DIY Clean: 4 Easy Soap Recipes Included for Laundry, Shampoo, Dish Soap, and More!

Water is a precious resource that is becoming increasingly scarce. With climate change and overuse, it is essential to preserve water wherever possible. Gray water is one of the ways that we can reuse water, and creating soap that is friendly to gray water can make a significant impact on the environment. In this post, we will discuss how to create soap that is safe to use with gray water, including ingredients, recipes, and benefits. 


What is Gray Water?

Gray water is the water that is drained from sinks, baths, and washing machines that is not contaminated with human waste. This water can be used to water plants, wash cars, or even flush toilets. Reusing gray water helps to reduce the amount of fresh water that is needed, which is important for water conservation.

Why Use Soap that is Friendly to Gray Water?

Using soap that is safe for gray water is important because traditional soaps can contain ingredients that are harmful to plants and the environment. Soaps that contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives can disrupt the ecosystem of the soil, killing off beneficial bacteria and insects. Using soap that is friendly to gray water can help to maintain a healthy environment while conserving water.

Ingredients for Gray Water Friendly Soap:

When creating soap that is safe to use with gray water, it is essential to use natural, biodegradable ingredients. The following ingredients are recommended for making soap that is friendly to gray water:

Oils: The oils used in soap making should be natural, organic, and sustainably sourced. Examples include coconut oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil.

Lye: Lye is an essential ingredient in soap making. However, it is important to use food-grade lye and handle it with care.

Essential Oils: Essential oils can be added to soap for fragrance and therapeutic benefits. However, it is important to use natural, organic essential oils that are safe for the environment.

Distilled Water: Using distilled water in soap making ensures that the water is free of contaminants that could be harmful to plants and the environment.

Natural Colorants: Natural colorants such as herbs, spices, and clays can be used to color soap naturally.

Castile Soap: Castile soap is a versatile and gentle soap that is made from vegetable oils, such as olive oil.

Uses for Gray Water Friendly Soap:

Gray water friendly soap can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

Hand Soap: Use gray water friendly soap as hand soap to avoid contaminating fresh water.

Dish Soap: Gray water friendly soap can be used as dish soap to wash dishes, reducing the amount of fresh water needed.

Laundry Soap: Use gray water friendly soap to make laundry soap that is safe to use with gray water.

Body Soap: Gray water friendly soap can be used as body soap, reducing the amount of chemicals that enter the environment.

Benefits of Gray Water Friendly Soap:

Water Conservation: Using gray water friendly soap helps to conserve water by reducing the amount of fresh water needed for washing.

Environmentally Friendly: Gray water friendly soap contains natural, biodegradable ingredients that are safe for the environment.

Healthier for Plants: Traditional soaps can contain harmful ingredients that disrupt the ecosystem of the soil. Gray water friendly soap is free of harmful chemicals, making it safer for plants.

Cost-Effective: Using gray water friendly soap reduces the need for expensive chemical products, saving money in the long run.

Creating soap that is safe to use with gray water is an important step in conserving water and preserving the environment. By using natural, biodegradable ingredients, we can reduce the amount of chemicals that enter the ecosystem while conserving water. Gray water friendly soap can be used for a variety of purposes, including hand soap, dish soap, laundry soap, and body soap, making it a versatile and cost-effective option. By making our own soap, we can reduce waste, save money, and help protect the planet.

RECIPES

Basic Soap Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 400g Olive Oil
  • 200g Coconut Oil
  • 100g Sunflower Oil
  • 145g Lye
  • 300ml Distilled Water
  • 10-20 drops Essential Oil (optional)
Instructions:
  1. Combine the olive oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil in a large, heat-resistant bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the lye and distilled water, stirring until dissolved.
  3. Slowly pour the lye mixture into the bowl with the oils, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
  4. Add essential oils if desired.
  5. Pour the mixture into a soap mold and let it sit for 24 hours.
  6. Cut the soap into bars and let it cure for 4-6 weeks.

Charcoal Soap Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 400g Coconut Oil
  • 150g Olive Oil
  • 150g Sunflower Oil
  • 95g Lye
  • 200ml Distilled Water
  • 2 tablespoons Activated Charcoal
Instructions:
  1. Combine the coconut oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil in a large, heat-resistant bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the lye and distilled water, stirring until dissolved.
  3. Slowly pour the lye mixture into the bowl with the oils, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
  4. Add activated charcoal and stir until evenly distributed.
  5. Pour the mixture into a soap mold and let it sit for 24 hours.
  6. Cut the soap into bars and let it cure for 4-6 weeks.

