[Update 03/09/2024: we added a section discussing the environmental impact of DIY laundry sheets]
Introduction – Rationale for Do-It-Yourself Laundry Detergent Sheets
Laundry detergent sheets are used in place of liquid detergent in a washing machine. The idea is to just pop one in your washing machine with your dirty clothes, and let it go to work.
The sheets dissolve in water and release their cleaning power, leaving your clothes clean and fresh. Plus, there’s no need to measure or pour liquid detergent, so you can save time and effort.
You can even make DIY laundry detergent sheets. When the eco-friendly movement started to catch on, people were looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact.
One way is to make your own detergent from simple natural products – soap nuts are very popular. Another way to do this is to use less water.
This means you can save water and energy when you do your laundry.
How To Make Diy Laundry Detergent Sheets – Step-By-Step Method
Have you ever run out of laundry detergent and needed a laundry load but had no time to go to the store?
If you have, then you know how frustrating it can be.
But what if I told you there is a way to make your laundry detergent sheets so that you never have to worry about running out again?
These DIY sheets are super easy to make and only require a few ingredients you probably already have in your home.
Best of all, they work just as well as the store-bought stuff, if not better!
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
To make your laundry detergent sheets, start by gathering the following ingredients: laundry detergent in bar form, 2-8 TBSP Water, a cooking pot, a whisk, a spatula, an easy-to-clean flat surface, a textile or paper towel. Good laundry bars are Zote, Bee and Flower, and Ethique.
Step 2: Process Ingredients
1. Using the cheese grater, grate the bar into a bowl until you have small flakes. The smaller size allows it to melt evenly and rapidly.
2. Transfer the flakes to the cooking pot, add 2 TBSP water, and turn on low heat.
3. Keep adding water to ensure a liquid consistency. Whisk the mixture together until it forms a paste.
4. Use the spatula to spread the paste out onto the flat surface.
5. Allow the detergent sheet to air dry for 4-5 hours.
6. Once dry, peel the detergent sheet off of the flat surface and place on the base textile.
7. Cut the detergent sheet into smaller pieces if necessary.
8. Use the detergent sheet to wash your laundry.
Once thoroughly dried, transfer the flat sheets to an airtight container for storage.
These detergent sheets can be used as an all-in-one laundry detergent, stain remover and fabric softener.
Simply place the sheet directly in the washer drum with your laundry and start the cycle.
The detergent sheet will dissolve as it washes and will help to remove any stubborn stains.
Once the cycle is complete, the fabric will be softened by the detergent sheet.
Quick Review Of Laundry Bars
In our recipe, we recommend the use of laundry bars. Since many of our readers might not have used them, we put down three below.
Zote Laundry Bar
Zote laundry soap has long been appreciated for its effectiveness in treating stubborn stains, and its fresh, clean scent adds a pleasing aroma to your laundry. Its large size offers long-lasting usage, and the fact that it’s free from harsh chemicals, makes it a popular choice among those who prefer traditional, straightforward, and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions.
Bee and Flower Laundry Bar
Bee and Flower soaps stand out due to their unique blend of plant-based ingredients and exotic fragrances, which lends a unique, indulgent twist to the laundry process. While it cleans your clothes thoroughly, the lingering scent also provides an additional layer of freshness, giving the brand an edge for those who appreciate aromatic cleanliness.
Ethique Laundry Bar
Ethique offers a range of concentrated laundry bars that are impressively effective and eco-friendly, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability without compromising on quality. The bars are compact, easy to store, and come in a plastic-free packaging which appeals to environmentally conscious consumers, and the range of delightful natural scents ensures a pleasant laundry experience.
Tips and Tricks For Making DIY Laundry Soap Sheets
Working With Bar Soaps
Use a food processor to grate the soap into small flakes. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
Cut the soap into small pieces before adding it to the food processor to avoid damaging the blades.
Adding Essential Oils
You can add essential oils to laundry soap sheets for a refreshing scent.
Add 10-15 drops of essential oil per batch of laundry soap sheets. Some great essential oils to use are lavender, lemon, and peppermint.
Dry The Pan Before Use
The best way to store laundry sheets is by keeping them in an airtight container. If you plan to use them immediately, then you can place the container in the fridge.
This will help to keep the sheets from drying out and becoming brittle.
Making A Large Batch
You can make a large batch of laundry soap sheets to save time. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. Just store the extra sheets in an airtight container, so they do not dry out.
Storing The Laundry Soap Sheets
Store the laundry soap sheets in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The sheets will last for several months when stored properly.
Make sure to label the storage container with the date so that you know when they were made.
Using The Laundry Soap Sheets
Add one sheet of laundry soap to your washing machine along with your clothes. The sheet will dissolve and release the soap into the water.
You may need to use two sheets for very dirty loads of laundry.
Be Quick:
Laundry soap sheets need to be used after they are made. If you want to store them for later use, then you can place them in the freezer. This will help to extend their shelf life.
These are just a few tips for making your laundry soap sheets. With a little effort, you can save money and never run out of laundry detergent again!
How Do Laundry Detergent Sheets Work?
Laundry detergent sheets are a type of laundry detergent available in a pre-measured sheet. The sheets are designed to dissolve in water and release the detergent into the wash.
One of the benefits of using laundry detergent sheets is that they can help to save time and money by eliminating the need to measure out liquid detergent.
In addition, laundry detergent sheets are less messy than liquid detergent because they are less likely to spill or splash when used.
Laundry detergent sheets contain surfactants, chemicals that help break down dirt and stains.
The surfactants in laundry detergent sheets are usually activated by water and work to lift dirt and stains from clothing.
Other ingredients include enzymes, bleaches, fragrances, and other ingredients.
Enzymes help to break down protein-based stains, while bleaches can brighten colours and remove stubborn stains. Fragrances added to laundry detergent sheets can help to give clothes a refreshing smell.
Environmental Impact Of DIY Laundry Sheets
Creating DIY laundry detergent sheets aligns well with environmental sustainability practices. These sheets contribute significantly to waste reduction, as they eliminate the need for plastic packaging typically associated with conventional laundry detergents.
Traditional liquid detergents often come in large, bulky plastic containers, which contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution. By making your own detergent sheets, you directly cut down on plastic waste, reducing your carbon footprint.
Moreover, these eco-friendly alternatives typically use natural, less harmful ingredients compared to the chemicals found in standard detergents, which means fewer pollutants entering our waterways. Additionally, as these sheets are lightweight and require less space, they contribute to reduced carbon emissions during transportation compared to their liquid counterparts.
Is Making Your Laundry Detergent Worth It?
That depends on a few factors. If you’re looking to save money, DIY laundry detergent is the way. A single sheet of laundry detergent can cost as little as pennies, and a large batch can last for months.
In addition, DIY laundry detergent is often more effective than store-bought brands since you can customize the ingredients to suit your specific needs.
Making your laundry detergent does require some time and effort. You’ll need to gather the necessary supplies and mix the ingredients, which can be messy and time-consuming.
You’ll also need to carefully store the detergent properly to prevent mould growth.
So, if you’re willing to do the work, making your laundry detergent can be a great way to save money and get better results.
Conclusion – DIY Laundry Detergent Sheets
Making laundry detergent sheets is a great way to save money and never run out of laundry detergent again.
These DIY sheets are super easy to make and only require a few ingredients you probably already have in your home. Best of all, they work just as well as the store-bought stuff, if not better!
