How to Make Sustainable Laundry Sheets at Home

Laundry sheets have become a popular sustainable alternative to traditional liquid detergents and plastic-packaged powders. These lightweight, biodegradable sheets can clean your clothes effectively while reducing plastic waste and carbon footprint. While store-bought options are available, making your own sustainable laundry sheets at home is a cost-effective and environmentally conscious choice. Here’s a guide to creating your own laundry sheets, using readily available ingredients.

Why Choose Laundry Sheets?

  1. Sustainable: No plastic packaging and reduced water usage compared to liquid detergents.
  2. Lightweight: Lower carbon footprint for transportation.
  3. Convenient: Easy to use and store, especially for small spaces.
  4. Customisable: Homemade sheets can be tailored to your preferences, such as fragrance–free or hypoallergenic.

Ingredients and Materials

Ingredients:

  1. Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate): Acts as a water softener and helps remove dirt and stains.
    • Available in most supermarkets or online eco-stores.
  2. Castile Soap (Liquid or Bar): A biodegradable, plant-based soap that serves as the cleaning agent.
    • Brands like Dr. Bronner’s are widely available.
  3. Essential Oils (Optional): For fragrance, use oils like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus.
  4. Water: To create a solution for soaking the sheets.
  5. White Vinegar (Optional): Adds a mild softening effect and removes odours.

Materials:

  1. Old Cotton Fabric (Repurposed): Thin, absorbent material like old T-shirts or muslin.
  2. Scissors: To cut the fabric into sheets.
  3. Mixing Bowl: To prepare the cleaning solution.
  4. Measuring Cups: For accurate proportions.
  5. Storage Container: Airtight jar or tin to keep the sheets fresh.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fabric:
    • Wash and dry old cotton fabric to ensure it’s clean.
    • Cut the fabric into uniform squares or rectangles, approximately 10cm x 10cm. These will serve as your reusable laundry sheets.
  2. Make the Cleaning Solution:
    • Combine 1 cup of washing soda and 1/2 cup of grated castile soap (if using a bar) or 1/2 cup of liquid castile soap in a mixing bowl.
    • Add 2 cups of warm water and stir until the ingredients are fully dissolved.
    • Optional: Add 10–15 drops of your chosen essential oil for fragrance.
    • For added softness, mix in 2 tablespoons of white vinegar.
  3. Soak the Fabric:
    • Submerge the fabric pieces into the cleaning solution, ensuring they are thoroughly soaked.
    • Let them sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb the solution.
  4. Dry the Sheets:
    • Remove the fabric pieces from the solution and gently wring out excess liquid.
    • Lay the sheets flat to dry completely. This can be done indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather.
  5. Store the Sheets:
    • Once dry, store your laundry sheets in an airtight container to keep them fresh and ready for use.

How to Use Your Laundry Sheets

  1. For Machine Washing:
    • Place one sheet directly into the drum of your washing machine with your laundry.
    • Suitable for cold or warm water cycles.
  2. For Hand Washing:
    • Soak the sheet in a basin of water, lather, and then wash your clothes as usual.

Sustainability Tips

  • Repurpose Old Clothes: Use old cotton shirts or bedsheets to avoid buying new fabric.
  • Buy Local Ingredients: Purchase washing soda, castile soap, and essential oils to support local businesses and reduce transportation emissions.
  • Recycle and Compost: After multiple uses, worn-out sheets can be composted if made from 100% natural fibres.

Why Make Your Own?

Homemade laundry sheets are not only environmentally friendly but also free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances found in many commercial products. By making them at home, you save money, reduce waste, and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Start crafting your own sustainable laundry sheets today, and transform the way you clean your clothes while protecting the planet!

Updated 11/01/25

I have worked out the following as a guide.

I have followed the laundry sheet recipe:

  • Combine 1 cup of washing soda and 1/2 cup of grated castile soap (if using a bar) or 1/2 cup of liquid castile soap in a mixing bowl.
  • Add 2 cups of warm water and stir until the ingredients are fully dissolved.
  • Optional: Add 10–15 drops of your chosen essential oil for fragrance.
  • For added softness, mix in 2 tablespoons of white vinegar.

Cost of ingredients

1 Litre Castile Soap £9.49

1kg Washing Soda £8.49

5 Litres Vinegar 5% £5.99

Nikura Essential Oil Gift Set £9.99

Total £33.96

It will cost £4.39 to make each batch of 45 sheets

From the ingredients I have bought I can make 180 laundry sheets.

I do small loads of washing each week therefore I will do 5 loads of washing so each year I will do 260 loads so I have enough laundry sheets for 8 months.

The longevity of your ingredients depends on storage conditions and the type of ingredient. Here’s an estimate of how long each ingredient should last if stored properly:

Castile Soap

  • Shelf Life: Typically 3 to 5 years if kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Storage: Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent contamination.

Washing Soda

  • Shelf Life: Indefinite if stored in a cool, dry place and kept away from moisture.
  • Storage: Use an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the air.

Vinegar

  • Shelf Life: Indefinite, although its acidity might slightly decrease over time.
  • Storage: Keep it in a cool, dark place, tightly sealed.

Essential Oils

  • Shelf Life: 1 to 3 years, depending on the type of oil and storage conditions.
  • Storage: Store in dark glass bottles in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation.

#LaundrySheets #Sustainable #SustainableLaundrySheets #Biodegradeable

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