Here is a nice stack of different recipes for making homemade laundry detergent that I’ve collected over the years. Do they work? Yes, I’ve had good luck with them. At the time I was using them, we had a relative who was in trade school living with us. Every day he was mechanic grease from head to toe–the clothes still cleaned up nice!
As with making all DIY household cleaning products for the home, this is a discipline when done on a regular basis and it’s not for everyone…but the loss of convenience definitely shaves money off the budget, sometimes just costing pennies a load!
Update 2023: Congratulations! You have found the original homemade laundry detergent tutorial and reference guide that’s been online since 2007. This page has been referred to millions of times by DIYers over the past 15+ years!
There are all kinds of tips, tricks and ingredient ratios to be found here, including a growing FAQ section packed with more helpful information. Enjoy!
Before getting started, here are a few tips:
- For the bar soaps required, you could try Fels-Naptha, Ivory, Sunlight, Kirk’s Hardwater Castile, and Zote.
- Avoid using heavily perfumed varieties.
- Washing Soda and Borax can normally be found locally in the laundry and cleaning aisles or bought online at places such as Amazon.
- Some people with really hard or well water may have to adjust the ingredients if the clothes look dingy.
- Although several of the detergent recipes have the same ingredients, the measurements are different–some contain a higher soap to water ratio.
- Test and see which works best for your needs.
- You can make huge pails of this at once, or smaller quantities.
- If you can get your hands on a few empty liquid detergent bottles, they work great for storing large batches. Just whip up a big batch and pour in bottles, cap then shake before each use.
- Some batches need large amounts of water. Check with a local restaurant to see if they have any empty large pails from deep fryer oil–that’s how many restaurants buy the oil.
- See if you can have one or two of the pails after they’ve emptied it–just wash them out really well before using. They’re big, heavy plastic and very sturdy when stirring.
How To Make Homemade Laundry Detergent
Here Are 10 Easy Recipes You Can Try
You’ll also find a very useful
Frequently Asked Questions section at the bottom of this page
Lots of info here to get you started, good luck!
Recipe #1
1 quart Water (boiling)
2 cups Bar soap (grated)
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda
- Add finely grated bar to the boiling water and stir until it is all melted. Keep on low heat until this happens.
- Pour the mixture into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and W.S. Stir well until all is dissolved.
- Add 2 gallons of water, blend until well combined.
- Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Stir each time you measure (will gel).
Recipe #2
1 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1 Soap bar
- Grate the bar and add to a large saucepan with hot water to cover. Whisk over medium-low heat until it dissolves and is melted.
- Fill a 10 gallon pail half full of hot water. Add the mixture, Borax and W.S., stir well until all powder is dissolved. Top the pail up with more hot water.
- Use 1 cup per load, stirring first (will gel).
Recipe #3
1/2 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1/3 bar Soap
- In a large pot, heat 3 pints of water. Add the grated bar and whisk until melted. Then add the W.S. and borax. Stir until powder is dissolved, then remove from heat.
- In a 2 gallon clean pail, pour 1 quart of hot water and add the heated mixture.
- Top pail with cold water and combine well.
- Use 1/2 cup per load, stirring first (will gel).
Powdered – Recipe #4
2 cups Fels Naptha Soap (finely grated – you could also try the other bars listed at the top)
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax
- Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.
- 2 tablespoons powder per full load.
Recipe #5
1 bar (4.5 oz) Ivory – grated
1 cup Washing Soda
- In a large saucepan add grated soap and enough hot water to cover. Heat over medium-low and stir until dissolved.
- Fill a large pail with 2.5 gallons of hot water, add hot mixture. Stir until combined well.
- Then add the W.S., again stirring well.
- Set aside to cool.
- 1/2 cup per full load, stirring thoroughly first (will gel)
Recipe #6
2.5 gallons Water (hot)
1 Bar soap (grated)
3/4 cup Washing Soda
3/4 cup Borax
2 TBS Glycerin
- Melt soap over medium-low heat topped with water, stir until dissolved.
- In a large pail, pour 2.5 gallons of hot water, add hot mixture, W.S., borax and glycerin. Mix well.
- 1/2 cup per full load.
Recipe #7
2 cups Bar soap
2 cups Washing Soda
2 – 2.5 gallons hot water
- Melt grated bar in saucepan with water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until dissolved.