Laundry Soap

Homemade laundry soap is an excellent way to save money and reduce waste. By making your laundry soap, you can avoid the harsh chemicals found in many commercial detergents, while still effectively cleaning your clothes. The following recipe makes a powdered laundry soap that is safe for all machines:.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Washing Soda
  • 1 cup Borax
  • 1 bar of Castile Soap (or 4 oz of any soap bar)
  • 10-20 drops Essential Oil (optional)
Instructions:
  1. Grate the bar of Castile soap using a cheese grater or food processor.
  2. Combine the grated soap with the washing soda and borax in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add the essential oil if desired and mix well. Essential oils not only provide a pleasant fragrance to your laundry soap, but they can also have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
  4. Store the laundry soap in an airtight container. Mason jars or repurposed plastic containers work well for this purpose.
To Use:

Use 1-2 tablespoons of laundry soap for a small load and 2-4 tablespoons for a large load. The laundry soap can be added directly to the drum or put into the detergent dispenser. Be sure to shake or stir the laundry soap before each use, as the ingredients may settle over time.

Tips:

  • For extra stain-fighting power, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the laundry soap mixture.
  • To prevent soap buildup in your machine, use a cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle.
  • Avoid using this laundry soap on delicate fabrics such as silk or wool.
  • Making your laundry soap is an easy and cost-effective way to keep your clothes clean and safe for your skin and the environment. With this recipe, you can feel confident that your clothes are getting clean without harsh chemicals or fragrances.

Homemade Shampoo

Homemade shampoo is a great way to save money and avoid harsh chemicals found in many commercial shampoos. With a few simple ingredients, you can make your own shampoo that is gentle on your hair and scalp, while still effectively cleansing your hair. This recipe is ideal for those with regular hair, meaning neither oily nor dry.

Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup of Liquid Castile Soap
  • 1/4 cup of Water
  • 1 teaspoon of Olive Oil or Jojoba Oil
  • 10 drops of Essential Oil (optional)
Instructions:
  1. In a small bowl, mix together the liquid castile soap and water.
  2. Add the olive oil or jojoba oil and mix well.
  3. If desired, add 10 drops of essential oil for fragrance. Lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil are all good choices for their cleansing and soothing properties.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a clean and empty shampoo bottle or dispenser.
To Use:

Wet your hair thoroughly and apply a small amount of the shampoo to your scalp. Massage gently for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat if necessary.

Tips:
  • For extra nourishment, add a tablespoon of aloe vera gel or honey to the mixture.
  • If you have hard water, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the mixture to help remove buildup.
  • Shake well before each use, as the ingredients may separate.
  • This shampoo is free of preservatives, so it should be used within two to three weeks.

Shampoo For Oily Hair

Oily hair can be a challenge to manage, and many commercial shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can strip the scalp of its natural oils. By making your own shampoo, you can avoid these harsh chemicals while still effectively cleansing your hair. This recipe is ideal for those with oily hair, as it contains ingredients that help to regulate sebum production and keep the scalp balanced.

Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup of Liquid Castile Soap
  • 1/4 cup of Water
  • 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Tea Tree Oil
  • 10 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil (optional)
Instructions:
  1. In a small bowl, mix together the liquid castile soap and water.
  2. Add the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, and mix well.
  3. Add the tea tree oil and mix well. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for oily hair.
  4. If desired, add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil for fragrance. Peppermint oil has a refreshing scent and can help to soothe the scalp.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a clean and empty shampoo bottle or dispenser.
To Use:

Wet your hair thoroughly and apply a small amount of the shampoo to your scalp. Massage gently for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat if necessary.

Tips:
  • For extra oil-fighting power, add a teaspoon of baking soda to the mixture.
  • If you have hard water, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the mixture to help remove buildup.
  • Shake well before each use, as the ingredients may separate.
  • This shampoo is free of preservatives, so it should be used within two to three weeks.

Shampoo for Dry Hair

Dry hair can be a challenge to manage, and many commercial shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can further dry out the hair. By making your own shampoo, you can avoid these harsh chemicals while still effectively cleansing and moisturizing your hair. This recipe is ideal for those with dry hair, as it contains ingredients that are nourishing and hydrating.

Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup of Liquid Castile Soap
  • 1/4 cup of Water
  • 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel
  • 1 tablespoon of Honey
  • 1 teaspoon of Jojoba Oil
  • 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil (optional)
Instructions:
  1. In a small bowl, mix together the liquid castile soap and water.
  2. Add the aloe vera gel and honey, and mix well. Aloe vera gel helps to soothe the scalp and hydrate the hair, while honey is a natural humectant that helps to lock in moisture.
  3. Add the jojoba oil and mix well. Jojoba oil is an excellent moisturizer that closely mimics the natural oils produced by the scalp.
  4. If desired, add 10 drops of lavender essential oil for fragrance. Lavender oil has a calming scent and can help to soothe an itchy scalp.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a clean and empty shampoo bottle or dispenser.
To Use:

Wet your hair thoroughly and apply a small amount of the shampoo to your scalp. Massage gently for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat if necessary.

Tips:
  • For extra hydration, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the mixture.
  • If you have hard water, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the mixture to help remove buildup.
  • Shake well before each use, as the ingredients may separate.
  • This shampoo is free of preservatives, so it should be used within two to three weeks.

