Wanting to make your own Laundry Detergent either to save money or have control over the ingredients? This recipe very well could be the formula for the Best Homemade Laundry Detergent out there. Try it--you'll love it!
Why Should I Make My Own Detergent?
If you're like me, you care about your budget, your family's health, and the environment. When thinking about healthy living, it's easy to focus heavily on diet, but it's crucial to think about your home as well.
Because things that come into contact with the outside of your body are just as important to healthy living as the things that you put inside your body.
And think about it--you wear clothes 24/7--so what you wash them in matters!
I've tried out all kinds of homemade laundry detergent formulas over the years but was never really happy with them. In fact, you can read in this post about Why I Stopped Making Laundry Detergent.
Literally, I stopped trying and switched to a natural brand I liked, and also used soap nuts, but unfortunately, the brand was discontinued, and my son and I seemed to develop a rare allergy to soap nuts so......
back to the drawing board of formulating a DIY Laundry Soap I went.
There just HAD to be a way.
So I looked at all of the recipes out there, pulled the best of all of them together, and now I think we have a winner! We've been using it for months now, and I'm really quite happy with it.
Ingredients for this Laundry Detergent Recipe
This recipe makes a powder detergent, which I prefer over the possible mess of liquid spills. Plus I'm not sure that that is very sanitary as the water in the liquid detergent could easily lead to bacteria buildup.
Here are the ingredients in this formula and the role they all play in creating a safe and effective detergent.
Castile Bar Soap
Castile soap is made with fruit or vegetable fats (usually coconut or olive oils) and is helpful with removes dirt and stains from clothes. Because it's not made with animal fats, it's safe to use with HE washers or washers that drain into a septic system.
Borax
Borax (a.k.a. sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate), is a natural mineral compound that converts some water molecules into hydrogen peroxide, giving it the ability to clean and bleach. Best used in hot water, the boron, salt, and oxygen give Borax the ability to disinfect.
Washing Soda
Washing soda is an effective stain lifter that doesn't stain (or "bleach") clothes. Since it's highly alkaline, it's also effective it helps treat hard water, allowing the detergent to work properly so that clothes get clean and don't build up residue during washing.
Baking Soda
Baking soda works to dissolve dirt and grease and soften clothing thanks to its mild alkaline qualities. And it's a great deodorizer, working to remove odors, fabric softener, and cleaning agent that won't bleach your clothes.
Oxi Clean Free
OxiClean is an oxygen-based, chlorine-free, and color-safe stain remover. It can be safely used safely on any machine-washable fabric.
Essential Oils for Mold Prevention (optional)
Mold is a problem in washing machines so this is one way to address it.
Plants contain varying levels of anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. Essential oils are plant-based, making them a perfect ingredient for any mold-killing laundry detergent.
I like to add tea tree oil, thyme, and lemon oil to this detergent, since they are all proven to address mold growth.
How to Make This Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe
- Use a grater to grate the castile soap bar to avoid putting large chunks into a food processor and potentially damaging it.
- Put the grated soap pieces in the food processor bowl. Pulse until only large crumbs remain.
- Add baking soda to the food processor and pulse until the ingredients are in powder form and combined (about 1 minute)
- Add the washing soda to the food processor and repeat.
- Dump the mixture into a storage container and add Borax and OxiClean. Combine well with a spoon.
- Add the essential oils, if using, and mix well.
- Store in an airtight container.
How to Use Your Homemade Detergent for a Load of Laundry
To use this detergent, simply add about 2 tablespoons directly into your washer bin with your clothes (you might want to only use 1 tablespoon for HE front loaders. Easy peasy. Add more, if desired, for larger or more heavily stained loads.
Homemade Laundry Detergent FAQs
If you've never made a laundry detergent recipe before, you're likely to have a few questions.
Here are the most common questions (and their answers) regarding making DIY laundry detergent and their answers.
Can I Use This Detergent in an HE Washing Machine?