- Pour hot water in large pail, add hot mixture and W.S. Stir very well.
- 1 cup per full load.
Recipe # 8
2 gallons Water (hot)
1 bar Soap (grated)
2 cups Baking soda (yes, baking soda this time–not washing soda)
- Melt grated soap in a saucepan with enough hot water to cover. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until melted.
- In a large pail, pour 2 gallons hot water. Add mixture, stir well.
- Then add the baking soda, stir well again.
- 1/2 cup per full load, 1 cup if very soiled.
Powdered – Recipe #9
12 cups Borax
8 cups Baking Soda
8 cups Washing Soda
8 cups Bar soap (grated)
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly and store in a sealed tub.
- 1/8 cup of powder per full load.
#10 – (Powdered)
1 cup Vinegar (white)
1 cup Baking Soda
1 cup Washing Soda
1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- Mix well and store in sealed container.
- I find it easiest to pour the liquid castile into the bowl first, stirred in the W.S., then baking soda, then added the vinegar in small amounts at a time (the batch foams up at first).
- The mixture is a thick paste at first that will break down into a heavy powdered detergent, just keep stirring.
- There may be some hard lumps, try to break them down when stirring (it really helps to make sure the baking soda isn’t clumpy when first adding).
- I used 1/2 cup per full load with great results.
*Admin Update: clarified instructions for #10 and liquid detergent notes.
Quick Tips & Notes
*If you can’t find Fels-Naptha locally, you can buy it online (check Amazon).
Liquid Versions:
- This will be lumpy, goopy and gel-like which is normal. Just give it a good churn before using.
- Make sure to keep covered with a tight lid when not in use.
- Another good option is to pour the mixture in old (and cleaned) plastic detergent bottles, cap tightly and shake well before each use.
Optional Fragrance:
- You can add between 10 to 15 drops of essential oil (per 2 gallons) to give it a nice scent.
- Add once the batch has cooled to room temperature. Stir well and cover.
- Essential oil suggestions: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil
Frequently Asked Questions
Update: I first published the above recipes in 2007 and this post has been one of the most popular articles posted here on Tipnut.
I’m proud to say it’s one of the most informative resources available for learning how to make your own laundry detergent (but maybe I’m biased 😉 ), and it’s about to get even better with this compiled FAQ sheet.
With several hundred comments, many of them packed with helpful info, I’m finding that many of the questions posted in the comments area or sent to me through the contact form have been asked and answered several times, and that’s understandable since who can possibly keep track of all the information shared!
I’ve decided to gather together all the frequently asked questions into one handy information sheet so people can refer to it and find answers more easily.
Where Do You Buy Washing Soda?
- The brand I’m most familiar with is Arm & Hammer.
- Look in the laundry aisle of your grocery store or Walmart, that’s where I find it.
- You can order it online quite easily, just do a search for it on Amazon or Google.
- It’s apparently also known as Soda Ash and can be found at art supply stores, JoAnn Fabrics, and other places that sell textile products.
- Try asking your local grocer to order it for you if they don’t carry it. The UPC code is 33200-03020 or 033200-030201.
- You can try calling Church & Dwight the suppliers/makers for Arm & Hammer…1-800-524-1328…give them a UPC # 33200-03020 and they can direct you on where to find it locally or purchase it through them over the phone. You can also contact them via their website here: Church & Dwight – Arm & Hammer.
Where Can I Buy Fels Naptha?
- Check the laundry aisle in your local grocery store or Walmart.
- Fels Naptha is part of Summit Brands. You can check their website to locate the nearest store that carries it: Summit Brands – Store Location. Select “Zout” in the Brand pull down menu and then you can select Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar & Stain Remover.
- You can order it online at Amazon.
Help! It’s Too Thick, Too Loose, Too Chunky, It Separated, It’s A Solid Mass, It Doesn’t Look Like I Think It Should!
- Making your own laundry detergent is not an exact science. If it turns out differently than expected, still give it a try since the ingredients are all there. I can’t tell you what you did wrong or why a batch turned out differently than expected.
- If you followed directions to a “T” (combined really well, used hot water, measured correctly, etc.), then the likely culprit is the brand of soap.
- If the mixture gelled into a solid mass, try mixing in more hot water. If it’s too thin, try adding more soap or Borax or Washing Soda.
