Making your own Homemade Laundry Detergent
I finally decided to try and make my own homemade laundry detergent using ingredients you can buy at your local supermarket. I was a little bit worried when I saw how many ingredients I needed to buy to make this, and wondered if this would really be cost effective or not. But after making this, doing the math and using it I can tell I will always be making and using my own homemade from now on. It’s a great way to save money!
Here are the cast of ingredients to make your own homemade laundry detergent:
1 Box of Super Washing Soda 3 lb. 7 oz. ($3.24)
1 Box of Borax 4 lbs 12 oz. size ($3.38)
1 Box of Pure Baking Soda 4 lb. ($2.12)
3 bars of Fels-Naptha 5.5 oz. or you could also use Ivory soap ($0.97 x3)
1 container of Oxy-Clean 1.3 lb ($3.86)
*optional: Purex Crystals 28 oz. for scent (or you could use Downy unstoppables ) ($5-$6)
All these ingredients cost a total of $20.27 out of my pocket (Walmart prices).
And that was without using coupons. If some coupons become available you will spend even less.
The first step is to grate your Fels-Naptha Bar. You can use a cheese grater to do this, but I used my food processor as it was a lot quicker. Using my food processor I first grated the bar like cheese, and then used the regular blade to grate down fine. You could use Ivory soap (just microwave it and it will foam where you can just crush it into a fine grade).
Next I grabbed one of my plastic tote bins and put a black garbage bag inside of it. Then I poured each one of the ingredients inside like so.
Mix all these ingredients up well. Possibly throw in some free child labor.
Then add it all to your container of choice.
There is quite a lot of this homemade laundry detergent. In fact it is 18 lbs. worth!
That is 18 lbs of Laundry Detergent!
You only need to use 1-2 tablespoons per load, and yes you can use it in your High Efficiency washing machines (that’s what I have been using). Some people worry that just 1-2 tablespoons is not enough, but this stuff is concentrated and works really well! I have been using it for months now. My daughter has really sensitive skin, and this has been wonderful for her since all the others out there have add-ins.
But is this cost effective?
So I did the math of course, to figure out how much per load this recipe makes. I am super excited about the results because it is as low as $0.04 per load which is a stock up price when it comes to laundry detergent and using coupons. But watch for coupons on these items to even make the cost lower.
By Comparison –
Ultra Tide powder 143 oz. box, 8.9 lbs. = $17.97 at Walmart ($0.12 per load)
This Homemade Laundry Detergent recipe makes 18 lbs (or 288 oz.) and costs $20.27. 1 lb of this is about 28 tablespoons. 18 lbs equals 504 loads @ 1 tbsp per load. Final price is just $0.04 per load!
So $0.04 per load homemade versus $0.12 per load (Tide).
So even the largest box of Tide detergent at Walmart which has 102 loads won’t last as long as this homemade stuff. And you can save so much money by making this yourself. Give it a try, you won’t be sorry…I promise!
Ingredients
- 1 box Super Washing Soda 3.7 lb
- 1 box Borax 4 lb 12 oz. size
- 1 box Pure Baking Soda 4 lbs
- 3 5.5 oz bars of Fels-Naptha
- 1 container Oxy-Clean 1.3 lb
- 1 28 oz *optional: Purex Crystals for scent or you could use Downy un-stoppables
Instructions
- Finely grate the Fels-Naptha. Mix all the ingredients together and store in container of your choice. Use only 1-2 Tablespoons of detergent per load.
Homemade Laundry Detergent – costs $20.27 to make – can last a whole year or even longer (504 loads)
Updating this post: this recipe has lasted 10 months for my family of 6!! Plus I wanted to share this awesome comment posted from Nick (thanks for your service Nick!):
I think that is the best comment ever!
2 month ago RA had Arm& Hammer liquid soap on sale for $.035/load, no extra work needed 😉
I cant wait to try this im super excited and will it work for baby clothes and does it take out stains
It’s pretty decent at getting out stains.
I have been using this homemade detergent for a couple months and everything looks so dinghy and stains remain. I am back with Tide
I agree doesn’t take the smell of urine out of the laundry
When making homemade laundry detergent stick with name brand stuff no generic type names. I’ve been making the powder type and I love it just add a box of your favorite tide or gain laundry soap to it for extra cleaning power. My clothes are always clean, it might be your water. I think tide makes clothes dingy, Persil is the best on whites.
Use a a few drops of Dr bronners or spray hydrogen peroxide on stain 😊
I turned this from good laundry detergent to great laundry detergent by adding a 4.5 pound box of powdered TSP (not TSP substitute) that you buy from paint stores, or Amazon.
Yes, I know phosphates were banned for home use laundry detergents, but they are still put in commercial laundry and dishwasher detergents. I’m just adding back the super ingredient that a hospital, motel and restaurant is still allowed to use.
I buy an extra bar of Fels Naptha to use in removing stubborn stains. Just wet the area and scrub with the bar. Let it sit for up to 15 minutes then throw in the load. It works better than any other stain remover I’ve used, even grease!
Oh my never thought of this thank you so much. I can’t wait to give this a try
For very tough stains, you can mix one part blue down soap, one part baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide, rub it on the stain both sides and let it sit for a couple of hours before washing it! It works wonders!
Borax is the main ingredient for me. A navy man thanked me for removing all the dirt stains. Borax removes stains, smells and cleans well without removing the color of your clothes. I always add 1/4 cup to my load. And Borax does no harm.
Yes, it’ll work better than anything on the market for removing stains. For very soiled clothes, fill the washer up and let them soak an hour before washing them. (Just push the knob in to stop the washing process. Pull it back out to start it again.) PS: If things are very soiled, smelly or stained you can also pour 1/2 a cup of household ammonia in that soak. You won’t even need a softer if you make it with the smelly crystals. The baking soda softens as it cleans your clothes.
I have been making this for a while. Tweaked it a bit as I had found other recipes. I use 2 boxes washing soda, 1 3# box of biz, Epsom salts, 3-4 bars of zote and essential oils in the salts ( a tip I saw instead of using purex crystals). I spend just under $20 and get 256 loads (approx). I figured it about .07 a load which still beats the .13 for Tide in my area. Mostly I like that I know the ingredients. Thanks for letting me share.
How much Epsom salt do you add? What is the benefit. I’m always working on getting arm pit odor out of clothes and find it difficult.
Zote now makes flakes; so you won’t have to grate the bars… works really well 🙂
My daughter-in-law soaks their workout clothes in vinegar to make sure sweaty smells are gone.
Just be sure you DO NOT USE CHLORINE BLEACH if you use ammonia. The two mixed makes a deadly gas!
I have made the laundry soap 3 times, I enjoy hanging clothes outside in the summer. I cannot imagine using anything else. I handle all our clothes, this recipe really gets clothes looking great, gets out stains. I even give my laundry soap as gifts, and I give the recipe with it!
That is a great idea to use it for gifts!
Great to give to college students, as gifts!
Yes, that is a great gift for college students!
I would invest in a stain remover if you are worried about stains. I have 2 small children and have tried just rubbing the fels naptha bar soap on the damp stain before washing with this soap and was disappointed in the outcome.
Oxi clean spray or rub on works great for greasy or stubborn stains
I have children and have used this recipe for a while. You may want to invest in a stain remover.
Use dawn soap. It takes out even shop grease.
I made a pretreat out of this recipe.. Dilute appx 1Tbs of mixture in 1 cup hot water.. Stir until dissolved.. Pour into spray bottles.. Shake well…
Hello All,
I made this today and it actually cost me MORE to make than to buy at the store. I’m in Canada so some things are alot more than what was priced up top BUT I LOVE that its natural there are no detergents or artifical whatever they put in the regular detergent. I also put essential oils in it to give it a nice scent. Wish me luck.. Gonna try it right now.
I know this is gonna sound a little silly, BUT one of the best and gentlest ways to get the stains out of the baby clothes, especially those formula stains, is to BOIL the clothes. I have saved so many shirts by doing this…even when i thought all was lost. You don’t need to add ANYTHING to the boiling water, it works wonders. My friend is from Great Britain and its something her Mother used to do, once i tried it, i was hooked!! And again, its super safe and gentle. I still put it through a wash cycle afterwards but it took out each and every stain, including old ones!
I lived in France for nearly 7 years. All European washing machines are front loaders and they heat their own water, up to boiling if you specify. I don’t think I ever used the boil feature but I did notice that the clothes came out very clean, unlock American washers (top loaders). So I heartily recommend the boiling method for tough stains. Also, now that front load washers are becoming available in the US (I got mine at Lowes for half off, due to some dent somewhere…) I recommend investing in one of these too. My clothes do come out cleaner. For stains I use Zout. It works even on stains that have been “set” by a previous wash and dry.
THE VERY BEST! MY BATCH WILL LAST A YEAR! NO MORE STAINS
I don’t mean to sound snarky if I end up sounding like that, but .035 cents a load for liquid soap sounds good. I just question how much you had of that and how much you would need to buy yearly and how often that sale is. -shrugs- I rather make this and save lots more money.
Wow! Hey I don’t shop @ Wal Mart!. . . . . Unlike ‘I don’t like to shop at Walmart either’, I don’t mind sounding “snarky” since you already set the tone . . . So I guess you either have more money than the rest of us OR you just don’t want what money you have for anything in particular or for anything special. . . Personally, I’ll take .04/load over .035/load ANYTIME! But hey, that’s just me! >BIG SHRUG< and as for any "…extra work needed.", I think Karrie pretty much already took care of the "heavy lifting" for us! Here's where I WILL make a genuine apology, IF I'm wrong, but I have this feeling that anyone who would be SO RUDE to the hostess while "visiting her house" by making such a comment is probably just to lazy to do the "extra work" in order to save any money!
Oh, since you're not interested in saving money, I'd be MORE than happy to accept your check in the amount of $156.24 ANYTIME you're interested in just giving it away! (that's the amount saved by doing such laborious work when using Karrie's laundry detergent "recipe"!)
My truest and deepest apologies if I have offended anyone with my remarks.
Love it! Well said!
You do realize that .040 is more than .035.
it was .04
I agree with Shelly that it is a touchy subject to be snarky when visiting another person’s blog. However, .04 is the same as .040 (there are actually an infinite number of zeros at the end, we just don’t write them because- who has the time?)
Consequently, .04 is .005 more than .035 per load.
I personally choose to make my own detergent because I appreciate that less plastic packaging is wasted and it is worth the extra 5 thousandths of a penny to me. I skip the downy scent things for the same reason. Also, Wal-Mart isn’t the only place to buy this stuff. My locally owned grocer keeps these things in stock for about the same price. I buy by the case and save even more. When you shop locally, you can often make friends with the staff and they are always happy to pass bulk savings on!
Shelly, .035 is 3.5 cents. But “Shop” is right, the sale is temporary. My batch was made last February, and I’m still going strong! Have even given “samples” to friends to try, and I probably have maybe enough to get me through December! What I love is that I don’t even have to hit the laundry aisle in the store or lug the heavy box into the house every time I hit the store! I just started buying 1 ingredient at a time when I got to the halfway mark, and I have everything I need for my next batch!! To me that’s worth the extra half cent per load!s
That’s what I thought!
Why would you take 4 cents per load over 3.5 cents per load any day? That doesn’t make any sense. As another person stated, .04 is higher than .035.
It cuts down on waste, which in itself has cost involved
Plus, we know exactly what’s in it!
In general, I wouldn’t. The great thing about this recipe is that it is consistently inexpensive, no sale needed. The BEST thing about this recipe is that my very sensitive-skinned family does not react to it. As a bonus, they love the way it smells when I make it with ZOTE. I can’t afford to use whatever detergent is on sale as everything but Tide makes my husband’s eczema flare up; I really can’t afford to have him spend another week in the Cleveland Clinic because of his eczema. If we all had normal skin, I’d stock up on the cheapest (effective) detergent every time I found a great sale like the one Jen mentioned.
AND let’s not forget… the laundry soap recipe listed here simply works better. In my opinion.