Yes, because there isn't a sudsing agent in this recipe, you can use it in front loading HE machines.
Will This Detergent Irritate Sensitive Skin?
We haven't had any problems at all (and we have had issues with sensitive skin). The ingredients included are natural and usually safe for all skin types. However, everyone is different, so I recommend trying a small batch to test before committing to this larger batch size.
If you prefer, you can use this gentle laundry detergent for babies and sensitive skin.
Where Can I Find the Ingredients?
I've included Amazon links to help you find everything you need. You can also find these ingredients at Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores. I buy my baking soda in large bulk bags at Costco since we use it for all sorts of things.
Do I Need a Fabric Softener with this Homemade Laundry Detergent?
You shouldn't need to since the alkaline properties of baking soda and washing soda soften fabric. However, if you want to soften more, you can use plain distilled vinegar as a natural fabric softener - and the smell washes out so you won't smell it at all!
How Much DIY Laundry Detergent Does this Make?
This recipe makes approximately 7 cups of detergent, which works out to about 56 loads. Could you double or triple that if you wanted to? Sure!
However, this recipe makes a good amount so that you don't have to make it once a month and yet it doesn't take up too much storage space.
How Do You Keep Homemade Laundry Detergent from Clumping?
If you live in a humid area, your DIY detergent may clump sometimes. Here are some tricks to help you prevent (or break up) clumping:
- store your detergent in an air-tight container.
- place a dessicant in with your detergent.
- pop your detergent back into the food processor if you find it's clumping up.
Is Homemade Laundry Detergent Safe for Washing Machines?
Some people make the claim that homemade laundry detergent isn't safe for washing machines, and can void the warranty and cause all kinds of issues.
Let's clear that up.
Some people on the internet claim that using Dawn or Castile Bar Soap or Borax, etc., will mess up your washing machine and void your warranty.
I looked into this and found that there are reports of people using these products for many years with no issues. It seems that the problem isn't using these products, but using too much of them. Instead of throwing out the laundry soap with the bathwater, just use less--starting with 1 Tbsp of detergent per load.
Other Healthy Home Helps
This Homemade Laundry Detergent will save you money and is a great way to get reduce toxins in the home. Here are some other great ways to clean and green up your home:
- No Streak Glass Cleaner
- Homemade Baby Laundry Detergent
- 17 Natural Green Cleaners
- Natural Dishwasher Rinse Aid
- Homemade Cleaning Paste
Note: Don't have time to make homemade laundry detergent? I recommend purchasing this natural brand.
Making your own laundry powder is fast, easy, inexpensive, helps keep toxins out of your home and the environment, and gives you total control over the ingredients!
Best Homemade Laundry Detergent
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 4 oz bar Castile soap I used Kirk's brand
- 1¾ cup Borax
- 1¾ cup washing soda
- 1½ cup baking soda
- 1¼ cup Oxi Clean Pure
Optional Essential Oils for Mold Prevention
- 15 drops tea tree oil
- 15 drops thyme oil
- 15 drops lemon oil
Instructions
- Grate the castile soap with a grater.
- Put the grated castile soap pieces in a food processor bowl. Pulse until only large crumbs (no chunks) remain.
- Add baking soda to the food processor and pulse until ingredients are in powder form and combined (about 1 minute).
- Add washing soda to the food processor and repeat pulsing until combined well.
- Dump the mixture into a storage container and add borax and OxiClean. Combine well with a spoon.
- Add the essential oils, if using, (optional) and mix well.
- Store detergent in an air-tight container to help avoid clumping.
Notes
Don't Feel Like DIYing?
If you aren't ready to try this yet, check out this interesting product--the EcoEgg. I'm trying it out and liking it so far!
It works with ionizing instead of detergent!
Can't wait to hear what how this laundry detergent works for you!
