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 recently came across your blog and have already made some of your beauty recipes and love every one! I mixed up this laundry soap last night and it seems to be forming a gel. My question is, after reading all the comments, I am still a little confused about how much everyone is using for HE washers. If someone who has tried this recipe could help me out with the amount they are using per wash I would greatly appreciate it! And Kristin, thank you so much for all of your hard work!
You’re welcome, Felicia :). I hope someone here has an answer for you!
I found a 1/2 cup works for my laundry. Another user posted they use 2-3 tablespoons.
Hi Kristin,
I live in Australia and have been using your homemade laundry soap for all laundering needs. I made the switch from supermarket brands to homemade due to my son’s constant battle with eczema. I have to say it works a treat, clothes are clean and my son’s eczema on his legs has cleared up beautifully. I did have some trouble tracking down Dr Bronner’s here in Brisbane however did find it at a local health food store. I bought the baby ‘unscented’ version. I would recommend the fragrant free option for anybody with skin allergies. Thanks again for sharing this very effective recipe.
Kind regards, Julie
Hey Julie, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the laundry soap! Thank you for sharing the unscented tip. I know that will be really helpful for readers with skin allergies.
I switched to this concentrated DIY laundry soap because I have an HE washer. The traditional DIY recipes seemed to watery and not very effective. A few tricks we have learned over the last 5 years.
Cloth diapers & toddler clothes build up ammonia if you already have this issue look up how to “strip cloth diapers”. This works to remove odors from towels & smelly BO from other clothing as well. To prevent this from occuring you need to rinse & pretreat before it dries the urine into the cloth. This recipe has made a great pre-treat option for extra stains & smelly clothes like my son’s gym clothes. We also use baking soda & peroxide in a paste form to help get tough stains out especially softball uniforms!
Great information, Awhit! Thank you for sharing.
Hello, it’s my first time making homemade laundry soap.
Could i replace washing soda for baking soda?
Would this soap be good even with my frontal washing machine?
Thank you for your help
Josee
Hey Josee,
Baking soda and washing soda are different so switching one of the other won’t work. You can make your own washing soda at home with baking soda. Here’s a tutorial: http://www.mommypotamus.com/how-to-make-washing-soda/.
I don’t personally have experience with a frontal washing machine, but others have experienced good success.
I made your homemade laundry soap over the weekend. When I went to use it last night it had separated (liquid on the bottom little shards on top that almost look like candle wax). I tried stirring it up but it would not mix back together. What did I do wrong? My washer and dryer are in my basement which is cool I dont know if that has anything to do with it. Help! 🙂
Hey Allison,
The laundry soap may have little white “globs” or strands in it. I’ve had this happen on numerous occasions. It may also separate with some liquid on the bottom and gel on the top. If this happens, you can stir the soap with a long wooden spoon to help combine the gel and liquid. The laundry soap should be good to use even with the strands and separation.
Hi Kristin,
I came across your blog and boy, do I just not love it! Thank you for sharing all this great information.
I have a question concerning this recipe.We live in Japan and here the washing machines cannot use warm/hot water. Would I still have the same great results of clean laundry using cold water and this very recipe for laundry soap. I really would love to try it out!
Thank you!
Hey Diliana,
Thank you so much. Welcome to Live Simply!
To reduce our costs, I also use cold water when washing clothes. I have good success with this laundry soap and cold water :). Enjoy!
I can’t even communicate just how EXCITED I am to try this!! I made it yesterday, and I am washing my first load of laundry with it as I type this. When you said it worked as well as Tide for your family, I instantly got out my items and mixed it up. I love the comments also. I had trouble with the gelling too, so it was awesome to be able to just do some reading and get it figured out. I read through a lot of your cleaning recipes yesterday, and I’m actually looking forward to trying them out. They’re so simple that I feel confidant? to give them a whirl. Thank you, it is wonderful to have this blog as a resource. You’re a pretty amazing lady- I respect the research and work you have done. God Bless, Sheila
Hey Sheila,
I’m so glad you enjoyed making the laundry soap and found the comments so helpful. I’m so encouraged by the supportive community of readers we have here at Live Simply!!
One of my main goals when creating a recipe for my home and the blog is simplicity! If a recipe is simple (and effective!!) I know the chances of me continuing to make it are very high. Thank you for your sweet words and encouragement. I can’t wait to hear about everything you make!!
Good morning
I made this laundry soap last night and was excited to see this morning but my soap stayed a liquid. There is no gel that formed. Did i miss something?
Shelly
Hey Shelly, For some reason the gelling doesn’t always occur or takes several days. The gelling is just an added bonus. Even without the gelling the laundry soap can be used and is very effective! Enjoy!!
I just made a batch of this laundry soap tonight. I wasn’t too keen about using lavender scent for laundry so I got some of the Dr. Bronner’s in the Citrus scent. The citrus scent smells heavenly. Just a light orange and lemony smell. I can’t wait to try it out tomorrow! I will come back and let you know how it does 🙂
I bet that smells amazing, Sherry! Great idea. I can’t wait to hear about your first load of laundry with the new soap!
