Homegrown Basics Natural Laundry Starter Kit:
This is a low-toxin, efficient, economical, and earth-friendly LAUNDRY SYSTEM. It is built around one simple idea: use a basic laundry detergent for everyday washing, then add stronger ingredients only when the load truly needs them. This helps save money, reduce waste, and avoid overusing stronger products on lightly soiled laundry. The formulas below are low-suds and suitable for HE washers as well.
Homegrown Basics Laundry I
Everyday Base Formula
Laundry I is your everyday laundry detergent for routine household washing. It is intended for lightly to moderately soiled clothing, towels, sheets, and general family laundry. This is the formula to reach for most often.
Ingredients
1 cup washing soda
1 cup baking soda
1 cup borax
How to Prepare
Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight container.
How to Use
For HE machines, use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load.
For top loaders, use 2 to 3 tablespoons per load.
Add to the detergent compartment or directly into the drum, then wash as usual.
Best For
Everyday lightly soiled clothing
Towels and sheets
General household laundry
Use With Care
Laundry I is best for light-to-moderate soil. If laundry is consistently sweaty, greasy, heavily stained, or comes out looking clean but still smelling unclean, move up to one of the stronger support options below.
Homegrown Basics Laundry II
Base Formula with Fels-Naptha
Laundry II is the upgraded version of the base formula for loads that need more stain support. It uses the same foundational ingredients as Laundry I, with grated Fels-Naptha added for stronger stain-fighting help. Fels-Naptha is widely used as a stain remover and laundry booster, and the manufacturer describes it as working alongside detergent.
Ingredients
1 cup washing soda
1 cup baking soda
1 cup borax
1 bar Fels-Naptha, about 5 ounces, grated
How to Prepare
Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight container.
How to Use
Use 2 to 3 tablespoons per load.
For individual stains, wet the fabric, rub the Fels-Naptha bar directly onto the stain, let it sit briefly, then wash as usual. The manufacturer describes direct application as a simple way to pre-treat stubborn stains before laundering.
Best For
Laundry with more noticeable staining
Collars and cuffs
Greasy soils
Workwear and play clothes
Loads that need more stain support than Laundry I provides
Use With Care
Laundry II is still a detergent base, but it is a stronger one. Use it when Laundry I is not enough. If the real problem is odor, body oil buildup, sweat, or heavy organic staining, add the enzyme support section below instead of assuming more soap is the answer.
Homegrown Basics Laundry Enzymes
Optional Add-On for Heavy Soil and Odors
This section is intentionally separate. Laundry enzymes are not a replacement for Laundry I or Laundry II. They are an optional add-on used only when the laundry needs extra help. Enzyme products are sold as laundry boosters to be used with detergent. Manufacturers describe them as targeting stubborn stains, body soils, sweat, odors, and embedded residue that detergent alone may miss. Some enzyme boosters are specifically described as working with detergent, and some say they work with any detergent.
For this system, use enzymes as an optional add-on with either Laundry I or Laundry II.
Use enzymes when the load includes sweaty work clothes, active wear, food stains, body oil buildup, yellowing from sweat or sebum, towels that still smell musty after washing, or laundry that looks clean but does not smell fully clean. Enzyme boosters are also commonly used when regular detergent needs extra stain and odor support.
How to Use
Add the enzyme booster to the wash drum before adding clothes, following the product directions. Then add either Laundry I or Laundry II and wash as usual. Several enzyme booster makers direct users to add the booster to the drum and use it alongside detergent.
Important Clarification
Enzymes are optional support.
They may be used with Laundry I or Laundry II
Use With Care
Do not use laundry enzyme boosters on wool, silk, cashmere, or other delicate protein-based fibers. Enzyme products commonly warn against use on these fabrics because protease enzymes can break down protein fibers.
Avoid adding acidic additives such as vinegar directly into an enzyme-heavy wash, because acids can lower wash-water pH and reduce enzyme effectiveness. [
Follow the enzyme product’s own directions for dosage, fabric suitability, and soaking or pretreating instructions. Some are safe on colorfast machine-washable clothing but still caution against direct contact with fabric before dissolving in water.
General chemical safety still applies. Chlorine bleach should not be mixed with acids or ammonia.
Simple System Guide
Choose Laundry I for everyday loads.
Choose Laundry II when the load needs stronger stain support.
Add Laundry Enzymes only when the load has heavy soil, odor, body oils, sweat buildup, or stubborn organic stains.
Keep it Simple. Use the mildest effective option first, then layer in more support only when the laundry soil level calls for it.