They are all wrong the price stated was $0.035 not 3.5¢ and $0.035 doesn’t make the price 3.5¢. If they made $0.035 into 3.5 that is how you make $0.035 into a percentage so that would be 3.5% not ¢. When you move the decimal 2 places to the right you make your number a percentage. Shelly, $0.035 is $0.040 or 4¢. Reason is, retailers like trying to sucker consumers into thinking a product is cheaper than the other buy labeling them in this way, ($0.035). But, when you get to that register the price, (without tax), is going to be $0.04 or 4¢ or $0.040. Reason is, all retailers, in school math, in $0.040 you can not round the 4 up because 0 is lower than 5, so 4 stays the same making it $0.04 or 4¢. In the # $0.035 the 3 can round up to 4 because the # behind it is five or higher, making 3 round to 4. Therefore, making the price $0.035, actually being $0.04 or 4¢. But with the Arm & Hammer at RA, you should also look to see what size is it and how many loads you will get from it too, because even though its the same price as this homade detergent, I honestly believe the arm n hammer is way more expensive only because this homade detergent is 18 ponds for 504 loads. Not only that all you have to use is 1-2 Tablespoons!
Well, I will admit that I made an error when making my above comment. I read the original comment, that I was commenting on as quoting the price as 35 cents not 3.5 cents. My mistake. That said, as several others have pointed out. . . over all, the “cost” of all the extra packaging doesn’t get passed on to our land fills or the recycling bins, assuming that others are in fact recycling. Not to mention, I wonder how many more times s/he had to buy the “sale product” mentioned before it came back on sale again. Or how much driving around was done to find it on sale next time s/he needed it, or just how much effort was put into finding it on sale again or finding a coupon, etc. I’m guessing a fair amount. Then there’s the potential chemicals that may be added. If I make my own, assuming that I use the proper ingredients, I KNOW what’s in it. With my health, that’s REALLY important to me. But to be completely honest . . . when I made the comment, more than anything, I was put off by the tone of the original comment. The comment came across as the individual was to “lazy” to put together a few ingredients, and it seemed like s/he might have felt they were a little above making their own detergent. Maybe I’m wrong there too, but for all the effort that Karrie puts into these things and then the time it takes to write them up and share them, it just seemed like a rude and unnecessary comment to make. To me it was kind of like having a complete stranger walk into your home and take a taste test of some spaghetti sauce you were making from scratch and have them comment, “Eh . . . it’s okay. But I don’t know why you bothered. They had sauce on sale the other day at the grocery store for about the same price as your sauce cost you to make. I’d buy that ANY day to keep from having to MAKE MY OWN!”
I’m not an easily offended individual, but I’m thinking that would probably upset me . . . quite a bit too! But that’s just me. 😉
It sounds like you are easily offended. Karrie seemed to be able to ignore the comment and it was directed at her! And, yes, she puts a lot of time into her blog, but by the looks of the ads on her site, she make a tidy profit. At any rate, maybe the best course of action wouuld be to not stir the pot. But of course, that’s just me.
I couldn’t agree with Shelley,anymore, Why is it,some people are to ready to put down someone’s good fortune,? I could never understand, I say Thank you to Our Hostess, I hope you make tons of money, And to the other one, I shop at Wal-Mart,I’m just Humble,and Grateful Thank You Amber Willis
i’ve been using this recipe for a year now. but in mine i use 4 bars of Fels-Naptha not 3. and works in my opinion better than most soaps. and its mostly for sensitive skin for my daughter and scent free for my clients. i work in a spa.
but here’s the kicker it cost me 25.00 to make it and lasted 11 months. it saved me roughly 210.00 that’s not including taxes. thats based on the price of the soap i was buying and how many loads a month i was doing.
hmmmm….. yea i’ll grind the bars.
You just sold me!
I also have a spray bottle of 3parts peroxide and 1part water I spray tough stains with let it sit for a bit then through in wash it doesn’t hurt coloring on any clothes and this mixture here I used at my Aunts while visiting her and oh my goodness did it smell wonderful and cleaned as well as brightend our clothes now I am going to make some.
I use two parts blue Dawn dish soap with one part hydrogen peroxide, and that seemed to work better on the greasy stains my two and four year old sons bless me with! I’ve been very happy with it.
Same with me!
I’m gonna film my how to video on this stuff.
I use the 2:1 Ratio of Non-Concentrated Dawn and Hydrogen Peroxide, but I’ll only use three ounces of the Ultra Dawn since it’s twice concentrated and 16 ounces exactly of Peroxide.
I’m also thinking of dissolving the detergent in boiling water before putting it in the washer and see what happens whenever I make it since my buddy Jerry always uses hot water when it comes to OxiClean.
He taught me a few tricks with OxiClean if I were to use it in a multi-surface cleaning formula.
Applause & standing ovation! I couldnt have said it any better.
Good girl,I’m with you 100%. I have a lot better places I can spend money than on laundry detergent.
$.035 cents is three and a half cents, which is cheaper than $.04 which is four cents. And no work involved. I would buy it at that price but I’ve been making my own for almost 5 years, as well.
Look on the bright side of things here, at least you KNOW what’s in this..
I agree! I love the way it smells and cleans! It’s a no brainer
Ok.. so know what’s in it. Um, read the labels on everything. that includes everything. And, have you read the ingredients/labels/warnings on the items you use in this?
And, to be a downer.. I would not prep this stuff without using a mask or some form of respirator. Much less allow a small child to mix it up not wearing stuff. Caustic = bad juju when ingested.. orally, or through the lungs. How do I know this? my grandpa died of bakers lung. Good ole flour.
I will give this one a try, but will def. use protection for my lungs. I like being alive too much.
And don’t be hatin chemicals.. CH3COOH. plus some Oleic acid, Linoleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, and Palmitoleic acid sprinkled together taste great. :
I love this recipe it lasts us a year and it really cleans are clothes. We do alot of laudry too.
You can buy ingredients at Ingle’s or any grocery store , Target has some ingredients too.
Neesie
Arm & Hammer laundry detergents have bad ratings because of chemicals. That’s what we are trying to steer clear of.
I use Zote Flakes instead of bar soaps. It is available at Walmart Grocery Store on 4th st in Moore, Ok. It is so much easier .
I refuse to shop at Walmart, but I have a front load washer, can I use the recipe and pour a bit of spring water to washer it down the hole?
Actually everyone…$0.035 would be $0.040. Let’s go back to elementary school. Yes, there is an infinite amount of 0’s that we do not write. But, when you write it the way it is written, $0.035 or $0.040, we are taught to round as grocers do when this is the outcome. You can’t round $0.040 to anything because of the 0 behind the 4 so 4 stays 4 then written as $0.04 or 4¢. Now you round the 3, in $0.035, to 4 because the number behind the 3 is five or higher, therefore you round 3 up making it $0.04 being the price. Grocers may label it as $0.035 to make it seem as if its less too sucker you into buying it. Just as their coupons do. Well most of them.
Tiffany, the $0.035 is the calculated cost per load and has nothing to do with the grocer pricing. When comparing the cost per load, as we are doing here, there is no rounding.
You are correct, Rick.
The math is being distorted for this problem, because you are NOT buying the detergent one load’s worth at a time. If you were, the 3 and 1/2 cents per load would indeed be rounded off to 4 cents per load but you are not. As an example, if you pay $7.00 for enough detergent to wash 200 loads you are paying .035 per load: you are not paying $8.00 which would be .04 per load.
You could buy ingredients anywhere. Lol but if throwing your money down the drain doesn’t matter to you why bother reading her post or writing a comment. Instead of putting negativity into a beautiful blog you could be making something productive.
Hi all,
Just stumbled upon this website to make my own dishwashing soap since I was sick and did not want to go to the store. I used borax a 1/4 or more in the bottom of dishwasher and it worked, but around the 5 time it did not so I am here. I also notice your little boy dipping into the tub of soap and read somewhere that Borax should not be touch by men or boys it can make them have problems with fertitily. Not sure if it is true but I hate to see anything happen to beautiful children. I am trying the new dishwashing recipe today and will let you know how it works.
Thanks so much
I’ve used a&h before and while it seems to work great at first, after several washes in it clothes start to smell. I think it has some residue that isnt washing out?
I’ve been making homemade detergent for 4 years, the 5 minutes of time is far easier on the wallet and time than having to schlep to the store for detergent haha.
Do you have a HE frontloader? I read the liquid works best in those because powder will remain and sometimes “cake up” in the detergent holder. So I have always used liquid. Do you have this problem with this recipe? I would love to do this. And all you need for HE’s is 2 Tbs, 3 at the most. I like that you try things out before posting them and broke down the math for us too!!
Hi Heidi, Yes I have a HE frontloader. I removed the little cup thingie for liquid (read the manual on that one..ha ha) so that I could use powder. Its been working perfectly fine for me. I use 1-2 tablespoons of this detergent max with this recipe, you just don’t need too much of this detergent. A little goes a long way.
So for an HE frontloader, do you put the powder in with the clothes, or in where you normally would pour the liquid soap? I just made a batch of liquid degergent but my husband doesn’t like it. I used the recipe that uses Fels Naptha, Borax and Super washing soda. Could I just add some oxy clean to it?
Hi Kelly, I have a HE frontloader and I removed the little cup thingie (super scientific, right? 🙂 ) for liquid so that I could use powder. It’s been working perfectly fine for me.
I have never added Oxyclean to a liquid detergent recipe after it has been mixed but I think it would be worth a try!
I make the liquid like it.It takes up a lot of space. when using Oxy-Clean that I added after adding the melted soap and borax and washing soda it erupted. i got burned and had a horrible mess to clean up will try this powder one though.
Happy Money Saver,
I couldn’t comment on the August 14, 2013, Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe, that you made. So, I thought I would try here.
It leaves a cloudy film on some of my silverware – not all of it. Everything else is great. I use the vinegar as the rinse ad. Any other suggestions – did you have this problem?
Jessica
I have heard some people with really hard water might have that problem. 🙁
I have a front loader and I put the soap in with the clothes. I have not been using the soap dispenser, I can but I just put the soap right in with the clothes.
I put my soap in with the clothes also. I read that soap accumulates in the dispenser and you have to clean it regularily. I don’t want to do that so I don’t use the dispenser for soap.
I have a problem with grease stains on my Moms slacks, the grease is some sort of medical ointment the nursing home uses on her skin. I’m going to try the Dawn/Peroxxide mixture, I hope it works. If anyone has any better idea let me know. I tried soaking in oxi-clean and I tried a stain remover, and clorox. I’ve probably set the stains in.
Dawn is the best grease remover I’ve tried, never mixed it with Peroxide, just rubbed it in and let it set for a few minutes before throwing it in the wash.
I have the batch done. Can I boil it now? It’s sticking to the sides of my washing machine…
Cold water or hot water?
Either works fine.
I have been using this recipe for nearly a year now. One batch keeps my family’s (there are 6 of us, and 3 are teenagers) laundry clean for about 5 months. I have a front loader too, but only use about 1 tablespoon per load and it never cakes up. I was worried about that also, but it has never happened. The great thing about this soap is this: It gets rid of hard-to-get out odors too, like cat pee and the grease and coal dust my husband comes home from work with. I have NEVER seen Tide get rid of cat pee smell (unfortunately, when we moved, one of my cats began peeing on my daughter’s things). I am sure my kids use more than they are supposed to use, but even considering that, it is much cheaper for me to make this than to buy branded detergent.
okay I have made the laundry detergent today. Do it suppose to make suds?
With this detergent you won’t ever see much sudsing. But don’t let that fool you…the clothes get clean just without a lot of suds in the machine! 🙂
Hi. I’m using this recipe for the 1st time today & noticed that my water turnes grayish. Is that just the dirt from the clothes?
I am not sure what that is. That has never happened to me before. Hopefully it was just getting those clothes clean!
As My grandmother always said, If a detergent is making suds, its not cleaning. It just making suds!
I’ve always heard the same about shampoo .When I said one time a certain one wasn’t any good years ago for the same reason (no bubbles)
No, this does not produce any suds but is super effective at cleaning so don’t worry that you don’t see any suds!
I have a front loader, and what I do (my hard water doesn’t like liquids very much) is when I use powder, I put the powder in, then the clothes. There is no residue in the holder, and none in the washer itself. The borax and washing soda will clean the drain hose as well from buildup from other detergents (at least it did mine). I have sensitivities to the optical brighteners in some detergents, so I either have to use free and clear detergent or make my own. This is close to what I’ve done in the past, but I didn’t think to add the fabric softener pellets.
