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!
Homemade Laundry Detergent
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!
OTHER GREAT DIY CLEANING RECIPES
- Best EVER Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution
- All Natural Carpet Cleaning Solution Using Vinegar
- DIY Carpet Cleaner Powder Dry Shampoo
- Homemade Armor All Car Cleaning Spray
- DIY Liquid Hand Soap recipe
- Make Your Own Swiffer Wet Pads
About Karrie
Food is my love language. But so is saving money. So I like to combine the two a lot and make thrifty make ahead and freeze meals to save time. Because life is busy, and freezer meals can come to the rescue for all of us. And yes, they actually CAN taste good. Read more...
Comments & Reviews
Ron says
I use 1 bar Fels Naptha, 1 cup Borax, and 1 cup A&H Super Washing Soda. I make about 9 of these batches at once. I will experiment with some of the other ingredients and ratios.
I microwave the Fels Naptha about 2-3 minutes per bar. It works best to do 1 bar at a time. It puffs way up and when cool in 10-30 minutes, crumbles easily by hand. I never did master grating it. WARNING! Microwaving the Fels Naptha releases a lot of odor. I have a spare microwave in the garage and do it there. I prefer scent free and after microwaving, there is very little scent left.
I add the 1-2 Tablespoons to a cup of hot water in an old sippy cup and shake to dissolve the ingredients before putting in the dispenser of my front loader.
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)
Joyce Ward says
I read all the comments back and forth about shopping at Wal-Mart and found them very interesting! I live alone fifty five miles from a grocery store in a remote area and Wal-Mart will ship right to my door free of charge any non-perishable item. I don’t have to spend over an hour driving both ways, lugging heavy items out of the store, into my car, and then into my home!
If you spend $100.00 they will ship free of charge! I buy dog food, and all kinds of items on the internet. This may help a lot of you young shoppers. I am 80 years old. I find this very helpful at my age! This is a service that none of the other local grocery stores in my area offer.
This is helpful to anyone at any age. On line you will find you are able to buy items that is not offered in the store… only on-line.
Catie Stoner says
I just made this today and accidentally got the 4 lb box of oxi clean instead ( obviously not paying attention) anyway had it mixed before I realized it used it on several loads and all seems to be fine do you think it will be a big deal???
Jen says
I realize how many people are against bleach. Further, I can’t survive without a DIY laundry detergent recipe, which is why I found it so important to post what I found just a few minutes ago on Youtube..
Apparently, according to the doctor in the video, pathogens will STAY on your towels, even if you wash them! It is recommended that compromised towels (kitchen towels that got any chicken juices, bath towels that might have come in contact with some sort of skin infection like an eye stye, etc) should be washed with BLEACH, hot water, and a hot dryer. For a bit more info, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdnS2NO0wm0
This is NOT my video. I just found it, and I’m trying to let people know.
PS If you get this message before February 3, Walgreens has Purex Crystals on sale for $2 right now!
Ron says
If you want to sanitize something, I believe you HAVE to use Chorine Bleach. Many products are called bleach but do not have Chorine in them. Other ‘bleaches’ including ones made for whitening color clothes do not have the sanitizing ability.
The bottle I recently bought specifically says that it sanitizes in the list of applications.
http://ucfoodsafety.ucdavis.edu/files/26437.pdf Oklahoma University Study
Lori says
I love this recipe. I make it every time it runs out, I can’t imagine washing in any other laundry detergent. I have given some to my sisters. This works wonders, I hang clothes outside in the summer. I really see all laundry. Thank you!
Lori says
I love this recipe, I make it every time it run’s out. I have given it to my sister’s. I can’t imagine washing in anything else. Thank you!
Lisa says
Can you use this in HE machine?
