Homemade laundry detergent with a Thermomix: an eco-friendly and economical solution

Homemade laundry detergent is an interesting alternative to industrial products, which are often laden with chemical components. Using an appliance like the Thermomix greatly simplifies preparation, making this task accessible to everyone. This method not only helps to reduce plastic waste but also saves you money whilst being kind to your skin and the environment.

The benefits of homemade laundry detergent made with a Thermomix

Making your own laundry detergent offers numerous benefits compared to buying traditional detergents. Here are some of the main advantages:

Economical: making your own laundry detergent costs less than buying shop-bought varieties.

Eco-friendly: fewer plastic bottles used, and the possibility of using natural or biodegradable ingredients.

Simplified preparation: the Thermomix makes it easy to mix and prepare the various ingredients.

Customisable: you can adapt the recipe to suit your scent preferences or specific needs (sensitive skin, delicate fabrics).

The key ingredients for homemade laundry detergent

An effective homemade laundry detergent is made from a few simple, natural ingredients that are easy to source and safe for the environment.

Marseille soap: an essential ingredient

Marseille soap is the ideal base for a homemade laundry detergent. Pure and natural, it is generally made from vegetable oils and contains no controversial substances. When buying, opt for genuine Marseille soap made with 72% vegetable oils.

Bicarbonate of soda for enhanced effectiveness

Bicarbonate of soda is well known for its deodorising power and cleaning properties. It helps to soften water and boosts the action of Marseille soap, making your detergent more effective.

Washing soda crystals for extra degreasing power

Less well known than bicarbonate of soda, washing soda crystals are nonetheless highly effective at removing stubborn stains. They are particularly recommended for heavily soiled clothing or fabrics requiring a thorough clean.

Essential oils for natural fragrance

A few drops of essential oil in your laundry detergent will add a pleasant scent without resorting to chemical compounds. Lavender, lemon, and tea tree essential oils are often favoured for their purifying properties and refreshing scents.

Easy homemade laundry detergent recipe using a Thermomix

Using a Thermomix to make your laundry detergent is simple and quick. Here is a recipe you can adopt and customise to suit your needs:

Ingredients needed

100 g Marseille soap flakes

1 litre of water

3 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda

3 tablespoons of washing soda crystals

10 to 15 drops of essential oil of your choice

Step-by-step instructions

Place the Marseille soap flakes in the Thermomix bowl.

Add 500 ml of water and mix for 10 minutes at 60°C, speed 2, until the soap is completely dissolved.

Add the bicarbonate of soda and washing soda crystals to the mixture and stir for 5 minutes at room temperature, speed 3.

Add the remaining cold water and blend, gradually increasing the speed from 2 to 6 for 20 seconds.

Leave the mixture to rest for a few hours before adding the essential oil drops.

Transfer the liquid detergent into an airtight container. Shake well before each use.

Practical advice and tips

To get the most out of your homemade Thermomix laundry detergent, here are a few tips:

Adapting the recipe to the seasons

In winter, clothing may need more intensive cleaning due to mud and damp. Add a little more washing soda crystals to boost the degreasing effect of your detergent. In summer, a natural blend with citrus essential oils will add an extra freshness to lighter fabrics.

Storage and keeping

Store your homemade laundry detergent in a cool, dark place to maintain its effectiveness. Choose reusable glass or durable plastic containers. Shake the bottle well before each use, as some ingredients may settle over time.

Correct dosage

Use approximately 100 ml of homemade detergent per standard wash. You may need to adjust this amount depending on the hardness of your water and how soiled your laundry is.

Comparing with commercial detergents

Choosing a homemade laundry detergent also means considering the notable differences compared to industrial products.

Chemical vs natural ingredients

Unlike commercial detergents, which often contain phosphates, sulphates, and other bleaching agents, your homemade detergent is based on natural ingredients such as Marseille soap and bicarbonate of soda. This reduces the risk of skin irritation and limits the environmental pollution associated with wastewater.

Long-term cost

Making your own laundry detergent may seem more costly at the outset due to buying the base ingredients in larger volumes. However, these same ingredients are used in small quantities, which offers a significant financial advantage over the long term.

The positive impacts on health and the environment

Using homemade products with fewer irritating agents is beneficial both for the planet and for our skin.

Reducing allergens

Many people develop allergies or skin reactions due to the agents present in industrial detergents. Using a homemade formula allows you to identify each component precisely and avoid those that are potentially harmful or allergenic.

Reducing plastic waste

By making your own homemade laundry detergent, you can reuse the same containers, effectively reducing the plastic waste generated by single-use packaging from shop-bought detergents.

Reduced environmental impact

Natural and biodegradable ingredients are far less aggressive on the ecosystem. Opt for components from organic farming wherever possible.

Tips for boosting the effectiveness of your homemade detergent

Add these few tips to maximise the performance of your homemade detergent:

Adding percarbonate of soda

Add a tablespoon of percarbonate of soda to help with whitening and removing stubborn stains from white fabrics.

Mixing with white vinegar

White vinegar acts as an excellent fabric softener and anti-limescale agent. Pour a small glass directly into the dedicated compartment of your machine for a multiplied effect.

Optimising the wash cycle

Opt for specific wash cycles suited to the type of fabric and degree of soiling. Sorting laundry properly before washing also helps to maximise the effectiveness of your household products.