A savvy mother has shared her remarkably simple method for creating effective laundry detergent at home, requiring just four core ingredients and minimal effort. The hack, which promises significant savings and environmental benefits, has captured the attention of thousands online.
The Simple Four-Ingredient Recipe
The mum, who shares cleaning tips on TikTok under the username @cleanwithlilyx, demonstrated the process to her 154,900 followers. She began by sourcing a set of storage jars before assembling her key components: borax, odour crystals, carbonate soda (washing soda), and optional essential oils for fragrance.
"Once you've added that to all your jars, you can do it fragrance free but I like to add the essential oils," she explained in a video posted on 10 January 2026. For customisation, she used lavender oil in one batch for a calming scent on bedding, and a blend of lemon and orange oil in another. After adding the oils, she gave the jar a thorough shake to ensure the powders were fully mixed.
Key Benefits of DIY Detergent
There are multiple compelling reasons to consider making your own laundry liquid. Firstly, it is notably budget-friendly. The raw ingredients like washing soda and borax are inexpensive and a single batch can last a considerable time, offering long-term savings.
Secondly, it is a powerful move for the environment. By mixing your own detergent and reusing containers, you drastically cut down on single-use plastic packaging and reduce your household's plastic footprint.
Perhaps most importantly for many families, a homemade formula allows you to avoid harsh chemicals, artificial dyes, and enzymes found in commercial products. This makes it an ideal, gentle alternative for babies, individuals with allergies, or anyone with sensitive skin. You have complete control and knowledge of what is in your cleaner.
More Natural Cleaning Inspiration
This revelation follows other natural laundry hacks circulating online. Another woman recently showcased how she foraged for conkers (horse chestnuts) to use as a natural cleaning agent for her clothes, highlighting a growing trend towards traditional, eco-conscious alternatives.
The beauty of this homemade detergent lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. Natural ingredients like baking soda are known to clean, deodorise, soften water, and help lift stains. With the ability to customise scents or go fragrance-free, it presents a versatile, cost-effective, and kinder solution for household cleaning.
