Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe That Will Last All Year
If you’re tired of spending too much money on store-bought laundry detergent filled with harsh chemicals, it’s time to make the switch to your own homemade laundry detergent. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also a great way to avoid the unnecessary additives that commercial detergents contain.
Making your own laundry detergent is easier than you think! With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a detergent that works well in any washing machine, including HE washers, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Whether you’re making a liquid version or a DIY laundry powder, this guide will walk you through the entire process.
Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?
1. Save a Lot of Money
One of the main reasons people switch to homemade detergent is to save money. A single box of borax, a cup of washing soda, and a bar of soap can last months, costing only a fraction of store-bought detergents. Imagine making a whole gallon bucket of detergent for just a few dollars!
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Many commercial detergents contain sulfates, artificial fragrances, and dyes that can irritate sensitive skin and cause allergies. Homemade laundry detergent eliminates these unnecessary additives, making it a natural laundry detergent that’s safe for your family.
3. Eco-Friendly Alternative
Store-bought detergents come in bulky plastic jugs that contribute to landfill waste. Homemade versions reduce plastic use, and since you’re using natural products, there are no harmful chemicals polluting the water supply.
4. Works in All Washing Machines
Whether you have a front loader, HE washing machine, or a standard top loader, your own detergent works just as well—if not better—than store-bought brands. Plus, you can customize it based on your personal preference by choosing the scent and strength you like best.
DIY Laundry Detergent Recipe (Powdered Version)
How Homemade Laundry Detergent Works: Breaking Down the Ingredients
If you’re wondering why DIY laundry detergent is so effective, let’s break down how each ingredient works to clean your clothes.
1. Grated Soap (Fels Naptha, Zote Soap, or Castile Soap)
Soap is the first step in making homemade detergent because it helps break down oils, grease, and dirt. Many store-bought soaps contain synthetic surfactants that make lots of suds but don’t necessarily clean better. Zote Soap, Fels Naptha, and Castile Soap are excellent choices because they contain simple, natural ingredients that dissolve grime without the unnecessary additives.
Tip: If you want an extra-powerful soap mixture, try blending different recipes by mixing bars of soap with other natural cleaning agents like baking soda or soda ash.
2. Borax (Sodium Borate)
Borax, often sold as Mule Team Borax, is a naturally occurring mineral that softens hard water, brightens clothes, and removes stains. It also prevents soap residue from building up in your HE washing machine.
Concerned about borax? Some people avoid it due to debates about its safety, but borax is not the same as boric acid and has been used in cleaning for generations. If you prefer a borax-free version, substitute with baking soda or washing soda.
3. Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate)
Washing soda is stronger than baking soda and is an essential part of homemade laundry detergent. It removes odors, softens cold water, and helps break down stains. If you can’t find it at your local store, you can make it by baking baking soda in the oven at 400°F for an hour.
4. White Vinegar (Natural Fabric Softener Alternative)
Instead of using a commercial fabric softener, add white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This helps remove soap residue, softens clothes, and neutralizes odors—all without toxic chemicals. A Downy Ball is a convenient way to dispense vinegar into your wash without measuring every time.
Liquid vs. Powdered DIY Laundry Detergent: Which Is Best?
Both liquid detergent and diy laundry powder work well, but each has its pros and cons.
| Powder Detergent | Liquid Detergent |
| Easier to store | Takes up more space |
| No need for a gallon bucket | Requires a gallon container |
| Works best in warm water | Dissolves better in cold washes |
| Lasts longer in storage | Can separate over time |
| Faster to make (just mix dry ingredients) | Requires melting soap and more prep time |
If you wash in cold water frequently, the liquid version may be better since it dissolves faster. But if you prefer a simpler, less messy detergent, DIY laundry powder is the way to go!
Ingredients:
1. 1 bar of soap (Fels Naptha, Zote Soap, or Castile Soap)
2. 1 cup of washing soda
3. 1 cup of borax (Mule Team Borax works best)
✔️ Optional: Purex Crystals or drops of your favorite essential oils for an added scent
Instructions:
Step 1: Grate the Bar Soap
Using a cheese grater or a food processor (quicker), grate the bar of soap into fine shreds. This helps it dissolve better in cold washes and prevents residue buildup in your HE machine.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the grated soap, 1 cup of borax, and 1 cup of washing soda. Stir well with a metal spoon to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Step 3: Store in a Sealed Container
Transfer the DIY laundry detergent to a gallon container with a tight-fitting lid. If desired, add a few drops of lavender essential oil for a fresh, calming scent.
Step 4: Use It!
For a regular load of laundry, use 2 tablespoons of detergent. For heavily soiled clothes, use ¼ cup. It works in both warm water and cold water, though warmer temperatures help dissolve the soap faster.
Choosing the Right Soap for Your DIY Detergent
Fels Naptha
- Great for stain removal
- Strong grease-cutting properties
- Works well in HE machines
Zote Soap
- Slightly gentler than Fels Naptha
- Leaves clothes soft without residue
- Can be used for cold washes
Castile Soap
- 100% natural and plant-based
- Leaves clothes soft without residue
- Can be used for cold washes
Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe
Prefer a homemade liquid laundry detergent? Here’s how to make a liquid detergent that’s just as effective:
Ingredients:
- 1 bar of soap (grated)
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup washing soda
- 4 cups of hot water
- A 1-gallon bucket
- 10 more cups of water
Instructions:
1. Dissolve the Grated Soap – Add the grated soap to a large kitchen sink or pot. Pour in 4 cups of hot water and stir until the soap melts.
