Making your own laundry soap is easier than you think, and it will save you money while keeping your clothes fresh and clean! This simple clothes soap recipe uses just a few basic ingredients that you probably already have at home. I’m sharing my tried-and-true method that’s been perfected over years of laundry day experimentation.
What I love most about homemade laundry soap is that you know exactly what’s going into your washing machine. No mystery chemicals, no overwhelming artificial fragrances—just pure, effective cleaning power. Whether you have sensitive skin, want to reduce your household expenses, or simply love the satisfaction of making things from scratch, this clothes soap recipe is absolutely perfect for you.
I’ve tested countless variations, and this version strikes the ideal balance between effectiveness and simplicity. You’ll need just three main ingredients: washing soda, borax, and a bar of soap. Some versions call for more complicated processes or additional ingredients, but I’ve found that keeping it simple actually works best. The beauty of this recipe is that a small batch lasts for months, making it incredibly economical compared to store-bought detergents.
This homemade laundry soap works beautifully for regular loads, delicates, and even heavily soiled items. I’ve used it on everything from everyday clothing to towels, bedding, and athletic wear. The best part? Your clothes will come out clean and fresh without any chemical residue. Plus, you can customize the scent by choosing your favorite bar soap variety or adding essential oils if you’d like.
Many people are surprised at how affordable this is to make. You can find all the ingredients at any grocery store for just a few dollars, and one batch will handle dozens and dozens of loads. I typically make a large batch and store it in glass jars throughout my laundry room, which looks lovely and keeps everything organized. This recipe has genuinely transformed my laundry routine, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today.
For best results, I recommend using a bar soap that you enjoy the scent of, since that will influence how your clothes smell after washing. Some of my personal favorites include castile soap, lavender-scented bars, or even unscented options if you prefer. You can also experiment with different ratios once you’ve made it a few times and understand how your washing machine responds to the soap.
If you’re new to making homemade products, this is genuinely the perfect starting point. It’s forgiving, hard to mess up, and the results are undeniably impressive. Check out my guide to homemade cleaning products for more DIY ideas, or explore my natural living collection for additional eco-friendly household tips. You might also love my money-saving tips for the home, which includes other budget-friendly household hacks.
For more detailed information about laundry soap ingredients and techniques, check out Serious Eats for general cooking knowledge, or Bon Appétit for lifestyle tips. You can also find excellent laundry advice at New York Times Guides. This clothes soap recipe will genuinely change the way you approach laundry day!
Ingredients
- 1 bar of soap (5-6 ounces), such as castile, lavender, or unscented
- 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
- 1 cup borax
- Water for mixing
- Large glass jar or container for storage
- Optional: 10-15 drops essential oil for added fragrance
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and supplies, including a large glass jar or plastic container for storage, a grater or microplane, and a wooden spoon for mixing.
- Take your bar of soap and grate it finely using a box grater or microplane, working over a large bowl to catch all the soap shavings.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated soap with the washing soda and borax, stirring well with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly distributed and there are no clumps.
- If you’re adding essential oil for fragrance, add 10-15 drops now and stir thoroughly to distribute the oil evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the completed soap mixture to your glass jar or storage container, using a funnel if needed to minimize mess.
- Store your homemade laundry soap in a cool, dry place away from humidity, as moisture can cause clumping.
- For each load of laundry, use 1-2 tablespoons of the soap mixture, adjusting based on load size and soil level.
- For heavily soiled loads, use the full 2 tablespoons or even 2.5 tablespoons if needed.
- For high-efficiency (HE) machines, use the smaller amount of 1 tablespoon to prevent excess suds.
- Add the soap directly to your washing machine drum before adding clothes, or dissolve it in hot water first if using a top-load machine.
- Wash your clothes using your regular water temperature and wash cycle, and enjoy fresh, clean laundry!
Pro Tips
- This recipe is suitable for all washing machine types, including high-efficiency (HE) models, though HE machines may require slightly less soap per load
- The mixture will be powdery and may settle slightly during storage, so give it a gentle shake before each use
- If you notice clumping in your storage jar, add a few grains of uncooked rice to absorb excess moisture and prevent further clumping
- This homemade laundry soap is hypoallergenic and gentle enough for sensitive skin, making it perfect for babies’ clothes and delicate items
- You can customize the fragrance by selecting different bar soaps or adding essential oils like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus
- Store in a clearly labeled glass jar for easy identification and to keep the mixture away from moisture
- This recipe is significantly more economical than store-bought detergents, often costing less than $5 to make a batch that lasts several months
- The soap will work in both hot and cold water, though hot water may increase its cleaning effectiveness
- If you have extremely hard water, you may need to slightly increase the amount of soap used per load
- This recipe is completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious households
- Borax is a natural mineral and has been used safely in laundry for decades, though some prefer to avoid it; if so, simply use extra washing soda instead
- Keep the mixture away from children and pets, as with all laundry products
- The soap will not produce many bubbles, which is normal and doesn’t indicate poor cleaning ability
- This homemade version is perfect for those with fragrance sensitivities or anyone looking to reduce their chemical exposure