DIY Natural Laundry Detergent with Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)
Powerful, eco-friendly, and cost-effective — make your own detergent with just 4 ingredients
Looking for a natural, powerful, and budget-friendly way to clean your clothes? Making your own laundry detergent with sodium carbonate (soda ash) is simple, effective, and better for the environment. This mineral-based ingredient softens water, lifts stains, and boosts cleaning power — all without synthetic chemicals.
Great news: We now stock food-grade sodium carbonate in 3 kg buckets (perfect for home use) and 25 kg bags (ideal for bulk DIY makers and eco-conscious households).
Why Use Sodium Carbonate in Natural Laundry Detergent?
Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), commonly known as soda ash or washing soda, is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in cleaning for over a century. In homemade detergents, it serves multiple essential functions:
- Water Softener: Binds calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, allowing soap to lather and clean more effectively.
- Stain Remover: Breaks down acidic stains (wine, coffee, fruit) through alkaline hydrolysis.
- Degreaser: Emulsifies oils and fats on fabrics, lifting grease and body soil.
- pH Buffer: Maintains optimal alkalinity (pH ~11 in solution) for maximum cleaning efficiency.
Simple DIY Natural Washing Detergent Recipe
Homemade Laundry Powder (HE & Top-Load Safe)
Yield: ~800 g | Use: 15–30 mL (1–2 tbsp) per load
- 400 g (2 cups) sodium carbonate (soda ash) – Now in stock!
- 300 g (2 cups) baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
- 100 g natural soap bar (grated) – fragrance-free recommended
- 20 drops essential oil (optional) – lavender, lemon, or tea tree
- Grate the soap bar into fine flakes using a food processor or cheese grater.
- In a large bowl, combine sodium carbonate, baking soda, and grated soap.
- Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
- Add essential oils drop by drop while stirring to avoid clumping.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Usage: Add 15–30 mL (1–2 tbsp) directly to drum. Safe for hot and cold washes. For heavily soiled loads, pre-soak with 50 g in warm water.
*All measurements in grams (g) and millilitres (mL) per Australian standards.
How It Works: The Science Behind the Clean
- Sodium Carbonate: Softens water + removes acidic stains
- Baking Soda: Neutralises odours + softens fabrics
- Soap: Surfactant that lifts dirt and oils
- Essential Oils: Natural antibacterial + fresh scent
3 kg buckets | 25 kg bulk bags | Click & Collect – Springvale South