Ok there is also a liquid version of this, when i make it i don’t used the fabric softener (i don’t use if for the dry either) or the oxyclean. But when you make the liquid you see that this rinses CLEAN. The bucket i make it, all i do is Swirl water in it and there is NO reside at all. I go back and forth between the liquid and powder version but it has been 2 years now and build up is not a problem
How you make the liquid ???
Just mix it with Water before you throw it in a load. Add a little ammonia to get them really clean. 🙂
This is a great way to make washing powders I love it but there is an easy way for those who like the liquid instead of powder. You grate the soap put it in a pan of water cook on medium until it is all melted then have a bucket or large container filled with about 2 to 2 and a half gallons of water add the soap then add the other products stir well and let it sit for about 12 hours give or take and it will turn into a gel you can just scoop right out of the container or put in your own bottles. It works either way I for one will not go back to buying washing powders thank you for putting this recipe on here hope this helps.
I have a frontloader and it dissolves great….
You can just put it in the drum along with your clothes, works just as well.
This is so awesome karrie! I am excited to give this a try. 🙂
I’ve been making the liquid version with less ingredients in it for about 3 years, it works GREAT. You just grate the fels-naptha, melt in 4c of water. Fill 5 gal bucket half way with HOT tap water, dump in fels once it’s all melted, 1c broax, 1 c super washing soda fill rest of the way with HOT tap water. Fill any smaller laundry container that’s empty half way, then fill with water, shake and VIOLA. Less ingredients, fast, easy and CHEAP. Costs me around $13 per year on average.
Awesome Kala! I have yet to try a liquid version, but I just might have to someday. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
When you put your solution in an empty laundry container, how much of the soap do you use? Do you use the measuring cup that comes with the original laundry soap container and follow the amount scribed on the measuring cup?
I’ve used the liquid and it’s great, but it’s really messy and you have to stir or shake before each load, my daughter keeps a 5 gallon bucket full and siphons it into a small jug and that works, but I’m excited to try the power! thanks!!
Lynn, I use the liquid form also and it sounds the same as Kala’s. I use a half cup each load and it works great! Though, I am planning on trying Karrie’s powder recipe now, too.
I found the scoop that comes in the Oxy-Clean is 2 tablespoons and the lid on the Purex top line is 2tablespoons.
I use the OxyClean scooper as well..lol
How much of the liquid dpo you use per load?
1/3 cup
I’ve been making my own laundry soap for a couple of years now, I love the fact that this recipe is dry as mine is always liquid. I only use three ingredients; Ivory soap (because it’s whats I can always get for free with coupons), washing soda and borax I usually spend at most $8 dollars and with the above ingredients I can get about a year worth of laundry soap. I love making it, and once you learn how to make it, it doesn’t take long at all to make!
Woo hoo – that would even be less expensive than my recipe, nice! I have been wondering about dishwasher soap too, awesome!
I use Borax and baking soda booster and Lemon Kool Aide
Why Lemon Kool Aide?
For the smell. The soap takes out everything but the smell
The kool aid contains citric acid that helps to remove powdery deposits and water spots on the dishes. White vinegar in the “jet dry” compartment also helps.
when i make liquid i add a cup of Dawn, for a recipe that ends up about 4 gallons of laundry soap, and you use 1/2 cup i think
Forgot to mention I also make my own dishwasher soap, super simple recipe with almost the same ingredients as the laundry soap; vinegar, washing soda, borax, and salt.
Would you share the dishwasher soap recipe?
I have been using this recipe for several months now… I love it!! I like it better than tide… I think my clothes come out looking way better! I don’t use Purex, but I do run a rinse cycle with vinegar, and my laundry looks great. And, the vinegar rinses out anything my family might be allergic to… we have some sensitive skin issues in my home.
I found this recipe on Pinterest and decided to try it out when I finally ran out of my stocked up laundry detergent and have to admit I LOVE IT! I have a front loading HE washer as well and it works great even with just grating the soap. You can also use Zote soap and I think it’s a little cheaper than the Fels-Naptha. I used to go thru a lot of soap having boys who do the laundry but this is so nice cause I just put the teaspoon measuring spoon in and you’d think they were baking cause they make sure it’s exact 🙂 I have super sensitive skin and this works great and doesn’t bother me at all. I also make my own fabric softener, dish soap, and household cleaners from recipes I’ve found on Pinterest and it’s amazing how much less I spend even if I don’t get to use coupons all the time.
Theresa I would be interested to hear about the fabric softener receipt. I have been wanting to try the home made laundry stuff but haven’t done it yet. But I think I will be giving it a try soon so would love to have the ingredients ready to buy all at the same time. 🙂
Just add vinegar to your clothes for a less chemical easy fabric softener fix. It doesn’t make your clothes smell like vinegar. Once they’re dry you’d never know!
Does the vinegar also keep the static out of dried clothes? I’m curious what would be a homemade product to take care of static.
yes it helps
I use felted wool balls in the dryer. When using this (sort of — I use Epsom salt instead of the fabric softener crytals) detergent recipe and plain white vinegar in the rinse compartment of my HE front load washing machine, I have no static when clothes come out of the dryer — even in winter =)
When do you add the white vinegar when washing clothes? And how much?
Use the vinegar in the rinse cycle.
Make sure it’s white vinegar!
For my fabric softener I use one part vinegar to one part water in a two liter pop bottle. I also use that little bit of conditioner thats left in the bottle from washing your hair for scent 🙂 Just add water, shake it up, and pour it in the pop bottle as part of the water that you add to the vinegar. I’ve been doing it for a few months now and my clothes are soft and smell minty (because my conditioner was Organix in the green bottle). Sadly, I switched to the no-poo method a few months ago and won’t be buying conditioner anymore. I need to come up with a new recipe!
Please consider using Fels Naptha instead of Zote. Zote is imported whereas Fels Naptha is Made In the USA (creating jobs in the US)! The price difference between the two is neglibile when you take into account the Zote has a much higher water content.
This recipe works greatly!
I had to add an additional 1/2 box each of Washing Soda and Borax to the recipe due to our water down where I live.
I would like to try this but I was wondering when you wash your whites can you add bleach to the homemade detergent?
Yep, I just add bleach to the beach section of my washer.
You can, or for a more natural approach, you could add a cup of hydrogen peroxide. It gets your clothes clean and white without the hazards of bleach and it doesn’t weaken the fibers of the clothing (thereby making you replace them less often) as bleach does.
I think this works MUCH better than bleach and is better for the environment as well. I have very iron-rich well water and even with a water softener and filter, I get iron stains on everything. Since I have been using this, my whites have looked so much better. I think the bleach might have actually made the iron stain even more than using nothing at all. Is that possible???
Do you think hydrogen peroxide is a better whitener than the biokleen? My 6 year old has white uniform polo shirts. Ugh…yes white of all colors and they can’t have any stains or I have to replace them.
There is a warning on the side of the Oxy Clean container that warns against mixing with bleach. My husband actually pointed that out.
I agree. I wouldn’t mix bleach with this recipe . You already have a whitener in the mix..the oxi-clean.
Thank you for this recipe, you have given me another trick to save my family money.
I would like to add that it is not safe to add bleach to the wash with this recipe, I have found the following comments listed previously on another website…”Chlorine bleach and Oxyclean (powdered hydrogen peroxide, called sodium percarbonate) should never be mixed together, it forms hydrochloric acid, a very corrosive mineral acid”. If you are planning to add Oxyclean, DO NOT ADD BLEACH.
Another word of caution – (recipe without Oxyclean added) if you decide you are going to add vinegar to your rinse water, please DO NOT use chlorine bleach in the wash. The combination produces a deadly gas and can kill. Even though it’s down the drain, it’s still in the clothes and it’s lurking in the drain. Please be careful when rinsing with vinegar and washing with chlorine bleach.
Also, I’ve been reading that this recipe may cause colors to fade, my guess is that they have not mixed the ingredients together well enough & are getting too much of the Oxyclean in with their load of laundry. Do yourself a favor and periodically remix ingredients before filling your container.
Finally, the recipe works best with soft water, the harder your water is, the less this soap or a store bought detergent cleans.
My dishwasher soap recipe is: equal parts borax and baking soda. rinse cycle with vingear for a little extra clean. I have noticed I can get the water spots so I will sometimes run a few loads of the dollar store like Sun brand dishwasher soap. But borax is AMAZING. you can use it for carpets and other stuff!! thanks for posting Karrie!! More people need to know how easy this is! And how effective! (for a more ‘natural’ option you can use Dr Bonners bar soap also, for less toxic soap….I haven’t made this yet cause I need to find a screamin deal on that soap but for people worried about less toxins this would be a GREAT choice I think.)
how does this stack up to the homemade liquid detergent? i have used it for a while now but it doesnt get our clothes very clean.
i would like you to respond to me email address
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I absolutely love the powder detergent compared to the liquid. The liquid is more of a hassle to make and I agree about it not getting the clothes as clean. I use more detergent when I use the liquid so I am not sure if it is cost efficient or not. However with the powered detergent recipe from above I have been using it for 2 months now and love it. I use 2 tbls the clothes smell great and the stains come out well. A big plus for me is that my 6 year old’s rash has gone away and we had tried everything from dreft to hypoallergenic everything and it never went away.
Hope this helps anyone hesitating about trying this.
i agree , don’t care for the hassle of the liquid , but i love,love,love this recipe it makes everything smell great, i use downy unstoppables cause i get tons of coupons and kroger always has sales for downey where i live , and instead of oxy clean i use finish dish washer detergent , i know it weird but it works so great i never even pretreat our stuff anymore , this gets out any stain we have ran across even red wine ! love it!!
Finish dishwasher detergent??? Is that an oxygen bleach? Wow. I have to google that one.
If you’ve ever read the oxyclean label you’ll see a bit that says you shouldn’t mix it with water and cap the bottle for a long period of time. Oxyclean starts to react when mixed with water, so it becomes less potent as time goes by. I think I’ll stick with the powdered recipe.
I used to use the liquid and my clothes were getting dingy. I switched to this recipe (one difference… my recipe calls for 2 containers of OxyClean) and my clothes sparkle!! I love this recipe, and the Purex Crystals make it smell so nice!
I think the abrasive quality of the powdered recipe helps to “scrub” out grime. I have found it to work better than the liquid. The powder is easier to make also, so maybe give that a try to see if you have better results. I use Epsom salt rather than the fabric softener crystals, put white vinegar in the rinse compartment and use felted wool balls into the dryer (no static!). I also use hydrogen peroxide in the bleach compartment with my whites. I can honestly say that this works as well as or maybe even better than Tide, which I swore by for most of my life. I have iron-rich well water and have even noticed a reduction in iron stains. (My machine is a front-load HE washer.)
So did you use just the 1.3 lb container of Oxi-Clean or the 3 lbs of Oxi-Clean for the recipe?
Pamela B.
Hi Pamela B. – In my picture I used the rest of my 3 lb container which was only about 1/2 full, so I used the 1.3 lb size. I think if you are at a stage with a lot of stains happening for your clothes to use the larger, but if I don’t have babies or toddlers so the 1.3 lb size worked best for me.
Just thought I would add that I have my local grocery store order Fels-Naptha soap by the case for me. It is quite a bit cheaper this way. I make a huge batch of detergent, using the whole case of soap. I like that I don’t have to think about running out for a long time.
Great thinking Michele! Stocking up and doing a huge batch would be a great time saver.
Does it work well with cold water washes?
Yes! I use it all the time and have never had any issues. 🙂
I have just started researching about making my on laudry soap. Some people say they can make the soap smell like gain it any scent you like. Where do you get the scents? Thank you.
The only scent I used was from the purex crystals I used..otherwise it would be nearly fragrance free. I am guessing you could add in some drops of essential oils perhaps?
I have heard about using powdered laundry detergent in place of the bar soap. That way it might smell like Gain or Tide or whatever you choose. I haven’t tried it, so I’m not sure how much scent it would have.
Gain makes the fabric softener pellets that are like the Downy or Purex ones that you see in the picture. I have one of those from Gain, and in the bottle it smells almost like baby lotion. You could use one of those…I think Gain has at least two scents. (These don’t seem to bother my sensitive skin as much as liquid softeners do depending on the smell).
Gain makes their own line of own scent crystals, so you can choose from their scents and add instead
Thank you I really am tring to save more money and it hard to live on unempoyment and It don’t go far and have not been able to find a job. Thank you and God Bless you..
