"Clean Clothes, Clean Planet: 

You can make homemade laundry detergent without borax using a few simple and eco-friendly ingredients. Borax is sometimes used in laundry detergent recipes, but if you prefer a borax-free option, here's a recipe for a liquid laundry detergent:

Ingredients:

1. Castile Soap: Castile soap is a plant-based soap that is gentle on clothes and effective at cleaning. You can find it in various scents or unscented.

2. Washing Soda: Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is a natural cleaner and water softener. It helps remove stains and odors from your laundry.

3. Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and gentle abrasive that can help with cleaning and freshening your clothes.

4. Essential Oils (Optional): You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for a pleasant scent in your laundry.

Instructions:

1. Grate the Soap: Grate a bar of Castile soap using a cheese grater. You'll need about 2/3 to 1 cup of grated soap depending on how concentrated you want your detergent to be.

2. Boil Water: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.

3. Dissolve the Soap: Once the water is boiling, add the grated soap and stir until it's completely dissolved.

4. Add Washing Soda and Baking Soda: Remove the pot from heat and add 1/2 cup of washing soda and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Stir until these ingredients are dissolved as well.

5. Cool and Add Essential Oils (Optional): Allow the mixture to cool for a while. If you'd like to add essential oils for fragrance, do so once the mixture has cooled a bit. 10-15 drops of essential oil should suffice, but you can adjust according to your preference.

6. Transfer to Containers: Pour the detergent into a large container or several smaller ones. You can use old detergent bottles or mason jars. Make sure the container has a lid to keep the detergent fresh.

7. Use: Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of this homemade detergent per load of laundry, depending on the size of your load and how soiled your clothes are.

• This detergent doesn't produce suds like commercial detergents, but it cleans effectively.
• It's suitable for high-efficiency (HE) washing machines.
• Give the detergent a good shake before each use as it may settle over time.

This homemade laundry detergent is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to store-bought options. It's free from borax and harsh chemicals, making it a gentle yet effective cleaner for your clothes.