Want to make an all-natural laundry detergent as effective as commercial detergent? Your search is over. Here’s how to make the best DIY homemade laundry detergent. And all you need is 3 key ingredients and 15 minutes.
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11 years ago, I started making the switch to natural cleaning products, including laundry detergent!
At that time, the majority of recipes online called for a bar of fels naptha, washing soda, and Borax. But there was one problem: our clothes came out with chalky white spots.
So I made a simple swap: liquid Dr. Bronner’s castile soap instead of the fels naptha soap bar. With this one change, the detergent worked just as good as Tide.
This recipe is non-toxic, fights stains better than commercial detergent, and is cheap! I’ve been making this liquid laundry detergent for over 11 years (originally created in 2014) because of its extraordinary cleaning power.
Homemade Laundry Detergent Benefits
Before You Get Started: What You’ll Need
Ingredients
This recipe, made with simple ingredients, makes 1 gallon of homemade soap.
- 1 cup borax – freshens, deodorizes, and lifts dirt and stains
- 1 cup washing soda – freshens and deodorizes
- 1 cup liquid castile soap or Sal Suds – the main cleaning agent, lifts dirt and cleans
- 50 drops essential oil – optional for a scent
- 15 cups water – distilled water, found in any grocery store, is best as it doesn’t contain containments found in tap or filtered water
Equipment
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven – enough to hold 1 gallon of liquid, 15 cups
- Storage Jars – such as 2 half gallon-size glass mason jars, 1 gallon-size jar, or reuse an old detergent bottle
Thicker Detergent Tip: This recipe calls for 15 cups of water. If you’d like a thicker, more concentrated soap, use 10-12 cups of water.
How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent: Recipe Steps
- Step 1 Boil 6 Cups of Water: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, bring 6 cups of water to a slight boil. Once the water begins to boil, turn off the burner.
- Step 2 Add Borax, Washing Soda, More Water, and Castile Soap: Add the Borax and washing soda. Stir to dissolve. Then add 9 cups of room-temperature water and 1 cup of liquid castile soap. Give the ingredients a stir to combine.
- Step 3 Cool for 5-10 Minutes: Allow the soap to cool for a few minutes before pouring into one large gallon-size jar or smaller containers, like quart-size jars. Make sure your jar(s) are heat-safe. If not, wait until the soap is cool, then spoon the soap into the jar(s).
- Step 4 Add Essential Oil For Scent: Add an essential oil of choice (if using) to the soap (now in the jar) and stir to combine with the detergent.
What to Avoid Doing
- Baking Soda – Don’t use baking soda in place of washing soda. Washing soda has a different chemical composition and will not work in this recipe. It is NOT a substitute.
- Dish Soap – Don’t use other dish soaps in place of the castile soap. Dish soap will cause the soap to have too many bubbles in the wash.
- Lack of Suds – Don’t assume that a lack of suds and bubbles means the soap isn’t effective. Suds and bubbles don’t equal clean.
- Plastic Containers – If you’re reusing an old detergent bottle for storage, make sure the laundry detergent is fully cool before adding to a plastic container.
- Heat-Safe Glass – Use a heat-resistant glass jar (if using glass for storage), and also allow the detergent to cool a bit (about 10 minutes) before adding it.
- Essential Oils – The essential oil will add a subtle fragrance, but shouldn’t be added until the soap cools as heat will cause the essential oil to evaporate.
How to Prevent Chunky or Gelled Detergent
After a few days the liquid laundry detergent may clump or gel. This is a completely normal chemical reaction that is usually caused when the outside temperature is cooler. There’s no way to completely prevent this from happening; however, one option is to use more water (2-3 cups more) to make a less concentrated soap.
The laundry soap is 100% usable if it gels up (l actually love this form). Simply scoop the detergent from the container and add to the washer.
Key Takeaway: Whether the laundry detergent gels up or remains liquid, it’s 100% effective and usable in both forms.
How to Use This Liquid Laundry Soap
The detergent is ready to use immediately after making. And may be stored for later use.
- Give the jar a good shake or stir (with a long spoon) before use.
- Use this detergent just as you would any laundry soap to clean clothes.
- This homemade liquid laundry soap is highly concentrated, which means you need only a tiny amount to get a dirty job done.
- For top-loading washer machines, use 1/8-1/4 cup.
- For an HE front loader, use 1-2 tablespoons.
- Add the detergent directly to your washer or the laundry soap compartment.
Can I use this in an HE washer?
I do, so I can only speak to my personal experience. I use 1-2 tablespoons per load. If it’s in gel form, add it straight to the washer on top of the clothes.
