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Learn how to make your own laundry detergent using just a handful of natural ingredients. I make 5 gallons at a time to last over 300 loads of laundry!
This homemade laundry soap is a great way to reduce waste; it works great and is simple to make!
This is a great recipe for anyone who is just getting into making their own laundry products. 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 over 10 years now, and it has saved me so much money.
And don’t worry about missing your old detergent scent. I 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!
Table of Contents
- Laundry Detergent Ingredients
- Homemade laundry soap recipe
- How natural is this laundry soap?
- How long does laundry detergent last
- Liquid laundry detergent vs powder
- Will homemade laundry soap ruin the washer?
- Can I use this in a HE washer?
- Best essential oils for laundry soap
- Essential oil blends
- Bonus Recipes For all Your Laundry Needs
- Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe
Laundry Detergent Ingredients
- 1 cup borax
- 1/2 cup washing soda
- 1 Castile Soap Bar or Fels Naptha soap bar, 5 ounces (Or a Homemade Laundry Soap Bar)
- 5-gallon bucket with lid. Any old 5-gallon bucket with a seal will work!
- Box grater. 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 soap recipe
Step 1: Add 1/2 gallon of water to your bucket.
Step 2: Stir in borax and washing soda.
Step 3: Shred your soap bar with the box grater.
Step 4: Add the shredded soap and a cup of water to a small saucepan and melt on the stove over medium heat, stirring often.
Step 5: Add the melted soap, and any essential oils you are using for fragrance into your bucket and stir well.
Step 6: Fill the bucket to about 2-3 inches from the top rim. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Pro Tip: Secure the lid, let sit overnight, and then give the bucket one good final shake. You can also use an immersion blender to combine the ingredients!
Pro Tip #2: Transfer the laundry soap to an old laundry detergent container or a ½ gallon mason jar for easy use. Store the remaining bulk soap out of the way. Shake well before each load and use about ¼ cup of detergent per wash.
How natural is this laundry soap?
I try to make my DIYs as natural as possible without sacrificing their effectiveness.
And while I believe everything in this recipe is safe, I have included a few resources to help you decide if this recipe is right for you.
Borax: This ingredient gets a pretty bad rap and scores rather low on the EWG scale. Unfortunately, most studies on the effects of borax have been in its pure state when used topically. However, I have not found any harmful side effects when safely diluting this product in my laundry soap. Here is a good article on it, and if you would rather leave it out, just use more washing soda to compensate.
Washing Soda: Washing soda helps neutralize odors and remove stains, contributing to a clean and refreshed look for your laundry. Washing soda also scores an A from the EWG.
Castile Soap Bar/Fels Naptha Soap Bar: Fels Naptha is a traditional laundry bar made with ingredients like tallow, coconut oil, and palm oil. It’s particularly effective in tackling tough stains and grime, but is not 100% natural.
I originally used Fels-Naptha in this recipe, but now I exclusively use castile soap. Both work great, with Fels Naptha working better on really dirty clothes. You will notice the soap will be thicker and more gel-like if you use Fels Naptha.
Its an eco-friendly choice
Overall, this laundry soap is a low-waste, natural, eco-friendly laundry detergent—at least as much as possible.
Additionally, I try to prioritize sustainability by using reusable containers and naturally sourced essential oils, which significantly reduces single-use plastics.
Oh, and don’t forget to head over to my online resource library for FREE printable labels for this recipe, several others, and several ebooks!
How long does laundry detergent last
Most laundry detergents last anywhere from 6 months to a year after opening. This expiratory period is partly due to the strength of the products, which cannot be guaranteed after that point. i.e., they may lose some of their potency. However, it does not mean the product will spoil after that point.
This laundry soap lasts up to 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 is YES; it may freeze in frigid temps. The shredded soap bar may lower the freezing point some, but it 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 in addition to a homemade stain remover before running it through the cycle.
Cons: It typically has a shorter shelf life than its powdered detergent cousin, and if you are buying conventional detergents, it’s 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 pros: It essentially never expires as long as it stays dry. It is extremely concentrated and more powerful, only requiring 2 tbsp per load. Homemade 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? It really comes down to A. personal preference and B. what you are 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 run through the hot cycle may be the best option to clean everything.
