How to Make Your Own Detergent and Fabric Spray

Some may call me a little “crunchy” while I can’t take the full title of a hippie mom I do like to make things when I can instead of buying them. I have one child and many pets in the house. When I cleaned I always worked it around everyone being in bed or my child being at school. Even have a hard time smelling the fumes that come from store bought cleaners!

One day I looked up household cleaners on Pinterest and I already had what I needed in my house! From there I also started making my own clothes detergent as well as fabric spray. Not only does it save my family money but it’s stuff I  can spray and use without any worries.

I am going to let you know what you need and my recipes.

Detergent Recipe

-1 (or 2) 5 gallon bucket with lid

-borax (i use 20 Mule Team brand)

-washing soda (I use Arm & Hammer)

-castile soap (I use Dr. Bronners brand)

-essential oils (i use lavender or peppermint, and tea tree)

Fill up your 5 gallon bucket half way with hot water and add one cup of the castile soap. Then, stir in one cup of borax and one cup of washing soda. After a good stir add in the essential oil. I usually do about 15 drops, I personally like to add a few drops of tea tree oil as well. Now fill up the bucket the rest of the way with hot water and stir well. If you don’t have a utensil long enough put on some gloves and use your hands.

When I am done I fill a couple empty liquid detergent containers and leave the remainder in the bucket tightly sealed. I make two 5 gallon buckets at a time that lasts me about 8-9 months. Cost per bucket is about $6.

Household Cleaner Recipe

Household cleaner is another one I LOVE. To start i keep little containers of vinegar in my fridge with lemon peels that I would otherwise throw out. The lemon is acidic and makes a great addition to cleaners.

What you will need is:

-white or apple cider vinegar (i have used both)

-spray bottles

-castile soap

I prefer to have one with soap and one without soap. The one without soap i put equal parts vinegar and water. The one with soap i do the same but add about a third of a cup of soap and shake. The one with the soap make sure the water is hot when you make it so the soap mixes in well.

I use this cleaner on my kitchen, bathroom, floors, and everything else! It’s safe for pets and kids. The vinegar smell dissipates quickly.

Fabric Spray Recipe

Lastly the fabric spray, I find the store bought to be rather pricey for what it is and I very much enjoy mixing my own scents.

What you will need is:

-spray bottle

-baking soda

-essential oils

This one is perfect for people with small children or pets. The easy ingredients and you are ready to spray and freshen fabrics.

Add one tablespoon of baking soda to the empty spray bottle then two cups of warm water. Put the lid on and shake until the baking soda is dissolved.  Remove the top and add 10 drops of whatever essential oil you prefer, I have used lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, and peppermint. Put that lid back on and give it a good shake and you can spray away!

Go give these a try and let me know how they turned out!