Learn how to make your own laundry detergent, 5 gallons worth, that is, for less than two dollars using just a handful of natural ingredients. This homemade laundry soap is a great way to reduce waste; it works great and is simple to make! So much so, I make 5 gallons at a time!
Making laundry soap is a great place to start when getting rid of harmful and potentially toxic cleaning products from your home. For example, anyone can make it, and it requires very little time, ingredients, or upfront costs.
In fact, it takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish to make 5 gallons of all-natural laundry soap. I have been using this soap for nearly 10 years now and it has saved me so much money. One of the biggest hangups for a lot of people is that they will miss their favorite laundry detergent scent.
The good news; you can use essential oils to match nearly every laundry detergent scent (check out the different blends below!). On the other hand, it’s easy to omit the oils for unscented laundry soap; either way, this laundry soap recipe will work for everyone!
In addition to making this recipe chemical-free, I knew I wanted it to be a low waste, eco-friendly laundry detergent. At least as much as possible. Using reusable containers and naturally sourced essential oils is a great place to start!
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HOMEMADE LAUNDRY SOAP INGREDIENTS
1 cup borax (buy borax here)
1/2 cup washing soda (buy washing soda here)
1 Fels Naptha soap bar, 5 ounces (Or a Homemade Laundry Soap Bar)
5-gallon bucket with lid (I use one similar to this one) Any old 5-gallon bucket with a seal will work!
Cheese grater ( I use one similar to this one. I keep this one in the laundry room and have a different one for the kitchen)
30-50 drops of essential oils of choice (I list my favorites below)
Homemade laundry detergent recipe
Add 1/2 gallon of water to your bucket. Stir in borax and washing soda.
Shred your soap bar with the cheese grater—melt soap shreds in 1 cup of water on the stove over medium heat. Stir often.
Add melted soap to the bucket and stir in well.
Add essential oils of choice. See lists below!
Fill the bucket to about 2-3 inches from the top rim. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Secure lid, let sit overnight and then give the bucket one good final shake.
NOTES: For easier handling, fill an old laundry detergent container or 1/2 gallon mason jar with the laundry soap and store the bucket out of the way. Shake well before each use. Use 1/4 cup of detergent per load.
How long does laundry detergent last
Most laundry detergents last anywhere from 6 months to a year after opening. This expiratory period is due in part to the strength of the products that cannot be guaranteed after that point. i.e., they may lose some of their potency. However, it does not mean that the product necessarily will spoil after that point.
This laundry soap lasts at least 12 months. Be sure to store out of the sunlight in a climate-controlled environment to reduce the risk of mold. As long as it smells ok, it will be fine to use.
I have actually been asked if this laundry soap would freeze? The answer, YES; it may freeze in frigid temps. The shredded soap bar may lower the freezing point some but can still freeze. So make sure you store the bucket indoors!
We do a lot of laundry here, like nearly every day! Yikes! Since this recipe makes approximately 320 loads, it should be enough for a year’s worth of laundry for the average household.
Liquid laundry detergent vs powder
Liquid laundry soap pros: It easily dissolves in cold water, which can save on that electric bill by not using hot water. In some cases, it can be put on the clothes to help in removing stains before running it through the cycle.
Cons: Typically has a shorter shelf life than its powdered detergent cousin, and if buying conventional detergent-its not the most eco-friendly, being packaged in plastic. Homemade soap, on the other hand, I’ve been using the same bucket for almost 10 years.
Powdered laundry soap essentially never expires as long as it stays dry. It is extremely concentrated and more powerful, only requiring 2 tbsp per load. Powder laundry soap does not dissolve as easily as liquid, and as a result, may leave a residue on the clothes. An easy fix would be to run the load with hot water, but then there is the potential for higher electric or gas bills!
So is powder or liquid detergent better? Really, it comes down to A. personal preference and B. What are you trying to wash? If it’s a regular load of clothes, towels and washcloths, liquid soap on a cold cycle will be sufficient.
If you have a little one and use cloth diapers or dirty farm clothes, powder laundry detergent ran through the hot cycle may be the best option to get everything fully clean.
