Eco-friendly laundry powder recipe

Environmentally friendly laundry powder.

For many, many years, I have been making my own environmentally friendly, phosphate-free laundry powder.  The reason it works so well is that each ingredient has a specific cleaning function.

1 cup washing soda
1 cup soda bicarbonate
1/2 cup table salt
1 cup epsom salts

Use 1 scoop per load.

Add essential oil for scent and antibacterial / antifungal benefits, if required.

Why this washing powder works so well

• Washing soda (sodium carbonate): Softens water, helps lift dirt and grease, and boosts the cleaning power of other ingredients. It’s alkaline, so it breaks down acidic stains like food and sweat.
• Bicarb soda (sodium bicarbonate): Deodorises, balances pH, and gently lifts stains. Helps soften water and neutralise odours in fabric.
• Table salt (sodium chloride): Acts as a gentle abrasive to loosen dirt and grime. Helps maintain the texture and colour of fabrics.
• Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate): Softens water and helps dissolve other ingredients. May reduce static and improve rinsing in some water types.
• Essential oils (optional): Add natural fragrance and may provide antibacterial or antifungal properties (depending on oil type, e.g. eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender).

Why it’s kind to the environment

No synthetic fragrances or dyes – These are common in commercial detergents and can irritate skin and pollute waterways.
Biodegradable ingredients – All ingredients in your recipe break down naturally without leaving harmful residues.
No phosphates or optical brighteners – These are often found in commercial products and contribute to water pollution, especially in aquatic environments.
Low-tox and low-waste – You can make it in bulk, reduce packaging, and avoid unnecessary chemical exposure in your home.

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Environmentally friendly laundry products.

Instead of wasting money on expensive, chemical filled commercial laundry products, try these instead.

Hydrogen peroxide

Disinfectant, stain remover, mild bleach. 

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a natural compound made up of water and oxygen. It’s commonly used as a disinfectant, stain remover, and mild bleach in eco-friendly cleaning and laundry routines.

• Acts as a natural bleach alternative and stain remover.
• Add ½ cup to white or heavily soiled loads, especially with protein-based stains like blood or sweat.
• For spot-treating stains, apply directly to fabric (colour-safe test first), let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then wash.

Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen after use, leaving no harmful residues behind. It is biodegradable and non-polluting, meaning it won’t harm aquatic life or contribute to water contamination. Unlike chlorine bleach, it contains no harsh chemicals, offering effective cleaning and whitening power without the associated environmental or health risks. Its versatility and low-tox nature make it a useful all-purpose option for laundry, surface cleaning, and disinfecting—reducing the need for multiple chemical-based products.

Vinegar 

Removes residue, softens fabric, reduces odours. 

Vinegar is a natural liquid made through the fermentation of plant sugars into alcohol, which is then converted into acetic acid. White vinegar, in particular, is a popular eco-friendly cleaning and laundry agent.

• Helps soften fabric, remove detergent residue, and reduce odours.
• Helps break down detergent and mineral build-up in your machine over time. Also acts as a natural antistatic agent.
• Use ½ cup in the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine, not mixed into the powder.

Vinegar is biodegradable and non-toxic, breaking down naturally without polluting waterways or harming ecosystems. It contains no harsh chemicals, synthetic ingredients, dyes, or fragrances. As a versatile, multi-purpose cleaner, it can be used for deodorising, fabric softening, and descaling, helping reduce the need for multiple chemical-based products in the home. Vinegar is also safe for greywater systems when used in moderation, making it suitable for environmentally conscious households. Overall, it’s an effective natural alternative to conventional fabric softeners, odour removers, and surface cleaners.

Citric acid 

Removes mineral deposits and soap scum. 

Citric acid is a naturally occurring acid found in citrus fruits like lemons and limes. In powdered form, it’s commonly used in cleaning and personal care products because of its mild acidity, versatility, and biodegradability.

• Can be used in powder detergent blends or as a descaler for your washing machine and kettle.
• Helps break down mineral deposits and soap scum, especially in hard water areas.
• Use in small amounts (e.g. 1–2 tablespoons per batch) to avoid corrosion over time.

Citric acid is biodegradable, breaking down naturally and safely in the environment without leaving harmful residues. It’s non-toxic and safe to use around people and pets when handled properly. Typically plant-derived, it’s made by fermenting natural sugars, meaning it doesn’t rely on petrochemicals. Its versatility allows it to replace harsher synthetic chemicals, making it a great eco-friendly alternative for descaling, softening, and cleaning.