I finally gathered all of the ingredients needed and made my first batch today. I didn't have any clothes laundry for my initial wash with BUT.... I had some dog beds! I thought, well......if it can get dog funk out, then we are good. I just pulled them out of the dryer and stuck my face into them and I smelled.......NOTHING! So, that is a good start! I look forward to washing some clothes. I can certainly see how this would reduce the detergent budget and easy to have these things on hand for store shortages too. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Wow no way! That's amazing!!! Nothing is exactly what we want and not a bunch of fake fragrances!!! You are so welcome! If you are so inclined, and would like to do so, leaving a 5 star review helps others find good "recipes" and helps us too. I am soooo happy to hear how well this worked for you! And on dog beds. Really wow again! Take care!
The Castile soap, how strong is the "fresh scent" I can't do smells. Also, I found a 4 pack of it at Walmart for $4.44 instead of the $12.99 your links goes to, whoa! https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kirk-s-Original-Fresh-Scent-Gentle-Castile-Soap-4-ct-Pack/691853994
Not hating on your link, just wanted to give a friendly heads up 🙂
Thanks!
Hi there! I just edited the post and got a less expensive option. Thanks for the heads up. I don't know how strong it is -- I have used another one that's original but not sure if it's the same. I prefer to do fragrance free going forward so that's why I linked to it. Now it's a better deal for 6 bars......hope that helps!
OxyClean free has other ingredients. I prefer to just buy sodium perchlorate, the base for oxy products, which is the pure form of it. No fillers or additives.
Great recipe I'll have to make more. I've been using washing soda and a bit of liquid Castile soap (or in some cases, "Bastile") It does work too, but I think this one is a bit better.....
Thanks for the tip on the sodium perchlorate!! Much appreciated!
Hi again. Just an FYI- it's sodium percarbonate and not perchlorate. 😉 I just looked it up to get some!
I’ve used basically the same recipe, but use Fels Naptha, Zote and even Ivory soap bars. It cleans like nothing else. The rest was the same. I sometimes add the scent beads. I use plain white vinegar in the rinse cycle.
Hi Deborah! Yes, the recipes are similar but I tried to do a proportion that seemed to be the best. I know that Fels works well, but it has additives that I don't like. I'm so glad that you have found success! What kind of scent beads? Are they natural? I just put lavender oil on dryer balls and it works great!
No, they are aren’t natural, but I stopped using them and use the essential oils on the wool dryer balls. Yummy.
I have some allergies, but not to the ingredients I use in my s laundry soap. Thank goodness. I have made laundry soap with Dawn dish soap as well.
I love the essential oils too!! I am mostly just trying to keep toxins out of my home and the environment, but I actually am sensitive to artificial fragrances and so is my youngest.
I forgot to add that I’ve been using this for a while now. And it is cheaper than store bought laundry detergent. And it cleans much better, and no fillers.
I LOVE not having fillers! That's so interesting that you think it cleans so much better. I didn't like the first one I made, but that was a liquid. I'm still playing around with things as I can, but I haven't used store bought in many years.
I learned about fillers in powered store bought laundry detergent many years ago. I went to an Amway party. They sold detergent at the time. They had two glasses, put a teaspoon of each detergent in each glass of water and stirred. Nothing settled in the bottom of the Amway glass, but a lot settled in the bottom of the store bought. That was filler, something like cardboard in the bottom of the glass.
Yuck. I think Amway still has detergent.....I never bought any of their products, however. Well, the only "filler" in this would be if something fell in or a piece of the box came off into the product ;).
I agree. I love it. I’ll be using Castile Soap next time instead of Fels Naptha, or Zote. I do use my small food processor. So, so easy!
I need a small food processor.....do you use yours only for soap? I don't think soap flavored hummus would be that good!
LOL. No I wash it really well before using on food. I also rice in vinegar water. I got mine at Amazon. It’s a KitchenAid I believe. I also add some washing soda or borax to the soap when shredding it up.
I'll have to try it. Our processor broke so I need to get a new one - it has a crack in the base and so things leak. Thanks for the tip!