What about really stinky laundry?
For really, really dirty laundry, like, the stink is embedded into the clothing level of dirty. Think workout clothes or hog pen cleaning clothes; you may consider laundry scent boosters, or laundry stripping. Knowing how to strip laundry is a good know-how but should be reserved only for when it’s necessary.
Laundry stripping can also help with mineral/residue buildup in towels, washcloths and bedding. This can be caused by hard water or laundry detergent residue.
How to strip laundry: Fill tub or sink with hot water. Stir in a dash of borax and washing soda, then gently place the laundry in the water, fully submerging. Let it sit for 3-5 hours. Run laundry through the rinse cycle only, don’t add any detergent, then dry.
Will homemade laundry soap ruin the washer
I personally have experienced zero issues in the last, nearly ten years, using the exact recipe below in my Bosh HE washer. Use your own discretion when using natural laundry soaps.
BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR LAUNDRY SOAP
LAVENDER– Lavender is a very calming, relaxing essential oil with a lovely floral smell. This one is my favorite oil to use on its own for laundry soap.
WILD ORANGE– Invigorating, uplifting, and cleansing; wild orange is perfect for your laundry soap. It adds a fresh scent to your clean clothes.
TEA TREE– Tea tree is a purifying and cleansing essential oil. If you ever forgot to put wet laundry straight in the dryer when it is done, add 2-3 drops to the wet clothes before tossing into the dryer. It is a great oil for getting rid of mildew odors.
PEPPERMINT– If you like a fresh, minty scent, then this will be your oil. Peppermint adds a sharp aroma to your homemade laundry soap.
EUCALYPTUS– Eucalyptus is another excellent oil to add to your laundry soap. This oil will both freshen clothes and kill germs.
LEMONGRASS– Distilled from fresh lemongrass in Southern India, this citrus oil has an earthy hint of lemon-like scent. It has a tremendous all-around aroma, especially liked among men.
ROMAN CHAMOMILE– Another calming essential oil and great for kids. Roman chamomile adds a beautiful floral scent.
CEDARWOOD– Another one for the men in your life. Cedarwood has a woodsy scent that appeals to most men. Its cleansing properties make it a great addition to this recipe or any soap bar recipe.
PATCHOULI– Either you love it or hate it. I am a patchouli lover and am obsessed with the scent. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the scent, I’d suggest taking a whiff before adding it to 5 gallons worth of laundry soap!
JASMINE– If you want to smell like a bed of flowers all day, then add jasmine to your laundry soap. Jasmine is very calming and can help with stress and anxious feelings.
HOMEMADE LAUNDRY SOAP WITH ESSENTIAL OILS BLENDS
CITRUS BLISS
- 20 drops wild orange
- 15 drops lemon
- 10 drops lime
- 5 drops grapefruit
FLORAL SENSATION
- 20 drops lavender
- 15 drops jasmine
- 10 drops patchouli
- 5 drops clary sage
GENTLE BABY
- 25 drops lavender
- 10 drops roman chamomile
ODOR CONTROL
- 20 drops eucalyptus
- 15 drops tea tree
- 10 drops lemon
- 5 drops peppermint
Bonus Recipes For all Your Laundry Needs
HOMEMADE FABRIC SOFTENER
Having a fabric softener to add either in the form of a liquid to the washing machine or dryer sheets for the dryer is a great option for reducing wrinkles, static and adding a fresh scent to the laundry.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 gallon white vinegar
- 1 cup baking soda
- 10 drops clove essential oil
- 5 drops of lemon essential oil
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all the ingredients in a gallon-size container.
- Shake until well mixed.
- Add 1/4 cup to each load as needed.
HOMEMADE ALL-NATURAL BLEACH
INGREDIENTS
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix ingredients together and add to the bleach compartment of the washing machine when needed.
DRYER BALLS
Real-wool dryer balls are a simple, non-toxic way to soften fabrics.
Dryer balls are generally made from compacted wool and help separate the layers of laundry during the drying cycle, which allows for better airflow between the fabrics and even reduces drying times-saving you money!
