• Home
  • Start Here
    • About Dukes and Duchesses
    • Dukes and Duchesses Creative Holiday Gift Guide
    • Collaborate/Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s Eve/Day
    • Valentine’s Day
    • leap year
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • April Fool’s Day
    • Easter
    • May Day
    • cinco de mayo
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween/Harvest
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Crafts
    • general crafts
    • Cricut projects
    • printables
    • painting
    • sewing
    • knitting
  • DIY
  • Repurposed
  • Parties
    • Birthday
    • Entertaining
  • Recipes
  • Home Decor
    • Decor
    • home improvement
    • plants and garden
    • housekeeping
    • organization
  • travel
    • general travel
    • Dallas

Dukes and Duchesses

Dallas Fort Worth Creative Lifestyle Blogger

housekeeping · Written by Randi Dukes

How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

2864shares
  • Tweet 21
  • Share 24

A couple of years ago, I tried my hand at making homemade laundry detergent.  Years later, I’m still using homemade detergent and still following the same recipe.  Since it’s been so successful for me, I thought I’d share it here.  It’s really easy to make homemade laundry detergent and just takes a bit of time to make a batch that will last for weeks or months.  {For a printable version of the recipe below, click here.  You can post it in your laundry room for easy access!}

how to make homemade laundry detergent

For the homemade laundry detergent that I make, you’ll need

6 cups borax
4 cups super washing soda
4 cups baking soda
4 cups grated bar soap or 1 package of soap flakes, and
essential oils, if desired.

Zote makes soap flakes which eliminates the need to grate bar soap.  The flakes are also super thin, making them dissolve easily in the washer.  All of these ingredients can be found in the laundry/cleaning section of Walmart or online.  {Note: this detergent is not recommended for high efficiency washing machines.}

homemade detergent

If you’re using bar soap instead of soap flakes, you’ll need to grate the bar first {you can grate it quickly in a food processor}.

Once the soap is grated, mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl.

Mix thoroughly with a large spoon or your hands.  

At this point you can add drops of essential oils to the detergent if you want.  You’ll probably need 20-25 drops to really scent the detergent.

how to make homemade laundry soap

Store the detergent in an airtight container and use two tablespoons in each laundry load.  

I still pretreat stains with a storebought stain remover but otherwise this is the only laundry detergent I use and I’ve had great success with it.

homemade laundry soap

Do you make your own laundry detergent?  I’d love to hear your experiences.

{Don’t forget to click the link for a free printable of this laundry detergent recipe.}

For more homemade laundry products, check out this tutorial for making reusable DIY dryer sheets!

DIY dryer sheets


32 Comments

About Randi Dukes

I’m Randi, a Dallas-based mom of five kids, ranging from third grade to college and including a set of twins. I love strong coffee, craft and DIY projects, my planner, and my big ol’ family. When I’m not creating something for my blog, I can be found in the car, running kids from one place to another. I’m the one knitting at the red light. Connect with me on google+ | twitter | facebook

« Bingo Valentine Cards
Trash to Treasure Repurposed Book Caddy »

Comments

  1. ~Lindsey says

    January 19, 2013 at 2:32 pm

    I made a liquid recipe about 6 months ago and am still using it, surprised how long it’s lasted us! I think I might give the powder kind a try next time. Thanks for sharing, where did you get the soap flakes?

    Reply
    • BeverlyJY says

      February 24, 2013 at 4:57 pm

      Is there a recipe for the Liquid Home made Detergent? I would like it better than the Powdered. Can u share it?

      Reply
  2. Craft That Party says

    January 19, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    I’m will have to try this. I’m curious, do you find a significant $$ savings by doing this?

    Reply
    • Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

      January 20, 2013 at 7:33 pm

      It’s WAY cheaper than buying regular detergent. It lasts longer because you use less and it costs a fraction of the price to make it.

      Reply
  3. Amy Ellis says

    January 20, 2013 at 12:54 pm

    I am going to try this, too. Do you know if it’s gentle enough to use on delicates?

    Reply
    • Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

      January 20, 2013 at 7:32 pm

      I use it on everything, even delicates. But you may have higher standards than I do. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    January 22, 2013 at 10:39 pm

    Do you have a recipe for he washers……

    Reply
    • Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

      January 24, 2013 at 7:57 pm

      I personally don’t have one but I’ll bet you can find one online.

      Reply
    • Jackie says

      July 22, 2013 at 4:29 am

      This is safe for HE washers. There are no suds.

      Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    January 24, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    I have been using homemade laundry soap for two decades. My youngest daughter broke out with rashes and itching from the moment she was born. My mom told me to try it. I use the same products, different measurements. She is in college now and she makes her own also.

    Reply
  6. malia says

    January 27, 2013 at 11:25 pm

    I am intrigued by this idea, Randi! My family all has sensitive skin so maybe I should be making my own soap!

    Reply
  7. Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} says

    January 29, 2013 at 2:17 pm

    I’ve been wanting to try this, Randi! I’m glad to hear that you can by soap pre-grated. I can’t believe it only takes two tablespoons per load! That’s awesome!

    Reply
  8. Shelley Prestwich says

    January 29, 2013 at 7:30 pm

    You can use the new scent enhancer crystals such as Purex as well.