Just wanted to say that there are "trolls" like Barry who just want to argue. You were polite to the extreme in posting and then responding to his tirade. I'm sorry great bloggers like you have to deal with them. Even if i disagree with a blogger I'm reading, most of the time i just read and forget it, only responding politely with information I have that they might not be aware of. You forget his rude words and continue sharing with those of us who admire you for what you do.
Thanks so much, Carol. It really was too much. I mean, if you are that bent on not making something yourself, then why come here and rant about it...and then not acknowledge it when you give wrong information twice? It's a shame. Thanks for the encouragement!
What do the asterisks after baking soda and oxyclean mean
Good question. Thanks! I originally had more exact weight measurements also mentioned in the post for those 2 ingredients, but I decided to remove them and missed removing the asterisks. Thanks for asking!
I'm flabbergasted that anyone would recommend Molly's laundry detergent. I purchased it once. I think plain water would get my clothes cleaner than that particular brand of detergent. I like either Biokleen or Charlie's. I've also heard that homemade laundry "detergent" voids the manufacturer's warranty. It seems that using bar soap causes buildup. The use of soap can also oversuds, which can destroy the electronics of the machine. Talk about penny wise and pound foolish...
Hello Doug.
So this is a really interesting comment to me. I actually could really use your help on this as I haven't used a lot of non-toxic detergents. I used to use All Free and Clear - but wanted to move to something more "green"--I did a Liquid Homemade Detergent for awhile but I really didn't like it. Then we used soap nuts and I got allergic to them (which is very rare). I had heard really good things about Molly's and their reviews are good - in fact the reviews seem to be the same as w/ Biokleen and Charlie's--is it really that bad?
As for your concern about bar soap and the machine, I have done some reading into that and seems that it's a non issue here and might depend on the type of soap you use. I will add some more information to the post about it but I'm really glad you brought that up!
Yes, that would be a bad thing! I have a (very much needing to be rewritten) post on DIY Dishwasher Rinse Aid that has the same conundrum involved......you can see, if you read the comments, that the concerns about it are inconclusive.
Look forward to hearing your thoughts on Molly's. I am totally fine swapping out links for that! Thanks again!
Thank you! I recently retired from nursing & am getting back to being the person I used to be, but a bit more slowly, now that I have time and covid is keeping me at home. I do appreciate your recipes.
My quest is to find an easier way to grate the soap & I do not have a food processor. I’ve tried my blender but it’s just ok.
You are so welcome. Hmmmm..you mean easier than a cheese grater? Have you tried microwaving the soap first?
Is there something I can replace the borax with in this recipe? My husband says he is allergic to it.
Some say that using baking soda should work well. I think another idea would be to do a combination of the ingredients that you can use.
Thank you Adrienne for the recipe. I just might give it a try!
You are so welcome! I am working on some more laundry things as well....including an option that saves way more money. Putting some more tips / info in this post today as well. Thanks for reading!
Am I missing something here? Why would you take the time to buy and mix 5 separate products to make one "homemade" laundry detergent. I did the math, it is not cheaper by the oz., pound, or by wash load. If it's to have alternative to turn to in case the shelves empty out of laundry detergent, then surely, the other 5 ingredients you use here will also be sold out.
Hi Barry! So there are a number of reasons to make this.
1) What detergent are you using?
2) The cost savings will depend on what you buy and where you get it. I'm good at finding bargains ;).
3) The main reason is to have control over the ingredients and ditch artificial fragrances, etc.
4) Did I say that this is so that you have an alternative in case the shelves are empty? I don't think so.
5) Stock up on the ingredients and that won't be a problem. PS You can make your own washing soda out of baking soda so there's another option for you too.
Does that help?
Hi, Adrienne. Thanks for the reply. I use Seventh Generation Professional. All vegetable, no added synthetic fragrance, dies, or brighteners. I like to have control over what I buy by reading the labels on the containers and by reading users reviews online. SGP is 20 cents per load, available in many large stores. One bottle, premixed, no shopping for best deals on 5 different ingredients, no shipping or waiting for orders to arrive, it's on the shelf. I've stocked up a year's supply and rotate through them, replacing often. BTW, I said "if" you meant your mix to be an alternative if shelves are empty, it was not a definitive remark.