Add a few drops of lavender or wild orange essential oil to leave clothes with a lovely fresh scent.
Get your dryer balls HERE.
I hope this post was helpful and that you will find these recipes useful.
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PIN IT FOR LATER
LAUNDRY SOAP RECIPE
Homemade Laundry Soap
Liquid laundry soap is easy to make, effective and safe for front end and HE washing machines.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add 1/2 gallon of water to your bucket, stir in washing soda and borax.
- Shred soap bar using a box grater.
- Melt soap shreds in 1 cup of water on the stove over medium heat. Stir often until melted.
- Add the melted soap to the bucket and stir in well.
- Stir in essential oils.
- Fill the rest of the way with water to about 3 inches from the top.
- Secure lid, let it sit overnight, then give it a good shake before using.
Notes
For easier handling, fill an old detergent container or 1/2 gallon mason jar with the soap and store the bucket out of the way. Use 1/4 cup per load.
Kim says
Is The homemade laundry soap compatible with front loaders?
lauraascher says
Yes it is! I have a front loader and have been using it for 7 years. I use 1/2 cup per load.
Melanie says
Hello Ms..OOH, I was wondering what is the shelf life for the DIY washing soap recipe?:)
Laura says
It is good for one year.
Gaye says
I am using your recipe for laundry liquid detergent recipe in a front loader. I put 1/2 c. Of laundry detergent in the cup drawer located on top outside of washer. I’m getting bleach spots on my sheets and dish rags. So far no clothes. Is there any of these ingredients that could cause my sheets and dish rags to appear as if there are bleached spots on them. I don’t have actual bleach around so I know its not bleach.
lauraascher says
I have never had that issue before and I have been using this recipe for 7 years so I am not sure why that would be happening.
Sarah says
How do I get the ebook you talked about?
Laura says
Get access to my online resource library here for all my free printable labels and ebooks in one place: https://ouroilyhouse.ck.page/member-resource-library.
Rebecca says
I am a mama of many kiddos. Big family = big loads in a large capacity washer. Wondering the load size you’re using 1/2cp with. Want to adjust my detergent amount appropriately. Also….seems like not enough cleaning agent for such a large bucket of water. You really only need that small amount of borax and ws??
Thanks in advance for answering back and for the great video!
Laura says
You’re welcome! I use 1/3 cup for a regular size load, if you are doing a large load you could do 3/4 cup. And yes I know it seems crazy, but that is all you need! We have been using it for 7 years and I have 4 kids. So things get pretty dirty and it works great!
Aeyla says
I have been looking into making a few of your laundry recipes. But a few questions I have are:
1. When you make the fabric softener with the baking soda and vinegar…will it foam quite a bit?
2. Is it ok to use the softener recipe, liquid laundry detergent, and homemade bleach all together?
Thank you.
Laura says
Yes, I use them together when needed. It will foam when you make it.
Aeyla says
Is ok to use the scent booster recipe with these as well?
Laura says
Yes!
Muriel says
Hi Laura ! Thank you very much for all the work you’re doing. I’ve discovered your blog and YouTube channel just a few days ago, watched and read almost everything, and you made me realize all the benefits of using simple, natural homemade products, for good. One question though, I live in France and here I can’t find Borax anywhere, in stores nor online (I think it is an only professional access product here). As you use Borax in some recipes I wish to make, do you have any suggestions for a replacement product ? Again thank you, you are doing very helpful and great work !
Laura says
Thank you so much for following along with me! I am so glad you are enjoying my content! Are you able to order it online? Sometimes I get it on amazon when I can’t make it to the store!
Muriel says
Thank you for your answer ! I can only buy “Borax substitute” on Amazon, which is sodium sesquicarbonate. As true Borax is sodium tetraborate decahydrate, I wondered if it would work. I think I’m gonna swap with baking soda as it is almost the same composition as Borax substitute, and give it a try with a small batch. Do you think it’s a good idea ?
Laura says
I haven’t tried it, but I bet it will work! Good idea making it in a small batch to test it first. I do have a powder laundry soap without borax you could try too! It is washing soda and baking soda.
