Making your own cleaning products can be a rewarding and cost-effective endeavor.
This collection of DIY laundry detergent recipes offers simple, natural solutions to get your clothes clean without harsh chemicals.
Ditch the expensive store-bought brands and discover how easy it is to create effective laundry soap right at home, often for just pennies per load.
These recipes prioritize natural ingredients, making them a great choice for sensitive skin and a healthier home..
Table of Contents
1. Castile Soap, Borax, and Washing Soda Laundry Detergent
This straightforward DIY laundry detergent combines the power of liquid castile soap with washing soda and borax for a deep clean.
It's a budget-friendly way to tackle laundry, offering a non-toxic alternative to commercial brands.
You'll love how it leaves your clothes fresh and clean, and it's gentle enough for sensitive skin, making it a must-try for any household..
Key Ingredients:
- Liquid Castile Soap
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Water
Benefits:
- Cost-effective
- Non-toxic
- Gentle on skin
- Effective cleaning
Pro Tip: For an added fresh scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, like lavender or lemon, to the castile soap and dry ingredients before adding water.
Get the Recipe: Castile Soap, Borax, and Washing Soda Laundry Detergent
2. Easy Liquid Castile Soap Laundry Detergent
This super simple recipe for liquid laundry detergent uses just a few natural ingredients, including liquid castile soap.
It's an incredibly cheap and easy way to get clean clothes without the toxins found in many store-bought options.
You'll be amazed at how well it cleans, and it's a fantastic choice for HE washing machines.
Say goodbye to expensive detergents and hello to soft, fresh laundry!.
Key Ingredients:
- Liquid Castile Soap
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Water
Benefits:
- Low-cost
- Natural ingredients
- Suitable for HE machines
- Reduces toxins
Pro Tip: If you prefer an unscented detergent, simply use unscented liquid castile soap. You can also add a few drops of essential oils if you like a light fragrance.
Get the Recipe: Easy Liquid Castile Soap Laundry Detergent
3. Natural and Budget-Friendly Homemade Laundry Detergent
This homemade laundry detergent recipe is a game-changer for keeping clothes clean without breaking the bank or exposing your skin to harsh chemicals.
Using just liquid castile soap, borax, and washing soda, you can create a powerful, low-sudsing detergent that's safe for HE machines and sensitive skin.
It's incredibly simple to make and costs pennies per load, offering a truly effective and eco-friendly cleaning solution..
Key Ingredients:
- Liquid Castile Soap
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Water
Benefits:
- Budget-friendly
- Non-toxic
- Safe for HE washers
- Gentle on sensitive skin
Pro Tip: If you want to customize the scent, add a few drops of essential oils like lavender, lemon, or tea tree to the mixture before adding water. Ensure the container is airtight.
Get the Recipe: Natural and Budget-Friendly Homemade Laundry Detergent
4. Gentle Castile Soap Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin
This DIY laundry soap is a wonderful choice for those with sensitive skin, as it's made with gentle, natural ingredients like castile soap.
It cleans clothes effectively and is surprisingly affordable to make.
Using simple items found in your laundry aisle, you can whip up a batch in minutes.
It's compatible with HE washers and a great way to keep your family's clothes fresh and clean without irritation..
Key Ingredients:
- Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap
- Washing Soda
- Salt
- Hot Water
Benefits:
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Earth-friendly
- Cost-effective
- Effective cleaning
Pro Tip: Add about 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help with odor control, especially for workout clothes or items that tend to hold smells.
Get the Recipe: Gentle Castile Soap Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin
5. Natural All-Purpose Laundry Soap (5 Gallons)
This all-natural laundry soap recipe makes a generous 5-gallon batch, designed to last for hundreds of loads.
It uses simple, effective ingredients like borax, washing soda, and castile soap to get your clothes sparkling clean.
You can customize the scent with essential oils for a delightful fragrance.
It’s a sustainable, cost-saving solution that you’ll love using for all your laundry needs..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Washing Soda
- Castile Soap Bar
- Water
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Long-lasting
- Eco-friendly
- Cost-saving
- Customizable scent
Pro Tip: For a refreshing scent, try essential oils like lavender, orange, or tea tree. You can also create your own blends for a unique fragrance.
Get the Recipe: Natural All-Purpose Laundry Soap (5 Gallons)
6. Powdered Laundry Detergent with Epsom Salt
This homemade laundry powder detergent is a fantastic non-toxic, eco-friendly option that's incredibly effective.
