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Laundry Powder Tutorial


Laundry Powder Tutorial || via www.reverycloud.com

It's so easy to overhaul your washing routine with just a few materials. Take a peek at the simple tutorial for homemade laundry powder below to get started!

If you haven't already, please also take a look at the tutorial for making your own wool dryer balls to replace dryer sheets and aid in making your fabric even softer.

I was in elementary school when I first found out I was allergic to chlorine bleach and later realized I had sensitivities to detergents and fragrances. It's so hard to rule out allergens when there are so many different products around us that could potentially cause irritations. I had always tried to steer clear of anything that would make me break out, but it was hard to avoid at the time with not too many products available. Later in college, when trying to save a few bucks here and there, I decided to start making my own cleaning products and stuck with it.

Starting in the laundry room, I soon found laundry detergent to be surprisingly inexpensive and easy to make. Not only is it easy to make, but I know exactly what's going into it, and it no longer causes me irritation or hives from my clothing and blankets. I've changed my recipes here and there over the years and have simplified them as much as possible, which was even more important to me after having twins. My wash loads suddenly doubled and I'm happy knowing that I can effectively clean their clothes without causing irritation or toxin exposure. I can't believe the marketing that goes into baby specific laundry detergents, many of which are no different or safer than regular detergents with fragrances and chemicals.


Take a look at the materials you'll need below before starting. They can easily be added to your grocery list and be picked up on your next trip.


Laundry Powder Tutorial || via www.reverycloud.com

Ingredients & Materials Needed

  • 4 cups Super Washing Soda
    • I use arm & hammer
  • 2 bars Fragrance-Free Coconut-based Castille Soap
    • I used Kirk's Castille Fragrance-Free for this, but have also used Dr. Bronners unscented in the past with success.
  • Cheese Grater or Food Processor
    • I would recommend trying to find one at a thrift store to use specifically for this purpose. I found an old large speckled stock pot at the thrift store as well and keep all of my supplies tucked away inside until needed.
  • Glass bowl
    • Not needed if using the processor.
  • Large Mouthed Glass Container for Storage
  • Scoop
    • I use an old coffee scoop approx. 2 Tbl and use 1 to 2 scoops per load.
  • Distilled White Vinegar
    • Not shown, however vinegar will not only help to disinfect clothing, but aids in keeping the whites brighter and softens fabric.
    • I use 1/4 cup in each load in place of fabric softener and store next to the powder.
  • Lemon Essential Oil
    • Optional, however it is very effective in fighiting stains and grease along with keeping you washer fresh.
    • Add 3 to 5 drops per load in the dispenser and store next to your other materials.
    • Each 15mL bottle has approx. 300 drops, so it goes a lot way.
  • Simple facemask
    • I highly recommend wearing one when powdering products to avoid inhalation; even when working with safe chemicals.

It's important to work within a kid and pet free zone, as you will be working on powdering materials that are not edible. I like to grate the bars and mix on my porch to ensure my girls are not around and anything that puffs up or gets spread into the air is left out the door. This can even happen when opening the lid of the food processor, so please wear a simple mask, similar to what you would wear when painting, to avoid inhalation and pick a safe place to work. I've found these at my local grocery and hardware store, but you can also purchase a pack online to have on hand.


Laundry Powder Tutorial || via www.reverycloud.com

Instructions to Make:

  • If using a food processor: Cut the bars into smaller chunks, add in, and process until a powder. Let dust settle and mix into the storage container with 4 cups washing soda. Shake capped container until well mixed and add scoop for use.
  • If using a grater: Grate both bars over a large glass bowl, let dust settle and mix into the storage container with 4 cups washing soda. Shake capped container until well mixed and add scoop for use.
    • I choose to use the grater because the Kirk's grates incredibly easy into a nice powder and the grater is much easier for me to store.

Instructions to Use:

  • Use 2 to 4 Tablespoons per load
  • Add in 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar to the fabric softener container with each load
  • Add in 3 to 5 drops Lemon EO to the dispenser prior to washing for added grease fighting and disinfectant
  • Spot clean as needed ahead of time for tough stains and for incredibly soiled loads, Oxy Clean is a safe booster to add in

Laundry Gift Basket Idea 1 || www.reverycloud.com

Storage Place in an easy access container above your washer with the vinegar, cups, scoops and essential oils. I use a pretty cotton rope basket to store dryer balls above the dryer and a colorful plastic basket to store my washer materials. I think plastic works best for this because you are more likely to need to clean it from time to time.


Laundry Themed Gift Basket Idea || Great to give as a housewarming gift or for anyone that loves handmade items || www.reverycloud.com

I recently put this pretty sample together for my mother. Instead of a paper giftbag, I found this colorful canvas bag in the dollar spot at Target that is easily reusable. I also like to keep the colorful drawstring bags that come wrapped around sheets and pillow cases to wrap handmade gifts like this. In this gift basket, I included a freshly made set of four dryer balls, handmade laundry powder, a powder scoop, lavender essential oil, distilled white vinegar and use instructions in an adorable mint storage container. It includes everything you need to keep your laundry clean without the chemicals and just happens to look amazing too!


I hope you'll give this DIY a try to not only cut down on waste, but save money and help eliminate chemicals in your household as well.


Jodi