Homemade Laundry Detergent
In today’s world, more and more people are ditching store-bought detergents and switching to homemade laundry detergent. Why? It’s cheaper, eco-friendly, free of harsh chemicals, and honestly—surprisingly effective. But here’s the deal: a lot of guides out there are either too vague, too fluffy or just not practical. If you’re looking for a straight to the point, real-world breakdown on how to make homemade laundry detergent, you’re in the right place.
This isn’t about making some trendy Pinterest-inspired concoction that barely gets grass stains out. We’re diving into recipes that work, the science behind them, and how to choose the best one for your laundry needs.
Why People Are Switching to Homemade Laundry Detergent
1. Cost-Effective
Commercial detergents can cost upwards of $15–$20 per bottle. You can make an entire gallon of homemade liquid laundry detergent for under $2, depending on your ingredients.
2. Fewer Chemicals
Many store-bought detergents include dyes, perfumes and preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin. Making your own means total control over what goes in.
3. Eco-Friendly
DIY detergents cut down on plastic waste and reduce the number of toxic chemicals released into the water system.
4. Customizable
You can tweak your homemade laundry detergent recipe to fit front loaders, high-efficiency machines, baby clothes or even heavily soiled work gear.
The Best Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipes (Tested & Proven)
We’ve narrowed down the options to two recipes: powdered and liquid. These aren’t just copied from the internet—they’ve been tested by households that prioritize effectiveness and cost savings.
Powdered Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe (Simple & Long-Lasting)
Best for: General use, high-efficiency washers and bulk prep.
Ingredients:
- 1 bar of Fels-Naptha, Zote, or Castile soap (grated)
- 1 cup washing soda (NOT baking soda)
- 1 cup borax
- Optional: 10–20 drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree, or lemon)
Instructions:
- Grate the soap bar using a cheese grater or food processor.
- Mix the grated soap, washing soda, and borax in a large bowl.
- Add essential oils if using, then stir well.
- Store in an airtight container.
Usage: Use 1 tablespoon per regular load; 2 tablespoons for extra dirty laundry.
Pro Tip: This powder works great in cold water cycles and dissolves fast if you pulse the mix into a fine powder in a food processor.
Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe (Budget-Friendly & Gentle)
Best for: Sensitive skin, baby clothes, older washing machines.
Ingredients:
- 1 bar of soap (Fels-Naptha, Castile, or unscented glycerin-based)
- 1 cup washing soda
- ½ cup borax
- 1 gallon hot water (plus 2–3 extra gallons for dilution)
- Large bucket with a lid
Instructions:
- Grate the soap and melt it in a pot with 4 cups of water. Stir constantly over medium heat until fully dissolved.
- Pour melted soap mixture into a 5-gallon bucket.
- Add washing soda and borax. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Add enough hot water to make 3–4 gallons total, depending on desired thickness.
- Let sit for 24 hours to gel. Stir again before use.
Usage: Use ½ cup per regular load.
Note: This gel-like texture can separate. Just stir or shake before each use.
Ingredient Breakdown: What They Do
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Soap bar | Lifts grease, oil, and grime from fabric |
| Washing soda | Boosts pH and dissolves tough stains |
| Borax | Disinfects, whitens, and softens hard water |
| Essential oils | Add natural fragrance and antibacterial properties |
Tips to Make Your Homemade Laundry Detergent Even Better
Use Distilled Water
If you live in a hard water area, using distilled or filtered water can prevent soap scum and buildup.
Add Baking Soda to the Wash (Optional)
Baking soda boosts cleaning power when added directly to the drum (not in the detergent mix).
Double Your Batch
These recipes scale easily. Make a double batch and store in a labeled container to last months.
Pre-Treat Stains Naturally
Before washing, use a dab of the liquid detergent or a mix of baking soda and water to treat tough stains like grease or grass.
Storing Your Homemade Laundry Detergent
- Powder: Store in a glass jar or plastic container with a tight lid.
- Liquid: Use old detergent bottles or milk jugs. Label clearly. Stir or shake before each use.
Shelf life:
- Powder: 6–12 months
- Liquid: 3–6 months (longer if kept in a cool place)
How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent Without Borax
Prefer borax-free? Here’s a simple alternative:
Ingredients:
- 1 bar of Castile soap
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup baking soda
Instructions: Same as the powdered method above.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Making Homemade Laundry Detergent?
Absolutely. If you’re looking to save money, avoid irritants, and reduce your environmental footprint, homemade laundry detergent is one of the easiest and most practical DIYs to try. With just a few ingredients, you can make a bulk supply that cleans as well (if not better) than most store brands.
Quick Summary Table
| Recipe Type | Prep Time | Cost | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powdered | 10 mins | ~$3 for 50+ loads | General daily use |
| Liquid | 30 mins + 24 hrs set | ~$2 for 2–3 gallons | Sensitive skin, HE machines |
| Borax-Free | 10 mins | ~$3 for 40+ loads | Allergy-prone households |
FAQs About Homemade Laundry Detergent
Will it work in high-efficiency (HE) washers?
Yes. Both the powder and liquid recipes are low-sudsing which makes them perfect for HE machines.
Is borax safe?
There’s a lot of debate. Borax is generally safe in small quantities for laundry. If you have specific skin sensitivities, test with a small batch or opt for a borax-free recipe.
What about cloth diapers or baby clothes?
Use a fragrance-free bar like Castile and skip the essential oils. These recipes are gentle enough for most sensitive loads when modified.
