Most DIY laundry guides skip the part where they explain why you'd bother in the first place. This one doesn't. Because if you don't understand what's in conventional detergent, you have no real reason to make something different — and you'll eventually go back to Tide when the novelty wears off.
So we start with what's in the bottle. Then we build something better.
The FDA doesn't require laundry detergent manufacturers to disclose full ingredient lists. What you see on the label is a fraction of what's actually in the formula. Independent testing and EPA studies have identified several recurring ingredients of concern:
These ingredients are present in legal, regulated amounts. The concern is cumulative exposure — laundry detergent residue stays on fabric, skin contact is continuous, and aquatic discharge is ongoing. Regulators assess single-exposure risk. Real life is not a single exposure.
Both of these recipes work. The difference is in the ingredient quality and the tradeoffs you're willing to make.
Use 1–2 tablespoons per load. Works well in HE machines. Combine dry and store in a sealed container.
Honest caveats: Ivory contains synthetic fragrance — an endocrine disruptor umbrella term. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral but has raised mild concern for reproductive toxicity at high occupational exposure. For a family using this occasionally, the risk profile is far lower than conventional detergent. For those wanting a fully clean formula, see Tier 2.
Use 2 tablespoons per load. The sea salt addition is particularly helpful for well water users — it helps prevent mineral buildup on fabric. Dr. Bronner's fragrance-free bar is certified fair trade and contains no synthetic fragrance or endocrine disruptors.
This formula skips borax entirely. It's the version I'd use with young children or anyone with skin sensitivities.
The backbone of both recipes. Pure sodium carbonate — no additives. Essential for both formulas.
Certified fair trade, no synthetic fragrance, no endocrine disruptors. The clean swap for Ivory.
For the Tier 1 recipe. Naturally occurring mineral. A meaningful step up from conventional detergent.
If you want a ready-made powder that passes the same scrutiny, look for these certifications — they're the ones that actually mean something:
Brands currently holding at least one of those certifications in their laundry line: Molly's Suds, Seventh Generation (fragrance-free line only), and Branch Basics.
The Grace Goes Green Clean Laundry Guide includes printable recipe cards, an ingredient shopping list, fabric-specific washing notes, and a greenwash cheat sheet for reading detergent labels.
Get the PDF Guide — $9