Making your own homemade laundry detergent is an easy way to save money and avoid harsh chemicals found in store-bought detergents. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make an effective and environmentally-friendly laundry detergent right in your own home. This comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need to start making your own DIY laundry detergent.

Benefits of Homemade Laundry Detergent

There are many advantages to making your own laundry detergent instead of buying it:

It’s Economical

Making your own detergent costs a fraction of what you would pay for store-bought options. The ingredients are inexpensive and readily available. Once you have the supplies on hand, each batch of detergent costs just pennies per load!

Customizable Formula

You can tweak homemade detergent recipes to suit your needs. Add essential oils for scent, use greener ingredients if you have sensitive skin, or adjust the proportions for optimal cleaning power.

Gentler on Skin and Fabrics

Commercial detergents often contain fragrances, dyes, and other harsh chemicals that can irritate skin and fade fabrics over time. DIY laundry soap is made from gentler ingredients like soap, washing soda, and borax.

Better for the Environment

Homemade laundry detergent avoids plastic packaging waste from single-use detergent pods or bottles. The ingredients also biodegrade more readily than some chemical cleaners.

Safe Around Children and Pets

With homemade laundry powder, you know exactly what ingredients you’re using. There are no hidden chemicals to harm kids or pets who might ingest it accidentally.

Supplies Needed

Making DIY laundry detergent is simple with ingredients you likely already have:

Bar soap – Look for plain varieties without added moisturizers, which can make clothes feel sticky. Castile soap or Ivory soap work well.
Washing soda – Also called sodium carbonate, it helps boost cleaning power. Find it near the laundry aisle.
Borax – A naturally occurring mineral that cuts through grease and stains. Check the laundry or cleaning section.
Essential oils (optional) – For scent. Lavender, lemon, and tea tree oil are popular options.
Containers – Such as large buckets or reusable plastic tubs for mixing and storing detergent.
Cheese grater or food processor – To finely grate the soap into flakes or powder.
Mixing utensils – Wooden spoons for stirring and measuring cups to portion ingredients.

Steps for Making Homemade Laundry Powder

Follow these simple steps to whip up batches of your own homemade laundry detergent powder:

1. Grate the Bar Soap

Use a cheese grater or food processor to finely grate about 4-6 cups of soap flakes from bar soap. The finer the flakes, the faster they will dissolve in water.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large container, mix together:

2 parts soap flakes
1 part washing soda
1 part borax

For example, for 4 cups soap flakes use 2 cups washing soda and 2 cups borax.

3. Blend and Let Set

Stir to fully blend ingredients. Then cover and let the mixture sit for at least 24 hours to allow powders to fully absorb any moisture from the soap.

4. Add Essential Oils (Optional)

For scent, add 15-30 drops of your favorite essential oils per 1 cup of detergent powder. Lavender and lemon are popular choices.

5. Use as Needed

Scoop out about 2-3 tablespoons per load of laundry. Store remainder in an airtight container away from moisture.

That’s it! With just a few ingredients you can make enough DIY laundry detergent for dozens of loads.

Variations and Tips

For liquid laundry detergent: Double the amount of water absorbed by the soap (equal to the amount of grated soap flakes by volume). Mix in a five-gallon bucket and stir occasionally for 2-3 weeks until it thickens to a glue-like texture. Add 8 cups of softened water along with the washing soda and borax.
For powdered laundry detergent: Simply follow the steps above, leaving out any extra water. The powder formulation makes it easy to scoop and measure per load.
To boost cleaning power: Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the dry ingredients. Baking soda helps lift stains and freshen laundry.
For whitening: Increase the washing soda to 3 parts instead of 1 part in the recipe. Washing soda helps bleach and remove stains from white fabrics.
For hard water: Add 1 cup citric acid to the dry ingredients mix. It helps soften mineral deposits in hard water that can make detergents less effective.
For allergies: Use unscented soaps and skip the essential oils if you have skin sensitivities. Make sure to rinse clothes thoroughly.
For high-efficiency washers: Use slightly less detergent, around 1-2 tablespoons per load. HE washers use less water so less soap is needed.
To save money: Grate soap with a food processor rather than buying it pre-grated. Buy borax and washing soda in bulk bins at natural grocery stores.

Storing Your Homemade Laundry Detergent

Be sure to store homemade laundry powder properly to maintain its cleaning power:

Keep it in an airtight plastic container or bucket with a tight-fitting lid. This prevents moisture from activating the ingredients.
Avoid overly humid laundry rooms. Excess moisture can cause clumping.
Store in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading.
Write the date you made it on the container and use within 6-12 months for peak freshness.
If it does become clumpy, you can “re-set” the powder by stirring and letting it sit open overnight to dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about making your own homemade laundry detergent? Here are answers to some common FAQs:

Does it really work as well as store-bought detergent?