How much of the Downey unstopables should I add
I used a remnant of a container I had and a fresh one.
I just found this the other day and cannot wait to try it! I was curious though… Do I need to use fabric softener or dryer sheets or is that unnecessary with this detergent? I found a recipe on Pinterest that was harder to make and didn’t require using fabric softener so I wasn’t sure about this one.
Most of the time I don’t use a fabric softener unless it’s for towels (what can I say, I am a sucker for super soft towels). So I use Suavitel I think it’s called… or you could use dryer sheets. But honestly I don’t use anything for the other clothes.
Sam you can also make a “bean bag” filled with Epsom salt to throw in the dryer. And add essensial oil if you like scent. I use it until the softness runs out, for me a long time, because I like to air dry everthing except towels. I throw jean in for about 10 after they are dry to soften them up. Saves $$ and feels good.
Karrie, try not using softener except vinegar for a load of towels against a load with downy ect and see the difference in the absorbancy. this is also true with baby cloth diapers.
I will have to try that for sure, thanks!
It is recommended that you should not use fabric softener with towels as it reduces the absorbency of the towel. In 30 years I’ve never known that. . . . I don’t add the softener to my towel loads anymore and my towels are lasting much longer. I use homemade laundry detergent without adding softener pellets and my towels still come out “soft”!
I just made my first batch of this! I did some research to decide between Fels-Naptha and Zote and decided to go with the Zote since the ingredient list is readily available. I bought the pink bar since its my favorite color and I thought it would look nice. Beware, it’s pretty soft so it will stick to your grating attachment on the food processer. To combat that I put it in the freezer for a while and grated afterward. Worked like a charm! I mixed everything up and have never been so anxious to do laundry! I’ll let you know how it works soon. Thanks so much for sharing this!
I use Zote too. I just grated it with my large hand grater and didn’t grate it into tiny bits. It only takes about 5 minutes to grate it this way.
Nysheika,
Add some of your soda to your food processor and it won’t stick….that method works great for me!
If you cut the Fels-Naptha into chunks and microwave for 2 minutes it removes the waxy stickyness. Then drop the cooled soap puffs into the food processor and they break into nice granulated powder. No sticking on your blades and melts in cold water wash.
I grated mine once then again in food processor with borax. It helped it not stick and allowed for smaller particles of ivory soap. Almost like the oxy clean size.
hi karrie! i too used zote soap and here is a trick i found ……..grate the zote as usual put in food processor pour some washing soda over over that process till finely grated. the washing soda helps it not to clump
Thanks for that tip! I will try that on my next batch!
If you cut the Zotes up into chunks and put it in the food processor with some of the borax, it will not clump up. It saves so much time. Grating the soap takes too long. I can make a batch of detergent in 5 minutes.
I made this today! I love it, it smells so FRESH!!! I had no problem with it in my HE washer! Thanks for the recipe. Have you tried making any other soaps or household products?
My other recipes are coming soon, stay tuned!
Did you ever get the recipe for dishwashing soap? I would love to make that. I recently lost my job and my pay and hours have been cut in half. I am looking for any all ways to save money.
I haven’t made it yet, but I will soon! Thanks…
I’ve seen the recipe you’ve used but with only the Borax, Washing soda, and Soap.. just the 3 ingredients.. I can imagine the extra benefit of the OxiClean.. but does the added Baking Soda do much for it or is it just filler? I imagine leaving out the Baking Soda and Oxi would make it a lot more concentrated.. this is my first time so i’m just trying to figure out the proportions of what to do first.
i mean more concentrated in that if we still used the recommended dose per wash we may be getting too much of the Borax and Washing Soda..
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, maintains pH balances, and neutralizes acids and bases so it works really well in washing clothes. The Oxi is for stain removal mostly. You can definately try it out using just the 3 ingredients and see how it washes your clothes. In the olden days they used a bar of soap only, so I feel like this is a step up from that. 😉
I have been using the the recipe with just the 3 ingredients for over a year now and it works great. My only wish was for a scent when the laundry was done, I can’t wait to add the scent beads to it.
I use 1 bar Fels-Naptha, 1 cup Borax, and 1 cup Washing Soda. Use 2 tsp per load, makes about 75 loads and it cleans really well.
Hi~ Love the idea of making your own lip balm ~ especially BURT’S BEES 🙂
Burts’ Bees sold out to one of the mega companies. If you have always loved Burt’s Bees products, keep a lookout for changes in the ingredients.
I love this recipe. Thank you for sharing it! It was so easy to make too. I was skeptical of making my own soap but was very impressed with the outcome. Since this recipe is for HE washers do you know how much to use for a normal washer? I shared the recipe with my friends and family and that was one of the questions that was asked. Thanks again!
I think the same amount applies, you don’t need much for this recipe. 1-2 tablespoons only.
I found this just a couple days ago. After reading a bunch of comments and how to make it I went out to walmart bought everything and made me a batch. Since making it I have done about 3 loads of laundry and LOVE this recipe. My clothes are coming out spelling great and looking cleaner than the store bought stuff I have bought for the last many years. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
You are so welcome, so glad you like it too!!
I love the laundry soap my sister in law had made this i got to use it for two weeks for
our vacation
Even though you may be able to find A & H or Purex for the same price, I love knowing I’m impacting the enviroment less and putting less chemicals on my kids & I…and its better for my septic =))
I feel the exact same way.
Nicki, I would have to disagree.
We used a very similar recipe to this one without issue for 6 months, after which we had our septic pumped as we were having issues with the washer draining. While we were having the guy pump it out, he noted there was a “heavy build-up of powder-style laundry detergent gumming up the bottom of the septic tank”. After we had the septic pumped, the drainage issues went away. Just a cautionary tale for those living out in the country.
I know what my city-water-and-sewer friends are getting for Christmas this year (in a extra large colored mason jar with a bow)!
Charlotte, you could just add to a cup of really hot water. would really only take a second longer to do ! Then no build up in the septic 🙂
Looking for ways to save money . Searched for recipes for laundry soap and saw yours. Just made a batch this morning and its was so easy. The time invested ( which is not much) is definitely worth it for the savings. I have done three loads so far and am quite happy. I have a front loader and I took the little doodad for liquid or dry soap out of my washer and there is no soap left in my dispenser. I use vinegar and baking soda for fabric softener,which I also like. For 5 to 10 cents a load,when all is said and done, I will definitely continue to make my own. Thanks for the recipe!
You are so welcome! Glad you love it too.
How do you use Vinegar & Baking Soda for fabric softener? Do you put them BOTH in the little cup for softener? Together? Or just one or the other?
Thanks.
AppyHorsey
An easy way to grate the fels naphtha is to cut it into about 8 pieces and place on a dinner plate in a circle. Microwave for 3 minutes. it is quite a site, it bubbles up and looks like bread or cheese. Let it cool and then place it in a Baggie and squeeze it to break it up while you watch TV. It breaks up to a corn Meal consistency. Great for dry or liquid versions
Watch out using a glass dinner plate.I microwaved my fels on one and right before it was done the plate popped and broke,so be careful !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yikes Laura…that would not be fun.
How do I find out if I can use the home made powdered laundry detergent with a septic system?
We used a very similar recipe to this one without issue for 6 months, after which we had our septic pumped as we were having issues with the washer draining. While we were having the guy pump it out, he noted there was a “heavy build-up of powder-style laundry detergent gumming up the bottom of the septic tank”. After we had the septic pumped, the drainage issues went away. Just a cautionary tale for you.
I know what my city-water-and-sewer friends are getting for Christmas this year (in a extra large colored mason jar with a bow)!
I lived in a home WAY out in the country for most of my life. Our washing machine water did not go into the septic system, it went down a pipe off the side of the hill. Washing machine water should not go into the septic tank. It is notorious for causing problems.
I read on one site that I could use Irish Spring soap, but I only saw it on one site. Have you heard of anyone using it successfully?
No, I haven’t used Irish Spring, but I do love the scent from it. I would assume that if you can use Ivory or Fels Naptha you could also try Irish Spring? Not really sure, but if you try it come back here and let us know how it works.
Irish Spring tends to cause allergic reactions, in my experience. Would stay with mild and simple if I were you.
I just started making my own soap and I love it ! I am always looking for way to save money for us.
I need help finding out how to make hand soap and dishdetergent and fab softner. I also heard you can make your own toothpast? Any help you can provode would be helpful.
Looking forward to hereing more things about home made items.
Thanks Barb
For toothpaste just mix some coconut oil in the solid state with baking soda. Make a paste consistency. Add a couple drops of peppermint essential oil to the mix. Just put in a small container with a lid. Whitens teeth better than whitening toothpaste without the other questionable ingredients they put in there.
So, just out of curiosity, I wanted to see how easy it was to make my own laundry soap. Keep in mind, I’m 23 and am in the military. So my uniform is always SUPER stained with oil, dirt and grease from different aircraft. I also love the out doors and consider myself a “Manly Man.” So for me to make my own laundry soap, I feel like I’m stepping out of my “manly zone.” But right now, I followed your steps. Everything cost me around 22 bucks at walmart and I just finished my first load. My uniforms are looking great!! I’ve tried numerous types of soap but none have compared. So happy for your insight on this. Definatly going to spread the word. 😀
Awesome, thanks Nick! So glad to hear your experience with this recipe. It works so great for me and my messy kids too, and if you are single and on your own that big box of laundry soap you just made should last you like 2-3 years!!! I have a family of 6 and it has taken us about 10 months to use up that $20 worth of mix.
I have a question. I am going to be making my own as soon as what i have runs out and i was wondering which is better, the liquid or the powder? I would much rather use the powder b/c its less steps and less storage space BUT i have seen on many recipes where hot water is needed to liquefy the soap and i run 99% of my laundry on cold wash….does the powder that you make work the same on cold wash or will it have to be run on hot?
Thanks so much, i am SUPER excited to try your recipe 🙂
I have used this powder on cold water and I have NEVER gotten white residue or anything left over. I have also heard that the liquid versions do not work as well, but I have never tried them (too many more steps).
Im right there with you on the to many steps for the liquid…plus that makes a LOT to store so i would have to do a smaller batch…at least with the powder i can put it all in a tupperware container. lol
One of the other ladies was saying to just mix the powder with a cup of hot water & give it a little stir before you put it in the washer. Then add your clothes and wash on cold water cycle.
You can call and get coupons every 6 months sent to you for Borax and Fels-Naptha. The number is 1-888-468-6673. They aren’t very high value coupons but its totally worth it since it just takes a phone call. I found this out from another blog that had a homemade detergent recipe.
Sweet!!! Off to do that now. Thanks Tanya!
I just tried calling and the number is not in service, are you sure it’s correct?
Made a batch of this soap today and i used it on one load and it seems to work very well and i didnt add the purex so it just smells like clean laundry (which i like). The only complaint that i have is that the soap smells SO strong….i have had a headache for hours now from it….may have to try something different next time. Anyone know of any similar soap that is fragrance free or a VERY lite smell?
I know that the day I make it my whole house smells like laundry soap from all the mixing and such, and yes it can be strong smells that day. But after that I don’t notice it anymore.
I use Kirk’s Natural soap. It’s not too bad, even when I’m running it through the food processor to grate it. I make the liquid version and there is almost no scent once it cools. I’ve also heard of people using Dr. Bronner’s Soaps (not the liquid ones, the bar ones) if you can tolerate those scents.
Can’t wait till payday to try this.Amazing idea!Thank you for sharing!
Being single, it sounds like a lot of laundry soap! Think I will be having a soap making party with some of my other single friends!
I just finished making my girt homemade detergent.
My 1st load is washing. I’m so excited to see the out come.
I was wondering if it would make a difference if I added the remainder of the
Oxyclean in the mixture?
I would say go for it! Either that or save the oxy for another really bad stain someday.
