Natural alternatives to store-bought laundry detergents are popular for those who prefer eco-friendly and skin-friendly options. Here are some natural solutions provided to you by our Mt Sterling KY chiropractic clinic that you can use to replace conventional laundry detergents:

1. Soap Nuts:
   • These are berries that grow on the Sapindus tree and contain saponin, a natural detergent.
   • To use, place 4-6 soap nuts in a muslin bag and toss it into your washing machine with your clothes. Each batch can be used for multiple loads.
2. Baking Soda:
   • A mild alkali, baking soda can help balance pH levels and naturally removes stains and odors from fabrics.
   • Add 1/2 cup to your laundry load.
3. Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate):
   • It acts as a solvent to help remove stains.
   • Use it in combination with other ingredients or alone.
   • Add 1/2 cup to a load.
4. White Vinegar:
   • Acts as a natural fabric softener and helps to break down soap residue.
   • Add 1/2 to 1 cup to the final rinse cycle.
5. Lemon Juice:
   • Natural bleaching agent that can be used to remove stains and brighten whites.
   • Add a half cup to a regular size load.
6. Borax (Sodium Borate):
   • It helps to boost the cleaning power of soap, removes stains, and can act as a water conditioner.
   • Add 1/2 cup per load, but make sure to keep it away from children and pets, as it can be toxic if ingested.
7. Castile Soap:
   • A natural, biodegradable soap that can be grated or diluted in water and used for washing clothes.
8. Essential Oils:
   • For fragrance, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil like lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, or lemon to your natural laundry solutions.
9. DIY Laundry Detergent Recipe:
   • Combine 1 bar of grated Castile soap, 1 cup of washing soda, and 1 cup of borax. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load. Store in a sealed container.
10. Fels-Naptha Soap:
    • A laundry bar soap that's effective in stain removal. Grate it and use it as a base for DIY laundry detergents.
11. Hydrogen Peroxide:
    • Can be used as a natural bleach alternative. Use 1 cup in the bleach compartment or directly in the wash.

Precautions In Mt Sterling KY:

• Always test any new laundry solution on a small portion of fabric to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
• Some people might be allergic or sensitive to certain natural ingredients, so always check the compatibility before fully adopting a new solution.
• If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washing machine, ensure that your natural solution is HE-compatible.

Remember that water hardness can influence the effectiveness of natural detergents. If you have hard water, you might need to adjust the amounts or combine some of the methods above for optimal results.