something else to think about: Many people opt for homemade detergents as a way of using natural products to make their clothes smell nice instead of using dryer sheets and fabric softeners. Homemade laundry detergent recipes often call for essential oils. While essential oils are not “bad,” they can be dangerous when used improperly. Many are unsafe for use on the skin and can cause injuries and allergic reactions.
Why I Don’t make Homemade Laundry Soap Anymore
FAQ
Is homemade laundry detergent bad for your washer?
Is Natural laundry detergent better?
Why stop using laundry detergent?
Should you make laundry detergent at home?
Making laundry detergent at home allows control over the ingredients, providing the peace of mind of knowing exactly what your clothes and household goods like sheets and towels are being washed with.
Can homemade laundry detergent save money?
Given these potential risks, the use of homemade laundry detergent is not the best way to save money or to provide a safer, more natural alternative to commercial detergents. Reduction of waste and money saving are often primary drivers of an interest in making homemade detergent.
What is a homemade laundry detergent?
Most homemade laundry ‘detergents’ are made up of water softeners like baking soda, washing soda, and borax and a cleaning agent which is typically a grated bar of soap. The goal of the water softener is to… you guessed it! Soften the water.
What if I use too much detergent?
Use precise dosing: Using too much detergent is one of the most common mistakes people make when doing laundry. And not only is it wasteful, but it’s also bad for your clothing, your wallet, and the washing machine itself. Practice precise dosing to reduce the cost associated with laundry.