I like the homemade soap without any additives. I keep the oxy, chlorine bleach, etc. in the laundry room and add it when needed. You are not supposed to mix oxy and chlorine bleach. Just gives me more choices to use it if I keep it “plain” with just the bar soap, borax and washing soda. I’ve been using this now for over two years. Newer front load HE washer. I have used Fels Naphtha, the pink Mexican laundry bar soap, Kirk’s Castelle and Ivory to make it. I’ve not noticed any difference in the cleaning power with just using different bar soap. Just take notice of the weight of the different bar soaps you use and get as close to the original product called for in the recipe’s weight. I used Ivory this last time because I found it on sale. Also found both the Borax and the Washing Soda on sale. It was a total price of $10 for 21 pounds of the dry laundry detergent. I generally use two tablespoons per load, but I do very full loads the majority of the time. I have always done a quick pretreat of any stains before tossing the clothes into the washer. Someone who’s better at math than I am can calculate what the cost per load will be this time. When I first began making it two years ago, my first batch cost about $20. So you can find the products on sale and save even more. I just pick them up when I either find a coupon or see them on sale and store them until I need to make more. That’s usually between six months and a year. Probably if I would stop giving away samples to friends, it would be closer to a year. I usually do between 15-20 loads of laundry per week, so we have lots of laundry. For the ladies with septic tanks, flush one or two yeast packets down your commode once a month and you shouldn’t have septic problems. It’s usually lack of the necessary bacteria and enzymes in the septic system that causes the problem. I would never go back to commercial laundry detergent. The combination of using this recipe with a second rinse and switching the soap we use to bath with to Kirk’s Castille has cleared up all the allergic skin reactions (eczema, diaper rash, allergic dermatitis and dry skin itch) that my family suffered from prior. I usually use plain white vinegar for the rinse. We’ve had no washer repairs, no plumbing repairs and lots of clean good smelling laundry. I’m not certain what products others were using or how many loads of laundry they averaged, but using this saves us three to five hundred dollars per year (depends on whether I can find the ingredients on sale or not) Our Christmases are full of more gifts now and our chargecards are almost paid down.
My daughter made homemade detergent at church about a month ago. I honestly just put it aside and never thought about it again. Well this past week money became very very tight and with 5 people in my family we ran out of detergent. I didn’t say anything to the family cause they think Tide is the ONLY way to go, but on 5 loads everything form towels, to delicate, to sports attire I used the homemade soap. Well tonight at the dinner table I asked if anyone had noticed there clothes smelling or feeling any different…..everyone said no!!! I explained to them what I had done and to my surprise they all are EXCITED about making our own detergent!!!! I can not wait till payday :))
Heather
That is awesome Heather!! My family also loves it, and it works really well. So glad you are enjoying it and saving money.
Karrie…Hi. This is on my task list for next week, but I have a dumb question…Did you use just 1.3lbs of the Oxyclean or did you use 3lbs for your mix? I bought two 3lbs. tubs, but just reviewed your recipe again and am confused? (Plus, your tub in your photo looks a lot bigger than mine…) Help 🙂
I used around 1.3 sized (my tub was bigger but had already been used so there was only about half left in there.)
Thank you for the reply! Copy I will use about half of my 3lb-er! (I have enough for 3 batches for years to come! LOL!) Going to grab my grater right now and begin! Have a wonderful week! Thanks again!
I made a batch with a recipe that was slightly different from this one.
It required 2 boxes of baking soda and all 3 lbs of oxy.
It has faded all of my color clothing and made colors bleed onto other clothing.
HELP! Is there something I can do or add to stop this. I absolutely hate the idea
Of throwing it out.
It’s probably the oxyclean..too much can lighten your clothes. I would just make this a double batch using my recipe by adding all the other ingredients to tone it down.
It says 1.3 lb, but linked to 1.37 kg container… ???
Wanting to try this out!! Husband is iffy. Lol so how much of each do I use to make a smaller batch until I see for myself and prove to the husband that it does work?! Thanks!
Ha ha… Well you will have to buy the full boxes of these anyways so you might as well make the whole batch. If you hate it I suppose you could give it away to some “natural” type friends of yours? But I am sure you will love it..it’s awesome.
My first attept at this was with Ivory soap. bad idea…it took forever to get my food processer clean and the soap was too sticky (not sure if that’s the best way to describe it.) Just attempted again (this time with fels-naptha – had to order online) and wasn’t as dry and didn’t get at crumbly as I was anticipating, but way better than the Ivory soap. Is it still okay to use? Thoughts anyone?
Some people have used the fels-naptha with just grating it like cheese, and I hear it works great still. I make sure mine is a nice powder by first grating it with the cheese grater and then using the food processor on the cheese size peices to make it tiny. Just make sure and get the fels naptha as small as you can, and then go for it. 🙂 Sorry you had to order it online, your area doesn’t have a Walmart (that’s where I found mine in the laundry section). Let me know how it goes!
Just add a little bit of your baking soda to your food processor with your Ivory or Fels Neptha. It coats the soap and keeps it from sticking.
I made my first batch last night, and tried it out, i had a white shirt that had stains that i did not pre treat first and the stains did not come out 🙁 i’m bummed (i didn’t know the shirt had stains otherwise it would have been pre treated) The shirt came out dingy and stained 🙁
If I have a stain, I wet the stain and then use a bar of Fels Napha to rub directly onto the stain to pretreat. This seems to take out most stains.
I just made this and I love the smell some people are making it but only using 3 of the 6. I think using the 6 is So much better. I’ve been giving out I’m a home aid and I gave it to both of my clients and they love it. So now I’m making it for them. Give it a try. I did and I love it.
I started using this recipe in December and am soon to make another batch. Clothes are cleanest ever, gets out all those stains my little one always seems to get on her clothes without pretreating, NEVER a problem with not dissolving (and I always wash in cold unless it’s whites)…short story is I LOVE it! I skip the Purex crystals and just started using epsom salt mixed with essential oils for softener instead. 1/4 c epsom salt (big bag is $3 at Walmart or Dollar General) per load added with detergent. I haven’t quite worked out the amount of EO to add to get some scent yet so you’ll have to just play with it…or skip the EO for no scent at all.
Someone asked for a recipe for dishwasher soap: http://www.louises-country-closet.com/2013/03/homemade-dishwasher-detergent-cubes.html. I haven’t made it yet because I’m still using my super big box of cascade packs but when they run out I’m going to make this instead. 🙂
Oooh, I will have to try the epson salts with essential oils next time instead of the Purex crystals…great idea! I love more natural elements. Thanks so much Beth!
Hi Karrie,
I googled a recipie for homemade laundry detergent, and came across your site. I am looking forward to “diving in”, but in the meantime I picked up the supplies, made the recipie and just started my first load. It’s funny to be THIS excited for laundry! I am anticipating a GLORIOUS LAUNDRY EXPERIENCE! Thanks for the recipie and I will be sure to let you know what I think!
Dawn 🙂
Made my own washing powder but my husband got a itchy rash from it.. I put the borax, super washing soda, baking soda, oxyclean,and purex crystals, just wonder has this happen to any of u all? ANY SUGGESTIONS GREATLY APPRECIATED.. THANKS A BUNCH..
This recipe still has harsh chemicals. Try eliminating the purex and substitute biokleen oxygen bleach plus for the oxyclean. I use Dr Bronners organic bar soap also. Essential oils and vinegar in the softener section works nice.
And I used the zote soap as well..
Hi recently my husband and I decided we would try saving money like never before. HIS IDEA!! We cut down on our grocery bill, our electricity bill, and paper towels. I told him from the start there are certian things I cannot change. Toothpaste, deodarant, and laundry soap. I absolutely love Tide pods!!! This morning he insists we make our own laundry soap. I was not on board! I resisted! I love my Tide pods!!! I have been reading everyones’ experience and I will try your recipe. I am not looking forward to using it but I will give it a try. I have about 2 weeks worth of my pods but after that I will use this recipe. I will let you know how I like it.
Thanks!
Hello Maria, I do love the smell and quality of Tide as well, but this method does save some serious money! 🙂 Maybe save your pods for something you LOVE to smell like tide…like your towels or favorite blanket? Hope you like this recipe though…it does work really well.
Is it safe for cloth diapers?
I would say yes! I use it on my daughter who have very sensitive skin (and exczema). So I would think its safe for cloth diapers.
Thank you! I am turning into a . Little country gal also!
Awesome, welcome to the club Stephanie 😉
I’m just about to make my second batch of this. It has lasted 7 months for our family of 6 (4 boys!)
I have been using it on cloth pocket diapers but occasionally I get a sour smell. Perhaps I just need to strip the diapers, but I’ve just been throwing them through the wash again and it always fixes it.
I add the scent booster separately because I don’t want scent on everything. (and more on some things)
This has been great! I love not having to lug heavy jugs of liquid laundry soap home as we have very hard water and the powdered stuff didn’t work here.
Since trying this, I’ve also tried making my own dryer sheets and I’m going to attempt dishwasher tabs too.
Thanks for the recipe!
Thank you so much for this recipe. I have made my first batch and just love the way the kids clothes and bedding come out. I have even sent my Daughter and Son in law the recipe. They are expecting there first baby and are looking to save money.
Thank you from a grateful Grandma to be. 🙂
Hi I am new to home made remedies but am love in the new life style, I am defo going to use these and also home made fan conditioner, I was wonder in when making the powder can you use Epson salts if can’t get borax?
I am so going to try this! Question, can I add bleach for color in powder form or is the oxyclean acting as a bleach? Thanks!
LOVE this! I am a single mother and a student, and have to save money. This was perfect! I used the Downy unstoppables. Thank you so much!
Dial owns both borax and fels-naptha. I have had good luck emailing dial and asking for coupons for these specific products before. With coupons I have been able to get the price down to under a penny a load. Also, my husband is very picking about how his clothes smell and greatly dislikes most perfumes in detergent. I don’t use anything to scent it and he loves the smell. I usually use vinegar in a downy ball as my fabric softener which works great.
Does This Lather Up?
Well, we finally purchased all the ingredients listed and spent $21.65. I usually use Tide pods which are $18.97 and last me almost 2 months. We had our 10 yr old and 7 yr old participate in the whole process. It was a fun family project. It smells so great, i cannot wait to use it.
Thanks a bunch!
I am stopping at walmart after work to get the ingredients. Super excited to try this. I also read on another blog that you can call Henkel and get coupons for the borax and fels naptha soap but the number is a little different than the one that was posted previously. The number 1-800-258-3425, I just called and it works, should get my coupons in 7-10 days, but I can’t wait, so I’ll save those for next time.
Hi! I tried to micriwave the Ivory soap like you mentioned but it just came out pasty. Is it supposed to fall into little bits once crushed? I am at a loss of how to revive this soap to make the detergent. 🙁
Here is a youtube video on how someone else did this – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFYDjkn_o8M
But usually I wait until it cools after microwaving it for 30-40 seconds. Once totally cool I add it to a ziploc bag and use my rolling pin to crush it to bits. Hope that helps!
I’ve made this same recipe a couple of times this year because I use so much of it! Love it for my laundry which I only use the 1-2 T, but I also have dissolved it in hot water and used it in my shampooer. It works great and rugs smell good. I have also put it in dry form in some old suitcases I bought to take some of the musty smell away. Have even used it sprinkled on my deck and hosed down after something got into a bag of trash. When I went to a laundromat recently to wash some big comforters, I walked in with a baggie and everyone else had 3-4 bottles and boxes of products with them!!! Wanted to get up on a soap box and shout out the recipe! Would also be great for going camping, to the beach, any travel, and for college students! Even my elderly dad who has a problem lifting the big bottles! Love this stuff!!!
Yes I totally agree, this recipe is the BEST!! 🙂
I was wondering if there was a different alternative to Ivory or Fels-Naptha? I have not been able to use Ivory since I was a teenager. It makes my hands swell and not sure I wanna waste my money trying the Fels-Naptha. Any suggestions would be helpful.
Is there another type of soap you do use? Give it a try and see if it works. 🙂
I do not use bar soaps, I use only liquid soap for hands and dishes. I do not like the way bar soap feels on my hands.
Dr. Bronner’s has a baby mild unscented bar of castile soap. That’s what I use for my daughter and myself (we both have sensitive skin, allergies, asthma and eczema).
I did look at the ingredients for both suggestions and they have all the same ingredients so I cannot narrow it down to what I could be allergic to. Oh and you are welcome I like websites like this where people help other people.
Hmmm… well, you have to be careful with allergies. I am not sure. Maybe try this detergent recipe without the soap? Not sure if your clothes will come out as clean… Or you could make your own homemade bar soap like I did (wait a few months for it to cure, grate it down to use in your own natural laundry soap like pioneers did!) Here is a link to making homemade soap. https://happymoneysaver.com/happy-homesteading-making-homemade-soap-2/
I will give it a try thank you so much for you help. God Bless and hope to be of help to others.
