You can find/buy organically made natural laundry detergent, of course, but they cost quite a lot.
I have searched for homemade laundry detergent recipes but wasn’t convinced that Borax was something I wanted to use and I didn’t like the idea of making liquid laundry detergent in the 5-gallon amounts.
I have always used liquid store-bought detergents, so I was hesitant to try a powdered detergent. I remember how my mom didn’t like powdered store-bought laundry detergents (from a popular name brand), I think because it didn’t always dissolve and left a residue on clothes.
I use 2 tablespoons for each load (1/8 cup). I always add the detergent to the bottom of the washer before adding clothes, because I think that it helps dissolve the powder (and I haven’t had any problems with it)!
What You Need:
Washing Soda (Ash, Sodium Carbonate)
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— If you want convenient, easy, and safe I recommend: Liquid Laundry Detergent from Norwex. This ultra-concentrated, USDA-certified biobased Liquid Laundry Detergent has been tested against the toughest odors and stains. The unique blend of enzymes easily breaks down and removes all kinds of odors and organic stains, getting your laundry exceptionally clean. Best of all, you never have to worry about harmful chemicals like bleach or added fragrances. It’s tough on dirt, not the environment. And the BEST part is that it is around $.16/load (HE)! This is what I am currently using … because life happens. —
Homemade Laundry Soap Ingredients From Amazon
I calculated the cost of the ingredients that I used and came up with an approximate cost per load. Prices may vary based on where you buy products or as the cost of living rises.
- baking soda per 4 cups = $0.97 (I bought mine from Costco)
- washing soda per 3 cups = $2.43 (I bought mine from Walmart)
- organic castile soap per bar/2 cups = $3.29
- essential oil drops = not sure, but it cost less than $17 for a 4oz. bottle of my favorite brand of Eucalyptus essential oil and that lasts for a VERY long time!
- total = $6.69 per recipe batch (30+ loads) -about half as much as what I had been buying!
- 22.3 cents per load
This small-batch recipe of natural laundry detergent makes approximately 30 loads if using 2 tablespoons per load. This amount can fit in a 64-ounce (a half-gallon) container.
Walmart has adorable glass containers with lids and 2 tablespoon size measuring spoons (coffee scoop). I just used an old gallon jar that I had, since I’ll probably make double batches from now on.
Sounds like something I should try! But how would it work in a new top loader? would I still put the powder in first in the bottom of the washer or pour it into the soap dispenser on the top?
I really don't know Mindy! Guess you could try it both ways to see how it works.
You would put the soap in first under your clothes.
Thanks for sharing! I hope to try this someday! 🙂
Will this work ok in a HE washer?
I have never tried it. If powdered detergents work in an HE, then you could give this a try!
Clarrissaa I used to make my own for years but after a few years I noticed thes were “heavier”. After some research I found out that this type of detergent is only good for old fashion scrubbing “wash board’. For automatic washers we have to use a lifting detergent to remove the oils etc that our bodies leave in clothing. Laundry love and science had great info on their facebook page.
Rhashell, you’re right! I switch back & forth between Ecos detergent and homemade. However, knowing how to make our own detergent is a great skill to have!
would fels naptha bar soap work instead of the Castile bar soap? Thanks!
It should. Castile was just my preference.
With this kind of homemade laundry soap is very awesome and to use a half a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle will not only clean the residue out of the clothes and make them soft. Yes vinegar is a natural softener but will help keep your washer clean as well
I know this is what I use.
Thank you
Jennifer Scott
Ps yes this laundry detergent works awesome in a front load he machine
Where did you put the detergent? In the tub before your clothes or in the dispenser?
In the tub before I put the clothes. This was an old top loader, with an agitator, and no detergent dispenser (just bleach/fabric softener dispensers).
How many drops of each essential oil do you use?
Hi, you can find that info and full recipe with instructions if you sign up to get the FREE PDF.
I am wanting to know what purpose of the Castile soap is. To me, this seems like it could be an additional un needed irritant.