It Doesn’t Look Like Commercial Brands, It Looks Like Goopy Glop!
- Congrats! That’s how it’s supposed to look.
Will My Favorite Brand Of Soap Work?
- You’ll have to experiment by making a batch first to know for sure. I would cut batches in half (or even less) when first experimenting. This way there won’t be as much waste if it turns out poorly.
- You don’t want anything heavy with perfumes or oils since this may transfer to your clothing (stains). They may also cause a chemical reaction with the other ingredients.
- From the comments area: Any brand is okay that lists sodium palmate, sodium cocoate, sodium tallowate, etc.
- Just be sure you are using real soap and not beauty bars with added free oils. (i.e. dove, etc).
- I wouldn’t incorporate beauty bars or shower gels or body wash.
Are There Alternatives For People Who Have Allergies Or Sensitive Skin?
- Try brands that you know you’re not allergic to, but watch the ingredients in the bar to make sure it won’t react with the rest of ingredients. The only way to know for sure is to try it.
How Do You Grate The Bars?
- I do this on a handheld cheese grater but you can also use a food processor (just make sure you clean it well afterwards). Grate the bar first before tossing into a food processor then chop until fine.
Is Liquid OK Instead Of Grating A Bar?
- Again, this is not an exact science–there’s lots of room for experimentation. For liquid varieties, I myself have not tried using liquid soap instead of a bar. I think Liquid Castile would be ok, you might want to dilute it with water first (no, I don’t have a dilution ratio to suggest). If you do try it, let us know how you made out in the comments area below.
What Is The Difference Between Washing Soda And Baking Soda?
- Washing soda is Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate. Baking Soda is Sodium Bicarbonate. No they are not interchangeable and results will vary if substituting one for the other.
How Long Can It Be Stored For?
- The powdered version seems to last forever, but I have no exact expiry date to advise. The liquid varieties also last quite awhile, but will thicken up over time. It was also suggested in the comments area that bacteria may grow in the detergent if it’s stored too long–what too long actually is, I can’t answer.
Is This Safe For A High Efficiency Washer (HE Machine)?
- I have no experience with this but there are lots of comments that say it’s fine. Be aware that using anything other than what your machine manufacturer recommends may void your warranty.
- Go through the comments and you will find several suggestions for HE machines.
- Homemade detergent is low sudsing which is important for HE machines.
Can You Use It In a Front Loading Machine?
- I have no experience with this but there are lots of comments that say it’s fine to use. Be aware that using anything other than what your machine manufacturer recommends may void your warranty.
I Have Hard Water & My Clothes Don’t Come Out That Clean, Suggestions?
- Try incorporating baking soda or oxyclean or vinegar as laundry boosters, suggestions for baking soda are to start with 1/2 cup per load.
Aren’t These Ingredients Caustic? Poisonous? Are They Safe To Handle?
- As with all cleaners, common sense is needed when handling cleaning agents and products. Going against dire, dire warnings about how dangerous Borax and Washing Soda are to the skin, I handled all ingredients with bare hands and experienced no burns and all flesh is still intact. If I had small cuts or scrapes on my skin, my experience may have been different. To be safe you may wish to wear rubber gloves.
- Avoid breathing in any of the powders and ingredients. I imagine breathing in a mouthful of commercial laundry products, or getting it in my eyes or up my nose, would be very uncomfortable and unwise for health reasons, the same goes for homemade detergent ingredients.
- It goes without saying: Don’t eat it to find out if it’s poisonous or not. And of course: Keep this out of reach of kiddos just like you would for any other household cleaning product.
Can It Be Used With Cold Water Instead Of Hot?
- Sure it can. If you notice clothes don’t come out as clean as you’d like, try a laundry booster such as vinegar or oxyclean.
Can It Be Used For Laundering Baby Clothes & Diapers?
- This question is asked for two reasons: Will it irritate baby’s skin and will it be strong enough to clean nasty diapers. Although I’ve never tried homemade detergents for this purpose myself, I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Martha Stewart recommends both Washing Soda and Borax as boosters when laundering diapers.
- The instructions on the box for Arm & Hammer suggest as a diaper soak.
- Many have affirmed that baby items clean up nicely with no ill effects.
How Fine Do You Have To Grate The Bar?
- Grating the bar first is done so that it melts faster when heated or dissolves better in the wash. The finer it is, the quicker it melts.
Will It Fade Dark Colored Clothing?
- I have noticed no fading or damage to clothing. I’ve laundered work clothes, everyday clothes and office attire.
Freshly Laundered Clothes Smell Like Nothing! Can You Add Essential Oils For Fragrance? If So, How Much?
- You bet! Essential oils are a nice touch (freshly laundered clothes really don’t have any nice or noticeable scent with homemade detergent). How much you add depends on how strong the fragrance is that you’ve chosen and what recipe you are using. Experiment for yourself to see what you like best.
- For starters you can try these two suggestions as guidelines: Recipe #4 (Powdered) I’d start with 5 drops, mixed in very well. For #9 (Powdered) I’d start with 20 to 25 drops, mixed in very well. Also noted in the original post: Try between 10 to 15 drops of essential oil (per 2 gallons).
Can Bleach Be Added?
- Bleach has been used by myself successfully with no harmful effects. You will want to watch the ingredients in your laundry soap items though (make sure the bar you use can be mixed with bleach safely), bleach will react negatively with vinegar for example.
Is There A Residue On Clothes After Laundering?
- I haven’t noticed it but if you do, here are a couple things you can try: Increase the water amount, decrease the load size or decrease the detergent used per wash. You can also try a vinegar rinse by using a Downy ball or during the rinse cycle.
Can I Safely Use the Gray Water In My Garden?
- I have no idea, sorry.
Are These Safe For Septic Tanks?
- I have no idea, sorry.
Why Aren’t There Any Suds Forming?
- Homemade detergents are low sudsing, you won’t see many suds in the wash. No worries, this is normal and your clothes will still come out clean.
After Mixing Ingredients Together, The Mixture Smells Really Strong & Foul–What’s Wrong?
- The brand of soap is likely causing a chemical reaction with the other ingredients. Throw out the batch (don’t get it on your skin or breathe it in) and try a different brand.
It Isn’t Completely Dissolving, Why?
- If you’re having problems with chunks of detergent not dissolving, try mixing it in some hot water before adding to the load.
- If you are using the powdered version, try grating soap into finer pieces.
Any Ideas Of What I Can Use For Storing The Liquid Version In?
- Pails made from heavy plastic, make sure there’s a lid or cap to keep it sealed. I found some big heavy pails through a restaurant, if you know someone working in a restaurant, see if they can help you out.
- Comments have suggested empty plastic vinegar jugs.
- Comments have suggested large plastic kitty litter containers.
Is This Stuff Safe For The Environment? I’m Trying To Find An Eco-Friendly Solution!
- According to the Environmental Working Group, Arm & Hammer’s washing soda is rated “low concern” for environment impact: ewg.org.
- Borax is an ingredient included in many natural “Green” recipes.
- I would guess that it’s better than most regular commercial products.
How Much Is Needed Per Load?
- Read the instructions for the particular recipe you’re working with, each of them have suggested amounts to use. Feel free to adjust as needed.
Ugh! This Stuff Didn’t Clean My Clothes At All!
- It could be one of two things: because not enough detergent was added to loads or the brand of bar soap utilized. Experiment with the amounts, you should discover the necessary amount.
- The suggested amounts may not be right in your case since the brand of bar soap incorporated might not be as effective a cleaner as others.
Is It Really Worthwhile Making Your Own?
- The powdered varieties are the easiest to manage in my opinion (for both mixing and storing). It doesn’t cost that much to give it a shot and see how you like it. If you do find it works well for you–imagine the money you’ll save over time!
Increasing Some Antiseptic Quality
This is a great tip sent in by Susan and I think it should be added to this main section so it doesn’t get missed (thank you Susan!)…
- For readers who were worried about bacteria surviving in the wash using cold water they could try using Dr. Bronner’s teatree soap or adding teatree oil to their detergent for it’s antiseptic properties. I’ve had some success with this. I used this on my son when his winter eczyma became irritated and resulted in a bad skin infection. It cleared up in about half the amount of time his pediatrician predicted. Also, adding vinegar to the fabric softener cup on the washer will help to keep things more sanitary by breaking up leftover residues.
I’ll add to this list as questions arise. If you have any advice to offer, feel free to do so in the comments area below, and thanks again to everyone who shared their knowledge!
