Washing powder / liquid recipes

When you buy or build a Laundromat, there are many decisions you need to make. Some decisions are obvious such as brand and mix of machines, colour scheme, opening hours etc - while other decisions are not so obvious. 

​When you order Dexter washing machines for example, one of the options available is to have detergent automatically injected into the washer.  All that a customer has to do is place laundry in the machine, close the door and pay -  detergent is added as part of the cycle.

​We chose not to do this. Why? 

Well, it seemed wrong to impose  - and to not give our customers a choice. Imagine a person with  eczema, psoriasis or sensitive skin walking into our laundromat and discovering that the detergent has already been chosen for them? 

Imagine someone who always chooses natural, eco-friendly products discovering that they are not able to use those products in your laundromat because an unknown liquid is going to be injected into the drum? What about those with a newborn who don't wish to use strong chemicals? What about customers who need a detergent specifically for wool or for delicates? 

So, the Dexter washing machines at our Burleigh Heads Laundromat do not have detergent by injection. Yes, we sell washing powder by the sachet, but most customers bring their own.

Our customers bring their own choice of 'conventional' laundry powders, liquids and pods and some bring home-made concoctions that contain a variety of ingredients such as bicarb, vinegar, essential oils and more... and we love it. Some of them smell amazing!

With all this in mind, I thought I would link you to three Australian websites that have some great recipes for home-made  laundry detergents and softeners too. 

Stay at Home Mum : This blog offers a list of recipes  that includes both detergents and fabric softeners. The very first recipe is super Australian with the inclusion of  eucalyptus or tea-tree oil for gorgeously scented laundry!

Frugal and Thriving: This site has a tried and tested no Borax recipe for laundry liquid with full instructions and images.

Biome : Cheap and effective recipe for a home-made  detergent that is natural and has antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial properties.  

We hope you enjoy making some of these recipes - it's satisfying to know exactly what the clothes that you wear have been washed in - same goes for the sheets that you sleep on and the towels that dry your body. Happy laundry days always!