Made with Epsom salt, washing soda, baking soda, and sea salt, it's perfect for sensitive skin and sustainable living.
It tackles dirt and odors beautifully, leaving your clothes fresh and clean without any harsh chemicals.
Plus, it's super easy to make and budget-friendly!.
Key Ingredients:
- Epsom Salt
- Baking Soda
- Washing Soda
- Sea Salt
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Non-toxic
- Eco-friendly
- Effective cleaning
- Good for sensitive skin
Pro Tip: To prevent clumping in humid climates, add a few dry rice grains to your airtight storage container.
Get the Recipe: Powdered Laundry Detergent with Epsom Salt
7. Ultimate Laundry Soap (Borax & Baking Soda Free)
This improved DIY laundry soap recipe omits baking soda and Fels-Naptha, focusing on washing soda and citric acid for a powerful clean.
It tackles tough stains and keeps whites bright, making it the ultimate laundry soap.
It works wonderfully in both regular and HE machines, offering an effective and more natural solution for your laundry needs.
Get ready for cleaner, brighter clothes!.
Key Ingredients:
- Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap
- Washing Soda
- Epsom Salt
- Purified Water
- Citric Acid (or Lemi Shine)
Benefits:
- Keeps whites bright
- Effective on stains
- Works in HE machines
- More natural
Pro Tip: For extra stain-fighting power, consider adding a tablespoon of citric acid or Lemi Shine directly to the load of laundry along with the detergent.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Laundry Soap (Borax & Baking Soda Free)
8. Economical Zote Soap Powder Laundry Detergent
Get your clothes impeccably clean with this economical homemade laundry soap recipe that costs about a nickel per load! It uses Zote soap bars, washing soda, borax, and baking soda to create a powerful cleaning powder.
This recipe is perfect for large loads and tough farm clothes, proving that effective cleaning doesn't have to be expensive.
You'll love the savings and the clean results!.
Key Ingredients:
- Super Washing Soda
- Borax
- Baking Soda
- Zote Soap Bars
Benefits:
- Very economical
- Effective on tough stains
- Suitable for large loads
- Simple to make
Pro Tip: If you prefer a scent, add essential oils to your dryer balls or use them in a fabric softener step instead of directly in the detergent to keep costs down.
Get the Recipe: Economical Zote Soap Powder Laundry Detergent
9. Simple Liquid Laundry Detergent with Castile Soap, Borax, and Washing Soda
This liquid laundry detergent is a breeze to make and incredibly cost-effective.
It uses simple ingredients like Castile soap, borax, and washing soda to create a powerful yet gentle cleaner.
Your clothes will come out fresh and clean without any harsh chemicals, making it a great choice for sensitive skin and your wallet..
Key Ingredients:
- Castile Soap
- Borax
- Washing Soda
- Water
Benefits:
- Cost-effective
- Gentle on skin
- Eco-friendly
Pro Tip: To help the ingredients blend smoothly, consider using an immersion blender after mixing everything in the bucket.
Get the Recipe: Simple Liquid Laundry Detergent with Castile Soap, Borax, and Washing Soda
10. Cost-Saving Powder Laundry Detergent with Fels Naptha, Washing Soda, and OxiClean
Looking for a laundry detergent that's both budget-friendly and powerful? This powder recipe is a must-try! Combining Fels Naptha soap, washing soda, and OxiClean, it tackles tough stains and leaves clothes smelling wonderfully fresh.
You'll be amazed at how little it costs per load!.
Key Ingredients:
- Fels Naptha Soap
- Washing Soda
- OxiClean
Benefits:
- Saves money
- Effective stain removal
- Fresh smelling clothes
Pro Tip: For an extra boost of freshness, consider adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender or lemon) to each load.
Get the Recipe: Cost-Saving Powder Laundry Detergent with Fels Naptha, Washing Soda, and OxiClean
11. Easy DIY Powder Laundry Detergent with Fels Naptha and OxiClean
This DIY powder laundry detergent is surprisingly simple to whip up and incredibly affordable.
It uses common household ingredients like Fels Naptha soap and OxiClean to get your clothes brilliantly clean and smelling amazing.
You'll feel great knowing you're using a natural, cost-effective option for your laundry..