I know the Coconut Oil cost pretty expensive in the jars at the store. There is a company locally that sells the Coconut Oil at a more reasonable price. http://www.valleypopcorn.com/
For a 5lb (320 fluid oz measured myself) it costs $16.95 ($0.053 an oz) which would make the soap even cheaper than the cost you have listed. I use the coconut oil for cooking baking and even spreading on toast due to it being healthier than butter. hope this helps more people. 😀
At the dollar general the have epson salt in certain smells already. Does the epson salt cause any problems like rust?
Hi I just tried this homemade laundry soap, I’m very excited about the cost savings, but when I did my laundry, I checked during the wash cycle and I didn’t have any bubbles. Am I supposed to have bubbles? will my cloths still be clean?
I have a high effeciency laundry machine and never seem to get bubbles on any laundry detergents. So I am not sure how this works on other machines. I don’t have bubbles but I love this detergent!
Hey Just to let you know you can actually make your own washing soda it is just baking soda baked in the oven at 400 degrees til it becomes the washing soda. I don’t know if this would be more cost effective but I can never seem to find the washing soda.
How long do u bake it?
I have been using this detergent for almost a year. I am in fact just about to make my second batch! I had lost my recipe so was very glad to find this! It even gets my husbands dirty work clothes clean and I use cold water! Love the fabric softener recipe: 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol, 2 good squirts lavender and white vinegar. Mix in a cute bottle and leave on washer. The 2 go together well!
When you say 2 “good squirts” of lavender what do you mean? Essential oil?
How much do you put in the wash?
Thanks
My daughter has made this several times and she puts a little bit of the washing soda into the soap when she processes it the second time. When I tried to do it the first time it all stuck together but when I tried it that way it works much better!
I am confused.. so you use the whole box of borax, and whole box of washing soda… do you use the 1.5 or 3# container of oxy clean (I wasn’t sure with the recipe…)?
I used 1.5 for my recipe, but in my picture I had half a container. I think it would be okay to use a whole container if you wanted to for extra stain protection though.
I used about 1.5 lbs and figured I would try that first. If it isn’t working how I want it, I can always add more. Too much will cause your clothes to fade. So, I decided to add 1.5 lbs and keep the other 1.5 pounds on the shelf to add to white loads.
Regarding the use of vinegar…(which I love to use as a cleaner for floors, mirrors, counter, etc)…it is very harsh on your washers components gaskets, seals, etc. Most machines warn against it.
Just mixed mine up tonight. Can’t wait to try it. We used the lavender Purex Crystals and it smells great!
I just made my first batch! I wanted to try it out so I washed a dark load and I used 2 tbsp but it didn’t suds up at all so I added 2 more tbsp still no suds is that normal?
I must say it smells lovely…
I grated the fels up and then put it in my food prosser but it ended up like in little balls and it is not mixing like I thought it would. I still need the oxie,baking soda and the borax as Walmart did n’t have it. Hope this changes how it mixes.
Even the fels it different than it used to be. Smells diffierent to.
When I grate the fels neptha in the food processor add about 1/2 up of borax first. I’ve notice when grating the soap alone it trends it gets hot from the blade then starts to feel sweaty then clumpy as mentioned and hard to process. Adding the borax I noticed keep the soap dry and the soap will grate to a fine dust. Hope it helps.
Awesome! Can’t wait to try it! I just mixed up my first batch. I must add, I filled the purex crystal container back up with the mixture – perfect size/container for pouring since I have almost literally no storage by my washer/dryer. 🙂 Smells lovely using the baby purex crystals!
Great idea Sydney, use the purex container for the mix! Saves even more money and waste less.
when you say you can use ivory soap can you use the ivory flakes so you don’t have to grate the other soap; that’s the only part i hate
How does this detergent work on dark colors? When I have used Oxyclean on darks in the past, they have faded quite a bit.
I haven’t had any problem with my darks lightening, maybe its because there is so little of it in each wash with that 1 Tbsp of detergent.
i have really sensitive skin and i usually use tide free. have you had any problems with allergies?
I am making this to wash my infants and 3 year old son clothes. Just wondering if anyone has used the Johnson’s bar soap and the purex crystals for baby. Just want to make sure to use the right amount of everything. I also got the oxyclean big container to help with stains.
Dear Karrie,
I found your site a month or so ago and loved it. I saved it in my Favorite’s and have used it on several occasions making beans and laundry detergent. About a week ago my hard drive crashed and I never wrote down your web page name. I wanted you to know that I have spent 7 and a half hours looking for your page because it is such a great page. Thank you for the hard work you put into it.
Sincerely,
Mike
Oh my goodness, thank you SO much Mike! I am just so sorry it took that long to find me…next time just google homemade laundry detergent – I am one of the first ones you will find in search. 🙂 Seriously, your compliment just made my year. I kid you not. Thank you so much.
Does anyone have children with skin sensitivities? My oldest gets a rash is we use anything but free and clear. Has anyone tried this with sensitive skin? Before I go spend the money on something I can not use.
Hi Heather, my daughter has sensitive skin & exzcema as well, and this is PERFECT for us, she has not had any issues whatsoever with this recipe. I would always buy free & clear detergents as well before making this because my daughter would break out in rashes. Give it a try and see what you think. I am not sure what your children are allergic or sensitive too, so I can’t guarantee it will work, but it worked for me and my daughter.
Will buy products this weekend. Can’t wait!
What can I use to make this because I am allergic to three or more of the ingredients.
I used Kirk’s Natural soap instead of Naptha because it is healthier alternative
No Animal By-Products because it is:
Never Tested on Animals
Hypoallergenic
Biodegradable
No Synthetic Detergents
Ingredients:
Coconut Soap, Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Coconut Oil, Natural Fragrance
I found the Zote laundry flakes at Walmart and put them in my chopper to grate into smaller pieces. I’m not sure how much to add to this recipe. Would I measure out 5 ounces? It seems that amount isn’t very much compared to all the other ingredients. Thoughts?
I just found those Zote flakes too – use the whole 17-some ounce box because remember, the recipe calls for 3 bars of Fels Naptha that are 5.5 oz each for a total of 16.5 oz of Fels Naptha.
Hi! Is this safe for newborns? Either way if you have to buy a separate soap for baby you still dont spend as much:) so excited to try this!
Any idea if this homemade detergent is safe for cloth diapers? Im wanting to make my own detergent for everyday clothing as well as my cloth diapers, was hoping I could use the same recipe 🙂 Thank you!
I don’t see why not – all the ingredients are OK for babies so why not for their diapers. Use the higher amount of OxyClean for stains, and maybe try Ivory soap rather than Fels-Naptha. Frankly, I never used a separate baby laundry detergent and never had a problem! I did avoid fabric softeners though.
On another blog I saw that baking soda affects they way cloth diapers absorb liquid (and, by they way, so do fabric softeners). The first time I made my own detergent from a recipe on another site, I don’t believe it called for baking soda, just super washing powder… so try leaving that ingredient out
you can add a more natural scent to it buy add 15 drops of an essential oil of your choice to 1lb of powder…..mix it in and break up any big chunks….get creative!
*by adding
Thank you so much! I was wary about using the Purex crystals b/c my daughter is very allergic to fragrances. It pretty much the reason I am making my own health and beauty products now. I can’t wait to try this. 🙂
I made a similar recipe a few months back and, not believing I could get away with so little, I have been adding about a cup scoop worth…reading these comments I have re-calibrated myself and will go back to using the scoop that came from the Oxyclean.
I just was shopping for the ingredients to make another batch – I do a lot of Amazon Prime shopping and couldn’t believe how much more it was than your quoted Wal-Mart prices so I braved Wal-Mart (insert Lurch-type groan here) and found the similar prices to yours in my expensive metro area Wal-Mart! I actually bought the 5# bucket of OxyClean which is actually $2.46 for 1.3# worth! My other recipe didn’t call for Baking Soda – couldn’t find a 4# box so just bought 4 1-pound boxes at $0.68, so a little more money than what’s listed here. The bonus came when I found a 17+ ounce box of ZOTE flakes for less than $3 – this is about the same net weight as the 3-bars of Fels but they are already flaked! I may run them through the processor with some of the dry ingredients to cut them up a bit more since they’re about the size of half a dime. Now that I’m away from the store, I’m looking at the receipt to write up this note, I see that they didn’t even charge me for that… SCORE!
Hello,
Just wanted to let you know I LOVE this laundry detergent. I was introduced to it by one of my co-workers who has been using it for almost a year. She brought some in to work to share with me once I expressed an interest in making it. I washed and washed and washed and really enjoyed the fresh, clean smell in my laundry room. Thanks for sharing, I am hooked.
Sonya from Southfield
So glad you like it!
thanks, does this work as well in cold water?
Yes, it works great in cold water.
I made your laundry detergent after it was highly recommended by a friend and reading all of the positive feedback here on your blog, but now I have a little problem…. We have a standard top-loading washer and I was everything on cold – I am using the scoop that came in the oxi-clean tub for my detergent scoop and putting two scoops in for a large load of clothes ( I’m estimating that’s about 2 1/2tbsp ), but apparently my husband and I have super stinky pits! Many of our t-shirts are coming out of the wash smelling less than fresh in the arm pit regions, which is a major bummer. Have you or anyone else had this problem? What would you recommend? I haven’t tried any pre-treaters like Shout yet because I just want this detergent to take care of it all for me like my Gain did before :0 /
I have used this recipe without the purex chrystals for scent. I also have a recipe if you cant find the fels napa to use ivory soap. I have used it and it works fine, but the scent of ivory is strong for me. I prefer the fels napa.
>>>Has anyone liquidated this recipe? I have a large amount of this soap and find since I use cold water to wash my clothes..it sometimes doesn’t totally dissolve.
Hey how much do i use if i dont have a he washer?
My only gripe about this is that the fels naptha doesn’t completely dissolve, I am getting ready to do another batch and am using Zote bar soap (available at Lowes) I have dissolved this in water (strained out the big bits and put it in a spray bottle and use it to clean everything!.. it smells great..
I was wondering if you have heard of anyone using sun oxygen cleaner, and kirk’s castile soap.
How much would you use for a regular top loading machine?
For those concerned about residue, etc. from the dry detergent, you could dissolve the amount for each load into hot water (in a measuring cup, bowl) and add to the wash. I love the idea of using Zote as I have used it in the past for stain removal and love it’s aroma. I just rub it on the stain after wetting the stain with water, and then launder. I am going to try the vinegar rinse as softener helps to remove soap residue, however adding regular softener to towels reduces their absorbancy, per my late 101 yr old grandma. She never used softener for towels. I will be trying the epsom salt “baggie” as a softener, also. Thanks for the info and all of the informative comments.
How do I make an ‘epsom salt “baggie”’?
Thanks.
We go through so much detergent I have decided this is the way to go. Today’s payday so I’m making a trip to Walmart the savings will definitely make my husband happy
I am going to try this recipe! I have 5 kids and we go through on average about 15 loads of laundry a week….yea we have a top loader with no adjator….I have tried the Duggar’s version, which ppl have listed above and it has NOT worked for us, which is astonishing, since it does for them, who have so many kids! So the liquid versopn for us is out and the clothing smells bad after washing! I will try this version in hopes that I can make it work! Otherwise back to Tide I go, which has always worked great, yea it cost more, but sometimes u get what u pay for! I have one question, as far as the in-scent boosters like the Downey crystals, do u all to the laudry recipe when u make it, or do u add from its container each time you do load? I am going to post ur site on my FB page as well, since I have a lot of peeps asking about homemade laundry detergernt! Thanks for the recipe idea!
Hi Amanda, I add the crystals right to the mix. It is optional, but if you like a little bit of scent and softener its great. Thanks for sharing on your facebook!
Please note that any form of scent that is not essential oil or natural based is a potential health hazard in regards to phthalates. Too many scented products utilize phthalates to fix the fragrance.
Please use scented items with caution.
I used the larger size of Oxi Clean. Should I go ahead and mix up an additional double batch before I use any of it. Don’t want my clothes to be faded.
