What Is Homemade Laundry Detergent?

Homemade laundry detergent is a cleaning product for washing clothes, made from simple ingredients that you can easily find at home or in stores. Unlike store-bought detergents that often use a mix of advanced chemicals to handle many stain types and water conditions, homemade detergent is usually made from a short list of basic items. The most common ingredients are washing soda, baking soda, borax, and various types of soap. This DIY approach focuses on using the natural cleaning abilities of these materials rather than depending on factory-made products.

One thing to keep in mind: Most “homemade laundry detergent” recipes are technically laundry soaps, not true detergents. While commercial detergents use synthetic chemicals that work in all kinds of water and avoid soap scum, homemade versions (especially those using regular soap bars) are based on fats and oils and can react with minerals in hard water, sometimes causing residue. Still, most people use “homemade detergent” as an easy way to describe DIY laundry cleaners.

Why make your own laundry detergent?

Many people decide to make their own laundry detergent for practical, money-saving, and personal reasons. It’s not just a passing fad-it’s a choice by people who want more control over what goes onto their clothes and skin.

Main reasons to try homemade laundry detergent

Saving money is a major reason people switch to homemade laundry detergent. Store-bought detergents, especially those labeled “eco-friendly” or “natural,” can be pricey. A gallon of homemade liquid detergent can cost as little as $5.41, or about $0.08 per load. Compared to commercial brands, which can get expensive for people who wash a lot of clothes, you could save hundreds of dollars a year.

Homemade detergent also lets you avoid the harsh chemicals and fragrances sometimes found in store-bought detergents. Many commercial brands have ingredients like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), parabens, artificial dyes, and optical brighteners that can bother sensitive skin or even add to indoor pollution. With a homemade recipe, especially those without borax or bar soap, you pick every ingredient. This is helpful for people with allergies, sensitive skin, or kids at home, as you can keep things as gentle as possible.

Another plus is that making your own detergent helps cut down on disposable plastic and household waste. By using reusable containers and buying ingredients in larger packs, you shrink your impact on the environment. This DIY habit fits well with people who want to live greener lives and reduce unnecessary packaging.

Possible downsides

While there are several benefits, you should be aware of some issues before switching to homemade laundry products. For starters, homemade detergents might not clean as well as store-bought ones, especially when it comes to tough stains or use in hard water areas. Some recipes, especially those based mainly on soaps, can leave residue or make clothes feel stiff if you have hard water, because the soap reacts with minerals in the water.

There is also some talk about homemade soap building up in washers and on clothes over time. If this happens, clothes may look dull or feel greasy, and washing machines could get musty, potentially causing problems or even affecting warranties. While many people use homemade detergent with no problems, it’s good to pay attention to your recipe and how you use it, especially with high-efficiency (HE) machines that use less water.

Last, remember that “detergent” is not always the right word. Homemade mixes are usually soap, which doesn’t clean quite the same way as a true detergent does. Knowing this difference helps set realistic expectations.

How does homemade laundry detergent compare to store-bought options?

Thinking about switching to a homemade detergent? Here are the main things to compare:

Cost savings

• 1 gallon homemade liquid detergent (about 64 loads): ~$5.41 (~$0.08/load)
• Borax-free powdered recipe (3-6 months’ worth): $45-50, still less expensive than $60-120 for store equivalents

Cleaning results

Homemade laundry detergent can keep everyday laundry clean and fresh, but for clothes with heavy dirt or stains, you may need to pretreat or use extra stain removers. Hard water can sometimes make homemade detergents leave residue or make washing less effective, though adding vinegar (1/2 cup per load) to the rinse cycle helps.

Skin-friendliness

People with sensitive skin often notice fewer rashes or reactions when switching to homemade detergent (especially borax-free, fragrance-free recipes). Controlling the recipe lets you avoid known irritants entirely.

Eco-friendliness

Making your own detergent reduces plastic waste and often uses simpler, more biodegradable ingredients. Many homemade recipes skip phosphates, which are common in store-bought options and can hurt water quality. Homemade detergents are usually better for the environment and make less trash.