Key Ingredients:
- Fels Naptha Soap
- OxiClean
- Washing Soda
- Baking Soda
- Downy Unstopables (optional)
Benefits:
- Affordable
- Effective cleaning
- Pleasant scent
Pro Tip: Add a few drops of essential oils like lemon or tea tree for a natural, refreshing scent.
Get the Recipe: Easy DIY Powder Laundry Detergent with Fels Naptha and OxiClean
12. Simple 4-Ingredient Liquid Laundry Soap with Fels Naptha
Whip up a large batch of this liquid laundry soap with just four simple ingredients! It's incredibly quick to make and works wonders on your laundry, leaving clothes fresh and clean.
You'll love the convenience and the savings this easy recipe offers..
Key Ingredients:
- Fels Naptha Soap
- Borax
- Arm & Hammer Laundry Booster
- Water
Benefits:
- Quick to make
- Effective cleaning
- Saves money
Pro Tip: If your liquid detergent thickens over time, simply give it a good shake before each use.
Get the Recipe: Simple 4-Ingredient Liquid Laundry Soap with Fels Naptha
13. Budget-Friendly Liquid Laundry Detergent for Under $2
Get ready to save big with this incredibly budget-friendly liquid laundry detergent recipe! It makes a huge batch for less than $2, offering fantastic value.
This simple formula uses natural ingredients to get your clothes perfectly clean..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
- Fels Naptha Soap
- Water
Benefits:
- Extremely low cost
- Large batch yield
- Natural ingredients
Pro Tip: To add a lovely natural scent, add a few drops of orange or lavender essential oil to the mixture.
Get the Recipe: Budget-Friendly Liquid Laundry Detergent for Under $2
14. Easy & Quick Liquid Laundry Detergent with Natural Ingredients
This homemade liquid laundry detergent is a game-changer for your cleaning routine! It’s made with just four simple ingredients and comes together in a flash.
You’ll love how well it cleans your clothes without any harsh chemicals, making it a healthy choice for your family and your home..
Key Ingredients:
- Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
- 20 Mule Team Borax
- Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Bar Soap
- Water
- Essential Oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Clean ingredients
- Saves money
- Gentle on skin
Pro Tip: If your detergent gels up, don't worry! It's still perfectly usable. Just spoon out the amount you need for each load.
Get the Recipe: Easy & Quick Liquid Laundry Detergent with Natural Ingredients
15. Effective Laundry Detergent from Castile Soap
Craft your own effective and eco-friendly laundry detergent using versatile Castile soap! This guide walks you through making both liquid and powdered versions.
It’s a fantastic way to control ingredients, save money, and ensure your clothes are cleaned gently..
Key Ingredients:
- Castile Soap
- Washing Soda
- Borax (optional)
- Essential Oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Gentle on skin and fabrics
- Reduces waste
- Cost-effective
Pro Tip: For HE machines, use only 1-2 tablespoons of the liquid detergent to prevent oversudsing.
Get the Recipe: Effective Laundry Detergent from Castile Soap
16. Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent with Sal Suds and Baking Soda
This natural liquid laundry detergent recipe is designed to get your clothes brilliantly clean while being gentle on your washer.
It’s a great option for families who do a lot of laundry and want an effective, residue-free clean.
Plus, you can customize it with your favorite essential oils for a subtle, natural scent..
Key Ingredients:
- Sal Suds
- Water
- Baking Soda
- Purification Essential Oil
Benefits:
- No residue
- Removes odors
- HE washer safe
Pro Tip: Add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener and to help remove any lingering odors.
Get the Recipe: Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent with Sal Suds and Baking Soda
17. DIY Powder Laundry Detergent with Castile Soap, Borax, and Washing Soda
This simple powder laundry detergent recipe uses just a few key ingredients like Castile soap, Borax, and washing soda to create a powerful yet gentle cleaner.
It's a budget-friendly way to tackle everyday dirt and keep your clothes fresh, while also reducing plastic waste from store-bought detergents.
You'll love how effective and simple this is to make and use!.
Key Ingredients:
- Castile Soap Bars
- Borax
- Washing Soda
- Baking Soda
- Organic Essential Oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Drastically cheaper than leading "clean" brands
- Nontoxic and safe for families
- Cleans thoroughly
- Reduces plastic waste
Pro Tip: For an added boost of freshness, you can add a few drops of your favorite organic essential oils like lavender, orange, or eucalyptus to the mix.