Always consult your machine’s user guide before using any laundry detergent to know what your machine can and can’t handle.
How long does this recipe last?
- Use the soap within 1 month.
- Store in your laundry room, at room temperature.
- Learn more about the safety of making your own natural cleaners.
FAQs
- Can I use a castile soap bar instead of liquid castile soap? Yes, you can. Use a cheese grater to grate a bar of castile soap into the hot water (along with the borax and washing soda). Stir and continue to boil the ingredients to dissolve fully (takes about 10 minutes). I also use a bar of castile soap to make powder laundry soap.
- Is it normal that it’s more watery than soapy? Yes, this is normal. For a thicker, more concentrated detergent, there are two options: use Sal Suds instead of castile soap OR reduce the water to 10-12 cups for a more concentrated detergent.
- The detergent is chunky (or gelled) after cooling, is that normal? Yes, this is normal. Depending on your home’s temperature, the soap may be more liquid or even chunky (like a gel). Both are normal and usable!
- My laundry soap didn’t gel. What happened? If your environment is cooler, your laundry soap may gel after cooling. Or it may not. This is normal. Both forms are 100% good and usable. A reader recently shared this tip you can try as well, “I also like the the detergent to be more gelatinous and I use my immersion blender for a few seconds after it is cool to whip it. It turns white and jelly.”
- Is borax safe? Borax is a debated ingredient in naturally-minded circles. I personally don’t see any reason to avoid it. This borax article from Wellness Mama has fantastic information.
- Can I use this soap to lift stains? Yes, you can. You can either add the garment to the washer or add the garment to your kitchen sink with the soap and water and soak the garment to lift the stains. Or, apply the soap directly to the stain and scrub. If you’re dealing with tough stain, I recommend using this homemade stain remover before washing the garment.
- Does this soap work with hard water? Yes, it does. I have hard water and this soap works great. You may want to use this laundry softener recipe as well.
Conclusion: Does this detergent work?
People always ask me, “Will homemade soap work as well as a store-bought product?” The answer, “YES! It will.”
My daughter’s chocolate stain on the left and after using this detergent in the wash. The stain lifted and the shirt was saved. If you need need extra help lifting a stain, you can also use my homemade stain remover first.
The Best Natural Laundry Detergent Brands: I’ve researched and tried many different laundry soap brands and narrowed down the best 11 brands!
Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large saucepan or dutch oven (big enough to hold 15 cups of liquid)
- storage jars (such as 2 half gallon-size glass mason jars, 1 gallon-size jar, or reuse an old detergent bottle) for storing the laundry soap
Ingredients
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup liquid castile soap unscented or scented
- 15 cups water divided
- 50 drops essential oil optional for scent
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, bring 6 cups of water to a slight boil. Once the water begins to boil, turn off the burner.
- Add the Borax and washing soda. Stir to dissolve. Then add 9 cups of room-temperature water and 1 cup of liquid castile soap. Give the ingredients a stir to combine.
- Allow the soap to cool for a few minutes before pouring into one large gallon-size jar or smaller containers, like quart-size jars. Make sure your jar(s) are heat-safe. If not, wait until the soap is cool, then spoon the soap into the jar(s).If you're reusing an old detergent bottle, make sure the soap is fully cool before adding to a plastic container.
- Add an essential oil of choice (if using) to the soap (now in the jar) and stir to combine with the detergent. The essential oil will add a subtle fragrance, but shouldn't be added until the soap cools as heat will cause the essential oil to evaporate.
- As the soap sits, the mixture may form into a gel and become chunky. There may also be liquid and gel separation, simply stir or shake. This is normal.
How to Use
- For top loading washer machines, use 1/8-1/4 cup. For a front loader, use 1-2 tablespoons. Add the detergent to the liquid soap compartment of the washer.
- Stain Treatment – Use a small amount of soap directly on the stain, scrub or rub the stain with a cloth. Repeat as needed, then wash the garment. Or use this stain remover spray.
- Laundry Softener – This laundry detergent may be used with a fabric softener. I use vinegar added to the softener compartment or this salt scent booster & softener added directly to the wash basin before running a wash cycle.
I know that it is working because I mark my boys clothes with their initials in permanent marker and after several washes I have to mark them again.
I have been using this recipe for about 6 months. After about 2 months I started noticing an odor and most of the really smelly clothes and my husbands cologne did not come out. I have adjusted the amount that I use and I totally cleaned out my washer several times. I am wondering if I am doing something wrong? Does anyone else having this problem? I use vinegar for the softner.