Thank you! I am excited to make it 🙂
(Excuse my Mom (with 3 kids) brain)…I meant to clarify is was a BAR soap in my above comment… I’m glad you knew what I meant haha
Lol, I totally understand ;). Glad I could help!
I have soap….but it’s Dr.Bronner’s Lavender Pure – Castile Soap….
Do you think I Can just grate it??…and use it instead of liquid?
Thanks! 🙂
Hey Ashley, I think the bar will work great in this recipe. I would add the grated soap to the hot water vs. just stirring it in at the end (as called for with the liquid castile soap). The hot water will help the soap dissolve with the other ingredients.
Just making this laundry soap for the first time. Is there any reason not to use less water? For example if I use half the water, wouldn’t I end up with double strength laundry detergent? Or maybe I’d have trouble dissolving the powders? Please advise, thanks.
Hi Anold, You can use less water. As you mentioned, the soap will just be more concentrated.
Just found your blog today on pinterest and have been enjoying all your natural recipes! I have been using a similar recipe for laundry soap for a few years and love it, all the same ingredients except bar soap instead of liquid and I make mine in a 5 gallon bucket. It still gels up and I just use a full cup instead if a 1/4 per load. I also have a HE front load and add my soap inside the washer after the clothes are added. Before using this homemade soap my washer always had the dreaded front loader stink which is due to soap residue build up, no longer have this problem and our clothes are clean! Also my Daughter just had a baby 6 months ago and she uses this for her cloth diapers with no problems!
That’s wonderful, Darlene!! Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you for this post!
Just started checking for ingredients. It’s always harder to find things in Germany. While googling Borax, I found many sites saying how dangerous it is. It is even forbidden in ordinary households here. Apparently it can cause infertility or a serious amount of damage to unborn children.
Have I been misinformed? Have you made any negative experiences with it?
Hey Christine,
You’re welcome.
Borax is a controversial ingredient these days. This is one of my favorite posts on the topic and may clear up some the questions: http://www.crunchybetty.com/getting-to-the-bottom-of-borax-is-it-safe-or-not. I personally feel safe using it in laundry soap.
I have some castile soap but it has tea tree oil in it. Would that still be ok to use in this recipe or no?
Hey Jessica, Adding tea tree will be just fine.
Yay! I’m super excited to try this now. I’ve been making my own laundry detergent for almost 3 years. I switch between a powder version and one that’s almost the consistency of mayonnaise. My husband thinks I’m nuts when I go and make another but he will get over it. 😉
Hi! Thanks so much for posting this. I have been excited to make this for some time and went for it last night. Sadly I think I did something wrong because it never set up as a gel. It is still extremely liquid. I put it in the fridge hoping that would help but no success. I was wondering if you might know what went wrong or if you think I can still just use the liquid I’ve got. Thanks so much!!
Hey Shannon, The gelling may take a few days. But even if the soap doesn’t gel, it’s still very effective and good to use. Gelling is just an added bonus :).
Can’t wait to try your detergent recipe! My current fabric softener recipe is: 1 C water, 1 C baking soda, 20 drops essential oil (I use lemon for scent and odor removal), and 2 C white vinegar added last very slowly as it produces a volcano effect! (Add the ingredients in the order listed; I use a 64oz mason jar.) I use 1/4-1/2 C in my rinse cycle. In the dryer I have attached safety pins to a washcloth and it seems to help eliminate static along with my wool dryer balls. You can also put a small amount of the fabric softener on the washcloth and put directly in dryer. As far as scenting the dryer balls, add essential oils near the end of the drying cycle to retain scent!
Very cool, Diana! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the soap!!
I am trying to find a recipe for delicate clothing – silks, wools etc…Can I use this one? Also I have heard Borax is controversial. Would appreciate any tips and alternatives to this recipe if it is too harsh.
Thanks!
Hey Victoria, I’m not sure about delicates, as I never really wash any fine delicates…mom clothes these days ;). There has been debate over borax by bloggers, but I believe Borax is completely natural and safe. It’s also an amazing cleaner and aids in getting clothes perfectly clean (which is why I use it). You can read more here: http://www.crunchybetty.com/getting-to-the-bottom-of-borax-is-it-safe-or-not.
Has anyone tried storing this in a container with a dispenser spout at the bottom? I was thinking that might be easier than scooping it out (at least at the end of a batch) but am not sure about this working with the gel-like consistency…
I love that idea, Eryn! I agree, a dispenser spout container would make using this soap so much easier. I may have to ask around for an extra dispenser container and see how it goes.
Try putting the gel in the laundry tub. Just plop it on top of your clothes
I LOVE THIS RECIPE! Quick question, I have a front loading GE washer and the gel, even after shaking sticks around in this semi-gel state so the liquid pulls through the dispenser well but whatever thickness there is is left behind. Wondering if anyone else ran into this
Thank you, Kris. I’m so glad you like it. Hmmm….I’m not sure about the gel. I hope someone with an HE washer can comment and help :).