Cindy says
Yes, I have been for 4 years now…
Lisa says
Can you use this in an HE machine?
promie says
Love this! Thank you for sharing!! I have a few questions… Does the tub of 18 lbs clump up or harden over time? How long did your 18 pounds last you? For HE washers, did you put the 1T directly into the washer or in the drawer? Anyone experience any problems with using it in HE washers now that this recipe has been posted for some time? (I am late to this party :-)…!) I can’t wait to try it!
Mary Jane Robinson says
From Mary Jane:
WOW oh WOW really appalled at the amount of residue from this recipe.
Also very scared about my HE machine after reading another person’s expense from this recipe how the residue caused major damage and cost for the machine.
I live in Texas in a old house and the water lines drains outside onto the land I did two loads of laundry today on my third one and was out in the back yard a few minutes ago and was able to see all the white residue from the wash on the ground………
I’m also on fixed income so that is why I thought I would try your ….Recipe for the laundry soap very disappointed in the amount of stuff coming out from the wash and pray it’s not going to do major damage to my HE washing machine.
I will have to use what I made up until I can afford to buy more laundry soap. I also live on $132.00 a month for food, car gas pretty much anything I need. I will be going back to buying from Sam’s when this stuff is gone. Extremely disappointed when you stated that it was suppose to be safe for HE machines>>>>>>>
I did take pictures of it to show but no idea how to post on the site a picture of the residue.
How is this worth the cost to save on laundry soap if your going to have a major repair on a washing machine?
Amanda says
Hello! I will be making this soon! I was wondering what size container I will need to keep it in. I have a lot of room, so it doesn’t need to be split into different containers.
Thank You!
jennifer says
Does this recipe work well with dark colors? I am afraid to try this becausd of fading…
Melanie says
I made this last night and had a quick question. I notice that this doesn’t make suds; is this standard or have I done something wrong. I bought the exact ingredients you listed and even used my food processor to grate the soap. My husband told me that it didn’t need to make suds but I wanted to check.
Thanks for posting the recipe!!
Karrie says
Nope, its not really super sudsy, but cleans really well regardless. It took me some getting used to because I like those suds too!
Kathryn Smith says
Just wanted to give my input. I don’t use the Fels-Naptha, Ivory, or Zote. I make my own 100% coconut soap and then run it through the grater instead. I also use my coconut soap to make laundry butter and am very pleased with the results but I am going to use your recipe and substitute my soap for the store bought soap and give it to my friends and family with top load machines for gifts this year. I am going to keep a jar of it myself to use when traveling. I love knowing what exactly is going into my laundry especially with my skin problem due to lupus. Now with my kids all in their own homes it makes me happy to see that they are going to be able to take care of their own clothes as well as I did when they were home. Thank you for the recipe and I will definitely let you know how it goes with my own homemade soap in your recipe.
Happy.MoneySaver says
Yes, please let me know. Your coconut soap sounds very intriguing!
Laura says
I just wanted to thank you for this wonderful recipe. I have saved so much money using this detergent, and our clothes always come out clean and stain free. One batch has lasted us an entire year, and we have a family of 5! I used Ivory Soap bars instead of the Fels Naptha, and the Purex Crystals did give it a wonderful scent. Thanks so much for the fantastic recipe! Looking forward to making my second batch!
Happy.MoneySaver says
That is great, Laura! I love saving money on the day-to-day items and sharing it with others like you!
Thomas M. says
I was wondering how this home made detergent compares to 7th Generation Free & Clear laundry detergent in terms of environmentally friendly and septic system save? The ingredients for the bar soap sound kind of harsh : Soap (sodium tallowate*, sodium cocoate* (or) sodium palmate kernelate*, and sodium palmate*), water, talc, dipentine, coconut acid*, Palm acid*, tallow acid*, peg-6 methyl ether, glycerin, sodium chloride, pentasodium pentetate and/or tetrasodium etidronate, titanium dioxide, triclocarban, fragrance, acid orange 24, acid yellow 73.
