Switching from store-bought to homemade laundry detergent is pretty easy and can save you money. I previously shared a recipe for homemade laundry soap, and this version is suitable for high-efficiency washers.
I first got the idea to make my own laundry detergent about 15 years ago, visiting a friend whose mom did it herself. When I started doing my own laundry, I began experimenting with different recipes. This version is an updated take on what I originally came up with.
It’s crucial to understand that laundry soap and laundry detergent aren’t the same. Soap mixes fats and oils with an alkali or base, whereas detergent is often partially synthetic and tailored for specific uses, like working in hard or cold water. Many “natural” laundry detergent recipes are actually talking about soap.
Even though store shelves label their products as “laundry detergents,” I’m calling this a DIY Laundry Detergent recipe, even though it uses a soap base. Detergents are made to function well in both hot and cold water, cleaning deep within fabric fibers. Depending on your water quality, some might find natural laundry soap less effective, leading to buildup or dulling colors over time.
I’ve found one natural cleaner lacking technical soap qualities but as effective as high-end commercial detergents: Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds. Just use 2 tablespoons per load for really clean clothes without extra chemicals or fragrance.
A common question I get is about using this in high-efficiency washers. Although I don’t own one, people have told me it works fine for them. The key is using something low-suds to avoid excess bubbling, which this recipe achieves. But to be safe, always refer to your appliance manual.
Some concerns have been raised regarding Borax in my original recipe. After researching, I’m still comfortable using Borax for laundry and other non-food-related uses. But it’s always best to do your own research to ensure you’re okay with all the ingredients.
A simple alternative without Borax that doesn’t involve grating is to add certain ingredients at the start of the wash. If you want a boost, toss in ¼ to ½ cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle. This step is optional but helps keep your clothes looking fresh.
I turned to natural homemade laundry soap to avoid the harsh chemicals and additives in many regular detergents. It’s much cheaper and easy to make. Even if you’re new to natural living, laundry soap is one of the simplest switches you can make.
This soap recipe uses three main ingredients. I also tried adding things like Oxi-Clean to the mix, but they don’t seem effective unless added separately to really dirty loads. For scent, I like using lemon or lime essential oils, although most of the scent disappears after drying.
You can prepare the recipe in two forms: powder or liquid. The powder is quicker to make and easier to store, while the liquid is more effective for treating stains and works better with hard water. I use the powdered version and employ other products for stain treatment. Both forms use the same natural ingredients, so choose what’s most convenient.
Although homemade detergent performs well, it might not be as effective as store-bought ones specifically designed for stain removal or cold water use. I keep various natural stain treatments on hand, listed on a printable chart placed in my laundry space. I even carry a small bottle of diluted Sal Suds for spot-cleaning on the go, which has proved effective on tough stains like wine and mustard.
Trying to pick the right method? If you want something quick and easy, follow one method. If you aim to save money while avoiding harmful ingredients, use the Laundry Soap recipe above. Just be ready to experiment if you have different types of water or need to adjust the mixture ratios. Over time, I found store-bought solutions convenient as life got busier, but natural alternatives are also a great choice if you don’t want to make your own.
Do you make your own laundry detergent? Would you consider starting? Feel free to share your experience and recipes if you already do!
