Making your own laundry detergent is easier than you think, and it’s one of those satisfying DIY projects that actually saves you money! This homemade clothes detergent recipe is simple, effective, and uses just a few basic ingredients you can find at any grocery store. I’ve been making this for years, and honestly, it cleans just as well as the expensive store-bought versions—sometimes even better.
What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can adjust the strength based on your water type, add essential oils for fragrance, or even make a liquid version if you prefer. The best part? A single batch costs just a few dollars and lasts for months. Whether you have sensitive skin, hard water, or just want to reduce chemicals in your home, this homemade laundry detergent is the answer.
I’ve tested countless variations over the years, and this formula strikes the perfect balance between effectiveness, cost-savings, and simplicity. It works beautifully in both regular and high-efficiency machines, handles everything from delicate silks to tough work clothes, and even tackles those stubborn stains when you give it a little boost.
For more budget-friendly cleaning solutions, check out our guide on DIY household cleaners. If you’re interested in other laundry hacks, we have a comprehensive article on how to remove tough laundry stains. You might also enjoy learning about sustainable living practices that complement homemade cleaning products.
For additional inspiration and techniques, check out Serious Eats for their take on sustainable kitchen practices, or Bon Appétit’s lifestyle section. You can also find more cleaning tutorials at New York Times Cooking for their home and kitchen content.
Ingredients
- 1 bar of Fels-Naptha soap (or similar laundry soap bar)
- 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
- 1 cup borax powder
- 20-30 drops of essential oil (optional – lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus work beautifully)
- 1 large glass jar or container for storage
- 1 grater or microplane for shaving the soap bar
Instructions
- Using a fine grater or microplane, carefully shave the entire bar of Fels-Naptha soap into thin, delicate flakes. The finer you shave it, the more quickly it will blend with the other ingredients. Work over a large mixing bowl to catch all the soap shavings.
- Pour the grated soap into a large mixing bowl, breaking up any clumps with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- Add 1 cup of washing soda to the bowl with the grated soap. Washing soda is a natural degreaser and water softener that boosts the cleaning power of your detergent.
- Add 1 cup of borax powder to the bowl. Borax is a natural mineral that acts as a disinfectant and stain fighter. Mix these three ingredients thoroughly, breaking up any lumps as you go.
- If desired, add 20-30 drops of your chosen essential oil to the mixture. Stir very well to distribute the oil evenly throughout the powder. This step is completely optional but adds a lovely natural fragrance to your detergent.
- Transfer the finished detergent to a clean, dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Label it clearly with the contents and usage instructions.
- To use, add 1-2 tablespoons of the detergent to your washing machine for a regular load. For heavily soiled clothes or large loads, use up to 3 tablespoons.
- Shake the container before each use to ensure the ingredients remain well combined, as they may settle slightly over time.
Pro Tips
- This recipe makes approximately 64 regular-sized loads, which works out to just pennies per load compared to commercial detergents
- Washing soda and borax can typically be found in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores or online retailers
- Fels-Naptha bars are specifically designed for laundry and are highly effective at breaking down oils and stains
- For those with sensitive skin, this recipe is gentler than many commercial detergents because it contains no artificial fragrances, dyes, or harsh chemicals
- The powder consistency means this detergent won’t clog your pipes and works equally well in HE (high-efficiency) machines and traditional washers
- If you have very hard water, you may need to use slightly more detergent per load for optimal cleaning results
- Essential oils are completely optional—the detergent works perfectly without fragrance if you prefer an unscented option
- Store your homemade detergent in an airtight container away from moisture and humidity to prevent clumping
- For extra stubborn stains, make a paste using a tablespoon of detergent mixed with a little water, apply directly to the stain, and let sit for 15-30 minutes before washing
- This recipe is safe for use on all fabric types, including delicates, when you use the proper amount and water temperature
- You can customize the strength by adjusting the ratio of ingredients—more borax for heavily soiled loads, less for delicate fabrics
- Unlike liquid detergents, this powder formula won’t separate or require constant stirring
- Borax has been used safely in laundry for over 100 years and is recognized as safe by the EPA when used as directed
- Keep this detergent out of reach of children and pets, as with any cleaning product
- The shelf life of homemade detergent is indefinite when stored properly in a sealed container
- One batch typically lasts a family of four approximately 3-4 months with regular use