Dashell says
So I made this the other day (finally, wanted to run out of my old stuff first) and I used the Zote flakes. On the box it says it’s not good for HE washers, which is what my mom has, and I wanted to wash laundry at her place since it’s free… (here i have to pay)… do you know if with all the ingredients and only using one tablespoon if it’d be safe in an HE washer? I mixed the box of flakes with a full box of washing soda and the borax with the added oxyclean (though I used a knock off brand)
Mel says
*wear a mask
Please fix.
Thanks!
Mel says
Just a few more observations about these recipes for new people: they aren’t safe for wools (sheep and alpaca), silks, or leather. I think plant based fibers are OK (cotton & linen). If you omit the OxyClean and the Super Washing Soda, you might be able to get away with washing those fibers (I haven’t checked on Borax yet). You might be better off just using plain Dove soap for those washables.
Almost all of these ingredients are caustic and dangerous to inhale/touch in their concentrated form. In other words, be careful when mixing (where a mask) and don’t let your kids or pets near it when doing so. These are powders and they readily dissipate in the air and will linger for quite some time. The entire recipe contains many of the same “chemicals” that are found in commercially produced detergents. Sometimes they are in a slightly different form or are described with an alternate name. What it doesn’t contain are any of the perfectly safe enzymes that dissolve odors and stains that are normally included in detergents like Tide. Fels-Naptha is not “all-natural” – it also contains synthetic chemicals.
I have to agree with Ellbee and some others: this recipe (and all the others like it) doesn’t do a great job for me. I still find stains and (worse) odors on my clothes when I use it, unlike commercially produced detergents. It doesn’t matter how much I use, I’ve never been successful in getting a good clean from these recipes.
As far as benefits to the environment in terms of packaging, this recipe uses more packaging than the box of Tide I usually buy and more energy to get to market (for the same reason it is cheaper to buy large packages of items) and for me to get home with it. This isn’t necessarily a better alternative for the environment and after all costs associated with it are calculated (including my time), it isn’t saving me any money. If it works for someone’s allergies or you simply like it & it works for you, by all means that is a legitimate reason but if you are suffering with sub-par cleaning and are doing so to help the environment, you may want to reconsider.
I saw there was a question about hard water and septic tanks. See my previous comment about baking soda, which I would bet was the “laundry powder” at the bottom of the septic tank. For hard water, the washing soda will “soften” it just as much as baking soda. It is also an odor absorber, so it can definitely be omitted. Think of washing soda as baking soda for your laundry and when using baking soda in your plumbing (IF you want to use it), always chase with a good bit of vinegar. This also goes for you on a city sewage system. Remember, it’s still going somewhere to be processed. If it clogs up someone’s septic, it will clog up the city septic – you’ll just be paying for the extra cleaning & spare facilities in your bill.
Mel says
You might want to omit the baking soda. It doesn’t really dissolve well in water and will slowly clog up pipes and (worse) the pump in your washing machine. It doesn’t take much to clog up the pump and they are expensive to replace. HE machines are especially prone because there isn’t enough water to thoroughly wash out the residue. It can take a long time for the build-up to happen depending on the machine and usage – long enough that there will be people posting how they never have a problem and they’ve been using it for years. Ditto for your pipes. Once a plug is formed, the only way to get it out is manually (vinegar can’t penetrate the plug enough to work and drain cleaners don’t react with it). Omitting it won’t affect the cleaning action of this detergent.
Bear in mind, your repairman won’t be disassembling the pump to see why it failed – it will just be replaced, so you might not have made the connection. If you’ve had a pump fail on you and you’ve been using any home made detergent or adding a bit of baking soda to the wash, it is likely the culprit. If you are concerned about your pump, you could try adding vinegar to the rinse cycle. It softens clothes and they won’t smell like vinegar. I don’t know how well this will work as the vinegar will be diluted by water. Another option is to dump a gallon or so straight into the basket and run the “drain & spin” option on your machine. That will flush the pump with straight vinegar and hopefully remove all build-up you may have.