How to Make Homemade DIY Powdered Laundry Detergent for Fresh Clothes

Have you seen the price of laundry detergent lately? I almost dropped my shopping basket last week when I noticed my favorite brand went up another $5! That’s exactly why I started making my own laundry detergent at home. Not only does it save me a ton of money (we’re talking about 10 cents per load versus 30 cents or more), but it gets my family’s clothes just as clean as the store-bought stuff.

I’ve been using this recipe for over two years now, and honestly? I wish I’d started sooner. My kids’ sports uniforms come out fresh, my husband’s work clothes are spotless, and even those stubborn tomato sauce stains don’t stand a chance!

A few months ago I started seeing DIY laundry detergents on Pinterest and I thought people were crazy for making their own!  That’s like extreme homemaking, right?!

Well, guess what?  I looked into a bit and I’ve become one of those crazy people!  And maybe I’ll convince you to become one too.

I made the switch from using Tide to Homemade for 1 major reason: COST.

But, we’ll get to that in a moment.  First off, let me show you how easy it is to make!  If it weren’t so simple, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t do it.  But since it is, why not?  It’s as simple as 3 ingredients and 3 steps.

You can find all of these items on the laundry soap isle at Walmart.

If you will be using a blender, you may consider doing a cup at a time so as not to overwork your machine.  Or you could just blend the soap, by itself, into finer pieces and mix the other ingredients in with a spoon.  Do whatever ya feel is best!

And if that’s not enough to make you want to run to the store right now for Borax and Super Washing Soda, take a look at the savings you will be making. Here’s the breakdown according to my figuration. Also, while you’re managing your household chores and budget, consider checking out saving tips from Kiana Danial review to maximize your financial efficiency.

 $0.06 (homemade) vs. $0.17 (Tide)

$7.20 (homemade) vs. $20.40 (Tide)

I think I used to buy a box of detergent about every 2 months.  By making it myself, I will save nearly $80.00 this year!!  And I can’t really tell a difference in my clothes.  They come out just as fresh with homemade detergent as they did with Tide.

To me, it’s worth it.  A penny saved is a penny earned!

Benefits of Making Your Own Laundry Detergent

Making your own laundry detergent comes with a host of benefits that go beyond just clean clothes. First and foremost, you get to control exactly what goes into your detergent. This means no harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or dyes that can irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergies. For those with sensitive skin, this is a game-changer. Plus, you can say goodbye to the mystery ingredients found in many commercial laundry detergents.

Another major perk is the cost savings. When you make your own laundry detergent, you’re using ingredients that are often much cheaper than buying pre-made detergent. Over time, these savings can really add up, especially for larger families. Imagine cutting your laundry detergent costs by more than half!

Homemade laundry detergent is also gentle on your clothes, helping to extend their lifespan. Without the harsh chemicals found in many store-bought detergents, your fabrics will stay looking new longer. And let’s not forget the fun factor – making your own laundry detergent is a simple and satisfying DIY project that you can customize to your liking. Whether you prefer a lavender scent or a citrusy fresh aroma, the choice is yours.

Ingredients for Homemade Laundry Detergent

Creating your own laundry detergent is surprisingly simple, and the ingredients are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Washing Soda: This natural mineral is a powerhouse when it comes to removing stains and odors. It’s a key ingredient in many homemade laundry detergent recipes.
• Baking Soda: Known for its gentle abrasive properties, baking soda helps lift away dirt and grime from your clothes.
• Borax: Another natural mineral, borax enhances the cleaning power of your detergent and helps keep your whites bright.
• Bar Soap: The main cleaning agent in your homemade laundry detergent. You can use any bar soap you like, but Fels Naptha is a popular choice. Grate it finely to ensure it dissolves well in the wash.

Optional ingredients include essential oils for a pleasant fragrance and oxygen bleach for an extra whitening boost. These simple ingredients come together to create a powerful and effective laundry detergent that’s free from harsh chemicals.

