Laundry detergent is one of those things we all use without thinking much about it—until you check the price tag or read the ingredient list full of chemicals you can’t even pronounce. The good news? Making your own laundry detergent is super easy, budget-friendly, and free of unnecessary additives.
If you’re ready to ditch store-bought detergents and switch to a more natural, cost-effective alternative, this guide will walk you through why homemade laundry detergent is worth it, what you’ll need, and how to make it yourself.
Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about why making your own laundry detergent is a total game-changer.
- Saves Money: A homemade batch costs a fraction of the price of store-bought detergents. You’ll get more loads for less money, and the ingredients last a long time.
- No Harsh Chemicals: Most commercial detergents contain synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and other chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. Making your own lets you control exactly what goes in. My husbands particularly sensitive to chemicals in detergents which is what brought me down this journey!
- Eco-Friendly: By making your own detergent, you’re reducing plastic waste and harmful chemicals that can end up in waterways.
- Customizable Scents: You can add essential oils for a natural, refreshing scent without artificial perfumes. ALSO- this is your random reminder that essential oils can be dangerous and even fatal to pets so do your research before using them if you have pets.
- Great for Sensitive Skin: If you or your family members have allergies or skin sensitivities, a homemade detergent can be a gentler alternative to traditional brands.
Now that you’re convinced, let’s talk about what you’ll need!
How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent (And Why You Should!)
Ingredients for Homemade Laundry Detergent
This recipe is simple, truly easy and only requires a few key ingredients. Most of these can be found at your local grocery store or even online.
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 bar of soap (Fels-Naptha, Castile soap, or any mild unscented soap that you can get your hands on)
- 1 cup washing soda (not the same as baking soda guys- this is stronger and helps remove stains)
- 1 cup borax (boosts cleaning power and softens hard water)
- Optional: 10-15 drops essential oil (like lavender, tea tree, or lemon for fragrance)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda (extra odor-fighting power is ideal)
- 1 cup oxygen bleach (OxiClean or a natural version- this is for whitening and stain removal)
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt (acts as a fabric softener)
Now, let’s make some detergent!!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own Laundry Detergent
Step 1: Grate the Soap
Using a cheese grater or a food processor, finely grate your bar of soap. The smaller the pieces, the easier they will dissolve in the wash. If using a food processor, pulse the soap until it reaches a powder-like consistency.
Personally I opt for a cheese grater out of convenience and it works just as good!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, and borax. If you’re adding baking soda, oxygen bleach, or Epsom salt, mix those in as well.
Stir everything together until it is truly well combined.
Step 3: Add Essential Oils (Optional step!!)
If you want a lightly scented detergent, add 10-15 drops of essential oil to the mixture and stir well. Lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus are great options for a fresh and natural scent.
Step 4: Store in an Airtight Container
Transfer your detergent into a sealed container or jar to keep moisture out. A large mason jar, plastic storage container, or an old detergent box works great.
Here is one that I am actually obsessed with: air tight container for laundry detergent!
Step 5: Use Your Homemade Detergent
For each regular load of laundry, use 1-2 tablespoons of your homemade detergent. For extra-large or heavily soiled loads, you can use up to 3 tablespoons. Of course- this will depend on your needs and don’t be afraid to experiment with the amount you need for you and your families needs!
Tips for Using Homemade Laundry Detergent
- For cold water washes: Since homemade detergent doesn’t contain the dissolving agents that commercial brands do, dissolve the detergent in warm water first before adding it to a cold wash.
- For high-efficiency (HE) washers: This detergent is low-sudsing, so it’s safe for HE washers. Just use 1 tablespoon per load!!
- For extra freshness: Add ½ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener. It helps remove detergent residue and leaves clothes soft.
- For stains: Pre-treat tough stains with a paste of washing soda and water before washing.
So guys that is it!
Making your own laundry detergent is easy, affordable, and healthier for your home and the environment. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a powerful detergent that cleans just as well as store-bought versions and without the unnecessary chemicals or high costs.
Give it a try, and you might never go back to store-bought detergent again!
Korra-Shay
If you enjoyed this article on How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent (And Why You Should!) then you probably (hopefully!) will enjoy and find these articles helpful as well:
You must be logged in to post a comment.