Muriel says
I’ll try for sure ! Thank you so much !
Aeyla says
Oh….and the scent booster along with the laundry detergent, bleach and fabric softener
Iduna says
I would never recommend the use of borax as it has some potential health risks.
lindsay says
Hello! I made your recipe and after letting it stand overnight, there is soap shreds on top, they almost look like sauerkraut. And when I stirred the whole big bucket again I could see that maybe not everything was dissolved. Would it be better to use hot water for everything…I didn’t see that it specified in the instructions. So now I have a 5 gallon bucket of like soapy water, and a big bowl of soapy shreds. Should I try to cook down the soap again or will it not work because it had already been mixed and gelled?
Laura says
Hi Lindsay! Before adding the soap shreds to the 5-gallon bucket you are supposed to melt them in water in a saucepan. Once they are completely melted you can add them to the larger bucket of water, borax, and washing soda. Let it sit overnight and the next day it is normal for it to separate. I then pour some into a half-gallon mason jar so I can shake it well before each use to make sure everything is well mixed.
Rachel says
Just wondering if it normal for it to be a bit jelly-like when it is finished.
Laura says
Yes! I just pour some into a half gallon mason jar so I can give it a good shake before each use!
Linda says
Laura, can I use regular tap water when making the laundry soap or do I need to use distilled water? We have hard water.
Laura says
I use tap water and we have hard water too!
Esther says
Laura, I do not see lot of lather/bubbles/suds, is this normal ?
Laura says
Yes!
Sherry says
Is the plastic bucket safe with oils? I’ve always heard DONT use oils in plastic due to they will pull toxins out of the plastic.
Laura says
Yes, that is true! Some plastics, like this bucket, are OK! It is a very thick plastic and the essential oils are very diluted in this mixture so it isn’t a problem.
Rachel says
What kind of container do you use for the fabric softener? The reaction between the soda and vinegar seems to be explosive;)
Do you have to stir/shake the fabric softener before using it? I noticed the baking soda settles.
Thank you!
Laura says
I use a mason jar.
Clare says
How does this work for cloth diapers? Do you know if it is safe for them? Thanks!
Rachelle Winter says
Hi Laura
Just a question…I live in New Zealand and don’t have access to Fels Napa soap. I was wondering if something like a Dr Bronners bar of soap or a bar of sunlight soap would be a possible substitute in the recipe? Another product we have that sounds similar to the Fels is something called Sard Wondersoap which is a laundry soap in bar form which is fantastic at getting rid of stains.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Laura says
I would use the laundry soap bar you have access too! I am sure it is similar.
Mena says
Hello…
Isn’t Fels-Napha toxic? I was doing some research and found that one of the ingredients (titanium dioxide) is a toxic carcinogen? I bought a 5 oz bar from Amazon for 0.95 cents but I ended up tossing it in the trash.
Thank you! I love your DIY’s and your recipes!
Xoxoxo
Mena
Laura says
With my research I find it to be safe. 🙂
Liz says
Hi. Thank you for your recipes. I want to use your fabric softener recipe. I’m currently using a laundry scent booster. Can I use the fabric softener and laundry scent booster(Epsom salt & baking soda)? Or am I suppose to only use one? Thank you
Laura says
You can use both. 🙂
Belinda says
Hi loving all your recipes!! Wondering if I could substitute the soap bar with liquid Castile soap when making the laundry liquid? Or do it need to be the bar grated and melted?
Thanks 😊
Laura says
I have not tried it with liquid castile so I am not sure.
Bella says
Hi Belinda, I had the same question. May I ask if you’ve tried this and if so, how did it go? Thanks!
Carlie says
Hello! I made this recently. My clothes seem to be clean and smell just fine. We live in East Texas so I’m anxious to see how it works in the summer with my husband’s work clothes! Fingers crossed that it continues to be a good fit for us! I have a few questions.
Do you use this on all your family’s clothes? I’m pregnant with my second and plan to cloth diaper after the first few months.