Yes! The combination of washing soda, borax, and soap in DIY detergent is an effective cleaner for most laundry loads. Proper storage keeps the ingredients active. Many homemade versions even outperform some commercial brands.

How much should I use per load?

Use around 2-3 tablespoons of powder per standard load. Adjust as needed for larger or smaller loads and very dirty or greasy laundry. If using liquid homemade detergent, use 1/4 to 1/3 cup per load.

What kind of soap works best?

Look for plain bar soaps like Ivory, Kirk’s Castile, or Aleppo olive oil soap. Avoid moisturizing or deodorant bars which can leave residue. A mix of bars can also customize cleaning power.

Can I use it in HE (high-efficiency) washing machines?

Yes, although you may need to use slightly less since HE machines use lower water levels. Make sure to grate the soap finely so it dissolves readily in less water.

How do I scent my homemade laundry detergent?

Add 15-30 drops of essential oils like lemon, lavender, eucalyptus or tea tree per 1 cup of detergent powder. Stir well to distribute evenly. Avoid synthetic fragrances which could stain.

Why let the mixed ingredients sit for 24 hours?

This allows time for the washing soda and borax to fully absorb any moisture from the soap, helping prevent later clumping. Stirring occasionally helps distribution.

Can it be used on colors and delicates?

Yes! Homemade laundry powder is gentle enough for most fabrics. As always, test colors and delicates in an inconspicuous spot first when using any new detergent.

The Bottom Line

Whipping up DIY laundry detergent at home is easy, affordable, and better for your clothes and the environment. By making your own from simple pantry ingredients, you can avoid harsh chemicals and save money. Customize your batches to your laundry needs. Proper storage in an airtight container will keep your homemade detergent fresh for months. Give it a try – your clothes and wallet will thank you!

How to Make Your Own Homemade Laundry Detergent

Introduction

Laundry detergent can be expensive, and commercial brands often contain harsh chemicals and additives that can irritate sensitive skin. Many people are now seeking out healthier, environmentally-friendly alternatives, which has led to a resurgence in the popularity of homemade laundry detergent.

The good news is that homemade laundry detergent is easy and inexpensive to make yourself using just a few simple ingredients. It leaves clothes fresh and clean without residue or harsh chemicals. This guide will walk through the entire process of crafting your own homemade laundry detergent, from gathering supplies to storing your finished product. Read on to learn the basics of how to make your own laundry soap!

Benefits of Homemade Laundry Detergent

Before jumping into the process, let’s look at why you may want to make your own detergent:

Cost savings – Homemade detergent is estimated to cost only 2 to 3 cents per load compared to 17 to 30 cents for commercial detergents. The supplies are inexpensive too.
No harsh chemicals – You control exactly what goes in, avoiding dyes, perfumes, and other irritants.
Customization – Tweak recipes to suit your needs, like adding essential oils or boosting stain-fighting ingredients.
More eco-friendly – Avoid plastic waste from single-use pods or bottles. Ingredients also biodegrade more readily.
Gentler on skin and fabrics – Handmade soap-based cleaners are less abrasive than commercial detergents.
Safe for kids and pets – No worrying about children or animals accidentally ingesting toxic chemicals.

Supplies Needed

Gather the following supplies before starting:

4-6 cups bar soap, finely grated
Container for mixing and storing detergent
Cheese grater or food processor
Measuring cups
Mixing spoon
Essential oils (optional)

You’ll also need these three key ingredients:

Washing Soda

Washing soda, or sodium carbonate, is a natural mineral used as a cleaning and degreasing agent. Look for it near laundry supplies in stores.

Borax

Borax is another natural mineral cleaner that helps to cut through grime and grease. Find it by laundry soaps or in the cleaning aisle.

Bar Soap

Use a simple bar soap without added moisturizers, like Ivory, Castile, or Fels-Naptha. Grating it makes it dissolve easily.

Steps to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

Follow these easy steps to make your own homemade laundry powder:

1. Grate the Soap

Use a grater or food processor to create fine soap flakes, about 4-6 cups. The finer the grate, the faster it dissolves.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together:

2 parts grated soap
1 part washing soda
1 part Borax

Mix well so powders are fully blended.

3. Allow to Set

Cover tightly and allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 24 hours before using so ingredients interact properly.

4. Add Scent (Optional)

For fresh scent, add 15-30 drops essential oils like lemon verbena, lavender, or eucalyptus per 1 cup of detergent.

5. Use as Needed

Use 2-3 tablespoons per load. Store excess powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry area.

It’s that easy! Customize your homemade detergent to suit your needs. Now let’s look at some variations.

