The 3-Ingredient Laundry Detergent That’s Better for Your Clothes, Wallet, and Mental Health

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When we talk about mental health, we often focus on stress from work, relationships, or personal struggles. But environmental stressors—like the chemicals in everyday products—can quietly add to our mental and physical load. Taking small, mindful steps toward sustainability can have a profound impact on mental well-being, both for us individually and for the world. In this post, I’ll walk you through an easy, eco-friendly homemade laundry detergent recipe using baking soda, Borax, and Charlie’s Soap. This small switch isn’t just about cutting down on harsh chemicals—it’s about creating a more sustainable, cost-effective lifestyle that aligns with the MIND Fundamentals, my framework for nurturing holistic well-being.

Switching to homemade products can lower our exposure to harmful chemicals, reduce environmental waste, and save money, all of which contribute to a healthier and more balanced mind. And it’s a great way to practice sustainability in a way that aligns with my course on Understanding and Lowering Inflammation to Improve Mental Health. Let’s explore how this simple change is good for you and the environment.

Environmental and Economic Stressors: A Hidden Impact on Mental Health

We know that stress from our surroundings can wear us down, and it’s not just the noise and busyness—it’s also about the environmental toxins we bring into our homes. Synthetic fragrances, volatile compounds, and chemicals in commercial products contribute to inflammation in the body, which studies have linked to anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue (Osimo et al., 2019).

Switching to homemade products is a simple step that removes some of these stressors. And here’s the added bonus: it’s also a sustainable, budget-friendly alternative to store-bought products. Research shows that sustainable practices are associated with a greater sense of well-being, as they help us feel that we’re contributing positively to the planet and our health. Plus, saving money on household products can relieve financial stress, which is one of the biggest drivers of anxiety (O’Neill et al., 2020).

Here’s how to make this impactful change by creating a non-toxic, budget-friendly laundry detergent.

Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Baking Soda: A gentle cleaner and deodorizer, baking soda is perfect for lifting stains and odors in laundry.

• 1 cup Borax: Borax is a natural cleaner and an alternative to harsh chemicals. I love using it with my kids in projects like slime or oobleck—it’s both safe and versatile.

• 1 cup Charlie’s Soap: Instead of grating traditional soap bars (a common ingredient in DIY recipes), I use Charlie’s Soap. It’s quicker, contains a water softener, and offers the same cleaning power as grated soap.

Instructions:

1. Combine the baking soda, Borax, and Charlie’s Soap in a large mixing bowl.

2. Stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly blended.

3. Store the mixture in an airtight container to keep it fresh and easy to use.

To Use: Add 1-2 tablespoons of detergent per load, adjusting based on your water hardness and load size.

How Sustainability and Cost Savings Boost Mental Health

Creating sustainable habits and saving money might seem like small acts, but they can have a big impact on mental well-being. Here’s how these benefits tie into your mental health and your journey toward a healthier lifestyle:

1. Sustainability as a Source of Purpose: Choosing eco-friendly alternatives like homemade products allows us to take small, tangible steps toward a healthier planet. Research shows that sustainable practices can increase life satisfaction and contribute to a sense of purpose (Gatersleben et al., 2019). By making a positive contribution to the environment, you’re also nourishing your sense of well-being, knowing you’re helping create a better world for future generations.

2. Financial Relief Reduces Anxiety: Store-bought detergents and cleaning products are often pricey, especially if you’re looking for eco-friendly brands. By making your own detergent, you’ll save money on each load, which adds up over time.

3. Reducing Environmental Stressors Improves Emotional Health: When you switch to a non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative, you’re removing one more irritant in your environment that can lead to increased inflammation. Lower inflammation has been linked to better emotional stability, increased focus, and lower rates of anxiety and depression (Osimo et al., 2019). It’s amazing how a simple change can contribute to overall mental clarity and calmness.

   

   
   

Making Small Shifts that Lead to Big Changes

Homemade products like this detergent connect to the MIND Fundamentals—especially Intention, Nourishment, and Unplugging. These small, intentional changes don’t just help you reduce exposure to toxins; they’re a way to mindfully unplug from reliance on commercial solutions. Just like taking a walk in nature or making a home-cooked meal, preparing homemade detergent reinforces a sense of agency over your environment and allows you to live a lifestyle that aligns with your values. Each small step contributes to mental well-being and builds a foundation for lifelong resilience.

If this resonates with you, consider diving deeper into how environmental and lifestyle changes can support mental health through my course Understanding and Lowering Inflammation to Improve Mental Health. It’s all about understanding the underlying influences on our mental state and finding manageable, evidence-based ways to thrive.