When it comes to laundry, most of us reach for whatever detergent is on sale or promises the freshest scent. But what if you could make your laundry powder at home that is gentle on your skin, tough on stains, and easy on your budget? Homemade laundry detergent is more than just a DIY trend. It is a smart, simple way to take control of your wash, avoid harsh chemicals, and save money all at once. Plus, by making your detergent, you can reduce plastic waste.
According to Treehugger, approximately 1 billion plastic laundry detergent jugs are discarded every year in the United States. These jugs are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is recyclable, yet only about 30 percent are recycled. That means around 700 million jugs end up in landfills or pollute waterways, contributing significantly to plastic pollution.
Why Choose Homemade Laundry Powder Detergent?
Making your laundry powder feels pretty satisfying. You know exactly what’s going into it and, just as importantly, what’s not. No mystery ingredients, no overwhelming artificial smells, and no harsh chemicals sticking to your clothes after every wash.
If anyone in your home has sensitive skin, homemade detergent is often a gentler choice. By skipping things like dyes, brighteners, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), you’re setting up a cleaner, safer laundry routine.
It’s also easier on your wallet over time. Just a few simple ingredients like washing soda, borax, and bar soap can last for months and cost way less than store-bought detergents. Plus, you can tweak the recipe however you like. You can add essential oils for a light scent, mix in baking soda or OxiClean to boost cleaning power, or keep it simple and fragrance-free. Whatever you prefer, homemade laundry powder offers a flexible and budget-friendly way to get your clothes truly clean.
Ingredients and Supplies You’ll Need
Making homemade laundry powder is pretty simple, but picking the right ingredients makes a difference. Most recipes stick to just a few basics, with plenty of room to customize based on what you like and what you have on hand.
Washing soda or baking soda
Both appear frequently in DIY cleaning, but they’re not the same thing. Washing soda, also called sodium carbonate, has a higher pH and does a better job breaking down grease and stains. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is gentler and works great for controlling odors. Some recipes use both, but if you’re choosing one for cleaning power, washing soda is the way to go.
Main cleaning agents
Borax is a classic laundry booster that helps lift stains and soften hard water to make your detergent more effective. Fels-Naptha and castile soap bars are popular soap bases in homemade detergent. Fels-Naptha is tougher on stains, while castile soap is a gentler, plant-based option that works well for sensitive skin.
Optional boosters and scents
You can make your detergent work just the way you want. Toss in a scoop of Oxi Laundry Booster Power for those stubborn stains or add some Epsom salt and sea salt to soften your laundry. A few drops of essential oils like lavender or citrus give a pleasant, fresh scent without any artificial stuff.
Tools to make the job easier
A cheese grater or food processor makes breaking down the soap much faster. You can mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, but some people find it easier to combine them in a big cloth bag or a large lidded bucket. Just be sure to store your finished detergent in an airtight container to keep it dry and ready when you need it.
How to Make Homemade Laundry Powder Detergent (Step-by-Step)
Once you have all your ingredients ready, making your laundry powder is quick and straightforward. You don’t need any fancy tools: just a few basic kitchen items and a little mixing.
Step 1: Grate or blend your bar soap
Pick a soap that fits your needs. Castile soap is gentle and plant-based, making it a great choice for sensitive skin. Ivory is mild and budget-friendly. Use a hand grater to shred the soap finely. The key is to break down the soap enough so it dissolves easily in your wash.
Step 2: Combine your dry ingredients
In a large ceramic, glass, or stainless steel bowl, mix your grated soap with washing soda and borax. These three make up the core of your detergent. To boost cleaning power, consider adding baking soda, oxi laundry booster powder, or a pinch of Epsom or sea salt. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix everything well so it’s evenly blended.
Step 3: Add essential oils for scent (optional)
If you like, add 15 to 30 drops of essential oil for a light, natural fragrance. Lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus are great choices. Stir the powder again to spread the scent evenly. This step is optional, especially if you prefer your laundry unscented.
Step 4: Store in an airtight container
Put your finished detergent into a sealed container to keep moisture out. Glass jars with tight lids or steel canisters work well. Keep your scoop dry, too, to avoid clumps forming over time.
Related Article: Eco-Friendly Laundry Hacks: 10 Genius Tips for a Greener Clean
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Mixing for Larger Batches
If you’re making a large batch, a big enamel or stainless steel pot or bowl makes mixing easier. You can stir the ingredients in layers or use your hands to fold everything together, similar to kneading bread dough.
Is Homemade Laundry Detergent Effective?
Homemade laundry powder is a reliable option for everyday cleaning when you use trusted ingredients like washing soda, borax, and a good bar soap. Although it may not be perfect for every situation, many people find it cleans well without the added cost or harsh chemicals of commercial detergents.
Tackling everyday stains and messes
Homemade detergent works well on lightly to moderately dirty loads. It cleans dirt, body oils, and odors without trouble. If you add boosters like OxiClean, baking soda, or a natural stain remover, it can also handle tougher stains like grass or food. For really stubborn spots, pre-treating or soaking the item before washing can make a big difference.
How it compares to store-bought detergents
Compared to brands like Tide powder laundry detergent or Molly’s Suds, homemade versions clean well under normal conditions. What you won’t get are the synthetic surfactants and enzymes that some commercial options use for high-performance stain removal. For those who prefer fewer chemicals and more transparency in ingredients, homemade detergent is a worthwhile tradeoff.
A better choice for sensitive skin and HE machines
Without added dyes, artificial fragrances, or harsh preservatives, homemade detergent is often a gentler option for people with skin sensitivities. It is also low-sudsing by nature, which makes it a good match for high-efficiency (HE) washers. Just be sure to use the correct amount, as too much powder can leave behind residue in any machine.
Cost savings that add up
One of the biggest perks of making your detergent is how much money you can save. A single batch usually costs just a few dollars and can last for weeks. Compared to buying store-bought powders or liquids, the difference adds up fast, especially if you do a lot of laundry.
Make it your own: Ingredient swaps and scents.
The great thing about homemade laundry powder is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Whether you want to leave out certain ingredients, skip the bar soap, or add your favorite scent, you have complete control to make it just right for you.
tips
How to Use Homemade Laundry Powder Detergent
Using homemade laundry powder is straightforward, but a few tips can help you get the best results and keep your washer happy.
- Recommended amounts per load: Generally, 2 to 3 tablespoons of homemade detergent per standard load works well. For heavily soiled or larger loads, you can increase to 4 tablespoons. Avoid using too much, as excess detergent can leave residue on clothes and inside your machine.
- Compatible with HE washers: Homemade powder tends to be low-sudsing, making it a good fit for high-efficiency (HE) washing machines. Use the detergent dispenser as you usually would. If your machine has an “extra water” or “deep fill” setting, using it can help the powder dissolve better, especially in cold water washes.
- Dissolving detergent properly: To prevent clumps and residue, you can dissolve the detergent powder in a small cup of hot water before adding it to the washer. This is especially helpful if you wash in cold water or have a front-loading machine.
- Pre-treatment and stain care: For tough stains like grass, grease, or wine, a little pre-treatment goes a long way. Use a paste made from detergent powder mixed with water or a dedicated pre-treatment spray. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before washing as usual.
- Add vinegar in the rinse cycle: Adding half a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle helps break down any leftover detergent residue and softens fabrics naturally. It also helps keep your washer fresh and free from buildup.
Related Article: Dryer Balls vs Dryer Sheets: Reduce Microplastics & Waste
Why does my detergent clump?
Homemade powder can clump if it absorbs moisture. Make sure to store it in an airtight container in a dry place. If you notice clumps, break them up with a spoon or sift the powder before using.
Can homemade detergent be used in the detergent dispenser?
Yes, but sometimes powders don’t dissolve fully in dispensers, especially in cold water. If this happens, add the detergent directly to the drum or dissolve it in water first.
Will this detergent work on tough stains like grass?
Homemade powder works well on most stains, but for tough grass or grease stains, a pre-treatment spray or soaking the garment before washing can help boost results.
Don’t want to make your own? Check out our top picks for Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent.
This Has Been About Homemade Laundry Powder Detergent
Making your laundry powder lets you choose what goes into your home while reducing reliance on plastic detergent containers. It offers a gentler option for sensitive skin and avoids many harsh chemicals. While it may not be perfect for every stain or situation, it’s a practical, eco-conscious choice that helps cut down on plastic waste and supports a cleaner environment.