Homemade Dish Soap

Homemade dish soap is an easy and cost-effective way to clean your dishes while avoiding the harsh chemicals found in many commercial dish soaps. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a gentle yet effective dish soap that is safe for your family and the environment.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of Liquid Castile Soap
  • 1/4 cup of Distilled Water
  • 1 tablespoon of White Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of Baking Soda
  • 10 drops of Lemon Essential Oil (optional)
Instructions:
  1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the liquid castile soap and distilled water.
  2. Add the white vinegar and baking soda, and mix well. The baking soda helps to cut through grease and grime, while the white vinegar helps to remove stains and odors.
  3. If desired, add 10 drops of lemon essential oil for fragrance. Lemon oil has a refreshing scent and can help to cut through grease and odors.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a clean and empty dish soap dispenser.
To Use:

Squeeze a small amount of the dish soap onto a sponge or directly onto dishes. Wash dishes as usual, then rinse thoroughly with water.

Tips:
  • For extra grease-fighting power, add a tablespoon of salt to the mixture.
  • To help prevent soap scum and residue buildup, add a tablespoon of borax to the mixture.
  • Shake well before each use, as the ingredients may separate.
  • This dish soap is free of preservatives, so it should be used within two to three weeks.

Castile Soap

Castile soap is a versatile and gentle soap that is made from vegetable oils, such as olive oil. It is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals in their personal care products. Here is a recipe for making your own castile soap at home.

Ingredients:
  • 1 pound of Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup of Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
  • 3/4 cup of Distilled Water
Equipment:
  1. A large stainless steel pot
  2. A digital kitchen scale
  3. A glass or plastic bowl for mixing the lye and water
  4. A wooden or silicone spoon for stirring
  5. A stick blender
  6. A soap mold
Instructions:
  1. Weigh the olive oil using a digital kitchen scale and pour it into the large stainless steel pot.
  2. In a separate glass or plastic bowl, carefully mix the lye and distilled water together. The mixture will get very hot and give off fumes, so it is important to mix it in a well-ventilated area while wearing gloves and protective eyewear.
  3. Slowly pour the lye and water mixture into the pot with the olive oil while stirring with a wooden or silicone spoon.
  4. Use a stick blender to blend the mixture until it reaches a light trace. A light trace is when the mixture thickens to the consistency of pudding.
  5. Pour the mixture into a soap mold and cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
  6. Let the soap sit in the mold for 24-48 hours until it is firm.
  7. Once the soap has firmed up, remove it from the mold and cut it into bars.
  8. Let the bars cure in a cool, dry place for at least four weeks before using. This will allow the soap to fully harden and the lye to completely neutralize.
Tips:
  • For a harder bar of soap, add a tablespoon of salt or sugar to the mixture.
  • For a scented soap, add 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil after blending the mixture.
  • Castile soap can be used for a variety of purposes, such as body soap, shampoo, dish soap, and more.

Natural Coloring

Using natural colorants in soap making and other crafts is a great way to avoid harsh chemicals and create beautiful, unique products. Here are some easy recipes for natural colorants that you can use in your soap making projects.
  • Beetroot Powder: Beetroot powder is a popular natural colorant for soap making. Simply grind dried beetroot into a fine powder and add it to your soap recipe until you achieve the desired color.
  • Spirulina Powder: Spirulina powder is a natural blue-green colorant that can be added to your soap recipe to create a beautiful ocean-like hue. Add the powder slowly and in small amounts until you reach your desired shade.
  • Annatto Seeds: Annatto seeds can be used to create a natural yellow-orange color in your soap. Soak the seeds in oil or water for several hours, then strain out the seeds and add the liquid to your soap recipe.
  • Paprika Powder: Paprika powder can be used to create a natural orange color in your soap. Mix the powder with a small amount of oil or water to create a paste, then add it to your soap recipe until you reach the desired shade.
  • Indigo Powder: Indigo powder is a natural blue colorant that is commonly used in soap making. Mix the powder with a small amount of oil or water to create a paste, then add it to your soap recipe until you achieve the desired color.
  • Turmeric Powder: Turmeric powder is a natural yellow colorant that can be added to your soap recipe to create a bright and sunny hue. Mix the powder with a small amount of oil or water to create a paste, then add it to your soap recipe until you reach the desired shade.
  • Madder Root Powder: Madder root powder is a natural red colorant that can be added to your soap recipe to create a beautiful pink or red hue. Mix the powder with a small amount of oil or water to create a paste, then add it to your soap recipe until you achieve the desired color.
Using natural colorants in your soap making projects is a great way to create unique and beautiful products while avoiding harsh chemicals. By using ingredients like beetroot powder, spirulina powder, annatto seeds, paprika powder, indigo powder, turmeric powder, and madder root powder, you can achieve a wide range of colors and hues in your soap. Experiment with these natural colorants to create your own custom soap recipes that are both beautiful and gentle on the skin.