How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent: A Simple Guide for a Greener, Cheaper Clean

Making your own laundry detergent is a great way to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and avoid harsh chemicals found in many store-bought products. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly alternative or simply want to switch to a more eco-conscious laundry routine, homemade laundry detergent can get your clothes clean without all the additives.

In this blog post, we'll walk you through how to make your own laundry detergent with easy-to-find ingredients. It’s simple, effective, and a fun DIY project that can help make your laundry more sustainable.

Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?

Before we dive into the "how," let's explore the benefits of making your own laundry detergent:

• Cost-Effective: Homemade laundry detergent costs a fraction of store-bought versions, and it lasts much longer.

• Eco-Friendly: Most store-bought detergents come in plastic bottles and contain harmful chemicals that end up in the environment. Homemade detergent is often more biodegradable and doesn’t contribute to plastic waste.

• Customizable: You can adjust the recipe to your preferences—whether you want a specific fragrance, a gentler formula, or even an option for sensitive skin.

Now that you know why making your own detergent is a great idea, let’s get into how you can do it yourself!

Basic Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

This simple recipe creates a powerful yet gentle laundry detergent that works in both standard and high-efficiency washers. All you need are a few basic ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your home.

Ingredients:

• 1 bar of soap (Castile soap or Fels-Naptha work well)

• 1 cup of washing soda (not baking soda)

• 1 cup of borax (optional, but it boosts cleaning power)

• 4 liters (1 gallon) of water

Equipment:

• A large pot or saucepan

• A grater or food processor (to grate the soap)

• A large container or 5-gallon bucket for mixing and storing

• A stirring spoon

Instructions:

1. Grate the Soap: Start by grating your bar of soap. You want to break it down into small, manageable shreds so it can dissolve easily in the water. You can use a box grater or a food processor to speed up the process. Grating the soap helps it dissolve quicker and creates a smoother detergent.

2. Dissolve Soap in Hot Water: In a large pot, heat about 4 cups of water until it’s simmering (not boiling). Add the grated soap to the pot and stir until the soap is fully dissolved. This may take a few minutes, so be patient. Stir occasionally to prevent the soap from clumping.

3. Add Washing Soda and Borax: Once the soap is dissolved, add the washing soda and borax (if using) to the mixture. Stir well to combine and ensure everything dissolves evenly. Washing soda helps to lift stains and boost cleaning power, while borax acts as a natural disinfectant and softener.

4. Add More Water: After the soap, washing soda, and borax have dissolved, add 1 gallon of water to the pot. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. You may notice the mixture starting to thicken, which is normal.

5. Cool and Store: Once your detergent is mixed, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool. As it cools, it will turn into a gel-like consistency, but you can stir it to keep it smooth. Pour the finished detergent into a large container or a 5-gallon bucket for storage.

6. Use Your Homemade Detergent: To use the detergent, simply add about 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup per load, depending on the size and how dirty your laundry is. For HE (high-efficiency) washers, use a smaller amount (about 2 tablespoons). You can adjust the quantity based on your washing machine size or personal preference.

Optional Add-ins

If you want to customize your detergent further, you can add essential oils for fragrance. Lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus are popular options. Simply add about 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil to the detergent mixture after it’s cooled, and stir to combine.

You can also experiment with using a different type of soap, like Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap, for a gentler, more natural option. Keep in mind that different soaps will impact the scent and texture of your detergent.

Tips for Using Homemade Laundry Detergent

• Consistency: Homemade detergent can vary in texture from batch to batch. If it becomes too thick, you can add a bit more water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a little more soap to thicken it up.

• Storage: Store your homemade detergent in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It should last for several months, and because it's concentrated, a little goes a long way.

• Stain Removal: For tough stains, you can apply a small amount of detergent directly to the stain before washing. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wash as usual.

Benefits of Homemade Laundry Detergent

1. Gentler on Sensitive Skin: Many commercial detergents contain fragrances and chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. By making your own detergent, you can control what goes in, making it a gentler option for people with allergies or sensitive skin.

2. Fewer Chemicals: Many store-bought detergents contain harmful chemicals like phosphates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. Homemade detergent eliminates these potentially harmful ingredients, making it safer for both you and the environment.

3. Better for the Environment: Commercial detergents often come in single-use plastic bottles, contributing to environmental waste. By making your own detergent, you can reduce packaging waste and create a more sustainable cleaning routine.

Conclusion

Making your own laundry detergent is not only cost-effective but also a fun and eco-friendly DIY project that benefits both you and the planet. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a homemade detergent that’s both powerful and gentle on your clothes. Give it a try and see how much cleaner—and greener—your laundry routine can be!

Enjoy your fresh, chemical-free laundry—and feel good knowing you made it yourself!