2. Add the Borax and Washing Soda – Stir in 1 cup of borax and 1 cup washing soda until fully dissolved.
3. Dilute the Mixture – Pour the soap mixture into a gallon bucket and add 10 more cups of water. Stir well.
4. Store and Use – Transfer to a gallon container and use ½ cup per load of laundry.
Common Problems with Store-Bought Laundry Detergents
1. They Contain Optical Brighteners
These chemicals create the illusion of whiter clothes but don’t actually clean your laundry. They can also cause skin irritation and allergies.
2. Fabric Softeners Are Full of Toxins
Many detergents come with built-in fabric softener, which coats your clothes in chemicals that don’t fully rinse out. Instead, use white vinegar in a Downy Ball as a natural softener!
3. They Cost Way Too Much
A big box of borax and bars of soap cost much less than constantly buying new detergent. Plus, making your own soap means you control the ingredients!
4. Harsh Chemicals and Skin Irritants
Many leading detergent brands contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)—chemicals known to cause skin irritation, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
5. Artificial Fragrances and Dyes
Fragrances might smell nice, but most are synthetic and derived from petroleum. These fragrances can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and even disrupt hormones
Other DIY Laundry Tips
Removing Stains Naturally
If you need a natural stain remover, mix baking soda with liquid soap and scrub directly onto stains before washing. This works great for cloth diapers and different outfits with stubborn marks.
How to Make Laundry Smell Fresher
- Add lavender essential oil to your detergent.
- Use dryer sheets made from natural fibers instead of synthetic ones.
- Hang clothes outside after washing for a fresh-air scent.
Troubleshooting Homemade Laundry Detergent
If you’re new to making your own laundry detergent, you might run into a few issues. Here’s how to solve them!
1. My Detergent Leaves Residue on Clothes
- Solution: If you notice white streaks or a filmy residue, it could be due to using too much detergent. Try cutting your amount in half and using cups of warm water to pre-dissolve the detergent before adding it to the washer.
- ✔️ Hard water can also cause buildup, so add a bit of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help soften the water and remove any soap residue.
2. My Clothes Don’t Smell Fresh
- Solution: Homemade versions of detergent don’t contain artificial fragrances like commercial detergents, but you can add lavender essential oil or drops of your favorite essential oils to enhance the scent.
- ✔️ Purex Crystals are another option for adding a lasting fragrance without harmful chemicals.
3. Can I Use This in My HE Washing Machine?
- Yes! Your own liquid laundry soap or powder detergent works great in an HE machine. The key is to use less detergent because HE washers use less energy and water, meaning you don’t need as much soap to get the job done.
- ✔️ Use about 1 tablespoon for small loads and 2 tablespoons for larger loads.
How to Use Homemade Laundry Detergent in Different Machines
- HE Washing Machine – Use only 1 tablespoon to prevent over-sudsing.
- Front Loader – Place detergent directly in the drum, not the dispenser.
- Top Loader – Dissolve the detergent in warm water before adding clothes.
Common Questions
1. Can I use DIY laundry detergent in my HE washing machine?
Yes! Just make sure to use a small amount, as HE machines require less detergent than standard washers.
2. What if I have hard water?
If you have hard water, add soda ash to your detergent to help soften it and prevent residue buildup.
3. Can I make small batches instead of a big batch?
Absolutely! You can mix small batches at a time to test different scents or ingredients.
4. How does homemade detergent work in cold washes?
It works well, but you may need to dissolve it in cups of warm water first before adding it to the load.
5. Can I add fragrance?
Yes! Try lavender essential oil, hand soap, or Purex Crystals for an added scent.
Final Thoughts: Ditch the Chemicals & Save Money!
Making your own homemade laundry soap is a good idea for anyone looking to save money, avoid toxic chemicals, and reduce waste. Whether you’re trying your first recipe or perfecting your original recipe, this is a great job to take on for a healthier home!
So, good luck with your first time making DIY laundry detergent—and remember, next time, you’ll be a pro at it!
Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe That Will Last All Year
Making your own laundry detergent is easier than you think! With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a detergent that works well in any washing machine, including HE washers, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Whether you’re making a liquid version or a DIY laundry powder, this guide will walk you through the entire process.
Ingredients
- 1 bar of soap (Fels Naptha, Zote Soap, or Castile Soap)
- 1 cup of washing soda
- 1 cup of borax (Mule Team Borax works best)
- Optional: Purex Crystals or drops of your favorite essential oils for an added scent
Instructions
- Step 1: Grate the Bar Soap
- Using a cheese grater or a food processor, grate the bar of soap into fine shreds. This helps it dissolve better in cold washes and prevents residue buildup in your HE machine.
- Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the grated soap, 1 cup of borax, and 1 cup of washing soda. Stir well with a metal spoon to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Step 3: Store in a Sealed Container
- Transfer the DIY laundry detergent to a gallon container with a tight-fitting lid. If desired, add a few drops of lavender essential oil for a fresh, calming scent.
- Step 4: Use It!
- For a regular load of laundry, use 2 tablespoons of detergent. For heavily soiled clothes, use ¼ cup. It works in both warm water and cold water, though warmer temperatures help dissolve the soap faster.
Check Out Other Natural Laundry Remedies:
- How to Make the Best DIY Foot Powder for Odor-Free Feet
- Scalp Exfoliation for Hair Growth Made at Home