I made the liquid laundry soap and thought I would save a step and add 1 container of oxy clean….Big big BIG mistake. After the soap was grated, and the borax and washing detergent added to the mixture in the bag pail…..it erupted. Volcanic eruption all over the kitchen floor. It just kept overflowing and bubbling up and up. I guess you can only add the oxy clean to the dry recipe or add it to the washer prior to doing the laundry. Pretty much wasted my whole patch not to say the mess that came with it. So…please DO NO ADD OXY CLEAN TO THE LIQUID RECIPE
I will confess I did not read all 802 comments so this might be duplicate info- concerning septic systems- If you can separate your laundry drain from your main septic system you will be saving yourself a BIG future bill. I’ve been told its the lint clogging up the leach bed that will shut down your system. Failing that, at least put an old nylon stocking on the drain hose in your slop sink-you will be amazed at how much lint you collect. I don’t see why any homemade detergent would be worse than commercial products, maintaining healthy bacteria levels is the key. I’d be more concerned about toilet cleaners or bleach, but moderation is the key. My septic system is nearly sixty years old.
I have used variations of these recipes for years. I mix and store it in a 5 gallon bucket from Home Depot. Their buckets are food safe as well and aren’t too expensive. I also use a few drops tea tree oil and I dissolve a cup or two of the Downey fragrance crystals. I did make the mistake of adding powdered oxyclean to one batch and that was a disaster. I use it in my front loading washer and it does just fine.
Happy washing to all! It works, it really works!
I was wondering could you use lestoil for a stain booster instead of oxy clean?
My 4 year old daughter and I both have extremely sensitive skin, especially to scents. I had been buying the “free and clear” detergents, using whichever brand was cheaper at the time of purchase. The cost of detergent has become extremely expensive and I’m always looking for a way to save money. My aunt gave me her recipe and its all I use now, except for Oxi Clean white revive with my whites; we have spring water.
Coursley grate 2 fels naptha bars into a 12 qt plastic dish pan. (find by the dish drying racks at Walmart.)
add 4qts boiling water, stir until dissolved.
add 5qt hot water to mixture.
stir in 2 cups Borax and 2 cups Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda.
Once dissolved, top off with hot water, leaving about an inch at top.
Stir and let sit for 24-48 hours. Mixture should gel
Chop mixture up, them using a hand mixer; mix until consistency of mashed potatoes.
disperse blended mixture evenly among 12 one quart canning jars.
Top off jars with water, leaving 1inch head space.
Cover, then shake jars to blend.
To use laundry soap:
pour one jar into empty liquid detergent bottle; at least 3qt in size
add 2 quarts of water and shake, shake, shake!!
Measure using cap as you would store bought detergent.
This recipe is good for so many things. It does not make suds, which is nice for household cleaning. I spot clean my rugs, carpets, and upholstered furniture with it. You can also use it in a rug scrubber.
If you are sensitive to scents and/or dyes, then this recipe is for you! I personally think it cleans our clothes better then any store bought detergent without using any more per load. Don’t be afraid to pre-treat tough stains. To put it plain and simple, treat this detergent the same as you would store bought detergent, and enjoy the savings!
I have used both your liquid soap and powder…Saved so much money by not having to buy commercial soaps
I prefer the powder because I can make a double batch and keep in a square container ( from Walmart)on top of my dryer.
I always made a 5 gallon bucket of liquid soap the buckets & lids can be found at any farm store. You need a place to store your bucket close to washer. I used an empty liquid wash soap container for every day use.
I’ve used these products for over 4 years and wouldn’t use anything else.
I like that there is no smell to the wash as I’m allergic to so many smells.
My friend in Kansas put me on the know…. Also make my own dish washer soap and shampoo is great. I’m sure I’ll find more money saving items.
I used the #6 with Zote, and 3 tablespoons of glycerin and loved it. I used a hand mixer and looks foamy. It does clean very well (or so it seems).
I have been looking into start using homemade soap and my friend just told me she has used it but it did not clean her husbands cloths due to grinding dust and grease/oil that most men get into while in the garage or at work with hydraulic fluids. So what is recommended to wash this tough load in?
If you don’t add the essential oils to your detergent you could add a few drops to a piece of clothing before turning the dryer on. makes clothes smell amazing 🙂
I have made several recipes for laundry soap and I have trouble with my clothes getting a storage smell. Is there any remedy for this?
