Dear Readers,
Welcome back to Resilient Roads—where we stay curious, question the norm, and lean into a lifestyle that actually supports our health. Today’s share may seem small, but it’s part of a much bigger shift I’ve been making in how I care for my home and my body.
Why I Ditched Store-Bought Detergent
I finally made my own laundry detergent. I’d been meaning to do it for a while, and after one last round with the store-bought stuff, I remembered exactly why it mattered. I’m absolutely stunned at how much better our clothes feel—softer, cleaner, and even fluffier. No overpowering perfumes, no residue, just fresh, clean clothes.
And this got me thinking…
What We’ve Been Sold in the Name of Convenience
It’s not just about making my own detergent. It’s about the bigger picture—the fact that we’ve been sold a lifestyle of convenience that’s packed with toxins, chemicals, and things that aren’t actually good for us. We’re told these products are “better,” but are they?
Think about it. We pay premium prices for big-name detergents, fabric softeners, and household products that are loaded with synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals. They coat our clothes, our bedsheets, and ultimately, our skin—our largest organ—where they’re absorbed directly into our bodies. And what do we get in return? Allergies, sensitivities, hormone disruption, and in some cases, long-term health risks.
When I last ran out of detergent, I grabbed a small bottle of Tide at Aldi’s just to get by. I don’t usually use Tide, but I was in a rush. The second I pulled my clothes from the dryer, I was hit with a wave of fragrance so strong it made my sinuses flare. It was overwhelming. I’ve always been sensitive to smells (an allergist once told me I’m a “super smeller”—it’s not an allergy, just extreme scent sensitivity), but this was next level.
It’s Bigger Than Detergent
And it’s not just laundry detergent.
Look at what’s happened with our health. We’ve been sold the same lie when it comes to medicine. Got gut issues? Take a pill. Got pain? Pop an over-the-counter fix. Have an infection? They’ll send you off with another round of antibiotics. And yet, those same solutions often create more problems—gut imbalances, dependency, long-term side effects. If we focused more on eating well, moving our bodies, and reducing toxic load, a lot of these so-called solutions wouldn’t be necessary in the first place.
Convenience has turned into a crisis—especially a health crisis.
We lather ourselves in scented lotions, body sprays, and “fresh” laundry smells without questioning what’s in them. Take something like Bath & Body Works—I used to love their stuff. The scents are nostalgic and comforting, but they’re also full of chemicals. When I was struggling with poor health and constant diverticulitis flare-ups, I started eliminating anything that could be contributing to my symptoms. Was it my detergent? My skincare? The products I was putting directly on my body? I didn’t know, but I knew I had to clean house—literally.
Shifting to a Cleaner Lifestyle
Over the years, I’ve been building on my holistic lifestyle—paying closer attention to what I bring into my home and what I put on my body. It’s a steady shift that’s become more intentional over time. And honestly? It’s not as hard as people think. Yes, it takes a little more effort, but if you do things smart—like making products in bulk—it actually saves time and money in the long run.
Here’s What I’ve Been Using
This homemade laundry detergent has lasted me much longer than I expected. I’ve been using it consistently—usually two scoops per load since my loads are bigger—but could easily get about 80 loads if I used one scoop for smaller loads. It’s cheaper than store-bought, it’s non-toxic, and I know exactly what’s in it.
DIY Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent
• 3 cups baking soda
• 3 cups borax powder
• 3 cups washing soda (natural laundry booster)
• 2 bars Castile soap (grated)
• 30 drops essential oil (I love Thrive Market’s Chill Pill blend)
Instructions:
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Grate the Castile soap (this is the hardest part—time to put those arm muscles to work, but totally worth it!).
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Blend everything together into a fine powder to avoid clumping.
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Store in an airtight container.
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Use 1–2 tablespoons per load (I use an old collagen smoothie scooper).
That’s it. Simple, clean, and safe.
Want to see how it’s made? You can watch the video on TikTok below. If Instagram is easier for you, it’s also available here.
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| @diverticulitisrescue on Tiktok |
Let’s Rethink Convenience
It’s time to start questioning what you’re putting in and on your body. It’s time to rethink convenience—because what’s truly convenient is feeling good, staying healthy, and knowing the products you’re using aren’t doing more harm than good.
Are you going to try making your own detergent? What are some other swaps you’ve made at home—or ones you’re thinking about? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear what you’re working on!
I’m so grateful to have you with me on this journey. Every choice we make to simplify, clean up, or tune in—no matter how small—moves us toward a healthier way of living.
Until next time, stay grounded, stay curious, and keep leaning into what truly supports you.
Namaste,
Robin 🫶🏻
P.S. If you’re looking for a space to feel supported, explore natural solutions, and get real resources that help, join my Diverticulitis Rescue Yourself Membership. It’s where community, resources, and ongoing support come together.
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