    Reply
    • Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

      January 30, 2013 at 4:45 pm

      I’ve never seen that! Where do you buy it?

      Reply
    • ELLIE WOODLIEF says

      February 24, 2013 at 5:06 pm

      WALMART & MOST ANY LAUNDRY ISLE

      Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    January 30, 2013 at 4:40 pm

    Could you use this in he washers if ou cut down on the amount that you use in washer

    Reply
    • Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

      January 30, 2013 at 4:46 pm

      I have a friend who uses it in her HE washer and hasn’t had any problems, but honestly, I have no idea!

      Reply
    • Gabrall Prasad says

      March 4, 2013 at 11:35 pm

      Hello, I have been using been using the liquid recipe and the dry for a little over 2 years. I have an HE washer. The biggest thing is not to have too many suds. I actually think these detergents leave my HE washer cleaner than store HE detergents. My husband was skeptical at first but loves it now.

      Reply
    • Gabrall Prasad says

      March 4, 2013 at 11:37 pm

      Hello, I have been using been using the liquid recipe and the dry for a little over 2 years. I have an HE washer. The biggest thing is not to have too many suds. I actually think these detergents leave my HE washer cleaner than store HE detergents. My husband was skeptical at first but loves it now.

      Reply
  10. Holly Lefevre says

    January 30, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    This is the same recipe I use – it i amazing and so economical and my hubby and son have skin issues and this is perfect for them!

    Reply
  11. Designed Decor says

    January 31, 2013 at 4:50 pm

    I have been wanting to make my own for ahile now, its time to start! I just started a new link party and would love for you to come over and share your post or any social media sites. Talkin’ About Thursday

    Reply
  12. Anonymous says

    February 5, 2013 at 7:23 am

    I have a similar recipe for laundry detergent. I use
    $lbs borax
    3lbs Super Washing soda
    4 baking soda
    3lbs OxyClean
    2 bars Zote Soap
    2 bottles Purex Fabric Softner Crystals
    Mix it all in a 5 gallon bucket and use 3 2 Tblsp in each load. Smells great and lasts 8 months for my family of 5. The cost is around 40.00 to make.. Including the bucket 🙂

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      February 5, 2013 at 7:24 am

      4 lbs Borax.. Sorry

      Reply
    • Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

      February 19, 2013 at 2:53 am

      Thanks for sharing your recipe!

      Reply
  13. ELLIE WOODLIEF says

    February 24, 2013 at 5:13 pm

    most any store in the laundry isle several different scents,I add the Purex scent crystals to my homemade detergent. I also make my own fabric softener, 2 c hair conditioner 2 c white vinegar 6 c hot water. mix conditioner with hot water turn container ( don’t shake it causes to much foam) then add vin. 1/2 c per reg load laundry

    Reply
  14. Anonymous says

    March 12, 2013 at 2:10 am

    I use arm & hammer washes soap and broke out all over so no thanks

    Reply
  15. Anonymous says

    April 6, 2013 at 12:59 pm

    is this a powder mix it looks like its creamy or is it just the powder mix..

    Reply
  16. Anonymous says

    April 22, 2013 at 2:51 am

    Where do u find the zote flakes? I can’t find them anywhere. the zote bar is too hard to do myself!!

    Reply
    • Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

      April 22, 2013 at 2:56 am

      I found them at Walmart, in with the laundry products. If you’re unable to find them, use a food processor to grate the soap … it makes it so quick and easy!

      Reply
  17. Sandra @ The Adored Home says

    October 31, 2013 at 10:20 am

    I have always wondered if this was worth the cost or would it work! I am going to try it! Thanks!
    Sandra
    The Adored Home

    Reply
  18. Cheryl says

    May 10, 2014 at 12:53 pm

    I use a similar recipe for my HE front loader and love it. Here it is:
    1 bar Zotw or Fels Naptha
    2 cups Borax
    2 cups Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

    If you want scent, use a few drops of Essential Oils.
    I’ve never had a problem and have used it on delicates. It’s already a low suds combination so it doesn’t give my washer any trouble.

    Reply
  19. Camille says

    October 24, 2014 at 11:07 am

    for all you HE owners…this may seem like a dumb question, but would you put the powder in the washer itself or in the detergent dispenser? Thanks!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Welcome to Dukes & Duchesses!

Square profile photo

I’m Randi, a mom of five living in Dallas. I love strong coffee, long lists, bright colors, thrift stores, repurposed junk, and power tools.

Want to collaborate?

Click Here!

teeth brushing chart

Vinyl Teeth Brushing Mirror Chart for Kids

colorful fabric sign for thanksgiving

Happy Thankstuffing Fabric Sign Made with the Cricut Maker

customized DIY cloth napkins

Custom Cloth Napkins Made with the Cricut EasyPress

floral drawer sachet filled with scented rice

Tea Bag Drawer Sachets {a Stitched Version and a No-Sew Version}

succulent planting party food bar

Succulent Planting Party

Dukes and Duchesses is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Any content on this website is created for inspirational purposes only. You assume your own risk for using any methods, tools, or supplies suggested here. Follow proper guidelines for every tool or supply used and obtain professional guidance as needed.

Copyright © 2021 · Randi Dukes · Wordpress Hosting by SERVOUSLY

Copyright © 2021 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in