Frustrated with expensive commercial detergents loaded with harsh chemicals and overpowering scents? As someone with sensitive skin, I've felt the same irritation. That's why I've turned to nature's own solutions—like my grandmother's ivy leaf recipe, a cost-free powerhouse that's been cleaning fabrics effectively for generations.
Today, I'm sharing her 100% natural ivy laundry detergent recipe. It's simple, eco-friendly, and incredibly economical. Watch how:
- About 50 climbing ivy leaves
- 1 liter of water
- Baking soda
- Gloves
- Large saucepan with lid
- Mixing bowl
- Glass bottle
- Old pantyhose (for straining)
Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Yield: About 1 liter
1. Wear gloves—ivy can irritate skin for some people.
2. Rinse the ivy leaves under clean water.
3. Crush the leaves by hand to release their juices.
4. Place the crushed leaves in the saucepan.
5. Add the water.
6. Bring to a boil.
7. Simmer on low for 15 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and cover. Let steep overnight.
9. Strain through pantyhose into your bottle the next day.
10. Stir in 1 tablespoon of baking soda until dissolved.
Your homemade ivy laundry detergent is ready! Simple, quick, and purely natural.
Ditch those pricey supermarket options—this recipe costs nothing and uses just two ingredients.
It tackles tough stains like tomato, ink, and fruit effortlessly. For a fresh scent, add a few drops of peppermint essential oil.
Pour about 150 ml into your machine's detergent compartment and run a normal cycle.
It's effective even at 30°C. The green tint won't stain your clothes.
Store in the fridge for 3-4 weeks, or freeze for longer. Make batches ahead to save time.
Ivy's cleaning power comes from its high saponin content—a natural surfactant that foams, degreases, and removes stains, just like our ancestors used it for laundry.
Baking soda boosts it further, neutralizing odors.
I've been using this recipe faithfully, and the results impress me every wash. Skeptical at first from Grandma's tip, it now handles 30°C loads and 60°C delicates beautifully.
For yellow sweat stains, pretreat with a percarbonate soak (see tip #5 here). Laundry emerges clean and neutral-scented—add essential oils if you prefer fragrance, far better than synthetic ones.
