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!}
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.}
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.
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.
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!
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?
Is there a recipe for the Liquid Home made Detergent? I would like it better than the Powdered. Can u share it?
I’m will have to try this. I’m curious, do you find a significant $$ savings by doing this?
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.
I am going to try this, too. Do you know if it’s gentle enough to use on delicates?
I use it on everything, even delicates. But you may have higher standards than I do. 🙂
Do you have a recipe for he washers……
I personally don’t have one but I’ll bet you can find one online.
This is safe for HE washers. There are no suds.
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.
I am intrigued by this idea, Randi! My family all has sensitive skin so maybe I should be making my own soap!
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!
You can use the new scent enhancer crystals such as Purex as well.
I’ve never seen that! Where do you buy it?
WALMART & MOST ANY LAUNDRY ISLE
Could you use this in he washers if ou cut down on the amount that you use in washer
I have a friend who uses it in her HE washer and hasn’t had any problems, but honestly, I have no idea!
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.
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.
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!
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
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 🙂
4 lbs Borax.. Sorry
Thanks for sharing your recipe!
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
I use arm & hammer washes soap and broke out all over so no thanks
is this a powder mix it looks like its creamy or is it just the powder mix..
Where do u find the zote flakes? I can’t find them anywhere. the zote bar is too hard to do myself!!
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!
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
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.
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!