I only have the Ivory soap readily available where I’m at. I just wanted to make sure I was using the right amount. Is it 3 -5.5 oz bars or 5.5 ounces total?
Thanks!
It is (3) 5.5 oz bars. 🙂
I used the larger sized Oxi Clean. Should I make another batch to mix with this since I have too much Oxi?
I also added a box of Clorox 2 color safe bleach + color booster to mine and it works amazing. My clothes come out smelling like an orange 🙂
Great Idea I’m going to steal this one! 😉
Jennifer, did you also add the Purex Crystals? I am asking cause you said it smells like oranges. So was just curious if a combo of all did this ~ thank you!
How much Clorox did you add?
Yes, Jennifer, I would also like to know if you added the Clorox 2 color safe bleach + color booster in addition to the Purex Crystals?
Thanks for letting us know!!
Ladies, does it “suds up” when you run your wash? Also, for front loaders, do you pour detergent inside the wash (with the clothes) or do you add it to the designated spot for detergent on the machine.
It’s probably a silly question; however, I don’t want to ruin our front loader.
Thanks!
Using a front loader like I do, you won’t ever see much sudsing…but it might suds up if you use a regular machine, not sure. I pour my detergent into the detergent spot on my machine, just remove the liquid container and add it in directly.
I have a top-loader and it doesn’t suds up 🙂
could you please tell me what size box of the Clorox 2 color safe bleach + color booster that you added to the mixture?
Can you tell us more please…I am thinking why as oxy clean and clorox
Best part, it could cost less without the crystals!
I just add them to special loads (sheets, guest towels)
Line dry.. Save even more money!
I have 2 try this because I wash cloths so much & I buy detergent every week & its costly
Love it it’s work great!!!
The soap shavings didn’t mix well until I put them in a shallow pan and dusted borax over them, just enough to to make the shavings separatable. I also added essential oil for fragrance instead of fragrance crystals.
The recipe works great.
How much oil do you put in, how does it work combining and storing with the liquid oil?
I just wanted to say thanks for this! I’d been looking for a recipe that works, and this is definitely it. Better than Tide, and obviously way healthier.
I also wanted to add- I use it to mop my floors and its fantastic! I hate super sudsy mop water because its so hard to get off the floors, and I had been looking for an alternative. Couldn’t be happier. I use a tablespoon for a bucket of hot water. Could probably use less, but I’m happy with that ratio.
Wow, really? Mopping your floors? Awesome, I am going to have to try it too!
Oh cool! Yeah, I’m a big fan 🙂
I wish my steam mop could use this solution! hhhmmmm……you have me thinking about the possibility of dissolving a small amount of this and putting it on the pad to see what happens! It’s in my head now….I think I may go scrub the kitchen….LOL
FAIL: I just tried it, will have to pass back with a clean cloth to re-steam the floor to get the film off…on the upside, it smelled fabulous…LOL
Mopping your floors with vinegar water works well. White vinegar is a cheap alternative to expensive Swiffer products. Also for the bathtub…warm up vinegar and a couple squirts of dishsoap in the microwave. Wipe down walls and fixtures with warm vinegar mix with wash cloth. All of soap scum will come off and shower will look brand new. It is amazing!!!….will never buy brand name bathroom cleaners again:) Using white vinegar gives everything a fresh, clean feeling and the smell quickly leaves.
Amen…Vinegar is a wonder product. I use it for fabric softener, mopping, the floor is so clean feeling under my bare feet…lol… cleaning my bathtub and shower, cleaning my dishwasher and for soaking my feet when doing pedicures. Thanks for posting, Dawn. We can get by with so many less expensive products things if we will just make the effort. I make homemade washing detergent dry and liquid with a couple of recipes just to try them for comparison. If my towels are extra dirty, I use 1/4 cup of bleach mixed with a quart of water and pour in the washer with my homemade detergent. So far it works great.
HELP!!! we have been using this homemade soap for over a month and we’ve loved it. Although we have encountered a problem this past weekend. I don’t understand why this is happening after over a month but this weekend I’ve noticed some clothes have come out stained it seems like a discoloration of the clothing. WHY!??! Has anyone experienced this? I loved this soap until now… what’s happening?
It maybe the oxyclean. I tried to treat a shirt stain w/that stuff once. And it made a grey shirt ..well Kelly Green? Not certain but that could be it.
I had that happen too; I just re-washed. What I think it is, as this happened on a whites load and the first one I did, is that it is cleaning out the build-up gunk that is in the washing tub from all the fillers, from the saop I used to use; the area that you can’t see with out taking the washer completely apart. Just my humble opinion.
That very well could be Diane. 🙂 Great thought. So everyone make sure and do one load first with just the detergent inside and no clothes.
We have tried homemade laundry soap in the past I didn’t feel the clothes smelled clean. Going to try yours and also add the crystals to see if that helps. Thanks for sharing.
I made up my first batch today ~ and I only used 1.3 lbs of the OxyClean. Do I need to add more or is just the 1.3 ok to the rest of the ration of ingredients? Thank you!
I think it’s best to use the 1.3 lbs of Oxyclean. 🙂
I did not use the Oxyclean at all and put in Purex color saft bleach instead. Seems to be be working well and it was the same measurement as the oxyclean and it was $1.97.
Can you use this in an HE front loading washer?
Yes, I use it in my HE front loader washing machine.
I want to make this for our football team uniforms. They have industrial machines. Do you think that I would use the same amount or a little more?
How big are the machines? If they are really huge then maybe add a little more than the 2 tbsp – otherwise if it’s the same size, then just the same amt.
The machine are larger than normal. So I told them to use 3tbsp. Especially since they get really dirty. They do have the greased lightning to pre-treat them as well.
I love your site and your story! Thanks to you, I am going to try making my own laundry detergent AND lip balm. While investigating other DIY projects, I noticed some sites mention that some homemade laundry detergent (not this recipe specifically, but some similar ones) made their clothes come out “dingy”, and made their whites look “gray”. Have you (or any of your readers) come across anything like this? Thanks.
None of my clothes have come out looking dingy or gray. 🙂
Thanks for the response. I can’t wait to make my first batch. Keep up the great work! 🙂
I have been using this laundry soap for the last 3 years most of my friends and family are using it now and we all love it! I will never buy store bought detergent again! We are addicted!
Clothes look dingy and gray because this homemade detergent doesn’t have brighteners added to it. I make my own because I’m trying to stay away from chemicals but if you feel you really need the brighteners, then I would add the chlorox2, that should solve the issue.
I learned from another site what the problem is that sometimes makes clothes dingy and/or gray with homemade laundry soap. When people switch to the DIY version, they often switch to vinegar as a fabric softener or rinse agent. The problem is that vinegar reverses the saponification process, separating the soap and turning it into oil. When this happens, your clothes literally come out dirtier than they went in. You *can* use the vinegar in the final rinse, but often some leaks into the wash cycle if one uses a fabric softener dispenser. I have learned that my HE front loader does leak fabric softener into the wash cycle, so I no longer use the vinegar. Haven’t had a problem with it since that discovery.
Can you use this detergent with cold water?
Yes! I do it all the time.
I made this lovely concoction over the weekend and used the Downy Unstoppables (smells like pink bubble gum). My family is IN LOVE with this detergent! Our son is active in multiple sports and has REALLY nasty clothes. One of the sports is wrestling, which means he goes through two changes of workout clothes per practice (to avoid the spread of bacteria onto the mats and teammates) then has to shower afterwards and put on yet another change of clothing just to be able to come home, this also means that his clothing has to be washed separately from the rest of the family’s. With that said, I am sure you get the gist of why this recipe is so “valuable” to me (one person going through 5 changes of clothes in one day). I really don’t love doing laundry, but this has made me actually look forward to the chore!! Thank You Karrie! May you and your family be ever so Blessed!
Aweee, that is so nice to hear! So glad it works well for you and your family. I have a wrestler too, so I know exactly what you mean.
I am so happy that I found your site! I look forward to exploring your world further! Thank you for bringing us back to the reality that our grandparents knew in the “good ‘ole days”. And, let’s pray that the people in charge of the Olympics come to their senses….
How can I turn this recipe into a liquid Laundry detergent instead of using it as powders?
I have a whole house water softener. Will these ingredients and proportions still work? Sounds great- Elissa
I am stunned, the mix works very well. Our clothes just smell ‘clean’, no lingering perfumes. Did not add the perfume crystals, since we are trying to reduce too many ‘scents’ in the house. I only made a small batch to test it out. Once it’s gone will do the rest. Thanks for sharing this info. Truly the internet has made a lot of resources available to those willing to search, simplify and reuse our limited resources.
Hi ,I’m new to ur site I can’t wait to try the soap.
Welcome michelle, I am sure you will love it!
Thank you!!
Is it safe to use at the Laundromat? I know this sounds silly but I live in a apartment and we have no washer/dryer and no laundry center lol yeah I know “say whatttt?” but its cheap as my husband and I are trying to save up to buy a house 🙂 especially with the housing market starting to creep up! Thank you so much 🙂
Yes, it is absolutely safe to use at a laundromat. 🙂
Thank you for the prompt response! 🙂
Hello!! I have tried other DIY detergents, but I like your recipe better? But where do you buy your supplies? I can’t seem to find them for the prices you have listed & I am hoping to make it as economical as possible.
Thanks!!
Found all of mine at my local Walmart – look in the laundry section, you should see them all there.
From Mary Jane
I just made my first batch but not sure about it since don’t see any soap suds..
On the soap unable to find the Fels-Naptha and did find the Zote Flakes but had no idea how much to put into the mixture still…….and was wondering if the soap flakes by Zote work the same as grating your own soap bar. Also the soap bar by zote came in a pink and or a white and couldn’t see what the difference was. Saved me time by buying the Zote flakes but think next time will try the soap bar……..
I’ve used this homemade detergent for 3 months now & find my clothes are much brighter than before! Also use a bar of fels naptha for stubborn stains ( my sons greasy work clothes). Just wet the stain & rub with the bar. I’m allergic to most store bought detergents so I am really pleased with my homemade results!
What a great recipe! I have been using my homemade liquid detergent (tired of the big ole bucket and the shaking), but will be trying your dry recipe over the weekend. I have noticed some comments about dingy, white clothes. I have had this problem with all laundry detergents at times. The cure to dingy whites for me was BLUING (I buy Mrs. Stewarts brand). It doesn’t remove stains, but makes old white fabrics bright white again. And a little goes a long way.
I’m going to try the detergent recipe. Also, I want to subscribe to your newsletter.
If I wanted to make a smaller batch and use all the items bit only use one soap, how much of the other items should I use to make it equal?
What I found in searchng the internet, if you are using one bar of the Fels Naptha, 1 cup of Washing Soda, 1 cup of Borax. Some recipes used Oxi-clean, however a lot of the sites left out the baking soda and oxi-clean.
If I wanted to make a smaller batch and only one bar of soap, should i only use 1 cup of the other items?
If you wanted to use one bar of soap, you would need to use 1/3 amt. of each of the other ingredients. 🙂
Hi, I was just wondering if we’re supposed to use 1.3lb of the Oxy-clean or 3lb for one batch?
the 1.3 lb.:)
How much Clorox 2 if I want to add that? Or do I add that instead of the oxi-clean?
Sorry, I am not sure how much Clorox 2 to add since I have never used it in my recipe.
I am super stoked to try this, thank you so much for sharing!!! “) My children and I have terrible skin allergies to a great number of soaps and perfumes. I have a good feeling that this recipe is going to be extremely gentle and help relieve further irritation to our sensitive skin!!!
I’m off to the supermarket to get the ingredients…
Thanks again
I am going to try this next. I am running out of the last recipe I made but am looking for a new one. The last one was as good as store bought det. but needs to be a little better and needs to smell a bit better for me to be happy and it needs to be worth my time. 😉
I have a baby and I use Greased Lightening to get the stains out of her clothes. If I use this detergent, will I still need to use Greased
Lightening?
If I use ZOTE laundry soap and each bar is 14.1oz, how much do I need to use.
Second question if I buy the larger size of Oxi Clean 3 lbs do I use half of the container? I couldn’t find smaller size.
Yes, I would use 1/2 of the container. Or double up and make a bigger batch of everything! 🙂
If you are using the little bars of Zote soap I would use 3 bars – just use in place of the Fels-Naptha. 🙂
Even better, no grating of soap, I found ZOTE flakes for $2.48 which equates 2 bars of soap. I just made my batch and love it. Thank you so much for sharing.