Hi again, Barry. You're welcome.
As for Seventh Generation, I assume you are using the powder?
Re: cost per load, please do let me know where you are buying this bc I checked and a lot of places say it's out of stock, and at Office Depot, it's 37 cents a load. Possibly it's just hard for me to see buying options, but the 350 load container doesn't seem to be available in that many places.
I just did a cost calculation of my detergent (will add this to the post) and it's 14 cents a load. Of course, for mine, you can buy the ingredients in bulk and stock up on a year (or more) of supplies as well. The added bonus is that the ingredients are usable for many other applications as well. So even if you decide you don't want to make the detergent any longer, you aren't stuck with things you won't use.
As for the part about no shipping / waiting for orders to arrive, that's really not an accurate comparison b/c you could get the items I mentioned on the shelf in many stores as well--I have done it. The SGP availability will vary per location just as the availability of what I recommend will.
I shop around for the best deals on things and then keep buying from there unless I notice a change in prices that's enough to make me want to look elsewhere.
I should add that for people who don't wish to shop right now due to masks, etc., that's an added bonus to my option ;).
As for the "if", thanks for the clarification. One can take that "if" either way....as meaning a possibility or it being a softer way to make a point.
I would appreciate your not putting a 3 star review on something that you haven't tried. I don't think that's really an honest way to write a review. I hope you would agree.
Look forward to hearing back.
Adrienne, I was buying the Seventh Generation Pro at Walmart, but looked it up for you. It's also available from several sellers here on Amazon, with one selling for 11 cents per oz. https://www.amazon.com/Seventh-Generation-Professional-All-Purpose-Unscented/dp/B07NLPJHJ1/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Seventh+Generation+Professional&qid=1611492377&sr=8-3
My time is more important than shopping multiple products, buying, and mixing just to save a few pennies per wash. I'm familiar with your mixture and rated it accordingly. It's been around for decades. I simply disagree with you. When you post something on the internet and allow responses, some readersd may not agree with you. Do try to not take it so personally. Wishing you the best. Barry
Hello again. Thanks for the ongoing dialogue.
At first, I did look into the liquid laundry detergent, but since mine is a recipe for a powder, I changed my approach and figured you were using the Professional powder. However, now that you have clarified things, I have other additional thoughts.
Here is the Safety Data Sheet for that product.
As you can see there are 2 preservatives listed there:
METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE
and
BENZISOTHIAZOLINONE
The first is rated a 7 on EWG / Skin Deep, whereas the latter is rated 3-6 on the same site.
METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE was cited in the class action lawsuit against Wen haircare as being a problem re: allergenicity. As such, I would recommend people think about avoiding that preservative. I plan to research it more, but I don't like it for allergenic reasons. Thankfully neither are expected to bioaccumulate, but the plastic container will.
Please note that what you linked to is an all purpose cleaner and not a detergent. I assume that was a mistake?
As for your time, yes, you have to make the decision yourself. I have readers of all kinds...those who have more time than money, as well as the opposite. Some (many) are strapped for both and are making decisions as they go re: which is the bigger pressure at the moment. Some just like DIYing.
As for your rating, no this exact mixture isn't anywhere unless someone else did the same method that I did. I might change it in the future, but I spent a lot of time on it.
So--you didn't try the detergent (though I guess you are saying that you tried someone else's formula) and you changed your rating from 4 to 3 and now back again. I'm not trying to have a big disagreement here, but I don't think it's appropriate to give something a bad review (which I would consider a 3 to be that) just b/c you don't think it's worth your time. It wouldn't be appropriate for someone to do that for an entree that tasted good but someone felt that takeout of the same meal was a quicker option.