Equipment and Supplies

To whip up your own batch of homemade laundry detergent, you’ll need a few basic supplies:

• Food Processor or Blender: This will help you grind the ingredients into a fine powder. If you don’t have one, a cheese grater or box grater works well for the bar soap.
• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients.
• Measuring Cup: Precision is key, so make sure you have a good measuring cup on hand.
• Storage Container: An airtight container is crucial for keeping your detergent fresh and dry. Old coffee containers or mason jars work great.
• Detergent Dispenser or Scoop: This will help you measure out the right amount of detergent for each load.

Optional supplies include a mortar and pestle for mixing smaller batches or breaking up clumps. With these tools, you’ll be well-equipped to make your own laundry detergent with ease.

How to Make Your Own Homemade Laundry Detergent:

Step 1: Grate That Soap!

First things first – grab your cheese grater and that bar of homemade laundry soap. I won’t lie to you – this is the most time-consuming part, but put on your favorite podcast and it’ll fly by! Grate the entire bar into fine pieces.

Pro Tip: You can use a food processor to speed this up, but honestly? The cleanup isn’t worth the time saved.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In your big mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for your laundry detergent recipe:

• Your grated soap
• Washing soda
• Baking soda
• Borax

Give it all a good mix until everything’s evenly combined. If you’re adding essential oils for scent, now’s the time! I love lavender, but lemon works great too.

Step 3: Store It Right

Pour your mixture into an airtight container. I use an old coffee container with a good seal – works like a charm! Make sure to label it clearly (trust me, you don’t want anyone mistaking this for something else!).

How Much Should You Use?

• Front loading washer: 1-2 tablespoons of powdered laundry detergent
• Top loading washer: 2-3 tablespoons of powdered laundry detergent
• Extra dirty loads: Add an extra tablespoon of powdered laundry detergent

Pro Tip: Start with less – you can always add more if needed, but too much can leave soap residue on your clothes!

Why I Love This Recipe:

1. Saves serious money (about $150 a year for my family of four!)
2. No harsh chemicals
3. Works great in hot or cold water
4. Perfect for sensitive skin
5. Cleans just as well as store-bought detergent

Your Most-Asked Questions (Because I Know You’re Wondering!)

Will This Work in My HE Washer?

Yes! Since it’s low-sudsing, it’s perfect for high efficiency washing machines. Just remember to use less (1-2 tablespoons max).

How Long Does It Last?

One batch lasts my family about 2-3 months. The ingredients stay stable for up to a year when stored properly.

What About Tough Stains?

I pre-treat stains with a paste made from this laundry soap and a little water. Works like magic on grass stains!

“Is This Safe for My Family?”

Let’s talk safety first! All the ingredients are natural cleaning agents that have been around forever. But here’s the deal – even natural stuff needs proper handling:

• Keep it away from curious little hands and pets (just like regular detergent)
• Store it in a clearly labeled container (no one wants to mistake this for powdered sugar!)
• If anyone has super sensitive skin, do a small test load first
• Skip the borax if you’re worried – the recipe works great without it too

By using natural ingredients, you can ensure that your laundry room is free from harmful chemicals and toxins.

“Will It Actually Work in My Fancy HE Washer?”

I hear this one ALL the time! Here’s the scoop – this detergent is actually perfect for HE washers because it’s low-sudsing. Too many bubbles are what ruins HE washers, and this recipe creates just the right amount.

Pro Tip: Start with 1 tablespoon per load in your HE washer. You can always add more, but too much is just wasting your hard work!

“How Long Will This Last Before It Goes Bad?”

Good news! Since all ingredients are dry, your detergent will last up to a year when stored properly. I make big batches and store them in airtight containers. Just remember:

• Keep it in a dry place (moisture is the enemy!)
• Use an airtight container (those old coffee containers work great)
• If it clumps up, break it apart with a fork
• Watch for any weird smells or discoloration (hasn’t happened to me yet, but better safe than sorry!)

“But How Do I Make It Smell Pretty?”

Oh, the options are endless! Here’s what works for me:

• Lavender essential oil for that fresh, clean smell
• Lemon + eucalyptus for when someone’s got the sniffles
• Orange + cinnamon for holiday vibes
• Tea tree oil if you’re washing gym clothes (trust me on this one!)

Pro Tip: Add essential oils last, and start with just a few drops. You can always add more, but too much can stain clothes!