Get the Recipe: DIY Powder Laundry Detergent with Castile Soap, Borax, and Washing Soda
18. Easy Liquid Laundry Soap with Castile Soap, Washing Soda, and Borax
Whipping up your own liquid laundry soap is a breeze with this recipe featuring Castile soap, washing soda, and optional Borax.
It's a cost-effective and low-waste alternative to commercial detergents, perfect for keeping your household toxins at bay.
This gentle formula cleans effectively and is a great option for both regular and HE machines..
Key Ingredients:
- Soap bar (Castile, Fels-Naptha, Zote)
- Washing soda
- Borax (optional)
- Water
- Essential oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Super affordable
- Low waste
- Made with natural ingredients
- Gentle on clothes
- Effective cleaning
Pro Tip: Add essential oils like lavender, lemon, or tea tree for a naturally fresh scent and antibacterial boost. Shake well before each use, as it can thicken or separate.
Get the Recipe: Easy Liquid Laundry Soap with Castile Soap, Washing Soda, and Borax
19. Borax-Free Powder Laundry Detergent with Epsom Salt and Castile Soap
Looking for a gentle, effective, and borax-free laundry solution? This DIY powder detergent uses Castile soap, washing soda, baking soda, and Epsom salt.
Epsom salt acts as a natural fabric softener and helps balance water hardness, making your detergent work even better.
It’s a fantastic option for sensitive skin and a step towards a zero-waste laundry routine..
Key Ingredients:
- Castile soap bar
- Washing soda
- Baking soda
- Epsom salt
- Essential oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Eco-friendly
- Affordable
- Zero-waste option
- Natural fabric softener
Pro Tip: Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener and to help remove any detergent residue.
Get the Recipe: Borax-Free Powder Laundry Detergent with Epsom Salt and Castile Soap
20. Simple Liquid Laundry Soap with Castile, Washing Soda, and Borax
This homemade liquid laundry detergent recipe is incredibly easy to make and will save you both money and exposure to harsh chemicals.
Combining Castile soap, washing soda, and Borax with water creates a powerful cleaner that works well in all types of washing machines.
It’s a straightforward way to achieve clean clothes naturally..
Key Ingredients:
- Water
- Washing soda
- Borax
- Castile soap
- Essential oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Saves money
- Removes toxins from household
- Cleans effectively
- Works in HE machines
Pro Tip: The liquid soap may gel up a bit as it sits, which actually makes it easier to scoop out. Just give it a stir or shake before using.
Get the Recipe: Simple Liquid Laundry Soap with Castile, Washing Soda, and Borax
21. 4-Ingredient DIY Laundry Soap with Castile Soap, Baking Soda, and Sea Salt
Simplify your laundry routine with this super easy, 4-ingredient DIY laundry soap.
It uses unscented Castile soap, baking soda, and coarse sea salt, making it a basic yet effective cleaner.
This recipe is perfect for those with sensitive skin and offers a gentle, natural way to get your clothes clean while minimizing toxins in your home..
Key Ingredients:
- Hot Water
- Castile Soap (unscented)
- Baking Soda
- Coarse Sea Salts
Benefits:
- Easy to make
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Minimizes toxins
- Effective for everyday laundry
Pro Tip: This recipe is not recommended for cloth diapers, as it may not be strong enough to remove waste. For regular laundry, about 1/4 cup per load in an HE washer works well.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient DIY Laundry Soap with Castile Soap, Baking Soda, and Sea Salt
22. Homemade Laundry Powder Detergent with Castile Soap, Washing Soda, and Borax
Cut down on plastic waste and harsh chemicals with this homemade laundry powder detergent.
Combining washing soda, Borax, and grated Castile soap, this recipe creates a powerful cleaner that lasts.
It's an economical and eco-friendly choice for keeping your clothes fresh and clean without the synthetic additives found in many store-bought options..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Baking Soda
- Borax
- Bar Soap (Castile or Fels-Naptha)
- Essential oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Saves money
- Avoids harsh chemicals
- Reduces plastic waste
- Gentle on skin
- Good for the environment
Pro Tip: Store your finished detergent in an airtight container to prevent clumping. Using a food processor to blend grated soap into a fine powder helps it dissolve better, especially in cold water.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Laundry Powder Detergent with Castile Soap, Washing Soda, and Borax