If this is what you are using, then it's 30 cents per load, and not 20 as you initially stated. And I sure hope you aren't putting all purpose cleaner in your washing machine. It might invalidate the warranty ;). Just some added value that I hope to add to your life for spending your time on my blog. Hope that's of help. (just wanted to add a little levity to the situation).
I appreciate the well wishes and so hope that in the future something here (besides the all purpose cleaner warning) can enhance your life. Or perhaps if you one day you start reacting to the methylisothiozolinone, you might find this formula to be of help at that point. 🙂
Finally, I'm trying something else out now that will save you even more time and money in the laundry room. It will save storage too. Stay tuned if you'd like.....
The Borax you use is found to cause health issues. "The National Institute of Health has found that borax has been associated with several adverse health effects in humans. These include: irritation, hormone issues, toxicity and death." The Oxi Clean you use is also labeled to cause health hazards. BISM.org states: " Oxi Clean Signal Word: Danger.
Hazard Statement: Risk of serious damage to eyes. Harmful if swallowed.
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, splash goggles, face shield, full suit, vapor respirator and boots. Do not breathe dust /mist. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Eye Contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses. Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Get medical attention if irritation persists. Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air. Flush mouth and nasal passages with water repeatedly. Get medical attention if symptoms persist. Ingestion: Wash out mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. If affected person is conscious, give plenty of water to drink. Get medical attention immediately. Acute Effects Eyes: May cause severe eye irritation. Potential risk of serious damage to eyes. Skin: Prolonged skin contact may cause skin irritation.Inhalation: Inhalation of dust may cause irritation to gastro intestinal or respiratory tract. Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. May cause burns to mouth, throat and stomach. After reading how truly dangerous the products you promote here are to our health I changed my rating to a one.
Hi again! So funny you brought all of this up! I actually was thinking about writing a revision to this post about Borax that's already on my blog, so you are showing how helpful it will truly be! I hope you'll be back to read it.
In the meantime, I hope that you will check out this Safety Data Sheet on Borax where it's given a "1", which is the same as baking soda and salt. So perhaps you should rate my recipe / formula as a negative 1 since it's truly unbelievably toxic ;). Methylisothiazolinone, by comparison, is an 8.
In case you are interested, here's some safety information on the particular Oxi Clean that I included in the formula. https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/195-OxiCleanVersatileStainRemoverFree/
Of course all of this has to be taken into context. I'm sure you will find my article on borax to be interesting once it comes out. However, there are no options to put fraudulent reviews on posts--just on recipes--so maybe it won't be of interest to you after all ;).
After dealing with your arrogance and pettiness, particularly in your accusing me of writing fraudulent reviews simply because I disagree with you, I'll not be reading any of your further writings. Your responses are typical of one suffering from dissociative identity disorder and suggests a divergence of issues, all worthy of comment. Your inferiority complex is fully justified.
So Barry, first of all, you came to my blog to read a post about Homemade Laundry Detergent when clearly you had no intention of ever making it, based on your confidence in your selection of a detergent. So seems that your only purpose in coming here was to be a nasty critic.
Then you linked to the wrong product to show me what you were using.
Yes, I do think that reviewing something negatively when you haven't tried it, and have no intention of trying it, is fraudulent. That's why Amazon has things like "Verified Purchase" in their review section so people can't as easily tear down a seller with negative reviews. If you don't like the word "fraudulent" how about "unethical" and "mean-spirited"?
What's really odd to me is that you mentioned how you don't have time to mix up an easy DIY Laundry Detergent, but you do have time to harass bloggers, post lengthy criticisms about them, and then ignore your own failings.
It's you who is the arrogant and petty one.
Good day.
Mayne learn to live and let live. If you don't want to, have the time to, whatever the reason to make your own then don't. You are free to buy your own if that's your preference. But you have zero right to harass people who do things differently than you. People do things differently and if they didn't we wouldn't have so many different options of laundry detergent including the option to make our own. Back off and maybe check your own arrogance! Seriously, narcissistic much?