Homemade laundry soap might seem like a great idea. It’s cheap, easy to make, and you can find recipes all over the internet. People mix things like bar soap, washing soda, and borax to create their own detergent. They say it saves money and is good for the environment. But there are some big problems with homemade laundry soap that can hurt your clothes, your washing machine, and even your health. This article explains why homemade laundry soap isn’t always a good choice, using simple words so even a 6th grader can understand.
What Is Homemade Laundry Soap?
Homemade laundry soap is detergent you make at home instead of buying it from a store. Most recipes use a few ingredients:
- Bar soap (like Fels-Naptha or Ivory)
- Washing soda (a cleaning booster)
- Borax (another cleaning powder)
- Water (to mix it all together)
You mix these into a liquid or powder and use it to wash clothes. It sounds simple, but there are reasons it’s not as great as it seems.
Why Homemade Laundry Soap Can Be Bad
It Doesn’t Always Clean Well
Homemade laundry soap often doesn’t clean clothes as well as store-bought detergent. Store detergents have special ingredients called surfactants and enzymes. Surfactants lift dirt and stains from fabric, while enzymes break down tough stains like food or grass. Homemade soaps usually don’t have these, so they struggle with greasy stains or really dirty clothes. Your clothes might look okay at first, but over time, dirt can build up, making them dingy or smelly.
For example, bar soap in homemade recipes can leave a film on clothes. This film traps dirt and makes fabrics feel stiff or look dull. If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washing machine, homemade soap is even worse because it’s not designed for low-water machines. It might not rinse out properly, leaving your clothes less clean than you think.
It Can Damage Your Washing Machine
Homemade laundry soap can hurt your washing machine, especially modern ones. Many recipes use too much bar soap, which creates lots of suds. Too many suds can clog the machine’s pipes or sensors, causing it to break down over time. In HE machines, extra suds mess up the washing cycle because these machines use less water to rinse. The soap residue can build up inside the machine, leading to mold, bad smells, or even costly repairs.
Borax and washing soda are also harsh. They can wear out the machine’s parts, like rubber seals, faster than normal. If you keep using homemade soap, you might end up spending more on fixing your machine than you saved on detergent.
It Might Not Be Safe for Your Skin
Some ingredients in homemade laundry soap, like borax, can irritate your skin. Borax is a natural mineral, but it’s strong and can cause rashes or itching, especially if you have sensitive skin. If the soap doesn’t rinse out well, it stays on your clothes. When you wear those clothes, the leftover soap can touch your skin and cause problems, like redness or allergies. This is a big issue for kids or people with skin conditions like eczema.
Bar soap in homemade recipes isn’t meant for laundry. It’s made for washing your hands or body, so it can leave behind oils or fragrances that irritate skin when left on clothes. Store-bought detergents are tested to make sure they’re safe for skin, but homemade ones aren’t.
It’s Not Always Eco-Friendly
People make homemade laundry soap because they think it’s better for the environment. But that’s not always true. Borax and washing soda can harm waterways if they go down the drain in large amounts. They’re not as gentle on the environment as some eco-friendly store detergents, which are made to break down safely. Also, if homemade soap doesn’t clean well, you might need to wash your clothes more often, using more water and energy. That’s not great for the planet either.
It Can Ruin Certain Fabrics
Homemade laundry soap is too harsh for delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or athletic wear. The high pH of washing soda and borax can weaken these materials, causing them to tear or lose their stretch. For example, workout clothes made of spandex or polyester need special detergents to keep them stretchy and odor-free. Homemade soap can make these clothes stiff or smelly over time. Even regular clothes like cotton shirts can fade or wear out faster because of the harsh ingredients.
It’s Not Always Cheaper
Making your own laundry soap seems like a way to save money, but it might not be. If you ruin clothes or damage your washing machine, you’ll spend more on replacements or repairs. Store-bought detergents, especially budget ones, are often cheap and last a long time. They’re also made to work well, so you don’t need to use as much or rewash clothes. Homemade soap might seem cheap upfront, but it can cost you more in the long run if it doesn’t clean well or causes problems.
It Takes Time and Effort
Making homemade laundry soap takes work. You have to buy ingredients, grate bar soap, mix everything, and store it properly. If you make a big batch, it might clump or go bad if it gets wet. Store-bought detergent is ready to use and comes in easy-to-pour bottles or packets. For busy people, the time spent making soap might not be worth the small savings, especially if it doesn’t work as well.
What to Use Instead
If you want clean clothes without the problems of homemade soap, try these:
- Buy a budget-friendly detergent: Look for ones labeled for HE machines if you have one. They’re made to clean well and rinse out completely.
- Choose eco-friendly options: Many store detergents are safe for the environment and your skin. Look for labels like “biodegradable” or “free and clear.”
- Use the right amount: Follow the instructions on the detergent bottle to avoid using too much. This saves money and keeps your machine safe.
- Spot-treat stains: Use a stain remover or a dab of store detergent on tough stains before washing. This helps get clothes clean without harsh homemade mixes.
Tips to Keep Your Clothes and Machine Happy
Here are some easy ways to care for your clothes and washing machine:
- Don’t overload the machine. Give clothes room to move so they get clean.
- Clean your washing machine monthly. Run an empty cycle with vinegar or a machine cleaner to remove buildup.
- Wash delicate clothes in a mesh bag with a gentle detergent to protect them.
- Check pockets before washing to avoid things like gum or crayons ruining your clothes.
Why It Matters
Using homemade laundry soap might seem like a smart idea, but it can cause more problems than it solves. It might not clean well, can damage your washing machine, irritate your skin, and even hurt delicate clothes. Store-bought detergents are tested to be safe and effective, so they’re a better choice for most people. Clean clothes make you feel good, and a working washing machine saves you time and money. By avoiding homemade soap, you can keep your clothes looking great and your machine running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Homemade laundry soap sounds like a fun, money-saving project, but it’s not worth the risks. It can leave your clothes dirty, harm your washing machine, and even cause skin problems. Instead, stick with a good store-bought detergent that’s made for your machine and clothes. It’s easier, safer, and better for keeping everything clean and fresh. Next time you do laundry, grab a trusted detergent and skip the homemade mixyour clothes and washing machine will thank you!
