Making your own laundry soap is a fantastic way to save money and reduce the chemicals in your home.
These DIY recipes offer simple, effective solutions for clean clothes, using natural ingredients that are gentle on fabrics and the environment.
Get ready to discover how easy and rewarding it is to whip up your own laundry detergent!.
Table of Contents
1. Easy Powdered Laundry Soap with Borax and Washing Soda
This recipe offers a simple, cost-effective way to create your own powdered laundry soap.
It combines common household ingredients like borax, washing soda, and bar soap to create a concentrated detergent that's gentle yet effective.
You'll love how much you can save per load, and it leaves clothes smelling fresh without harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Bar Soap
- Borax
- Washing Soda
Benefits:
- Cost-effective
- Reduces chemicals
- Simple ingredients
Pro Tip: Store your homemade powder in an airtight container to prevent clumping, and use about two tablespoons per large load.
Get the Recipe: Easy Powdered Laundry Soap with Borax and Washing Soda
2. Effective Liquid Laundry Detergent with Sal Suds and Essential Oils
This liquid laundry detergent recipe is designed to actually get clothes clean, unlike some other homemade versions.
It uses powerful ingredients like Sal Suds and super washing soda to lift dirt and odors.
Plus, you can customize the scent with your favorite essential oils for a truly refreshing clean..
Key Ingredients:
- Sal Suds
- Super Washing Soda
- Salt
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Actually gets clothes clean
- Removes odors
- Customizable scent
Pro Tip: Shake or stir the detergent before each use, as the ingredients can settle over time.
Get the Recipe: Effective Liquid Laundry Detergent with Sal Suds and Essential Oils
3. Ultimate Powdered Laundry Soap with Citric Acid
This improved powdered laundry soap recipe aims for ultimate cleaning power.
It swaps out baking soda for washing soda and adds citric acid to help keep whites bright and prevent dinginess over time.
It’s a fantastic, easy-to-make option for keeping your laundry fresh and clean..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Citric Acid
- Bar Soap
Benefits:
- Keeps whites bright
- Effective cleaning
- Easy to make
Pro Tip: For best results and a fine powder consistency, use a food processor with a grater attachment.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Powdered Laundry Soap with Citric Acid
4. Simple 3-Ingredient Natural Laundry Detergent
This incredibly simple natural laundry detergent uses just three main ingredients to get your clothes clean without harsh chemicals.
It's a budget-friendly and effective option that's safe for sensitive skin and even newborns.
Plus, you can easily boost its scent and cleaning power with essential oils..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Washing Soda
- Bar Soap
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Very cost-effective
- Easy to customize scent
Pro Tip: If you prefer to avoid borax, you can substitute it with an equal amount of baking soda.
Get the Recipe: Simple 3-Ingredient Natural Laundry Detergent
5. Economical Homemade Laundry Soap with Essential Oils
Make a big batch of this economical homemade laundry soap and save money for months! It’s a simple recipe that uses natural ingredients and can be scented with your favorite essential oils.
This soap is powerful enough for tough loads and gentle enough for everyday use..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Washing Soda
- Castile Soap Bar
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Long-lasting batch
- Saves money
- Natural scent options
Pro Tip: Store your homemade laundry soap in a repurposed detergent container or a large mason jar for easy access.
Get the Recipe: Economical Homemade Laundry Soap with Essential Oils
6. Inexpensive Natural Powder Laundry Soap
This recipe for natural powder laundry soap is incredibly easy and budget-friendly, making it a great step towards a more natural lifestyle.
It effectively cleans clothes, even tough loads, and lasts a long time.
Store it properly, and it won't expire, keeping your laundry fresh and clean..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Baking Soda
- Borax
- Soap Bar
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Very inexpensive
- Lasts a long time
- Effective cleaning
Pro Tip: Add this powder directly to the washer drum, not an automatic dispenser, to prevent clumping.
Get the Recipe: Inexpensive Natural Powder Laundry Soap
7. Non-Toxic Liquid Laundry Soap for Family Use
This non-toxic liquid laundry soap is a fantastic option for families, especially those with sensitive skin or using cloth diapers.
It's significantly cheaper than store-bought alternatives and made with simple, natural ingredients.
Enjoy clean, fresh-smelling clothes without the worry of harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Castile Soap Bar
- Borax
- Super Washing Soda
- Herbs or Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Truly non-toxic
- Very affordable
- Great for sensitive skin
Pro Tip: Consider using a fragrant herbal infusion, like lemon balm or lavender, instead of essential oils for a natural scent.
Get the Recipe: Non-Toxic Liquid Laundry Soap for Family Use
8. Budget-Friendly Homemade Powder Laundry Soap
This homemade powder laundry soap is incredibly economical, costing about a nickel per load! It’s made with common ingredients and processed in a food processor for a fine powder consistency.