H sue. Where ever did u find zote soap? 😉 have looked but it is hard to find. Thank u. Got the other soap as a back up. Felsnaptha.
Please add me to your newsletter!!
This was my first time at trying homemade detergent. Love it so far! I just have one quick question. How does it work for delicates? I have one item thats used all the time and has to be washed on delicate cycle, a mattress protector. Do I reduce the amount I use?
how big of a rubbermaid container do you recommend to mix and store this whole thing? thanks for sharing this recipe, I’m excited to try it.
I Bought a 5 gallon bucket wirh a lid from lowes. 😉 Gonna make my batch this weekend.
how much of the clorox 2 am I supposed to add?
Does anyone know if this is safe to use on cloth diapers? I bought the ingredients and got all excited, and then read up on bumgenius (cloth diaper brand that I use) website that I should not be using DIY detergents… 🙁 any advise would be greatly appreciated!!
i use it on cloth diapers and never had a problem but it does void the warrenty
Thank you!!!
Thanks so much for this recipe. Can’t wait to try it!!!
Be careful not to put in too much Oxi Clean! Because I am Visual in my learning, I used a larger container of Oxi Clean (the photo of ingredients shows the larger container)! I’m gonna have to now go back to the store, and remix with more of the other stuff so I have the right ratios. I was not looking at the recipe when I did, I just thought I had everything I needed. Dang me!
This is, by far, my favorite recipe!!! I recently found the white Zote bar and it is fabulous!!!! I got a food processor at Goodwill for $7 and that is what I use to grate the soap. A tip is to et it air dry for a day first. After it is grated, I take a handful, add the oxi, borax and soda and blend it. It break the shreds down into a powder. I do ths until I run out of grated soap. Dump it all in an empty bucket, cover it and twist it around until it is all mixed….
Wanted to add that my bar of Zote is nt wt 14 oz….I used 2
What is super washing soda?
Thanks,
John
Can we omit the baking soda? Does it still work well?
The baking soda helps with removing odors and stain. I would not omit it.
Please sign me up for your newsletter! I’ll be trying this DIY laundry detergent very soon! It seems wonderful!!
Please add me to your newsletter
is this recipe safe for septic tanks
Love the laundry detergent…
I went to buy all the ingredients this weekend and finally found the last 2 today. But I was reading on the zote flakes that is was not recommended for HE washers. Has anyone used it in HE washers?
Thanks
Can I use homemade soap in place of zote? And iis it possible to add essential oils for fragrance? How much / ratio or will the homemade soap fragrance it enough. I have sensitive skin trying to keep it gentle. Any response will be helpful.
Thank you
Fels-Naptha is not septic tank friendly 🙁
Being in the septic tank pumping business, I would say that yes it is safe for septic tanks. As most of these ingredients have been around for a very long time and city sewers haven’t been the norm, except in big cities, I would recommend it more than store bought detergents as most of them have fillers in them and that is what makes pumping a tank harder to do.
I’ve been using almost the exact same recipe for a couple of weeks now and just love it! It works great, but I find that I miss the scent the commercial detergents left on the clothes…so started to research.
The trick: Homemade dryer sheet:
1 clean dry cotton washcloth
Your favorite essential oil – make sure it’s pure EO, not fragrance oils, b/c those can irritate sensitive skin
Sprinkle 3-5 drops (max) on the dry washcloth, throw the scented cloth in the dryer with your washed clothes. And voila, once your clothes are dry, they will have a lovely light scent! As long as you only use 3-5 drops of EO on the wash cloth, there’s no problem with the oil migrating onto clothes or leaving spots. Tip: You can use that same wash cloth for several dryer cycles, just refresh with 2-3 drops of EO each time. Hope it works for you if you too miss having scent on your dry clothes :0).
What an awesome idea! Thank you 🙂
Another thing you can do to soften and add fragrance is take a spray bottle fill it 50/50 water and white vinegar add your essential oil. Then use this to spray your cotton wash cloth. Just be sure to vigorously shake your spray bottle before every use.
Looks like im gonna have to try this!
Instead of FelsNaptha I can use Ivory? Still 3 bars? And, I’ve heard of people microwaving them. Any suggestions there?
Thanks!
I use ivory, mic it for a min or so then use a fork. Doesn’t take long.
Do you use 3 bars? Thanks!
THANK YOU so much for this recipe! I have been using this for about a month now. I LOVE IT!!!! If any of you are thinking of trying this but unsure, go for it! My saving are not just with the cost of the soap. I find I no longer have to use the extra rinse cycle on my washer to get out the excess soap and residue so I am also saving in water and electricity. Plus I thought I was gonna have to replace my dryer as it was not as efficient anymore, sometimes I had to dry my clothes twice. Now one short dry cycle works. My lint trap hardly ever has anything in it which means the fibers of my clothes are not breaking down as bad. I think with less lint my dryer is working as it should again because it gets better air flow. No replacing it now. Also, with the fibers of my clothes not breaking down as bad my clothes will last longer. The savings far exceed beyond just the cost of the soap. My daughter also loves it and she has 3 kids and 3 dogs. We both highly recommend this to anyone we talk with.
Thank you so much for your comment Pat – you are very welcome!
Please add me to your newsletter. Thank you
Best detergent by far! I was shocked! I will no longer buy detergent at the store. My clothes smell so good and are really clean! Thanks for sharing, I wish I’d known this years ago!!!
So glad you love it too!
Looks like a great idea, going to try it!
Thanks!
~Maria
If I mix the ingredients exactly as shown, using the Ivory soap bars instead, is there any chance that because of the Oxyclean I will have discolored clothes or spots on the clothes? I’m not sure if they make Ivory Soap Flakes but If I used Ivory soap flakes instead of grating the bars, how much should I use with this recipe? I am soooo… excited to try this tonight! Thanks for your MAGIC! 🙂
I have never had any trouble with the Oxyclean, and I haven’t tried out the Ivory soap or flakes version of this yet. Anyone else tried it and can share your opinions. Have fun Debbie, you will love using this homemade version!
🙂 Thank You! I’ll let you know how this turns out! Now I’m off to mix my ingredients and start Washing! Oh, by the way, I also plan to make that delicious Bread I noticed! You’re site is truly a God-send! o:)
Oh you are too sweet!!! Thanks!
Well, day one of washing my clothes! They look great! Thank you Karrie!
Question: Husbands really dirty jeans (works in moderate dirt during the day-Handyman) I had to wash them twice. Should I use more than 2 tbsps for those?
If it needs more I say add a little bit more! 🙂
I have been making my own laundry soap for some time now. The recipe is a bit different. Lately my clothes have been smelling sour. Am I doing something wrong. My recipe does call for water. Could it be that it is better to use the dry soap? Is the water causing the soap to sour? I was so excited to make my homemade soap and now I do not want to have to keep rewashing the sour smelling clothes. What am I doing wrong? My son says his shirts smell so bad when he sweats. Thanks for any help to let me know what I am doing wrong.
Do you let the clothes sit in the washer after they are clean? I find if you don’t dry them pretty much right away, they can smell sour. For your son’s clothes, you could add a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle and they’ll be amazingly fresh and clean.
I am an Independent Consultant for Scentsy Fragrance. I add the Scentsy washer whiffs to this also. Washer whiffs are fragrance beads that adds scent to your wash. They come in 6 fragrances.
Can I find all these ingredients in my Canadian Walmart ie: Borax & Fels Naptha? Does anyone know?
I am not sure about the Fels Naptha…but I think my Canadian relatives said they have a different type of laundry soap bar up there…and I think that would work fine too.
I’m in Halifax NS and I had a hard time finding the fels naptha but I did see a sunlight laundry bar. I didn’t use the sunlight because I don’t light the scent so I am trying it with Ivory soap. Hope it works, I’ll let you know.
Thanks for the recipe 🙂
I haven’t found the Ivory soap so I’ll use Sunlight as I already have it.
I looked at WalMart & SuperStore (Moncton, NB) and can’t find the Super Washing Soda. Is it hiding in a different department or can I only find it at a certain store?
love the recipe many ways to play with having an amazing smell
just mixed it me and my son and he enjoyed it great thing for u and ur kiddo to do and a way to save just did our first load.. thanks going to try the fabric softner
Going to try this recipe when I run out of my current detergent…according to my current usage, this recipe would last me about 2.5 years!!
Just made my first batch and washing my first load as we speak! It didn’t suds up at all, hoping that is normal! And also I don’t have a food processor so I had to grate the soap! Hoping it works well 🙂
I just found your site via Pinterest, and I love it! Is the laundry soap okay to use for my baby’s clothes? Normally I use All Free and Clear detergent. Just wanted to check before I made it. Thanks!
Hi Andrea, that is the kind of detergent I used before changing to this one too. 🙂 It works great for sensitive skin and babies.
I made this last night and took my first load out of the washer just now. Smells great. I’m not sure I used the right amount of soap to it as I did make the larger amount thought. I did use washing soda, the Oxi-clean, a smaller amount of regular baking soda and the Fels Naptha. I’ve been making homemade softener since December and love it. And the Blue Dawn/Vinegar Shower soap is great too!
I saw a story on Mail.com last week with a woman who had 18 children and made her own laundry detergent. It was the liquid kind that you made up in a 5 gallon bucket. I’ve never heard of this before, but was so intrigued to try it. I went to the beach for a week and couldn’t wait until I got back today to try it. I didn’t like the thought of dealing with melting the soap on the stove and waiting 24 hours in between steps. When I got home, I found this recipe and immediately liked it better since it was dry ingredients. A trip to WalMart to buy items costs me $21.06. Grating the soap wasn’t fun, but just thinking of the money I was going to save, kept me going. I used Purex crystals for scent. I bought a large container to mix it up and store. I also bought a smaller container to put above my washer for easy access and I think it was the Borax box that came with a little scoop that was a perfect size. I’ve done two loads and am really happy with how clean and bright my clothes look. I was surprised that there were no suds in the washer, but apparently I don’t need them! Thanks so much for your recipe!
Hi,
I have a top load HE washing machine. It has a slot to pour liquid detergent in. Would I use this slot for the powder or put the detergent directly in the washer?
Thank you, Tammi C.
I really like this recipe! I figured the worst that can happen is it doesn’t work and I’m out $20 (or so) and have to rewash a load. I’m trying to stay away from using scented things which is another issue in itself..that takes some getting used to. About the detergent: I used Ivory instead of the Fels Naptha (I was not a fan of the smell) and did not add any of the Purex Crystals for scent. I grated the soap then added Borax while food processing as recommended and that was well worth the extra step due to the moisture in the soap. The hardest part about using this detergent is only using 1-2 TB. I have a complete mental block about it for no reason–it works great only using that amount but it just SEEMS wrong. It cleans perfectly with the small amount. I will definitely make this again…in a year when I run out 😉
I know what you mean Lindsay, it is hard to get used to only using a tiny amount. 🙂 So glad you tried it and enjoy using it!
With all of the great reviews on this recipe I decided to give it a try. I went directly by the recipe given and I have to say that it doesn’t live up to the reviews. For normal washing it does good, but any soiled clothing does not come clean. My work clothes I have to generally rewash them in Tide to get them clean. If you use this recipe, have a bottle of Tide on hand.
Hi, i had a question about the fels naptha. I did some research and apparently it’s not very good for the environment or for your septic tank. It’s bad for aquatic life. I wanted to try Dr. Bronner’s lavender soap (especially for that lavender scent). Do you think this would work if I used the same ratio as the fels naptha? Thank you.
Just made the recipe and am washing the towels in it. We used 3 bars if grated ivory bars, not many suds and am wondering if others encountered that. We bought the 3lb oxyclean as it was cheaper and just weighed out 1/2. The lavender Purex crystals is very nice.
I looked at WalMart & SuperStore (Moncton, NB) and can’t find the Super Washing Soda. Is it hiding in a different department or can I only find it at a certain store?
I have never seen the soap recommended, so I think I will try the ivory. But is it the ivory bath soap bar?
I can’t wait to try this detergent, my husbands uniforms have that sour/ sewaty smell and I HAVE to get rid of it!
Yes, it’s the Ivory bar soap people have used.