How to Do Off-Grid Laundry with Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent!

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Eco friendly laundry detergent.

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Living an off-grid, self-sufficient lifestyle means rethinking everyday tasks—including laundry. Traditional detergents are packed with harsh chemicals, washing machines waste gallons of water, and dryers consume tons of energy. That’s why I’ve created an eco-friendly laundry routine that’s budget-friendly, chemical-free, and completely off-grid!

In this post, I’ll share my DIY laundry detergent recipe, my off-grid washing method using utility sinks and mop wringers, and how I air dry everything on a clothesline—all while keeping costs low. Plus, you can shop my favorite eco-friendly laundry essentials in this post!

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Why Switch to an Eco-Friendly Laundry Routine?

When it comes to keeping your clothes clean while being kind to the planet, my eco-friendly laundry detergent is the perfect solution!

The Benefits of My Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent!

Take note, I am not the first person to create and use this recipe!

Avoid harsh chemicals – Most store-bought detergents contain sulfates, phosphates, and synthetic fragrances that can irritate skin and pollute waterways. It’s safe for both your family and the planet, giving you peace of mind with every load.
Reduce waste – No more plastic jugs filling up landfills as most of these products are in boxes and you only buy them once per year if you use this bulk recipe!
Save money – My DIY laundry detergent costs less than $7 per month and lasts almost a year! You don’t have to compromise on quality or sustainability.
Go off-grid – No need for electricity-hungry appliances like washing machines and dryers.
It’s biodegradable, meaning it breaks down naturally without harming the environment.
This detergent is also septic-safe, ensuring it won’t disrupt your system while you maintain your off-grid and/or eco-friendly lifestyle.

Now, let’s get into the details of my homemade laundry detergent and washing routine.

DIY Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Recipe (5-Gallon Batch That Lasts a Year!)

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Ingredients

This recipe can last up to one year’s worth and fits into a 5-gallon bucket!

Instructions

Grate the Castile soap into fine shavings.
In a large bucket, mix washing soda, Borax, and baking soda.
Stir in the grated Castile soap until evenly combined.
Add essential oil if desired and mix thoroughly.
Store in an airtight container such as a 5-gallon bucket with a lid.
Fill a smaller container with a scoop for regular use and refill as needed.

How to Use

Add 2-4 tablespoons per load, depending on load size and soiled level. That’s it!

My Off-Grid Laundry Setup – No Washer, No Problem!

Image illustrates eco friendly laundry detergent and set up.

Since I live off-grid, I don’t use a washing machine. Instead, I rely on utility sinks and a dedicated mop wringer—and honestly, it works even better!

Here’s How I Wash My Laundry

Fill two utility sinks or a double sink (which is what I have) with warm water and add 2-4 tablespoons of my DIY detergent to one sink only. One sink is for washing and the other sink is for rinsing.
Soak clothes for 15-30 minutes to loosen dirt and use an agitator for 5-10 minutes.
Scrub if needed, using a washboard for stubborn stains.

How to Use a Manual Washing Agitator

The Portable Washing Machine – Durable & Waterproof Clothes Washing Wand is a great addition to my off-grid laundry setup.

I use it in my utility sink, filling the basin with water and adding a small amount of detergent.
After placing my clothes into the sink, I submerge the washing wand into the water and turn it on to create gentle agitation.
The wand’s waterproof, durable design is perfect for my off-grid environment, allowing me to wash clothes efficiently without electricity.
This mobile hand washer is compact and portable, making it easy to store when not in use, while still providing a reliable way to keep my clothes clean using minimal resources.
It’s the perfect tool for my sustainable, off-grid laundry routine!

Why I Use the Galv Washboard Large with the Mustee 27F Double Bowl Laundry Tub

I chose the Galv Washboard Large to pair with the Mustee 27F Double Bowl Laundry Tub because it offers the ideal size and functionality for efficient hand washing.

With a length of 23.8 inches, this large washboard fits comfortably across the full length of the tub, providing ample space for scrubbing a variety of laundry items.
Its 12.6-inch width matches the 12-inch depth of the tub, fitting snugly within the bowl while still allowing enough room to maneuver the clothes.
The sturdy build of the Galv Washboard Large ensures that I can tackle even the toughest laundry tasks (like bulky blankets) with ease, making it a perfect addition to my laundry setup.

It is now time to wring out the soapy water and rinse!

Why Wringing Out Clothes Before Rinsing is Important

Wring out excess soap: Before placing clothes in the clean rinse water, wring out as much soapy water as possible to avoid contaminating the rinse water with suds by using a heavy-duty mop wringer.
Improved rinsing efficiency: Removing excess soap allows the clean rinse water to work more effectively, helping to remove any remaining detergent or dirt.
Prevents soap residue: Wringing out clothes reduces the chance of soap residue clinging to the fabric, which can cause skin irritation or stiffness.
Step-by-step:
Gently wring the clothes after washing them in the soapy water tub or utility sink with a heavy-duty mop wringer.
Rinse them in the prepared clean rinse water in a separate tub or utility sink.
After rinsing, wring out the clothes again to remove excess rinse water before hanging them to dry and placing them in a laundry basket.
Hang to dry (see my drying method below!).

Benefits of This Method

Uses way less water than a traditional machine.
No electricity is required—perfect for off-grid homesteads.
Extends the life of clothes (gentler than a washer agitator).

My Washing Essentials

How I Dry My Laundry – No Dryer Needed!

A clothes dryer is one of the biggest energy hogs in any home. Instead, I air dry everything using a traditional clothesline and indoor drying racks when needed.

Why I Love Line Drying

Free & energy-efficient – No electricity required.
Smells amazing – Fresh air-dried clothes have a natural crisp scent.
Extends clothing life – No heat damage like in dryers.
Easy & effective – Even in winter, I dry clothes indoors near a heat source.

Want to Switch to Line Drying?

Check out my favorite sturdy clotheslines and drying racks below!

One of my favorite ways to dry clothes off-grid is by using a clothesline, and I particularly love the convenience of two options:

The umbrella clothesline and the pulley clothesline.

The umbrella clothesline is perfect for small spaces; it opens up like an umbrella, offering multiple drying lines in a compact design that’s easy to set up and store. It’s great for drying smaller loads of laundry and works wonderfully in my backyard or off-grid laundry space.
On the other hand, the pulley clothesline is ideal for larger loads or when I need to dry more clothes at once. It’s designed with a system of pulleys that lets me easily raise and lower the line, making it effortless to hang clothes up high to catch the breeze. This is necessary for bulky blankets!

Both options are eco-friendly, saving energy while giving my clothes that fresh, sun-dried smell, and they’re reliable, no matter the weather.

Shop for Your Clothesline Options!

Umbrella clothesline
Pulley clothesline

Conclusion

Switching to an eco-friendly laundry routine isn’t just better for the environment—it’s also cheaper, simpler, and more effective than commercial alternatives. By making your own detergent, washing clothes manually, and air drying, you’ll cut down on waste, lower your costs, and reduce your dependence on electricity.

Ready to make the switch? Shop my eco-friendly laundry essentials above and start your sustainable laundry journey today!

💬 What’s your favorite eco-friendly laundry tip? Drop a comment below!

Resources: Here are some helpful resources for further information.