My favorite laundry soap recipe: works great and I appreciate not having to shred the bar soap.
Very watery, shake well before use or dilute less and use less per load.
LAUNDRY SOAP: USE 1/4 C. FOR LARGE LOAD
1/2 C. BORAX
1/2 C. SUPER WASHING SODA
1/2 C. BLUE DAWN
2 C. VERY HOT H2O TO MIX
FILL TO TOP OF GALLON CONTAINER WITH COLD H2O
I have started making my own detergent because I just cannot afford off the shelf detergents anymore. My boys have strong odors, so I need a good detergent that is also gentle enough for my clothes.
I am using a recipe close to your #4.
(1 cup borax, 1 cup washing soda, and 1 bar fels-naptha. Although for price, we have made a very large recipe all at once using a bar of Zote mixed in.)
My problem is, none of my kitchen towels absorb ANY liquid anymore! Also, they are getting dingier and dingier and even the rest of our clothes are getting harder and harder to keep looking clean. We have VERY hard well water. I was using 1 Tbsp per load, then changed to 2 for the towels and the boys, now I am using 3. I know I am using too much, but if I dont, nothing “looks” clean.
It looks like I should use: 1 Tbsp with a quarter cup white vinegar in my downey ball?
Does anyone have any experience with towels not absorbing?
Thanking every one in advance,
The desperate housewife!
How long does it take for the powdered detergent (#10) to turn to powder?
Help! I love making my own laundry soap but by the time I get to the end of the batch, our clothes start smelling like STORAGE! I have tried several recipes with the same result. Is it my water? We do have hard water with lots of iron. Our clothes are clean, just smelly! Also our sheets…I hope someone can help me because I would like to continue making laundry soap.
I just wanted to say THANK YOU!!! I started making my own laundry soap shortly after we moved to our house in the country and I have this web site book marked for quick reference. The recipes are great and work extremely well. We are on spring water and a septic system, so I was really worried at first. But I have been using the #1 soap for 6 years now and there has never been any issues with our septic. I’ve been told by our septic guy that this is way better for the septic then the commercial stuff. I also wanted to let you know that I do use my grey water on part of my grass and it’s the most thick, lush and green grass in my whole yard. Thanks again!!
All the different tips on here are great but here is one I did not see. I use the Zote Bars and they are BIG! I was tired one day and just hacked it into quarters and put it in a pan of water but didn’t get around to boiling etc. Went to bed. Next morning…. dissolved!! No more grating, food processor etc for me anymore. Of course this is only beneficial if you make liquid detergent. Always good to have shortcuts that work 🙂
A few suggestions:
LUMPY or TOO JELLY:
if your liquid detergents is too lumpy or gelled, pour batches of it into your blender and whip it on high, adding a little water as needed to thin it. I like mine to be the consistency of mayonnaise–smooth, and needing a spoon to scoop rather than a pour spout. why? because when pretreating, it is nice to have something that sticks right where I want it. I use a baby toothbrush (very soft bristles), wetting the bristles and lightly scrubbing the stained area. I’ve actually gotten set stains out of clothing that I thought I’d have to throw out! Of course, you can add more water for a more pour-able creamy detergent. Just up the amount you use to 1/4 cup.
BACTERIA? MOLD? GERMS?
Add Tea Tree Oil-it’s a natural disinfectant. Other essential oils can also lend antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, and smell great! Just do a little research. There are plenty of sites for buying essential oils, and most offer details on the benefits of various scents. Of course, I’ve never had a batch go “bad”, and I scent according to my preferences. I LOVE citrus-y scents, like lemongrass and grapefruit (uplifting,energizing). Another favorite is Sandlewood, Patchouli and Myrhh (very sultry & sensuos). The scent fades quickly once the clothes are dry, or are very very faint and not invasive or overpowering, so you don’t have to worry about it not blending well with your perfumes or deodorant aroma. But the aroma can fill the house on washing day, setting whatever mood you want to express.
OTHER USES
Occasionally I run out of my DIY Dishwashing powder, but in a pinch, I throw in a dollop of the laundry detergent, add a tsp of salt and a tbsp squirt of lemon juice (or, throw in a chewable Vitamin C), with white vinegar in the rinsing agent compartment. Voila! sparkling clean dishes!