Grated castile soap 

For extra grime-fighting. 

Castile soap is a gentle, plant-based soap made from vegetable oils—most commonly olive oil, but sometimes blended with coconut, hemp, or other plant oils. It originated in the Castile region of Spain, which is where it gets its name.

• If you want more suds or extra grime-fighting power, you can add ½ cup finely grated unscented castile soap.
• Can be blended with warm water and a few drops of essential oil to make a liquid laundry soap. Store in a sealed container and shake before use.
• Note: Some high-effiency washing machines don’t require suds, so this is optional and should be used with caution.

Castile soap is made from natural, biodegradable ingredients that break down easily without harming the environment, unlike many commercial soaps that contain synthetic surfactants. It contains no animal fats or synthetic chemicals, making it vegan and free from petrochemicals, artificial fragrances, dyes, and preservatives. Safe for use in greywater and septic systems, it won’t disrupt soil or aquatic ecosystems. Its versatility also makes it a sustainable choice, as one bottle can replace multiple cleaning products, helping to reduce packaging waste and household clutter.

Soap nuts (soapberries)

A plant-based soap.

Soap nuts (also known as soapberries) are the dried shells of the fruit from the Sapindus tree, which naturally contain saponin.  It’s a plant-based soap that is released when they come into contact with water.

• A natural, biodegradable alternative to detergent.
• Contain saponin, a natural surfactant that lifts dirt and oils.
• Use 4–6 soap nuts in a cloth bag per load. Can be reused several times.
• Ideal for sensitive skin and greywater systems.

Soap nuts are 100% natural and biodegradable, containing no added chemicals, artificial fragrances, or fillers. They produce a gentle, natural soap called saponin, which creates mild suds that lift dirt, oil, and odours from fabric. A small handful of shells can be reused for 4–6 loads of laundry before being composted. They’re also hypoallergenic, making them ideal for sensitive skin, babies, and those with eczema or allergies. Best of all, they’re safe for septic systems and greywater use, so they won’t harm waterways or soil health.

Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate)

Non-toxic stain remover and brightener. 

Oxygen bleach is a non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative to traditional chlorine bleach. Its main ingredient is usually sodium percarbonate, which, when mixed with water, breaks down into hydrogen peroxide (a natural disinfectant) and soda ash (washing soda).

• An eco-friendly, non-toxic stain remover and brightener.
• Releases hydrogen peroxide when mixed with water.
• Great for whites, soaking nappies, or deep cleaning.
• Add 1–2 tablespoons per load or use as a pre-soak.

Oxygen bleach is considered eco-friendly because it breaks down into safe substances—oxygen, water, and soda ash—leaving no harmful residues behind. It is non-toxic and biodegradable, meaning it doesn’t release chlorine or other hazardous byproducts into the environment. Unlike traditional bleach, it’s safe for waterways and marine life and won’t contribute to water pollution. It’s also gentle on fabrics and colours, effectively whitening and brightening without damaging fibres or producing harsh fumes.

Lemon juice (natural brightener)

A mild bleach to whiten and brighten. 

You use both fresh lemon juice (squeezed from a real lemon) and the bottled lemon juice you find in the supermarket. Both contain citric acid, which is the key ingredient that helps with whitening and stain removal. If you’re using bottled lemon juice, check the label because some brands contain preservatives or added ingredients that aren’t necessary for cleaning and may not be as environmentally friendly.

• Mild bleaching agent that helps whiten and brighten whites.
• Can be added to the wash or used in a pre-soak with sunlight.
• Works well combined with baking soda for deodorising.

Tip: If you’re using lemon juice for brightening whites, soaking with sunlight enhances the effect. Just avoid using it on coloured fabrics, as it may cause fading.

Disclaimer: The information and recipes provided on this website are based on personal experience and are intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure they are safe and effective, individual results may vary. Always test any homemade cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area of fabric or surface before full use. Some fabrics, especially delicate or specialty materials, may react differently. Use at your own discretion, and consult your washing machine manufacturer’s guidelines if unsure. Second Life Upcycling is not responsible for any damage or adverse reactions resulting from the use of these recipes or recommendations.