Planning a wedding is an exciting and memorable experience, but it can also be financially daunting. As a bride on a budget, you're constantly on the lookout for creative ways to save money without compromising on quality.  One area where you can cut costs and unleash your inner DIY enthusiast is in your laundry routine. That's why I'm dropping some knowledge on how you can save major cash and get your clothes fresh and clean by making your own laundry detergent. You'll not only save money but also add a personal touch to your wedding preparations. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of DIY laundry detergent for money-conscious mavens like yourself and provide you with a simple recipe to get started.

Benefit #1: Cost Savings that Make a Difference

Check out these ingredients and cost savings breakdown

Soap Flakes: Commercial laundry detergents often contain pricey additives and fillers. But you, smart DIY bride, can opt for affordable soap flakes. A 10-count package of bar soap will cost you around $5. That's $0.50/bar of soap!
Borax: Add a little boost to your detergent with borax. A 65-ounce box can be snagged for approximately $6, and can be found at your local Wal-Mart.
Washing Soda: Boost the cleaning power with washing soda, which you can find for about $5 per 55-ounce box. It's an economical investment that will pay off in spades.

Total Cost for 128 oz of DIY laundry detergent powder: around $12! 😱

You can gather the essential ingredients that will keep your laundry fresh and your budget intact. Plus, you'll have enough supplies to make multiple batches of detergent, ensuring long-term savings.

Each load will only use about 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of powder making this DIY detergent a no-brainer for large families! This one batch of detergent will last for about 250 loads and if you use all the ingredients, you should yield about 4 batches of detergent!

Now, compare that to the tag on those pricey detergents you find on the shelves. See those dollar bills stacking up? That's what we call a cost-conscious win!

Benefit #2: Eco-Friendly Swag:

Let's get real, our planet needs some serious TLC. By making your own detergent, you're not only saving moolah but also reducing your environmental impact. Commercial detergents often contain harmful chemicals that end up polluting our waterways. DIY detergent, on the other hand, uses natural and biodegradable ingredients, showing Mother Earth some love.

As an environmentally conscious bride, you strive to reduce your carbon footprint and make sustainable choices. DIY laundry detergents align perfectly with this ethos. Commercial detergents often contain chemicals that can harm the environment, whereas homemade alternatives typically employ natural, biodegradable ingredients, minimizing the release of harmful substances into waterways. By opting for DIY laundry detergent, you're making a small but impactful contribution to a greener future. Avoid excessive packaging waste, and store your homemade detergent in a reusable container like this cute glass jar!

Benefit #3: Subtle Scents for Memorable Moments

Scent is a powerful trigger for memories, and your wedding day deserves a signature aroma. DIY laundry detergents offer the opportunity to infuse your clean laundry with personalized scents. Whether it's the soothing aroma of lavender, the refreshing scent of citrus, or a combination of your favorite essential oils, you can create a delightful olfactory experience for you and your loved ones. Imagine wrapping yourself in fresh, beautifully scented linens even after your wedding night!

Here are some suggestions:

- Sensitive Skin Savior: Choose a mild soap or go for a fragrance-free option to avoid skin irritations. No red blotches ruining your wedding day glow!

- Stain-Annihilator: Add a little extra oomph to your detergent recipe with some stain-fighting power. Boost it up with a touch of hydrogen peroxide or enzyme-based stain remover. Say goodbye to those pesky wine stains on your rehearsal dinner dress!

- Scent Sensation: Level up your laundry game by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Lavender to calm those pre-wedding jitters or citrus for an energizing burst. Your clothes, your choice!

Benefit #4: DIY Fun

Wedding prep can be stressful, but DIY projects like making your own laundry detergent are pure therapeutic magic. Incorporating DIY elements in your journey adds a personal touch to the entire experience. Making your own laundry detergent allows you to tap into your crafty side while saving money too! From selecting the fragrance to customizing the strength of the detergent, you have full control over the final product.

Get your hands dirty, experiment with different recipes, scents, and packaging options to create a unique and personalized signature blend of detergent that reflects your wedding aesthetic. Not only will it add a personal touch to your laundry routine, but it can also make for adorable wedding favors or thoughtful gifts for your bridesmaids. Turn it into a bonding experience by involving your bridal squad. Check out my free printable recipe card here.  

HOW TO DIY LAUNDRY DETERGENT

📝 PRO TIP: You can create custom labels or decorative containers that match your wedding theme. Cricut Design Space offers tons of free images that can help to add that extra pizzazz and save you time creating. Learn more about Cricut here!

Well, there you have it, DIY brides! The scoop on how homemade laundry detergent can save you cash, unleash your creative genius, and keep your clothes looking fly. Now you're armed with the knowledge to rock your wedding while keeping those Benjamins in your pocket where they belong. Grab your ingredients, get mixin', and let your inner money-saving queen shine!

Remember, this wedding journey is all about you, your love, and your unique style and doesn't have to break the bank – it can be an opportunity to showcase your individuality and ingenuity.

If you wanna turn things into a real good time, check out my blog post on How to Throw a DIY Body Scrub Party so you can really conquer the DIY game and create something special with your tribe.

Happy DIY-ing and congratulations on your wedding!