INSECT REPELLENT ALL NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT

Conventional laundry detergents are effective at cleaning, but often rely on harsh chemicals, excessive plastic packaging, and synthetic fragrances. While many products claim to be environmentally friendly, they frequently compromise on performance, scent quality, or long-term usability. At the same time, commercial insect repellents are expensive and treated as an after thought in many cases. By fusing both together it provides protection against common pests without sacrificing powerful cleaning or great scented laundry.

This project began as an independent product development effort to explore whether a single laundry detergent could combine effective cleaning, plant-based ingredients, and natural insect-repellent properties. By using a highly concentrated formula and essential oils such as rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, and cedarwood, the product was designed to remain practical for daily use while reducing material waste and reliance on synthetic additives. Beyond the formula, the project involved decisions around packaging, branding, and real-world testing, resulting in a product that is currently produced and sold through my own business.

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Conventional laundry detergents commonly rely on synthetic fragrances, plastic packaging, and diluted formulations that require large quantities per wash. While alternative and “eco-friendly” options exist, many compromise on cleaning performance, scent longevity, or ease of use, limiting their adoption in daily life.

At the same time, insect protection is typically addressed through separate chemical products, increasing environmental impact and user exposure. By examining plant-based ingredients and their functional properties, this project situates itself at the intersection of household care, sustainability, and product design. The goal is to approach laundry detergent not only as a cleaning agent, but as a designed system that considers material efficiency, sensory experience, and responsible everyday use.

Background

Challenges

Designing a laundry detergent that balances effective cleaning, environmental responsibility, and natural insect-repellent properties presents several challenges. Plant-based ingredients must perform reliably across different washing conditions while remaining gentle on fabrics and safe for regular use. At the same time, essential oils chosen for their repellent qualities must be carefully balanced to avoid overpowering scents or skin irritation.

Another challenge lies in concentration and usability. Highly concentrated formulas reduce material use and packaging waste but need to be carefully used and consistently made. Packaging needed to protect the formula, preserve scent integrity, and remain practical for everyday handling, while also aligning with sustainability goals. Addressing these challenges required iterative testing, ingredient refinement, and careful consideration of real-world use rather than idealized conditions.

Final Design

The laundry detergent was designed as a compact, durable, and functional household product intended for everyday use. Its form and material choices reflect a focus on longevity, clarity, and reduced material waste. The detergent is housed in a 32 oz metal can, selected for its strength, recyclability, and ability to keep the concentrated formula airtight and protected over time.

The metal packaging allows for a smaller overall footprint while supporting a highly concentrated formula, requiring approximately 1 oz per load of laundry. This reduces the frequency of use, transportation volume, and packaging consumption compared to conventional detergents. The size was chosen to balance ease of handling with sufficient capacity for repeated use.

Color and graphic decisions were kept minimal and intentional, emphasizing clarity and function over decoration. The visual language supports the product’s purpose as a practical household item while reinforcing its plant-based and environmentally considered nature.

The closure system was designed to remain attached to the container at all times, preventing loss and simplifying daily use. An open-close mechanism allows for controlled dispensing while maintaining a secure seal between uses. Together, these design choices aim to create a detergent that is straightforward, durable, and considerate of both user interaction and material responsibility.