How to Make My Go-To Homemade Laundry Detergent
If you’ve ever turned over a bottle of store-bought laundry detergent and felt overwhelmed by the long list of hard-to-pronounce chemicals, you’re not alone. I started looking into homemade options when I began my non-toxic living journey, and this recipe has become my favorite. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and actually gets clothes fresh and clean—without the questionable ingredients.
Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?
Non-Toxic: Free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals.
Affordable: A few bulk ingredients stretch into months’ worth of detergent.
Customizable: You can add essential oils for a fresh, natural scent—or leave it unscented.
Sustainable: Less packaging waste and fewer chemicals going down the drain.
The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 bar Castile soap (or another natural soap) – grated
I personally use Dr. Bronner’s unscented bars: https://amzn.to/4lxVO7z
1 cup washing soda
This is my favorite bulk brand to purchase: https://amzn.to/4mrSg85
1 cup baking soda
You can purchase this from any grocery store or if you’d like to purchase in bulk, this is my favorite: https://amzn.to/4p1FoY7
15–20 drops of essential oils (optional) – lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus are great choices
This is one of my favorite brands: https://amzn.to/45Qaqtc
(Note: No borax needed! This recipe is gentle and effective without it.)
The Recipe
Grate the soap bar using a cheese grater or food processor. (I use the Kitchenaid grater attachement: https://amzn.to/41SKyLN)
In a large bowl, combine grated soap, washing soda, baking soda.
Add essential oils if desired, mixing well so the scent is evenly distributed.
Store in a glass jar or airtight container. (This is my favorite jar - both aesthetic and functional! https://amzn.to/3HiRLxW)
How to Use:
Add 2–3 tablespoons per load directly into the drum with your clothes.
Wash with hot water.
Tips for Success
If you have hard water, increase the washing soda slightly for more cleaning power.
Always store in a dry place to avoid clumping.
Final Thoughts
Making your own laundry detergent is one of the easiest first steps toward a healthier, more intentional home. It’s quick to mix up, costs pennies per load, and leaves your laundry clean without the chemical residue. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner!