Why Make Your Own Washing Machine Cleaning Powder?
Let’s be real—washing machines don’t clean themselves, and after countless laundry loads, they start holding onto soap scum, grime, and odors that even your favorite detergent can’t touch. Now, before you reach for an expensive commercial cleaner, why not whip up a homemade washing machine cleaning powder? It’s cost-effective, eco-friendly, and dare I say, satisfying to make your own cleaning magic in a jar.
Plus, let’s face it: commercial cleaning powders often contain chemicals you can barely pronounce. With a DIY approach, you control exactly what goes inside—sometimes just simple, natural ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Not to mention the fun twist – if you ever dabbled in making your own liquid detergent for washing machines, this is the next DIY frontier.
The Basic Ingredients: Your Washing Powder Dream Team
Before we get mixing, here’s the star lineup you need to make efficient washing machine cleaning powder at home:
- Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate): This is the heavy hitter, busting grease and dissolving soap scum like a champ.
- Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): A gentle scrubber and deodorizer that cleans without harshness.
- Borax (Sodium Borate): Boosts stain removal and cleaning power.
- Salt: Helps balance detergent action and enhances scrubbing.
- Soap Powder or Grated Soap: Provides the actual soap action to lift dirt and oils.
- Essential Oils (Optional): Adds a fresh scent and can offer antibacterial benefits — lemon or eucalyptus work wonders.
Most homemade recipes combine these ingredients in different ratios depending on your machine type and cleaning needs.
DIY Washing Machine Cleaning Powder Recipe #1: The Classic Blend
This recipe is a popular go-to for many who love a balanced, effective cleaning powder that fights grime without harsh chemicals. It’s simple, just mix:
- 4 cups washing soda
- 4 cups borax
- 3 cups fine salt
- 3 cups natural soap powder (coconut or castile soap powder is perfect)
Add about 20 drops of your favorite essential oil for that spa-fresh aroma. Mix it all thoroughly and store in an airtight container.
Use about 1 to 2 tablespoons per washing load, depending on soil level and machine size.
This blend provides impressive grease-busting and deodorizing power.[Source]
DIY Washing Machine Cleaning Powder Recipe #2: The Baking Soda Booster
If you prefer something milder but still very effective, this recipe amps up the baking soda, perfect for sensitive skin or frequent use:
- 3 cups washing soda
- 3 cups baking soda
- 1 cup Epsom salt (optional, for a gentle scrubbing effect)
- 1 cup Oxi-Clean or similar oxygen-based stain remover (optional)
- 20 drops essential oil (optional)
The baking soda acts as a deodorizer and mild abrasive that’s gentle on your machine’s drum but tough on odors and build-up. This mixture also doubles as a general laundry booster!
Again, mix well, store airtight, and use sparingly to avoid residue buildup.
For extra stains on laundry, a similar concept is used in recipes combining grated plain soap with washing soda and borax, offering versatile grease-busting power.[Source]
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Powder
Here’s the quick play-by-play to get your DIY washing machine cleaner ready:
- Measure out all your dry ingredients carefully — accuracy matters to balance cleaning power and machine safety.
- Add essential oils if you want fragrant freshness.
- Mix thoroughly in a large bowl or container, breaking up any clumps.
- Transfer your powder to an airtight container or jar to prevent moisture from spoiling it.
- Label your container—not just a stylish label, but a reminder of your homemade magic!
- Use approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons per wash load, adjusting based on machine size and dirtiness.
Pro tip: For front-load and HE machines, less is more. These machines need low-sudsing detergents, so avoid overdosing.
How to Use Your Cleaning Powder to Clean the Machine Itself
While we crafted this powder mainly for laundry, it doubles as a power cleaner for your washing machine interior. Over time, residue and mold can build up inside your drum, making your machine smell funky or even affecting performance.
To clean your washing machine:
- Empty your washer drum completely.
- Add 2 tablespoons of your homemade washing machine cleaning powder directly into the drum.
- Run the machine on the hottest, longest cycle possible without any laundry.
- For top-load washers, you can add the powder to the water before starting agitation.
- After the cycle, wipe down the drum, door seal, and detergent drawer with a clean cloth.
- Leave the door open after cleaning to let the interior dry out and prevent mold.
Regular cleaning like this prevents buildup and keeps your machine smelling fresh and running efficiently.[Source] [Source]
Safety and Storage Tips
No one wants their cleaning enthusiasm to turn into an accident, so here’s some chef’s kiss safety advice:
- Keep all powders out of reach of children and pets.
- Handle borax and washing soda with care—avoid inhaling dust and wash hands after use.
- Store your powder in airtight containers to prevent moisture clumping.
- Label containers clearly to avoid mix-ups.
- For sensitive skin, consider wearing gloves when using powders.
Where to Buy Ingredients and Tools
If you don’t have washing soda, borax, or soap powder handy, you can grab them online. For convenience, here are some affiliate options to quickly get started:
Your local grocery or cleaning supply store often carries washing soda and borax as well—check the laundry aisle or cleaning aisles.
Final Thoughts
Making your own washing machine cleaning powder is like unlocking a little DIY superpower. It saves money, reduces exposure to harsh chemicals, and lets you customize scent and ingredients to your liking. Plus, it’s satisfying to watch your machine sparkle after a homemade scrub!
If you’re seriously into DIY cleaning, why not pair this with related projects? For instance, check out how to make a liquid detergent for washing machines or build a portable washing machine. Learning how to make your own cleaning supplies definitely levels up the homecare game.
Ready to mix up your first batch? Grab your ingredients, pop on some tunes, and get mixing! Your washing machine—and your wallet—will thank you.