“What About Those Impossible Stains?”

Let me tell you about the time my kid came home covered in grass, mud, AND pizza sauce (don’t ask). This detergent handled it like a champ! Here’s my stain-fighting strategy:

1. Make a paste with a little detergent and water
2. Rub it into the stain
3. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes
4. Wash as usual

My Favorite Tips & Tricks (Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Hack?)

Essential Oils Like a Pro

Want your clothes to smell amazing? Here’s my essential oil guide:

• Add oils to the dry mix, not directly to the wash
• Use 10-15 drops per batch
• Mix multiple oils for your own signature scent
• Skip oils on baby clothes or sensitive skin

Dealing with Hard Water

Hard water can make any detergent less effective. If you’ve got hard water (you know, those annoying mineral spots on everything), try these tweaks:

• Add an extra 1/2 cup of washing soda to your batch
• Use hot water when you can
• Run an empty load with vinegar once a month
• Consider a water softener for your whole house

Batch Size Secrets

Whether you’re living solo or washing for a small army, here’s how to adjust:

Small Batch (1-2 people):

• 1 bar soap
• 1/2 cup each of washing soda and baking soda
• 1/4 cup borax

Large Batch (Family of 4+):

• 3 bars soap
• 3 cups each of washing soda and baking soda
• 1.5 cups borax

Oops! Common Mistakes (Let’s Learn From Mine)

The Mixing Mishaps

You wouldn’t think the order matters, but it does! Here’s what NOT to do:

• Don’t add essential oils first (they’ll clump)
• Don’t skip grating the soap finely (chunks won’t dissolve)
• Don’t eyeball measurements (trust me, precision matters)

Storage Situations Gone Wrong

Learn from my fails:

• That time I stored it under the sink (hello, moisture!)
• Using a container that wasn’t really airtight (hello, clumps!)
• Forgetting to label it (my husband thought it was carpet cleaner…)

Using Too Much or Too Little

Finding the sweet spot takes practice. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Too much = soap residue on clothes
• Too little = clothes aren’t quite clean
• Just right = 1-2 tablespoons for most loads

Pro Tip: Keep a tablespoon measure in your detergent container. Guessing isn’t your friend here!

Cost Comparison and Savings

One of the biggest advantages of making your own laundry detergent is the cost savings. On average, homemade laundry detergent can cost as little as $0.06 per load, compared to around $0.20 per load for commercial detergents. This might not seem like much at first glance, but it adds up quickly, especially for larger households.

For example, if you do five loads of laundry a week, you could save over $35 a year. For a family of four, the savings can be even more significant, potentially reaching over $150 annually. Plus, by making your own detergent, you’re reducing waste and minimizing your environmental impact. Fewer plastic bottles and less packaging mean a greener laundry routine.

Natural Laundry Care Tips

In addition to using homemade laundry detergent, there are several natural laundry care tips that can help keep your clothes looking their best:

• Use Cold Water: Whenever possible, wash your clothes in cold water. It reduces energy consumption and helps prevent shrinkage and color fading.
• Skip Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners and dryer sheets can leave a residue on your clothes, reducing their absorbency. Instead, add a 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften clothes and remove odors.
• Hang Clothes to Dry: Air drying your clothes not only saves energy but also reduces wear and tear from the dryer. It’s especially great for delicate fabrics.
• Laundry Detergent Boosters: For tough stains and odors, add a laundry detergent booster like oxygen bleach or extra washing soda to your wash. These natural boosters enhance the cleaning power of your homemade detergent.

By following these tips and making your own laundry detergent, you can enjoy clean, fresh clothes while saving money and reducing your environmental footprint.

The Bottom Line

Making your own laundry detergent is kind of like cooking – once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you ever did it any other way! Sure, there’s a bit of trial and error at first, but stick with it. Your wallet (and your clothes) will thank you.

Ready to give it a try? Trust me – once you see how easy and cheap it is to make your own laundry detergent, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff. Plus, your wallet (and your clothes) will thank you!

Drop me a comment below if you try this recipe – I’d love to hear how it works for you! And don’t forget to share this with your friends who could use some extra savings in their laundry routine. 💕