What ingredients are commonly used in homemade laundry detergent?

Typical main ingredients

• Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate): Softens water and helps clean and remove stains
• Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Gets rid of smells, brightens fabric, and acts as a mild cleaner
• Soap (such as Castile, Fels-Naptha, or Ivory): Main cleaning ingredient, either as a liquid or grated bar
• Borax (Sodium Borate): Natural booster for cleaning and water softening, though some people skip it for safety reasons
• Water: Used in liquid recipes to help dissolve everything
• Epsom Salt/Sea Salt: Softens clothes and can help lift stains or keep colors from fading

Things to be careful about

Some store-bought bar soaps include unwanted chemicals. “Natural” fragrances can still contain hidden chemicals that aren’t listed on labels because of trade secrets. Always read the labels of your ingredients.

Are borax and washing soda safe?

Both borax and washing soda are generally safe if you measure them carefully and keep them away from kids and pets. Don’t eat them or touch your eyes with them. Some people use borax-free recipes just to be cautious, but other ingredients can still do a good job cleaning.

Can I use essential oils for scent?

Yes, adding a few drops of essential oils is a popular way to give homemade detergent a natural smell. Choose oils like lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, or mint for different scents. Just mix the oils in with the dry or liquid ingredients to evenly distribute the fragrance.

What equipment and tools do you need?

Basic tools

• Large Container: Use a gallon jar, bucket, or mason jar depending on your batch size
• Measuring Cups: To keep recipes accurate
• Large Spoon or Stir Stick: For mixing, especially powders
• Grater or Food Processor: For recipes using bar soap, to make small soap shreds
• Saucepan: For melting soap in water when making liquid detergent
• Funnel (optional): Helps pour detergent neatly into bottles
• Dispenser Jar (optional): Handy for keeping smaller amounts ready to pour

DIY laundry detergent recipes

Powdered (borax- and bar soap-free)

• 1/2 cup Epsom Salt
• 1 1/2 cups baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups washing soda
• 1/4 cup sea salt
• 20-25 drops essential oil (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, add essential oil if you like, and store in an airtight jar. Use 1 heaping tablespoon for a regular load and 2-3 for larger loads.

Liquid detergent using castile soap

• 1 cup liquid castile soap
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax
• 13 cups water (use 6 cups boiled first for dissolving, then the rest cold)

Add soap, washing soda, and borax to your container. Pour in the hot water, stir well, then add cold water and stir again. Seal and let sit for 24-48 hours until it thickens. Use 1/4 cup per load.

Simple three-ingredient, borax-free powder

• 16 cups baking soda
• 12 cups washing soda
• 8 cups grated castile soap (about 4 bars)

Grate the soap, mix all ingredients in a large airtight container, and store. Use two 1/8-cup scoops per load, adjusting as needed.

Adjusting for HE washers

HE washers need low-suds detergents. Powders without bar soap or liquid recipes using liquid castile soap are usually safe. Start with less detergent (1 tablespoon powder or 1/8 cup liquid) and increase if your laundry isn’t clean enough.

How to make homemade laundry detergent: step-by-step

Mixing and storing

• For liquid detergent, dissolve any powders in hot water first, then mix in with cold water and other ingredients. Make sure everything is fully mixed and pour into an airtight container.
• For powder, simply mix the dry ingredients well and store in a sealed jar to keep out moisture.

Always keep your detergent in airtight containers, away from heat, humidity, and children or pets. Label each batch with the ingredients and date.

Making more or less

You can easily make bigger or smaller batches by multiplying or dividing the recipe amounts. For families or heavy users, making detergent in bulk (for example, a 4-gallon batch) saves time. For single people or those with little space, halve or quarter the recipes.

How to use homemade laundry detergent

How much should you use?

• Powder: 1-2 tablespoons per load; add more for big or dirty loads
• Liquid: Start with 1/4 cup per load; adjust as needed

If your clothes aren’t coming out clean or still smell, use a bit more. If you notice suds or residue, try using a little less. Also remember to use less in high-efficiency machines, and to help rinsing with a little vinegar if you have hard water.

