Thisquick and easyhomemade Laundry Detergentrecipe makes a half gallon of homemade laundry powder. Simple ingredients can be used in top and front loading washing machines.
This natural DIY, laundry soap recipe requires a few ingredients that clean just as efficiently as commercial detergent. It is also very cost-effective for our large family who does loads of laundry.
I have found that this laundry detergent is safe for standard, front loader, and high-efficiency washing machines, as it is a low-sudsing formula.
However, as with all DIY recipes, I suggest doing your own research and following the recommendations and guidelines for your washing machine.
In this post, I am sharing the best homemade laundry detergent recipe that our family loves and uses.
Why Switch to DIY Laundry Detergent Powder?
Switching over to this homemade laundry powder has many benefits. Conventional laundry detergents contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, additives, and artificial colors and can leave a chemical residue on clothing.
Toxic chemicals have been known to cause health problems such as skin and eye irritation and rashes, especially for sensitive skin or allergies.
Some studies have even linked the chemicals to hormone-disrupting and cancer-causing chemicals.
For our family, switching to a more all natural laundry detergent recipe means using products that are free of dyes and harsh toxic chemicals.
Our skin is our largest, most absorbent organ, and for 24 hours a day, our skin is in constant contact with some fabric.
It is essential that I take the most excellent care of my family, and part of doing so is ensuring that our natural laundry care routine is healthy for us.
What Can I Use To Make My Own Laundry Detergent?
To make homemade laundry detergent, you will need these ingredients, which can be found on the laundry aisle in many grocery stores:
- Washing soda is sodium carbonate, which is a naturally occurring mineral. It is an ancient laundry aid and is very effective at deep cleaning clothes and removing grease and tough stains. It is used in many commercial laundry detergents to treat hard water and remove stubborn stains.
- Bar soap – a natural, toxic-free bar soap is the only type that should be used for this recipe. Lavender Pure Castile Soap is an excellent option, as is Homestead Laundry Bar Soap.
- Borax is an excellent laundry aid and booster. It is gentle, cleans, deodorizes, helps remove stains, and boosts the cleaning ability of mild detergents.
- Baking soda is made up of sodium bicarbonate. It is used to neutralize odor-causing acids and is a stain remover. It also helps soften the water to help the detergent work more effectively.
- Essential Oils – excellent at deodorizing and are antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial. They add a great all-natural scent without the worry of harsh toxic chemicals.
How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making homemade laundry detergent:
- Grate the Bar Soap – Grate the soap bar using a cheese grater. Add the grated soap to an airtight container.
- Mix the Ingredients – Add washing soda, baking soda, and borax in a container. If using essential oils, add 2-30 drops.
- Shake – Place the lid on the container and shake the ingredients to mix thoroughly.
- Store – Store the homemade laundry soap in an airtight container.
Tip – If you have a food processor, add the grated bar soap, washing soda, baking soda, and borax and grind into a fine powder. Add the mixture to an airtight container.
How to Use Homemade Laundry Detergent
Use 2-3 level tablespoons of homemade laundry soap per load of laundry. Use one tablespoon if you have ahigh-efficiency washing machine.
Start by using the recommended amount of detergent based on this recipe. Then, observe the cleanliness and freshness of your laundry after each wash.
If your clothes are not getting clean enough, you can increase the detergent slightly and see if it makes a difference.
If you notice residue or a soapy buildup on your clothes, you may be using too much detergent, and you can decrease the amount accordingly.
By making small adjustments, you’ll be able to find the perfect amount of laundry powder that suits your water quality and washing machine capacity.
Frequently asked questions about homemade laundry soap
Why Did My Laundry Detergent Turn Hard?
Most likely, it was exposed to moisture. A container with an airtight seal can help to prevent this issue.
What Does Homemade Laundry Soap Smell Like?
That will depend on what soap is used to make your laundry detergent. Choose a fragrance that you will enjoy.
Does the Fragrance Stay on the Clothes?
No, but the laundry smells fresh and clean. Those lingering smells that remain on the laundry after it has gone through the wash are not suitable for you.
Do I Have to Use Essential Oils in This Recipe?
No, essential oils are optional. However, I love how the laundry detergent smells when I open the jar and scoop out the amount needed for a load of wash.
How To Use Essential Oils to Scent Laundry
Below are some great options for blending essential oils into your homemade laundry detergent. Castile Soap has various kinds: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, and Unscented.
I recommend using the soap that best pairs with the essential oil; for instance, use Citrus Orange Castile Soap with Wild Orange, Tangerine, and Bergamot essential oils.
Fresh Citrus
- Lemon + Grapefruit + Orange + Tangerine + Mandarin + Spearmint
- Wild Orange + Tangerine + Bergamont
Freshly Clean
- Cedarwood + Lemongrass + Grapefruit
- Rosemary + Orange
- Peppermint + Orange
- Rosemary + Peppermint
- Eucalyptus + Spearmint – use
- Lemon + Tea Tree
- Rosemary + Peppermint + Lemon
- Lavender + Rosemary
More Natural Laundry Care posts
Learn more about natural laundry care with these posts, including making your homemade laundry scent booster and correctly hanging clothes on the line.
- Hanging Clothes on the Line the Right Way
- Homemade Laundry Scent Booster
Printable Homemade Laundry detergent Recipe
I hope this post inspires you to examine your laundry routine and what harsh chemicals may lurk in your laundry room. Making your laundry soap is a great way to naturally have fresh, clean laundry.
Homemade Laundry Detergent Powder
Yield: 42-64 loads
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Thisquick and easyHomemade Laundry Detergentrecipe makesa half gallon of powdered laundry detergent. Simple ingredients that can be used in top loading and front loading washing machines.
Ingredients
- 2 cups washing soda
- 2 cups baking soda
- 2 cups borax
- 1 grated bar of Castile Soap or other all natural choice
Instructions
Step 1: Grate the Bar Soap
Using a cheese grater, grate the bar of soap. Add the grated soap to an airtight container.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In the container, add 2 cups of washing soda, 2 cups baking soda, and 2 cups borax to create the laundry detergent. If using essential oils, add 2-30 drops. Place the lid on the container and shake ingredients to thoroughly mix.
If you have a food processor, add the grated bar soap, washing soda, baking soda, and borax and grind into a fine powder. Add mixture to an airtight container.
Step 3: Store
Store homemade laundry detergent in an airtight container.
Step 4: Use
Use 2-3 level tablespoons of homemade laundry detergent per a load of laundry. Use 1 tablespoon if you have ahigh-efficiency washing machine.
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram
About the Author
Sarah is the author behind Rocky Hedge Farm. With a passion for simple, healthy recipes, gardening, and remodeling her manufactured home, she shares her experiences and knowledge to inspire others. Go here to read her story, “Living a Life of Contentment and Joy: Simple Living at Rocky Hedge Farm.” If you want to message Sarah, visit her contact page here.
this post was originally published on April 26, 2020, but edited and updated on July 26, 2021