This recipe is perfect for getting even heavily soiled clothes sparkling clean..
Key Ingredients:
- Super Washing Soda
- Borax
- Baking Soda
- Zote Soap Bars
Benefits:
- Extremely low cost per load
- Effective on tough stains
- Easy to make in batches
Pro Tip: If you prefer a pink hue to your soap, you can use pink Zote soap bars; it helps with even distribution.
Get the Recipe: Budget-Friendly Homemade Powder Laundry Soap
9. DIY Laundry Detergent with Borax, Washing Soda, and Fels Naptha
This DIY laundry detergent is a money-saver that costs just pennies per load.
It combines powerful cleaning agents like Borax and Washing Soda with Fels Naptha laundry bar for a scent-free option.
It works wonderfully in both top-loading and front-loading washers, leaving clothes clean without any fuss..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Washing Soda
- Fels Naptha Laundry Bar
- Scent Boosters (optional)
Benefits:
- Cost-effective
- Deep cleaning
- Gentle on fabrics
Pro Tip: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture for a subtle, natural fragrance.
Get the Recipe: DIY Laundry Detergent with Borax, Washing Soda, and Fels Naptha
10. Natural Laundry Detergent with Customizable Scents
Looking for a natural, effective, and gentle laundry solution? This DIY recipe allows you to customize your scent with essential oils like lavender or lemon, or keep it unscented.
It's a simple way to avoid synthetic fragrances and harsh ingredients found in store-bought options, making laundry day better for your home and skin..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Baking Soda
- Castile Soap or Fels-Naptha
- Essential Oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Natural ingredients
- Customizable scent
- Gentle on skin
Pro Tip: Use a mask while mixing the dry ingredients to avoid inhaling any dust.
Get the Recipe: Natural Laundry Detergent with Customizable Scents
11. Simple Homemade Laundry Powder with Epsom Salt and Essential Oils
This non-toxic, eco-friendly laundry powder is incredibly effective and easy to make.
Using ingredients like Epsom salt for water softening and baking soda for odor neutralization, it tackles dirt and leaves clothes feeling fresh.
It's perfect for sensitive skin and a sustainable choice for your household..
Key Ingredients:
- Epsom Salt
- Baking Soda
- Washing Soda
- Sea Salt
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Non-toxic
- Eco-friendly
- Softens water
- Natural odor neutralizer
Pro Tip: Add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for a natural fabric softener.
Get the Recipe: Simple Homemade Laundry Powder with Epsom Salt and Essential Oils
12. Easy Liquid Laundry Detergent with Castile Soap
This liquid laundry detergent is incredibly cheap and easy to make, perfect as a non-toxic alternative to store-bought options.
Using liquid castile soap, washing soda, and borax, it creates a potent cleaner that works in all washing machines, including HE models.
It's a great way to save money and cut down on household toxins..
Key Ingredients:
- Liquid Castile Soap
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Water
Benefits:
- Cost-effective
- Non-toxic
- Low-sudsing
- Works in HE machines
Pro Tip: Make a large batch in a 5-gallon bucket to last for months.
Get the Recipe: Easy Liquid Laundry Detergent with Castile Soap
13. Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent with Fels Naptha and Washing Soda
This homemade non-toxic laundry detergent is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice.
It uses simple ingredients like Fels Naptha soap, washing soda, and borax to effectively clean clothes.
Making your own ensures you know exactly what's going into your laundry, avoiding harmful chemicals and protecting your family and the planet..
Key Ingredients:
- Fels Naptha Soap
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Baking Soda
Benefits:
- Non-toxic
- Eco-friendly
- Cost-effective
- Effective stain removal
Pro Tip: Consider using wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets for an even more eco-friendly approach.
Get the Recipe: Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent with Fels Naptha and Washing Soda
14. Low-Sudsing Powder Laundry Detergent Recipe
Tired of harsh chemicals in store-bought detergents? This easy-to-make powder recipe uses simple ingredients like castile soap, washing soda, borax, and baking soda to create an effective, low-sudsing detergent.
It's perfect for high-efficiency washers and leaves clothes clean without any residue..
Key Ingredients:
- Castile Soap
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Low-sudsing
- HE washer safe
- Natural ingredients
- Customizable scent
Pro Tip: Store your detergent in an airtight glass container to prevent clumping.
Get the Recipe: Low-Sudsing Powder Laundry Detergent Recipe
15. Super Simple Powder Laundry Detergent with Fels Naptha
This incredibly easy powder laundry detergent is a fantastic money-saver, costing only cents per load.
It's made with just a few staple ingredients like Fels Naptha soap, washing soda, and OxiClean, which work together to tackle tough stains and leave your clothes smelling fresh.
It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers powerful cleaning without the fuss..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Fels Naptha Soap
- OxiClean
Benefits:
- Cost-effective
- Tackles tough stains
- Leaves clothes smelling fresh
Pro Tip: Grate your Fels Naptha bars finely for the best results and to ensure the soap dissolves completely in your wash.