Best ways for different machines

• Traditional top-loaders: Add detergent to the drum first, then add clothes
• High-Efficiency (HE) front- or top-loaders: Use only a small amount to avoid too many suds. Add powder to the dispenser or drum, as your model allows. If needed, add vinegar to the softener tray to help rinse and avoid buildup.

For all machine types, don’t overload, and run a cleaning cycle on your washer now and then.

How long does homemade laundry detergent last?

How to know if your detergent has gone bad

• For liquids: Some separation is normal. But if it won’t mix smoothly, or if clumps won’t dissolve, it might not work as well.
• If it smells musty, has mold, or looks strange, toss it and make a new batch.
• If it’s not cleaning as well as it used to, consider replacing your detergent.

How to store for best results

• Keep in an airtight container to prevent moisture, especially for powders.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
• Keep out of reach of kids and pets.
• Label with date and contents.

Powder detergent lasts longer than liquid because it doesn’t contain water, so it’s less likely to spoil.

Common troubleshooting tips for homemade detergent

Buildup or residue

• Use less detergent. Too much often causes residue.
• Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle (about 1/2 cup) to help dissolve minerals and avoid soap scum.
• If you don’t already use washing soda or borax, add them to help with hard water.
• Run a hot, empty wash with 1-2 cups of vinegar (or a machine cleaner) each month to clean your washer.
• If your clothes feel greasy or heavy, “strip” them: soak in a mix of washing soda, borax, and hot water, then rinse several times.

Lingering smells or stains

• Use white vinegar or extra washing soda to help deal with hard water and odor issues.
• Pre-treat stains with a paste of baking soda and water, or with straight liquid soap before washing.
• If using powder in cold water, dissolve it in hot water first so it mixes better.
• Make sure your washer isn’t the source of smells-clean it regularly.
• If you keep getting odors, try a recipe with a better balance of cleaners (like more washing soda or baking soda) and add essential oil if you want more scent.

Tips for getting the best results with homemade laundry detergent

Avoid common mistakes

• Don’t use too much detergent. Homemade types work better in small amounts. Try rewashing clean laundry with no detergent; if you see suds, you’re using too much.
• Make sure powder dissolves. If washing in cold water, dissolve the powder in hot water first to avoid white marks on clothes.
• Watch for hard water issues. Use washing soda and/or vinegar to fight mineral buildup.
• Clean your machine often. Run a vinegar cycle from time to time to clear soap residue and prevent musty smells.
• Don’t expect lots of suds. Homemade detergents (especially for HE washers) make less foam. That’s normal-they’re still cleaning.

Boosting cleaning power naturally

• Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse-it softens fabric and reduces residue.
• Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the wash for extra odor-fighting and whitening.
• Try lemon juice as a pre-wash for stained or white clothes to lift stains and brighten fabric.
• Pre-treat tough stains with a baking soda paste or extra soap.
• Line dry whites in the sun for natural brightening.
• Use wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets; you can scent them with essential oil.
• If your recipe doesn’t have washing soda, try adding some for better cleaning-especially if you have hard water.

Frequently asked questions about homemade laundry detergent

Can I use it in cold water?

Yes, but powders and grated soap may not dissolve as easily. For best results, dissolve powder in some hot water first, then add to your washer. Liquid homemade detergent works well in cold cycles.

Is it safe for septic tanks?

Most homemade laundry detergents with ingredients like washing soda, baking soda, and castile soap are fine for septic systems. They don’t have the harsh chemicals found in some store-bought detergents. Just don’t use too much at a time.

Does it handle tough stains?

Homemade detergent works for everyday dirt, but may struggle with tough stains compared to enzyme-rich commercial products. For hard-to-remove spots, always pre-treat with soap, baking soda, or a natural stain remover.

Can it damage clothes or washers?

It can, but only if used the wrong way. Using too much, especially in hard water or in HE machines, can create buildup on fabric and inside washers. Always use small amounts, pick low-sudsing recipes, add vinegar to help rinse, and clean your washer regularly. Stick to the right recipes for your washer type, and you’ll avoid most problems.