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Tired of mystery chemicals hiding in your cleaning cabinet? Today, I’m sharing my favorite DIY laundry recipes—a detergent, fabric softener, and bleach alternative that actually work without all the toxic ingredients. These are part of my midlife swaps where I replace questionable products with cleaner, simpler options. Everything’s made from ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
These laundry recipes will save you money, too!
Press play below to see how I mix them step by step—and why these non-toxic formulas have become staples in my home. Other items mentioned in the video:
All the recipes are below!
Non-Toxic Laundry Stain Remover
Materials
- 1 bar Fels-Naptha
Instructions
- Wet the stained area of the fabric
- Rub the bar on the fabric, place on soap dish to dry
- Rub in gently with a small laundry brush
- Wash as usual
Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent
Materials
- 4 C water
- 1/2 C washing soda
- 1/3 C borax
- 1/4 C Molly's Suds
Instructions
- Heat the water to near boiling
- Slowly add washing soda and borax, stirring constantly, until completely dissolved
- Gently stir in laundry detergent
- Pour solution into glass container
- Use 1/8 C per load
Non-Toxic Laundry Bleach Alternative
Materials
- 6 C hot water
- 1/4 C washing soda
- 1/4 C hydrogen peroxide
- 2 T lemon juice (or 1 fresh squeezed lemon)
Instructions
- Put water in glass container
- Add all other ingredients
- Stir to mix
- Let sit without the lid to cool
- Use 3/4 C in dispenser or wash load
Non-Toxic Laundry Softener
Materials
- 1 qt distilled white vinegar
- 10 drops essential oils (optional)
Instructions
- Mix together in glass container
- Add 1/4 C in dispenser or rinse cycle
Non-Toxic Laundry Dryer Wool Balls
Materials
- 4 oz distilled water
- 2 T alcohol-free witch hazel
- 20–30 drops essential oils
- Organic wool dryer balls
Instructions
- Mix ingredients in a glass spray bottle
- Spray dryer balls until damp
- Place in dryer with clothing and run as usual
Alison Moore Smith is a 60-year-old entrepreneur. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 39 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons.
She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.
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