Making Homemade Laundry Detergent

Skip the Chemicals and Perfumes Make Your Own Laundry Detergent.
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
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)
- Mix the borax, washing soda (or baking soda), and oxygen bleach together.
- Grate the laundry soap finely.
- Gradually mix the grated soap into the powder mixture for best consistency.
- 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
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