Hey Wenonah, Hmmm…I’m not sure. The clothes definitely shouldn’t be smelly. Have you tried using less water when creating the recipe which will result in a much more concentrated soap? Do the clothes smell like body odor (just from being worn) or a different scent?
Both. The clothes that are every day wear smell funky but the heavy BO and cologne do not come out. They still smell. I love making my own everything and have tried quite a few. This one works best. Could it be because I am making it with hard water?
Wenonah, It may be the hard water. Maybe try adding a bit of borax to the water during next load, with the laundry detergent too. Borax should remove the smells. I’m glad it’s taking care of the marker so you know it’s cleaning.
You can easily make washing soda from baking soda. Heating it to a high temperature by baking it changes the chemical structure. This tip makes your recipe even more cost effective! Here is the link: http://naturesnurtureblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_2458.jpg.
Thanks for sharing, Naomi. Good to know.
If I were to purchase the ingredients needed to make this laundry soap from Amazon as you suggested, about how many batches of laundry soap can be made from my initial purchase. I just wanted to weight out the approximate cost of a complete gallon of soap. I know I will need to add shipping cost to that total. Thanks
Hey Robin, I’m not sure how many exact batches of laundry soap the ingredients listed will make. I can tell you that I get at least three batches from the borax and washing soda. The Bronners will vary with the size you purchase…I now buy the gallon size. I’d also check your local grocery store for the ingredients. The “where to buy” links offer readers a chance to view the exact products I use, but many times they can be picked up locally.
I bought my Borax and Washing Soda at Walmart.
Wonderful, Glenda! Thank you for sharing. Enjoy the soap!!
How long does the laundry detergent keep? Does it need to be used within a few months? I’m so excited to try this!!
Hey Alison, The laundry soap will last around six months. I’d venture to say it would probably last even longer, but my concern when water is involved is the possibility of bacteria growth. Enjoy!
Hello! So I made my own laundry soap and have for a couple yrs but my husband is a tide guy for scent reasons. How do I keep my clothes smelling good? I’ve done EO only to have the dryer kill the scent. So now I have to put a tbsp of tide in my husbands loads lol please help I can’t stand tide makes my allergies go crazy!!
Hey Ashly, I totally get the Tide thing and it’s a very hard scent to mimic with a homemade soap due to the number of chemical fragrances added. I think for now adding the small amount of Tide just to give him that scent is probably the best you can do. Another option might be adding EOs to dryer balls or purchasing more “natural” dryer sheets (such as Mrs. Meyers). It’s hard to break the idea that “clean” is supposed to smell a certain a way (of course, no body odor ;)), at least it has been for me.
I came across this website and I am so happy I did!!! I must say all the homemade things I was uncertain of making until I saw them laid out here (Amazon order is coming)! I am trying to get us away from chemicals in our everyday products, starting with the laundry detergent and dish soap; then the body wash and toothpaste. One question – my son is allergic to tree nuts – is there a substitute for the coconut oil that can be used? Thank you and again – LOVE THIS SITE!!!!
Hey Jane,
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you found Live Simply too!!
Due to coconut oils unique properties there really isn’t much you can substitute for it in something like toothpaste :(. For your son, you may want to consider a good “commercial” (but very, very natural) brand like Earthpaste which doesn’t contain any coconut oil.
I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong, but my didn’t gel at all. I can still use it and it’s working great, but it’s a little more difficult to use as a straight liquid. It splashes when I push the dispenser drawer back in on my front loading washing machine. I read the recipe three times and I can’t figure out where I went wrong. Any ideas??
Hi! This is perfect and exactly what I was looking for! After finding out filsnapa soap and borax wasn’t good for us I used Dr. bonners soap with an all natural recipe and I was disappointed. I decided to use borax again and came across your recipe. The only issue I’m having is after it gels and I mix it, it keeps separating. Does it continue to seperate? If so do I have to stir it everytime before use? The bottom is completely clear liquid. TIA
Hey Fiona, Yay! I’m so glad you found this recipe too. I can understand the disappointment. I was in the same place before creating this recipe. I just stir once every few days with a long wood spoon or shake my container. The liquid on the bottom will occur, so just shaking every so often will help.
Never mind. I read your blogs and found them 🙂
Hi! Getting ready to make this fabulous soap!! Can’t wait to try it. This is random but, I love your super cute measuring cup!! You wouldn’t remember where it came from would you!?
Hey Savana, Yay! Enjoy the soap! That little cup is super popular, I’m often asked about it. Lol. It’s part of a measuring cup set I bought at Home Goods. I’ve also seen similar sets at Pier One Imports.