Customizing Your Homemade Detergent

You can tweak your homemade laundry powder to enhance its cleaning powers or suit your laundry needs:

For whitening power, use 3 parts washing soda instead of 1.
For hard water, add 1 cup citric acid which softens mineral deposits.
For allergies, skip scented oils and use plain unscented soap.
For HE machines, use only 1-2 tablespoons per load since they use less water.
For stain removal, add 1/2 cup baking soda to help lift stains.
For liquid detergent, double the water amount to equal the soap and stir regularly as it thickens over 2-3 weeks.

Storing Homemade Laundry Powder

To maintain freshness and cleaning power, be sure to:

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot.
Avoid humid laundry rooms that can cause moisture clumping.
Label container with date made and use within 6-12 months.
If powder clumps, stir thoroughly and let dry out overnight uncovered to reset.

Now that you know the basics of making and storing homemade laundry detergent powder, let’s answer some common questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does homemade detergent actually work well?

Yes! When made properly with washing soda, Borax, and grated soap, homemade laundry powder can be just as effective as commercial detergents at lifting dirt and stains.

How much should I use per load?

Start with 2-3 tablespoons per standard load and adjust as needed for very dirty or large/small loads. Use 1/4 cup liquid homemade detergent.

What’s the best soap to use?

Avoid moisturizing bars. Simple soaps like Ivory, Castile, or Fels-Naptha work well. You can also use a mix of different soap bars.

Can I use it in high-efficiency (HE) machines?

Yes, although you may need to use less since HE machines use lower water levels. Be sure to finely grate soap so it dissolves readily.

How should I scent my homemade detergent?

Use only essential oils, not artificial fragrances which can stain clothes. Add 15-30 drops of essential oils like lemon or lavender per 1 cup of detergent.

Why let the mixture set for 24 hours before using?

This allows the washing soda and Borax time to fully absorb any moisture from the grated soap so it doesn’t clump later when stored.

Conclusion

Making your own homemade laundry powder is a simple, affordable way to get clean, fresh-smelling laundry without harsh chemicals. Be sure to finely grate the soap, mix ingredients properly, and allow time for setting before use. Store your detergent in an airtight container in a dry location. Customize your formula to suit your specific needs. With just a few inexpensive ingredients, you can save money and avoid chemicals on your family’s clothes. Give homemade laundry detergent a try!

How to Make Your Own Homemade Laundry Detergent

Do you want to save money, avoid chemicals, and take control over what goes into your laundry? Making your own homemade laundry detergent is easy, affordable, and effective with just a few simple ingredients. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to start whipping up batches of laundry detergent right in your home.

The Benefits of Homemade Laundry Detergent

Ditching store-bought detergents in favor of DIY laundry soap offers many advantages:

Saves money – Homemade detergent can cost just 2-3 cents per load compared to up to 30 cents for commercial brands. The ingredients are inexpensive too.

Avoid harsh chemicals – Commercial detergents often contain fragrances, dyes, stabilizers and other chemicals. Homemade allows you to control what touches your clothes.

Customizable – Tweak recipes to add more stain-fighting power, whiteners, scents or other features you want.

Eco-friendly – Avoid plastic waste and use biodegradable ingredients.

Gentler on fabrics – Handmade cleaners are less abrasive than synthetic detergents which can damage fibers.

Safe for kids and pets – No worrying if kids or pets come in contact with toxic chemicals.

Gathering the Supplies You Need

Making homemade laundry detergent takes just a few simple supplies:

4-6 cups grated bar soap
Washing soda
Borax
Large container for mixing
Storage container(s) for finished detergent
Cheese grater or food processor
Spoon for mixing
Measuring cups

Bar soap – Use a simple pure soap like Ivory, Kirk’s Castile or Fels-Naptha. Avoid moisturizing bars.

Washing soda – Cleans and removes odors. Find by laundry supplies.

Borax – Helps lift stains from laundry. Check laundry aisle or cleaning section.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make fresh DIY laundry powder:

1. Grate the bar soap into fine flakes using a cheese grater or food processor. The finer the flakes, the faster they dissolve.

2. Combine washing soda, borax and soap – Mix 2 parts soap with 1 part each washing soda and borax.

3. Stir well – Blend the powdered ingredients thoroughly so they are evenly distributed.

4. Allow to set – Cover and let sit 24 hours before use so powders interact fully.

5. Add essential oils (optional) – For scent, add 15-30 drops of oils like lemon or lavender per 1 cup detergent.

6. Use as needed – Add 2-3 tablespoons per load. Store excess in an airtight container.

And that’s it – homemade laundry detergent made easy! Now let’s go over some variations.

Handy Variations and Tips

For liquid detergent, let grated soap absorb double the water for 2-3 weeks, stirring periodically until