Making Homemade Laundry Detergent: A Simple, Skin-Friendly Solution

Making homemade laundry detergent has been a game-changer for my family. With sensitive skin – mine and my kids’ – we’ve struggled with store-bought detergents that often caused irritation. By making my own detergent at home, I control exactly what goes into it – no synthetic perfumes, no mystery chemicals – just clean clothes and happy skin. This easy recipe uses just four simple ingredients and only takes a few minutes to put together. It’s all active cleaning agents – no fillers – and leaves laundry smelling fresh without that overpowering chemical scent. Not only is making homemade laundry detergent better for sensitive skin, it’s budget-friendly and environmentally responsible. You use less per load than most commercial options, and since this recipe uses real soap – not synthetic detergents – there’s no heavy residue left behind. That means cleaner clothes, better absorbency for items like cotton diapers, and fewer allergens sticking around in your fabrics.

Why Making Homemade Laundry Detergent Works

• It’s Cost-Effective: A small batch lasts a long time since it’s super concentrated.
• It’s Gentle Yet Effective: Perfect for sensitive skin and strong enough for tough stains.
• It’s Environmentally Friendly: No synthetic surfactants or harsh residues going down the drain.

DIY Powdered Laundry Detergent Recipe

This concentrated formula means you only need:

• 1 tablespoon per light load
• 2 tablespoons for heavy or extra-dirty loads

You may need to use more if you have hard water or well water, just like with any soap-based cleaner.

Ingredients for Making Homemade Laundry Detergent

• 1/2 bar laundry soap (e.g., Fels-Naptha, Zote, or Octagon)
• 1 cup borax powder (like 20 Mule Team)
• 1 cup washing soda or 2 cups baking soda
• 1 cup oxygen bleach powder (such as OxiClean)

Instructions:

1. Mix the borax, washing soda (or baking soda), and oxygen bleach together.
2. Grate the laundry soap finely.
3. Gradually mix the grated soap into the powder mixture for best consistency.
4. Optional: Blend all ingredients together in a food processor for a sand-like texture.

Ingredient Breakdown

Laundry Bar Soap

Laundry bar soaps like Fels-Naptha or Zote are designed specifically for clothes. They’re low-sudsing and effective stain removers, especially for greasy or oil-based stains.

Baking Soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a gentle alkaline powder that:

• Neutralizes odors
• Softens water
• Stabilizes pH
• Boosts cleaning power

Washing Soda

Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is stronger than baking soda and is excellent at:

• Cutting through grease
• Breaking down grime
• Softening water

Note: It’s caustic – wear gloves when handling it.

Borax

Borax (sodium borate) is a mineral compound that:

• Boosts stain removal
• Acts as a natural deodorizer
• Softens water to help soap perform better

Oxygen Bleach

Made by combining hydrogen peroxide with soda ash or borax, oxygen bleach:

• Lifts stains without damaging fabric
• Keeps whites bright and colors safe
• Works without releasing harsh fumes like chlorine bleach

Making Homemade Laundry Detergent

Making homemade laundry detergent is not just a smart, cost-effective alternative to store-bought brands – it’s also a practical step toward a cleaner home and a healthier lifestyle. You’ll avoid harsh chemicals, reduce waste, and still get laundry that looks, smells, and feels truly clean. Give it a try – you might never go back to commercial detergent again.

Natural Cleaning