I HAD BORAX, AND BOUGHT ANOTHER BY MISTAKE, INSTEAD OF WASHING SODA.
SO I USED 2 CUPS OF CASCADE DISHWASHER SOAP, AND THE WASHING MACHINE REPAIR LADY FROM SEARS, TOLD ME DISHWASHER DETERGENT IS THE STRONGEST DETERGENT THERE IS. ALSO I ADDED ONE TEASPOON ON EUCALYPTUS OIL. TOOK AWAY THE OHMYGOODNESS OLD FASHIONED GRANDMA’S SOAP SMELL, THAT I GREW UP WITH, STANDING NEXT TO THE WRINGER WASHER, AND IT WORKS GREAT. NEXT TIME , BACK TO THE WASHING SODA TO KEEP THE BUDGET TOGETHER. PLEASANT AND QUITE EFFECTIVE SUBSTITUTE.
what can i add to the detergent to make it bubble a little. i was considering SLSA. JUST made my 1st detergent it did not foam and i like to see some kind of foam when the clothes wash.
I was really excited to make my own soap. Tried to make powdered recipe number 4. Simple to make. Was a little turned off by the Fels Naptha scent so I added some essential oils. Tried the soap with some bedding. Once the cycle was finished and I removed the bedding from the machine, it still had powder that had not washed off. Clumps were all over it. Not sure if there just wasn’t enough movement inside the washer or what the deal was. Had to rewash with store bought laundry soap. I will try again, maybe not with bedding, but so far, not impressed 🙁
Very useful information! Thanks for all the hard work and comments. I would like to suggest that you add to your helpful tips at the top some information about how to CLEAN you washing machine. Few people know that you really do need to clean your machine once in awhile. Especially prior to trying a new homemade detergent. You can find a machine cleaner at the hardware store. The first time I used it I had to run the machine 3 times with the product before there were no more suds forming during the cycle. Me, like most people, have in the past used too much detergent! This caused buildup in the machine. We need to clean our machines periodically if we have hard water, or if you notice soap scum in your machine, if you are having problems with rashes or sensitive skin. Additionally if you are having skin issues you may benefit from a deep cleansing of ALL your clothing, bedding, towels etc resulting from the buildup of excess soaps/detergents accumulated over time. And of course, always, always always use vinegar rinses!
I make liquid/gel recipes and always combine 2 different soaps; 1/2 100% coconut castile and 1/2 fels naptha. I have not found any EO that “sticks” to clothes out of the dryer. I will try making some lavender sachets and see if that works. Thanks again! I picked up some useful tips!
I placed a whole bar of Fels Naptha in my salad shooter, used the cheese grater attachment and it worked splendidly!
When making this for my picky daughter in laws to try I added some scentsy fabric freshener ( the citrus smell is the syrongest ) and it smelled amazing but at 10 dollars for 16 ounces I am sure I won’t be doing that again . I do like the Purex fabric crystals to add to homemade detergents to give them a pleasing scent.
I normally use essential oils and have tried tea tree and lemon and lavender but haven’t had the nerve to try cinnamon yet
I see that the etsey DIY people are claiming fame to similar recioes but we all know who did the work and put this all together for us . Thanks!
Just vinegar. I use it for washing the clothes. It loosens dirt and neutralizes my hard water. Squeezing a lemon into the rinse water leaves the clothes smelling slightly lemony and delicious. For getting the odor out of doggy quilts and cat beds I use very dilute bleach, rinse and then follow with my vinegar wash and lemon rinse.
i have started making laundry detergent from the laundry soap, by grating it.
When i take this powder in my hand and wash my hane it sticks in my hand.
Is there anything to put so that the soap washes just like other detergent.
Homemade Laundry Detergent
Ingredients:
1 Box of Super Washing Soda 3 lb. 7 oz.
1 Box of Borax 4 lbs 12 oz. size
1 Box of Pure Baking Soda 4 lb.
3 bars of Fels-Naptha 5.5 oz. or you could also use Ivory or Zote soap
1 container of Oxy-Clean 1.3 lb ($3.86)
*optional: Purex Crystals 28 oz. for scent (or you could use Downy un-stoppables)
Instructions:
Finely grate the Fels-Naptha.
Mix all the ingredients together and store in container of your choice.
