Used to clean, deodorize, and soften clothes in hand-wash or machine-wash settings without commercial detergents.
This shelf-stable, non-toxic laundry powder combines sodium bicarbonate with other natural ingredients to lift stains, neutralize odors, and improve water softness. It’s easy to mix in bulk and store for long-term use in off-grid or preparedness environments.
Ingredients (Makes Approximately 10–12 Cups)
- 2 cups sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
- 2 cups washing soda (sodium carbonate)
- 1 bar Castile natural soap, grated finely (castile, lard, or tallow soap preferred)
- Optional: 10–15 drops essential oil (e.g. lavender, tea tree, lemon)
- Optional: 1 cup borax (only if preferred and available) — it can enhance stain removal and odor control, especially in heavily soiled laundry, but may be avoided by those with sensitive skin or concerns about long-term exposure to mineral-based additives.
How to Make It
- Grate the bar soap using a fine cheese grater or food processor
- In a large bowl or container, combine grated soap, baking soda, and washing soda
- Stir thoroughly until evenly mixed
- Add essential oil (if using) and mix again
- Store the mixture in a sealed, dry container with a scoop
How to Use It
- Machine washing: Use 2–3 tablespoons per load
- Hand washing: Use 1–2 tablespoons per basin of warm water
- For extra softness or deodorizing, add ¼ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle (separately)
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in a sealed container away from moisture and strong odors
- Shelf life is indefinite if kept dry
- Label clearly and keep out of reach of children and pets
When to Use It
- For regular laundry in preparedness or off-grid homes
- When commercial detergents are unavailable or undesired
- To reduce chemical exposure and maintain self-reliant hygiene systems
- As part of a long-term, DIY cleaning supply stockpile