Get the Recipe: Super Simple Powder Laundry Detergent with Fels Naptha
16. All-Purpose Powder Laundry Detergent with Castile Soap
This DIY powder laundry detergent is a wonderful, affordable alternative to store-bought options.
By combining castile soap, washing soda, and borax, you create a potent cleaner that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin but tough on dirt and odors.
It’s a simple, cost-effective way to get brilliantly clean laundry..
Key Ingredients:
- Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap
- Super Washing Soda
- Borax
- Essential Oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Toxic chemical-free
- Cost-effective
- Natural scent options
Pro Tip: For an extra burst of natural scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to the mixture. Lavender or peppermint are great choices!
Get the Recipe: All-Purpose Powder Laundry Detergent with Castile Soap
17. Gentle 3-Ingredient Powder Laundry Soap
Simplify your laundry routine with this gentle, three-ingredient powder soap.
Made with castile soap, washing soda, and baking soda, it’s a natural powerhouse that's safe for babies and sensitive skin.
Just a couple of tablespoons per load will leave your clothes fresh and clean, all while being incredibly budget-friendly..
Key Ingredients:
- Castile Soap Bar
- Washing Soda
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Gentle and safe for sensitive skin
- Cost-effective
- Natural and simple
Pro Tip: If you prefer a specific scent, add 2-3 drops of essential oils like lavender, wild orange, or tea tree to each load as you measure out the soap.
Get the Recipe: Gentle 3-Ingredient Powder Laundry Soap
18. Budget-Friendly Powder Laundry Detergent
This homemade powder laundry detergent is a game-changer for saving money without sacrificing cleaning power.
It uses a simple combination of washing soda, baking soda, borax, and a grated laundry soap bar to create a effective cleaner.
It costs just pennies per load and works well in all water temperatures, making it a must-try for eco-conscious households..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Baking Soda
- Borax
- Laundry Soap Bar
Benefits:
- Highly cost-effective
- Effective cleaning
- Works in all water temperatures
Pro Tip: For top-loading washing machines, add the powder to the washer first, start the water to dissolve it slightly, then add your laundry.
Get the Recipe: Budget-Friendly Powder Laundry Detergent
19. Easy DIY Powder Laundry Detergent (HE Compatible)
Making your own laundry detergent is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding.
This recipe, compatible with HE washers, uses common ingredients like OxiClean, washing soda, borax, baking soda, and Fels-Naptha soap.
It's a fantastic way to get clean, fresh-smelling clothes for a fraction of the cost of store-bought brands..
Key Ingredients:
- OxiClean with Odor Blasters
- Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda
- Borax
- Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
- Fels-Naptha Soap
- Downy Unstopables (optional)
Benefits:
- HE washer compatible
- Cost-effective per load
- Removes stains and leaves clothes smelling great
Pro Tip: Add a Downy Unstopables container to store your homemade detergent for easy scooping and a touch of fragrance.
Get the Recipe: Easy DIY Powder Laundry Detergent (HE Compatible)
20. Fragrant Boutique-Style Powder Laundry Detergent
Dreaming of that luxurious boutique laundry scent without the hefty price tag? This DIY recipe lets you recreate that upscale fragrance at home.
By combining Fels Naptha soap, washing soda, Oxi-Clean, borax, and a touch of high-quality fragrance oil, you’ll get beautifully scented, clean clothes for significantly less..
Key Ingredients:
- Fels Naptha Soap
- Washing Soda
- Oxi-Clean
- Borax
- Fragrance Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Achieve boutique fragrance at home
- Cost-effective
- Effective stain fighting
Pro Tip: Use fragrance oils specifically designed for soap and skincare for the best scent longevity and safety in your detergent.
Get the Recipe: Fragrant Boutique-Style Powder Laundry Detergent
21. Microwave-Made Powder Laundry Soap (No Grating!)
Tired of grating soap for DIY laundry detergent? This clever recipe uses a microwave to expand ivory soap into fluffy pieces, eliminating the need for a grater.
Combined with washing soda and borax, it creates a simple, effective powder that’s great for getting your laundry clean, especially if you have hard water..
Key Ingredients:
- Ivory Soap
- Washing Soda
- Borax
Benefits:
- No grating required
- Effective in hard water
- Simple and quick to make
Pro Tip: This method is fantastic for engaging kids in the process – let them help with the 'magic' of microwaving and breaking down the soap!
Get the Recipe: Microwave-Made Powder Laundry Soap (No Grating!)
22. Homemade Powder Laundry Detergent with Fels-Naptha
This recipe offers a cost-effective and simple way to make your own powdered laundry detergent.
Using ingredients like Fels-Naptha, Borax, and laundry soda, it promises to clean effectively and save you a significant amount of money compared to commercial options.
