Making your own laundry liquid from ivy isn’t just a fun foraging project — it’s an empowering move toward safer, more sustainable living.
In a world where most household products are packed with hidden chemicals, crafting your own natural laundry detergent is one small (but mighty) way to take your power back. It’s good for your wallet, your health, and the planet.
Ivy contains natural saponins — soap-like compounds that gently lift dirt and grime, without the toxic load found in conventional detergents. And the best part? It’s totally free if you’ve got some growing nearby.
What’s Really in Your Laundry Detergent?
Most of us were never taught to question what’s in our laundry products. Unfortunately the reality is many of the chemicals in mainstream detergents are linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption, and even long-term health concerns. Here are just a few of the common culprits:
⚠️ Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
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Skin and eye irritant
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Can penetrate the skin and disrupt the nervous system
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Often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (a suspected carcinogen)
⚠️ Fragrance / Parfum
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May include phthalates (linked to hormone disruption)
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Associated with respiratory issues, allergies, and migraines
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Manufacturers aren’t required to disclose ingredients
⚠️ Optical Brighteners
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Coat fabrics with fluorescent chemicals to make them “appear” cleaner
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Can irritate skin and harm aquatic life
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Not biodegradable
⚠️ Chlorine Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)
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Highly corrosive and can release toxic fumes
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Linked to respiratory irritation and asthma
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Dangerous when mixed with other cleaners (e.g., ammonia)
⚠️ Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (“Quats”)
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Common in antibacterial formulas
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Linked to skin and lung irritation, and possible fertility issues
⚠️ 1,4-Dioxane
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A known carcinogen
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Not biodegradable
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Contaminates waterways and can damage liver and kidneys with chronic exposure
⚠️ Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs)
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Banned in the EU, still present in some UK/US products
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Disrupt hormones by mimicking estrogen
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Toxic to aquatic life
Why Ivy?
Common English ivy (Hedera helix) contains natural saponins, which work just like soap — helping to break down dirt, grease, and stains. It’s gentle, biodegradable, and completely free if you’re willing to forage (just avoid ivy that’s been sprayed or growing by roadsides).
Making your own ivy detergent helps reduce:
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Plastic waste
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Chemical exposure
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Household costs
And it reconnects you with nature in a beautiful, practical way.
Simple Ivy Laundry Detergent Recipe
What You’ll Need:
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~50 fresh ivy leaves (washed — avoid dusty or old ones)
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1 litre of water
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A large pot
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A sieve or muslin cloth
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Optional: a few drops of essential oil (orange and lemon are my favourites!)
Method:
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Tear or chop the ivy leaves to help release the saponins.
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Place in a large pot with 1 litre of water.
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Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes.
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Let it cool completely.
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Strain the liquid through a sieve or muslin cloth.
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Pour into a clean glass jar or bottle.
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Store in the fridge and use within 7–10 days.
How to Use:
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Use 100–150ml per wash, either in the detergent drawer or directly in the drum.
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Shake well before each use.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Cleaning Power
You can boost the recipe naturally by adding:
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1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda per wash (for odour control and water softening)
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A dash of white vinegar in the rinse drawer (as a natural fabric softener)
A Small Shift with Big Impact
Switching to ivy detergent might feel like a tiny act — but it’s a powerful one. Each time you choose a natural solution, you:
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Support your body’s detox systems
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Avoid hormone disruptors and synthetic chemicals
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Reduce plastic packaging
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Reconnect with seasonal rhythms and your local environment
This is low-tox living in action — not about perfection, but about awareness and intention.
Ivy laundry liquid is one of the easiest, most satisfying DIY swaps you can make. It’s safe, sustainable, budget-friendly — and it works.
Give it a try and see how it feels to reclaim just one corner of your home from the chemical overload. Nature really does provide everything we need — we’ve just forgotten how to listen.
Loved this tip?
Share it with a friend, pin it for later, or tag me on Instagram if you give it a go!
Catherine x