Also, does this detergent seem to create suds well for you? Mine hasn’t. It may just be in my mind from using conventional detergents forever, but I just wanted to check. TIA!
Laura says
I am so glad you like it! I use it for my whole family. When I am cloth diapering I use my powder laundry soap for those.
Jill says
Hi Laura,
I was wondering if there is anything in particular that you can add to this recipe to save the color/life of the clothes? I have been using it, and maybe this is just in my head, but I am feeling like my black clothes aren’t staying that nice dark black color or my colorful clothes aren’t as bright.
I also was wondering if there is anything you can add, maybe to the dryer, to prevent static??
Thank you so much!!
Laura says
I have never noticed that before. I have been using it for 10 years so maybe I am just immuned to it lol. I will have to research that! I use dryer balls for static or my homemade dryer sheets.
Bella says
That may be the effect of the borax. I’ve been reading that it helps the white stay white, so maybe it’s making the black get “lighter”.
Hayley Godwin says
Hi! I’m so excited to try this out! I made a 2.5 gallon batch, melted down the soap and let it sit overnight. After 24 hrs went to shake and use it, and all the soap was separated at the top. Even after shaking it well there still seems to be hunks of soap… if this is kept in my basement where it is cooler does it tend to stay separated you think?! Still planning to use it up, but wondering if I did something wrong? Thanks!!
Laura says
That is normal! It does sepetate. I pour some in a half-gallon mason jar and shake well before use. I have had readers say they use an immersion blend and that works too!
Keisi says
Hi! Was wondering around how much shredded soap you get from the 5oz bar? My local natural store only sells the pre shredded so wondering how much to use
Thank you
David says
I would like to try these recipes to see what scent I like the most. If I want to make a small sample (let’s say a quart), how much of each ingredient do I need to? Am I reducing everything down to 1/20th? I apologize for my ignorance on the subject.
Bella says
Hi there, thank you for this informative article! I was wondering if it’s OK for me to use liquid Castile Soap instead of buying a soap bar and grating it? I already have the liquid kind! Thanks in advance.
Laura says
No, it isn’t the same as the liquid is very concentrated. It would be a completely different recipe.
Rabbiana Mawaddah says
It’s amazing info
Ariel says
Hi! I’m going to start following this recipe for laundry soap and scent booster (and maybe dryer sheets), but I’m trying to figure out how you made the soap for “less than two dollars?” Essential Oils are crazy expensive and I just don’t get it, I guess. Also, is laundry “soap” the same as laundry “detergent?”
Thanks for your awesome resources, also!
-Ariel
Laura says
The essential oils are optional and the soap works just the same without them. Also, they are very concentrated so even if you do use them, you don’t need a lot.
Samantha Terrell says
I made this last.m night and I checked it this morning and it’s a giant pile of jello. What did I do wrong? Can I still save it? 🤦♀️ Thanks in advance.
Laura says
That is normal! You need to shake it well or use an immersion blender.
Michelle Britt says
Same thing with mine…I pre-mixed/melted everything before my husband brought me the bucket, so everything cooled off substantially before he got home with the bucket to mix it up. I should’ve just waited to mix everything, because now it’s a huge pile of cold jello and I don’t think it looks normal. The soap was pretty gelled sitting on the counter before I mixed it into the bucket. I should have reheated it 😢
I’m not sure how to mix it all up. I have a blender but no second container to switch it to once I blend each section. And if I try to store it in mason jars as Laura suggests, I’m afraid I’m only getting part of the ingredients in each jar; it’s not a homogenous mixture. I think I need to start over and follow the instructions. Lol
Laura says
It is normal. Just pour some into a gallon sixe container and shake well or use an immersion blender to mix it all.
Amy says
Making my own detergents have become a goal of mine for this year, I started with your all purpose cleaner, now doing this one—have just purchased all the ingredients today, so excited to make this happen!!
Thank you for all your recipes!
Laura says
YAY! I am so glad!
Toke says
How does it smell without essential oils? And is it okay to use with sensitive skin?:)
Laura says
Yes, most the time I don’t even add in oils.