I have been using this detergent for a couple of weeks now. At first it separated and was watery but after I stirred it and it sat for another day or two, it thickened up. It’s rather lumpy but that’s no problem. I have an HE front loader and have noticed that it does not produce suds at all. At first I was concerned but others have said that this is an added plus for HE washers. I have used between 2-3 T per load and it seems that my clothes are clean and smelling fresh. I also added about 15 drops of lavender essential oil. Today I used a few tablespoons to clean the shower. It worked great with no toxic fumes!
Hey Carol, I’m so glad you like it and your clothes are clean! I’ve used this soap to clean upholstered chairs and even toilets. I’ll have to try the shower next. Commercial soaps contain added chemicals for added suds to give us the clean feel. This product will produce a few bubbles, but nothing like the commercial soaps.
Carol, do you put it in the soap dispenser our in the tub with the clothes?
My question is to the people with HE washing machines… How are you putting the soap in… Mine has a dispenser I usually pour mine into before the laundry even begins… It’s the non agitator type so adding it to water before loading is not an option… So those with this type what do you do?
Hi! I just made you recipe for liquid laundry soap and mine made a little gel on top but when I shake it and go to use it, it is pure liquid. What went wrong and can I use what I made or should I just start over?
Hey Sydney, The recipe takes 24-48 hours to gel. Some people experience gelling issues in the summer heat (if you’re storing the soap outside in the garage or laundry room). Gelling is just an added bonus, but is not required for the soap to be effective. You can start using it ASAP.
I just started using epson salt as a softener. It works great. Safe and not harmful to the environment.
Just add a few tablespoons to the wash.
Katherine, Great idea!! I’ve been meaning to try this.
Hello Kristin,
Just tried to make the laundry soap and I must be doing something wrong. It’s very watery. I double measured twice. Using six cups boiled water then eleven of room temp. water. How much detergent is it supposed to make? I would need two huge jars to fit the blended mix 🙂 Love your blog:)
Thanks!
Malin
Hey Malin, Thank you so much.
This recipe will produce a little more than a gallon of soap, so you’ll probably need a 1.5 gallon jar or divide the recipe between multiple jars. The soap can either be very watery or gel…both are very effective. I’ve found, for some odd reason, this soap sets (gels) better in the winter and colder months, and during the summer it can take days to gel. Gelling is just an added perk, but doesn’t effect the cleaning-power. Enjoy!!
Hey Malin, Just wanted to check back in to see how your soap is performing?
I use Tide as well 😉 But only on my cloth diapers, and only because it allows me to use chlorine bleach on them less often because it helps keep away the stink! I’m currently using something made with soap nuts. I’m nervous to try homemade as I’m a stain-freak (as in a HATE stains) and I’m just nervous that homemade won’t work as well! However I think you’ve got me convinced and when we run out of our store-bought laundry detergent, I might have to give this a try! I have an HE washer so we’ll see how this goes 😀
I’m so happy to meet another naturally-minded Tide user ;). It’s freeing to confess, lol. I had some really bad experiences with homemade laundry soap, but this recipe sold me! There’s zero fading and it actually cleans our clothes. Can’t wait to hear what you think.
I’ve been making my own laundry soap for 3 years now (basically same recipe but instead of DrB I disolve a bar of soap) … sometimes it doesn’t gel … I get my stick blender, give it a bit of a buzz then let it sit another day … most of the time it then gels. I also make my own bar soap, and just started making my own liquid soap which is basically the same as DrB … I’m going to use your idea with my new liquid soap – thanks.
Hi Bernice, Thanks for the stick blender tip…very smart! Enjoy the recipe :).
What EO do you use with this recipe
Hey Catherine, I use lavender or lemongrass, just for a scent. You can also skip the EO.
I made the laundry soap about 36 hours ago and it has not turned into a gel-it’s just like water-I used distilled water, could this bb the problem?
Hey Connie, I haven’t tried using distilled water, but I don’t think it will be an issue. I’ve noticed (recently) my laundry soap is taking a few days to set with summer and the warm weather (at least I think that’s the cause)…no worries if it doesn’t. Even if it never gels, it’s still super effective and ready to use in your machine. The gelling is just an added perk.
I’m going to try it as it sound perfect and very easy to make ! Just a question …I put my liquid detergent directly with the load ( in a small plastic ball) can I do the same with this one or it’s is better to put in the soap dispenser of the washing machine ? Thanks !
Hi Miss Butterfly, I’ve never tried using a plastic ball or the soap dispenser, so I don’t have any experience to speak of. I pour a small amount in the washing machine while the machine fills up with water.