**Use only 1-2 Tablespoons of detergent per load.
I’ve used this for 3 years, no problems and I do still use bleach on whites because I’m cleaning soiled laundry from a sick person.
I got a free 2 1/2 gallon bucket from Kroger bakery/deli. Just ask they will give it to you. I’m sure that you can ask Walmart or any store that has a bakery/deli.
I’ve tried adding grated soap to my homemade laundry soap, but find that it leaves powder spots on my clothes. Perhaps dissolving it in water would be best before adding to laundry.
Hi Folks,
Good friends shared their recipe with me years ago (5-10 years), and since then I’ve researched the heck out of homemade detergent recipes, even going into the minutiae of each of the ingredients and their purposes. I’ve experimented with it, and here is what I’ve found works well for me. (By the way, I have very sensitive skin, to the point where I have to use hypo-allergenic shampoo, otherwise, my scalp breaks out in a rash. For this reason, I use Neutrogena bar soap. It’s been quite a few years and no issues have occurred. What follows is my recipe, which makes enough powder to fill an old Tide 87 oz flip-top box I use to store it in: Each box lasts about 3 months, depending of course on how many loads we run (kids home or not – LOL!). I’ve been using 2oz of powder per load, but I’m going to try cutting that in half just to see what happens as I’ve been told I’m wasting it by using so much. These ingredients work very good no matter what the load consists of, and when I get grease stains on my work clothes from working on the car, I use pre-treatment stain removers as usual. Anyway, here ya go:
2 cups of ground up (powdered) Neutrogena bar soap
2 cups of powdered OxyClean
2 cups of Washing Soda
2 cups of Baking Soda
2 cups of Borax
3 cap fulls of Purex Crystals (which equates to one 15.5 oz bottle) fragrance of your choice (I haven’t played around with essential oils, but you could substitute that here.
If you find it easier to make a smaller batch, it’s easier to cut this recipe in half, and of course, that results in half a box. The hardest part of the whole thing is grinding up the bar soap. Right now I’ve been using a cheap blender for this purpose, but I’m going to experiment with some other methods in the hopes of finding something easier. After I combine all the ingredients in a 5-gallon pail, I use a paint stirring tool in my cordless drill to mix everything thoroughly. Also, get yourself some of those white dust masks, because the powdered soap especially will make you gag if/when you breathe in its dust. Don’t ask me how I know this! While this does take some time, it saves you a ton of money, is more environmentally friendly, and gives you the satisfaction of having done it yourself! Enjoy!
I notice that it is not being mentioned that the main purpose of fabric softener in laundry is not to make the clothes smell good. That is an after-thought, and it is a chemical with a purpose. Why do we wash clothes once and rinse them twice? Because, soap residue is difficult to remove. Clothes that are not entirely rinsed are somewhat stiff. Softener helps kill and remove the effects of laundry soaps (not to soften them, but to unstiffen them).
I am not making any comments or suggestions about all the wonderful blogs in this column, making your own detergent is a great idea. I use vinegar along with a small amount of detergent to wash clothes, along with vinegar and a small amount of softener in the rinse.
I made a batch similar to one of the above recipes and it’s wasn’t strong enough. So I experimented and came close to one of the top recipes. It cleans very dirty greasy (mechanic and maintance work). And I used Castile soap. I love it!
I used:
2 cups Borax
2 cups washing soda
1 cup extra strength dawn dish soap
1 cup Castile soap
20 drops essential lemon oil
20 drops essential lavender oil
I tried with just dawn and it didn’t work as well as when I added the Castile. I mixed all this up in a 1 gallon vinegar jug. I did heat about 6 cups of water to dissolve the washing soda and the borax in the heated water, then added everything to the vinegar jug (with a funnel). It turns to a nice gel after about 24 hours.
I meant in the above comment that it didn’t work as well with just the Dawn. It worked way better after I added the Castile soap.
I use dawn dish soap the blue one a few drops with oxi clean and 1/3 cup of finely shaved napa soap with 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 cup washing suds to very dirty or smelly loads. I add 1/2 cap of softener to the load with water… Have yet to try the vinegar. This works great clothes seem brighter then before with out color loss and the bad smells from smoke, sports,.and pets goes away nicely. I also have sensetive skin and this works nicely for that as well.
JUST SAYING “I HAVE REALLY MISSED YOU, Tipnut”.
Aww, that’s really kind of you, thank you 🙂