When it comes to caring for your home and family, the everyday choices we make add up, especially with something as regular as laundry. Store-bought detergents are often filled with harsh chemicals, fragrances, and unnecessary additives that can irritate sensitive skin and pollute our water systems. On top of that, the price of detergent continues to climb, making laundry a surprisingly expensive monthly cost.
But here’s the good news: making your own laundry detergent at home is not only easy and budget-friendly, it’s also healthier for your family and the environment. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a gallon of liquid laundry detergent that cleans clothes effectively, smells amazing, and costs just a fraction of what you’d pay at the store.
Why Choose Homemade Laundry Detergent?
- Healthier: No dyes, fillers, or harsh chemicals. Just simple, effective ingredients that are gentle on skin and fabrics.
- Eco-Friendly: Fewer plastic jugs and less chemical runoff into waterways.
- Budget-Friendly: A single batch costs pennies per load compared to store-bought brands.
- Customizable: Add your favorite essential oils for a fresh scent or keep it unscented for ultra-sensitive skin.
Yes, it takes a little more effort to mix it up yourself, but the reward is greater. You’re saving money, reducing waste, and creating a safer home environment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup Borax (naturally derived mineral cleaner + deodorizer)
- 1 cup Washing Soda (helps cut grease and lift stains)
- 1 cup Pure Castile Soap (liquid soap made from natural oils, such as olive or coconut)
- Essential Oils (optional—for fragrance; lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus work great)
- Water
- 1 Gallon Glass Container (for storage)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat Your Water
- Bring about 4 cups of water to a low simmer in a kettle.
- Add the Powders
- In a large gallon glass jug add the 1 cup borax, 1 cup washing soda. Gently stir.
- Add Essential Oils (Optional)
- Add 20–30 drops of your favorite essential oil. Lavender for calming, lemon for freshness, or eucalyptus for a clean, crisp scent.
- Add warm water
- Pour the water into your 1-gallon glass container.
- Start with small amounts and stir continuously.
- Fill the rest of the container with the remainder of warm water, stirring to combine.
- I usually stir for 3-5 mins to make sure it is fully combined.
- Mix in the Soap
- Pour in the 1 cup pure castile soap, stirring slowly so it blends without foaming too much.
- Let It Cool & Thicken
- Allow the detergent to cool overnight. It may thicken slightly—just give it a good stir or shake before each use.
How to Use
- For a regular load: Use ½ cup of detergent.
- For a large or heavily soiled load: Use ¾ cup.
This recipe works well in both standard and HE washing machines since it’s low-sudsing.
Tips for Success
- Always shake or stir before using, as natural ingredients may separate.
- Store in a glass container rather than plastic to prevent chemical leaching.
- If you want a powder version, simply skip the water and blend the dry ingredients with grated bar castile soap.
Cost Breakdown
Compared to spending $12–20 on a jug of commercial detergent, this homemade version costs under $2 per gallon. Depending on how much laundry your family does, you could save hundreds of dollars per year with this one simple swap!
Final Thoughts
Making homemade laundry detergent may require a little extra effort, but the reward is much greater. You’re not just saving money, you’re reducing toxins in your home, protecting the environment, and taking another step toward intentional, purposeful living.
It’s a small change with a huge impact, and once you start, I have a feeling you may never want to go back to store-bought detergent again.
