Are you tired of spending money on expensive store-bought laundry detergents?
Do you worry about harsh chemicals coming into contact with your family’s clothes and skin? Making your own laundry detergent at home might be the perfect solution you’ve been looking for.
Creating homemade laundry detergent is easier than you think. You only need a few simple ingredients that cost under $35 and will last almost a whole year.
Additionally, you have complete control over what goes into your cleaner, without any harsh additives.
In this blog, I’ll show you how to create an effective DIY laundry detergent recipe that naturally cleans your clothes.
You’ll learn the exact ingredients needed, step-by-step mixing process, and helpful tips to get the best results.
Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?
Making homemade laundry detergent saves a significant amount of money while giving you control over the ingredients. This recipe costs under $35 to make and lasts nearly a full year for most families.
Store-bought detergents often contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. With homemade detergent, you know exactly what’s cleaning your family’s clothes.
The process is straightforward and can be completed in under 30 minutes. You’ll have enough detergent to last months while saving hundreds of dollars annually.
| Benefit | Homemade | Store-Bought |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $35 | $150-200 |
| Ingredient Control | Full | None |
| Chemical-Free | Yes | No |
| Lasts | 10-12 months | 1-2 months per bottle |
Step-by-Step DIY Laundry Detergent Recipe
Now that you have all your tools and materials ready, let’s walk through the simple process of making this money-saving detergent at home.
Tools and Materials Needed
| Tools Required | Materials Needed |
|---|---|
| Cheese grater or food processor | 3 bars Fels-Naptha soap |
| Large garbage bags (2) | 2 cups baking soda |
| 2-gallon storage container | 1 box Borax (76 ounces) |
| 2-tablespoon measuring scoop | 1 box Super Washing Soda (55 ounces) |
| Â | 13 cups OxiClean (110 ounces) |
| Â | 1-2 bottles Purex Crystals (optional) |
Step 1: Prepare the Soap Base
Grate 3 bars of Fels-Naptha soap using a cheese grater or food processor. Blend until it resembles coarse crumbs or sand.
Instructions: Make sure pieces are small enough to dissolve in your washing machine. Fine grating prevents soap chunks in your finished detergent.
Step 2: Add Base Ingredients
Place a large garbage bag in a container and start adding ingredients. First, add 2 cups of baking soda, then 1 box of Borax, and 1 box of Super Washing Soda.
Instructions: Add ingredients slowly to prevent dust clouds from forming. Mix gently after each addition to ensure an even distribution.
Step 3: Combine Soap and Cleaning Boosters
Add your grated soap to the bag, followed by 13 cups of OxiClean. This combination provides the main cleaning power.
Instructions: The OxiClean adds stain-fighting ability while the soap creates the cleaning action needed for dirty clothes.
Step 4: Add Optional Fragrance
If you want scented detergent, add 1-2 bottles of Purex Crystals now. Skip this step for fragrance-free detergent.
Instructions: Fragrance crystals are completely optional, but they add a fresh scent that lasts through the wash cycle.
Step 5: Mix and Store
Tie the bag tightly and place it inside another garbage bag. Shake and roll to mix thoroughly, then pour into your storage container.
Instructions: Proper mixing ensures even distribution. Use 2 tablespoons for regular loads, 2.5 tablespoons for large loads, and 1.5 tablespoons for small loads.
Video Tutorial
Special thanks to Sheri Hemingway for providing valuable insights in their video, which I referenced while creating this guide.
How Much Money Will You Really Save?
Here’s exactly how much you’ll save with this homemade recipe compared to buying store-bought detergent:
| Item | Cost | Loads Made |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Fels-Naptha bars | $3.00 | 300+ |
| Baking soda (2 cups) | $1.50 | 300+ |
| Borax (1 box) | $4.00 | 300+ |
| Super Washing Soda | $3.50 | 300+ |
| OxiClean (110 oz) | $12.00 | 300+ |
| Purex Crystals (optional) | $8.00 | 300+ |
| Total Cost | $32.00 | 300+ loads |
| Cost per load | $0.11 | vs $0.50 store-bought |
You’ll save approximately $117 per year by buying this detergent instead of commercial detergent.
Tips for Perfect DIY Laundry Results
Follow these expert tips to get the most out of your homemade laundry detergent and achieve spotless clothes every time.
- Grate soap finely – Smaller pieces dissolve better in all water temperatures
- Mix thoroughly – Proper blending ensures even distribution of cleaning agents
- Use correct measurements – Too much detergent can leave residue on clothes
- Store in a dry place – Keep container sealed to prevent clumping
- Pre-treat stains – Apply detergent directly to tough spots before washing
Troubleshooting Your DIY Laundry Detergent
Having trouble with your homemade detergent? Here are quick solutions to the most common issues you might face.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| White residue on clothes | Use less detergent (1½ tbsp instead of 2) |
| Soap not dissolving | Grate bars finer or use warm water |
| Clothes smell musty | Add ½ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle |
| Detergent clumping | Store in an airtight container away from moisture |
| Colors fading | Reduce the OxiClean amount for delicate fabrics |
Laundry Detergent Recipe Safety Guidelines
Always wear gloves when handling Borax and washing soda to protect your skin. These ingredients are safe, but they can be drying when used directly.
Keep all ingredients and finished detergent out of the reach of children and pets. Store in clearly labeled containers to prevent accidental ingestion.
Work in a well-ventilated area when mixing ingredients to avoid inhaling dust particles. Take breaks if you feel any irritation.
Never mix this detergent with bleach or other cleaning products. Use only as directed for washing clothes.
Final Take
Making your own DIY laundry detergent recipe saves money and gives you control over ingredients. This simple recipe costs under $35 and provides nearly a year’s worth of detergent for most families.
The process takes less than 30 minutes and uses common household ingredients. Your clothes will come out clean and fresh while you save hundreds of dollars annually compared to store-bought brands.
Remember to use the correct measurements for different load sizes and store your detergent properly.
Have you tried making homemade laundry detergent, or are you ready to start saving money with this recipe?