What about really stinky laundry?
For really, really dirty laundry, like, the stink is embedded into the clothing level of dirty, you may consider DIY 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, which can be caused by hard water or laundry detergent residue.
How to strip laundry
Fill a 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 the laundry through the rinse cycle only, don’t add any detergent, and then dry.
Will homemade laundry soap ruin the washer?
I personally have experienced zero issues in the last ten years, using the exact recipe below in my Bosh HE washer. Use your own discretion when using natural laundry soaps.
Can I use this in a HE washer?
While Fels-Naptha laundry soap bars are safe for high-efficiency (HE) washers, Dr. Bronner recommends using their liquid castile soap instead of their bar soap in HE washers.
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.
Orange: Invigorating, uplifting, and cleansing, wild orange is perfect for laundry soap. It adds a fresh scent to clean clothes.
Tea tree: Tea tree is a purifying and cleansing essential oil. If you ever forget 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 create a beautiful aroma.
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.
Essential oil blends
Citrus bliss
- 20 drops 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
Make your own homemade fabric softener to add either in the form of a liquid to the washing machine or DIY dryer sheets for the dryer is a great option for reducing wrinkles and static and adding a fresh scent to the laundry.
I also like to make my own wrinkle release spray for my husband’s button up shirts!
Dryer balls are another great option to add to your laundry routine. They 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 or scent them with dried herbs to leave clothes with a lovely, fresh scent.
Related DIYs
- Homemade laundry soap pods
- Homemade shower melts
- How to clean with natural products
- How to make your own gel dish soap
If you tried this Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe or any other tutorial on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Homemade Laundry Soap
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Borax
- ½ cup washing soda
- 5 ounces fels naptha soap or castile soap bar, 1 soap bar
- 20 drops of orange essential oil
- 15 drops of lemon essential oil
- 10 drops of lime essential oil
- 5 drops of grapefruit essential oil
- 5 gallons of water, approximately
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.
Hi Laura!
I made the laundry soap and I did melt the laundry bar before adding. I notice after it sat in my bucket for the 24 hours the soap is at the top. I see that’s normal. I transferred it to a smaller container and shake before use but notice soap bar chunks in tray where I pour the laundry detergent so not sure how clean my clothes are getting if that’s staying in the tray and not going in the washer. Did I do something wrong?
It is normal for it to gel up and get very thick. That is why you need to shake it or mix it really well after 24 hours.
Hello Laura,
I’m from the UK and we can’t buy Borax here – it’s illegal. I can get Borax substitute, will this work the same?
The other thing I need to know is I have very sensitive skin and always use paraben free, SLS free. Will this recipe be OK for me? (I usually use Method)
I was wondering if this detergent is safe to use for newborn clothing?
I use it with my newborn and have with all my babies.
Hi. This is the same recipe as I used to make several years ago. I got lazy and stopped making my own. Now back at it but I have a front load washer. Do you recommend adding to the dispenser or drum?
I put it in the dispenser.
I’ve just found your site. Thanks for the info. I’m wondering if this can be made more concentrated. Does it have to be 5 gallons? Can I add enough water to equal only 2 and 1/2 gallons and just use half the amount when washing my laundry?
Thanks
Yes, you can make half the recipe and use less water.
Hello!
Firstly congratulations on your baby:) I love your page! It is so resourceful!! I am going to try making liquid laundry soap but i have few questions:
1. I will use homemade laundry soap instead of Fels Napta! Do i use 5 Oz bar (140 grams approx.)?
2. I have heard washing soda loses its effectiveness overtime if dissolved in water. So will this recipe stay for a year?
3. Will liquid soap have a certain smell because of water in a sealed jar?
I just recently found your website/YouTube videos and I love all of the content! It truly is a great resource for me. I have a quick question about this recipe: Do you think that there are enough gentle preservatives in the fels naptha bar or homemade laundry bar to keep bacteria and mold growth from happening in the 5 gallon bucket of detergent? I am stoked to give this a try, but I am also very sensitive to mold and wondered if it would be good to find some sort of natural preservative to add to it. What do you think?
I have been using this recipe for 11 years and have never had any issues with it going bad. Thanks so much!!