It's a great way to get tough stains out and leave your clothes feeling clean..
Key Ingredients:
- Fels-Naptha
- Borax
- Laundry Soda
Benefits:
- Saves Money
- Effective Stain Removal
- Natural Ingredients
Pro Tip: For a pleasant scent, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to the dry mixture.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Powder Laundry Detergent with Fels-Naptha
23. No-Grate Powdered Laundry Soap
Tired of grating soap? This ingenious recipe skips that step entirely, making it super quick and easy to create a powdered laundry detergent.
It uses pre-grated Zote soap along with other simple ingredients to deliver a powerful clean.
This option is perfect for those who want to save time and effort while still enjoying homemade laundry soap..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Arm and Hammer Laundry Booster
- Zote Soap (pre-grated)
- Oxy-Clean
- Baking Soda
Benefits:
- No Grating Required
- Saves Money
- Easy to Make
Pro Tip: Consider adding scent boosters like Downey Unstopables for an extra fragrant laundry experience.
Get the Recipe: No-Grate Powdered Laundry Soap
24. Easy Homemade Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent with Essential Oils
This recipe focuses on creating a non-toxic laundry detergent using natural ingredients like baking soda, washing soda, and Epsom salts.
The addition of essential oils allows you to customize the scent and adds natural antibacterial properties.
It's a fantastic way to keep your clothes clean while being gentle on your skin and the environment..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Baking Soda
- Salt
- Epsom Salts
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Non-Toxic
- Gentle on Skin
- Customizable Scent
- Eco-Friendly
Pro Tip: Experiment with different essential oils like lavender for calming or lemon for a fresh scent.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent with Essential Oils
25. Old-Fashioned Laundry Soap You Can Make at Home
This old-fashioned laundry soap recipe is a classic for a reason! It's simple to make and uses basic ingredients like grated soap, washing soda, and borax to create a powerful cleaner.
It's gentle enough for sensitive skin and is even suitable for high-efficiency washing machines, making it a versatile choice for any household..
Key Ingredients:
- Soap Bar (Castile or Fels-Naptha)
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Low-Suds
- Gentle Formula
- Cost-Effective
- Suitable for HE Machines
Pro Tip: Using a food processor to pulse the soap into a fine powder will help it dissolve more easily in cooler water.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Laundry Soap You Can Make at Home
26. Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap: Only $.03 Per Load
Discover how to make incredibly inexpensive liquid laundry soap that costs mere cents per load! This recipe uses just three main ingredients: Fels Naptha soap, washing soda, and borax.
It’s gentle enough for babies and effective for even the toughest stains, making it a fantastic all-around choice for your laundry needs..
Key Ingredients:
- Fels Naptha Soap
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Extremely Affordable
- Effective Stain Remover
- Gentle on Skin
- All-Natural
Pro Tip: You can make your own washing soda by baking baking soda in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap: Only $.03 Per Load
27. DIY Laundry Detergent: Clean, Simple, and Natural
This DIY laundry detergent recipe provides a clean, simple, and natural way to wash your clothes.
It combines common household ingredients like washing soda, borax, baking soda, and Epsom salt.
You have the flexibility to add grated soap and essential oils for a customized scent and enhanced cleaning power..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Baking Soda
- Epsom Salt
- Grated Soap (optional)
Benefits:
- Natural Alternative
- Reduces Chemical Exposure
- Effective
- Customizable
Pro Tip: For hard water, adding a bit more borax can help improve cleaning performance.
Get the Recipe: DIY Laundry Detergent: Clean, Simple, and Natural
28. Homemade Powder Laundry Soap Detergent
Looking for a natural alternative to commercial detergents? This simple powder laundry detergent is the answer! It’s made with just a few basic ingredients and takes only about 5 minutes to whip up.
This recipe is a hardworking solution that effectively tackles stains and odors, leaving your laundry smelling and feeling fantastic..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Soap Bar
Benefits:
- Natural
- Tough on Stains and Odors
- Easy to Make
- Cost-Effective
Pro Tip: This recipe is also available in a DIY liquid detergent version if you prefer that format.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Powder Laundry Soap Detergent
29. Easy Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap
This easy homemade liquid laundry soap is a budget-friendly, low-waste, and natural alternative to store-bought detergents.
It’s customizable, gentle on clothes, and effective at cleaning.
You can even add essential oils for a lovely, natural fragrance.
This recipe provides peace of mind, knowing exactly what’s going into your family’s laundry..
Key Ingredients:
- Soap Bar (Castile, Fels-Naptha, Zote)
- Washing Soda
- Borax (optional)
- Water
- Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Cost-Effective
- Low Waste
- Natural Ingredients
- Gentle on Clothes
Pro Tip: If you have very sensitive skin, you can skip the borax and the soap will still clean beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap