28 Best Homemade Laundry Detergent of 2023

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Laundry detergent is an essential item in every household, but have you ever stopped to think about the chemicals that are present in commercial laundry detergents? These chemicals not only harm the environment, but they can also be harmful to your health.

Fortunately, making your own laundry detergent is an excellent way to not only reduce your carbon footprint but also save money. In this article, you can find the 28 best homemade laundry detergent of 2023. These options are easy to make, effective at removing stains and odors, and use natural and safe ingredients. Whether you prefer liquid or powder detergent, scented or unscented, there is a recipe for everyone on this list. Let's dive in and discover how to make your own laundry detergent at home.

Loni Labs Bio Detergent

The Super Laundry Sauce

Homemade Lavender and Lemon High-Efficiency Laundry Detergent

Homemade HE Laundry Detergent

Powdered Laundry Detergent With Scent Crystals

Baby Laundry Detergent

Liquid Laundry Soap for $1 a Gallon

Coconut and Lavender Laundry Detergent

Homemade Laundry Detergent Tabs

Basic Laundry Detergent Recipe

2 Cents a Load Laundry Detergent

Borax-Free Laundry Detergent

Natural and Frugal Laundry Soap Recipe

Mom’s Super Laundry Sauce

All-in-One Laundry Bombs

Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent

Homemade All Natural Laundry Detergent

DIY Liquid Laundry Soap

The Favorite Laundry Detergent

Liquid Laundry Soap

The 1 Year Supply of Laundry Detergent

The Dawn Laundry Soap

The Super Frugal Liquid Laundry Detergent

The Pretty Pink Laundry Detergent

DIY Laundry Pods with Essential Oils

The 6-Ingredient Laundry Soap

World’s Best Homemade Laundry Detergent

Premium DIY Laundry Detergent

There are several reasons why someone might choose to use homemade laundry soap over store-bought options.

Firstly, homemade laundry soap can be a more environmentally-friendly option. Many commercial laundry detergents contain harmful chemicals that can harm aquatic life and pollute waterways. Homemade laundry soap, on the other hand, often utilizes natural ingredients that are biodegradable and less likely to cause harm to the environment.

Secondly, making your own laundry soap can be a cost-effective solution. Store-bought laundry detergents can be expensive, especially if you have a large family and do a lot of laundry. By making your own laundry soap, you can save money and reduce waste by reusing containers and buying ingredients in bulk.

Lastly, homemade laundry soap allows you to control what ingredients are in your cleaning products. Many people prefer to use natural and safe ingredients rather than harsh chemicals, which can be especially important for those with sensitive skin or allergies. By making your own laundry soap, you can customize the recipe to fit your needs and preferences.

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Bio enzyme laundry detergent is an eco-friendly laundry detergent proudly made in the USA. It is formulated with nontoxic, bio-based ingredients and boasts a hyper-concentrated formula that is effective in HE washers. This hypoallergenic detergent is gentle on sensitive skin, making it safe for babies and pets. It is also vegan and cruelty-free, making it a responsible choice for animal lovers.

Unlike traditional laundry detergents, bio enzyme laundry detergent is made from natural ingredients and uses enzymes to effectively break down and remove tough stains from clothing. With no harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances, this laundry detergent is a safer and healthier option for both you and the environment.

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To make your own laundry detergent, start by cutting a Fels Naptha Soap bar in half. Then, slice one half into pea-sized chunks and place them in one Mason Jar. Cut up the other half and place those pieces in the second jar. Next, add 1 1/2 cups of boiling water to each jar, cover them, and leave them overnight.

The next day, use a butter knife to make a "criss-cross" pattern on the gelled Fels Naptha to loosen it. Add 1/2 cup of borax and 1/2 cup of washing soda to each jar. If desired, add 30 drops of essential oil to each jar. Add enough hot water to bring the level up to the "shoulder" of the jar. Carefully seat the gasket and blender blade onto the bottom of the jar.

Place the jar on the blender base and whip until the mixture is light and fluffy with the consistency of creamy mayonnaise. Finally, store the detergent in a Mason Jar with a cover. This homemade laundry detergent is an effective and affordable alternative to store-bought options.

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To make your own detergent, start by measuring out 1/2 cup of washing soda and pouring it into a 2 gallon bucket. Add hot tap water to just cover the washing soda, and stir well to dissolve. Next, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the mixture, and stir until it dissolves.

Fill the bucket with hot tap water, leaving only about 1/2 inch of space at the top. Be sure to do this before adding your castile soap, or you risk making a bubbly mess! Measure out and add 3/4 cup of castile soap to the bucket, followed by 15 drops each of your favorite lemon and lavender essential oil. Carefully stir everything together until well mixed.

Finally, use a soup ladle to transfer the detergent into jars or bottles. If your bottle has a smaller opening, you may need to use a funnel.

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To make the detergent, start by grating the soap using a hand grater or food processor. Ensure that it's grated into fine particles that dissolve easily. Carefully mix the grated soap with the washing soda and borax, using gloves or a spoon to avoid skin dryness.

Next, add your preferred essential oils and stir well. Store the mixture in an air-tight glass jar. When using, add 1-2 tablespoons of the detergent per load, and add 1 tablespoon of oxygen booster if needed. This is especially useful for white loads.

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Just cut the Zote soap with a knife into small cubes and used a food processor to chop it up along with some of the borax or washing soda to prevent sticking. The scent crystals were also added to the processor and chopped up. Alternatively, freezing the soap and using a small grater can be used if a food processor is not available.

Only 1 or 2 tablespoons of detergent are needed per load, and for heavily soiled loads, 2 tablespoons may be used. This detergent dissolves well in cold water and is safe to use in HE machines, as it does not create suds. It is important not to add more detergent, thinking that it will create suds.

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To make an easy DIY baby laundry detergent, you will need 6 cups of washing soda, which can usually be found in the detergent aisle. Additionally, you will need 3 bars of castile soap or any bar soap that contains coconut oil. Kirk's castile soap is a popular choice for homemade detergents.

To start, grate the castile soap bars into fine particles using a hand grater or food processor. Next, add 6 cups of washing soda to the grated soap and mix well. Store the mixture in an airtight container until you're ready to use it.

When you're ready to do laundry, use 2-3 tablespoons of the detergent per load. This DIY detergent is gentle and safe for use on baby clothes and is an affordable alternative to store-bought baby laundry detergents.

Image courtesy Tales from a Cottage Blog

On the Tales from a Cottage blog, Lindsay presents an affordable and straightforward method for creating a liquid laundry soap that effectively cleans clothes. Instead of purchasing expensive laundry detergent, you can make this recipe for less than a dollar per gallon. The recipe requires just three ingredients: Borax, washing soda, and Fels Naptha, which you can buy individually, but purchasing the complete laundry kit is more cost-effective. With this kit, you can make multiple gallons of laundry detergent. You can find the laundry kit and recipe on the blog.

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To make coconut and lavender laundry detergent, start by grating a bar of castile soap into fine pieces using a cheese grater or food processor. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, baking soda, and Epsom salt.

Mix everything together thoroughly. Next, add the lavender essential oil to the mixture and stir well to distribute evenly. Transfer the detergent into an airtight glass jar or container for storage.

Use 1-2 tablespoons of the detergent per load of laundry, depending on the size and level of dirtiness. Store the detergent in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This homemade laundry detergent is a great natural and gentle option for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals in commercial detergents.

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The first step in making the laundry tabs was grating the bar of Castile soap, using the fine grade side of the grater. Alternatively, a food processor can also be used for this step. After grating, the washing soda, Epsom salts, and vinegar were added to the mixing bowl, and then the essential oils were mixed in thoroughly.

To create the laundry tabs, the mixture was packed into molds, and a spray bottle with a mixture of vinegar and water was used to drench them. The tabs were left to sit overnight to dry out, then popped out of the mold and added to a jar. The tabs were tested on two loads of laundry and worked well, leaving clothes bright and soft without the typical chemical scent of store-bought detergents. This recipe is a natural and effective alternative for those looking for a gentle laundry detergent option.

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To make your own laundry detergent at home, start by grating one bar of soap, such as Ivory or Fels-Naptha. In a jar, mix one cup of borax and one cup of washing soda with the grated soap. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined by shaking the jar. To use the detergent, add one tablespoon per load of laundry. This simple recipe can save you money and help reduce the use of harmful chemicals in your home.

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To make this laundry detergent, start by grating a bar of soap using a cheese grater. In a large bowl, mix together borax, washing soda, and baking soda. Then, transfer the grated soap to a food processor and add about 1 cup of the powdered mixture from the bowl. Turn the food processor on and drop essential oil into it to allow the oil to blend into the soap. After the soap is processed into smaller pieces, remove it from the food processor and add it to the large bowl with the powdered mixture. Mix everything thoroughly.

This recipe yields almost a gallon of laundry detergent. Use 1-2 tablespoons of the detergent per load of laundry and add 1/4 cup of white vinegar as a fabric softener.

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To make a natural cleaning solution, get a gallon jug and mix 2 cups of warm water, 1 cup of baking soda, and ⅓ cup of salt. Any gallon jug will do, even an old milk jug. Just make sure to put the lid on tightly and give it a good shake.

It's worth noting that the ingredients will separate because no bonding agent is used in this recipe. But don't worry, just shake it well before each use. This recipe works wonders and is chemical-free.

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To make a natural and frugal laundry soap recipe, start by grating a bar of soap using a cheese grater or food processor. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated soap, Borax, and Washing Soda, and mix well. If desired, add a few drops of essential oils to the mixture for fragrance, and mix again. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container, such as a jar or a container with a lid.

When it's time to do laundry, use 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture per load, depending on the size and level of dirtiness. For best results, add the mixture to the drum of the washing machine before adding the clothes. Store the laundry soap in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

This natural and frugal laundry soap recipe is easy to make, gentle on clothes, and effective in removing dirt and stains. It is also an affordable alternative to expensive laundry detergents that often contain harsh chemicals.

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The Mom's Super Laundry Sauce laundry soap recipe has nine steps to follow. Step 1 involves putting four cups of water in a large, heavy saucepan over high heat. In Step 2, the Fels Naptha soap bar is grated and added to the water in the saucepan while stirring almost constantly.

The heat is then reduced to medium, and it will take around 10 to 15 minutes for the Fels Naptha to dissolve completely. Borax and washing soda are mixed together in a bowl, as described in Step 1, and added to the pan once the soap has melted in Step 4.

The powders are stirred constantly until they are completely dissolved. In Step 5, the liquid is poured into two one-quart Mason jars equally. In Step 6, enough water is added to bring the contents up to the "shoulders" or rounded part of the jar, leaving approximately 1.5 inches of headspace. Step 7 involves turning the jars upside down and letting them sit for a few hours, allowing the soap to separate into layers.

In Step 8, the contents of the jar are blended using a blender or a hand mixer until they are smooth and creamy. Finally, in Step 9, one tablespoon of the detergent is added directly with the dirty clothes to a load of laundry in any type of machine.

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To make laundry bombs, first grate Fels-Naptha laundry bar soap into a mixing bowl. Then add washing soda and Epsom salts, which softens water, fights stains, and reduces static cling. After that, add hydrogen peroxide to naturally whiten clothes and keep colors fresh.

Vinegar should also be stirred in, as it busts through stains and leaves clothes soft. A few drops of your favorite essential oil can be added for scent. Once everything is mixed together, the resulting mixture should look like wet sand and clump together. Next, scoop up the mixture with a rounded tablespoon measuring spoon, press against the side of the bowl, and then tap out onto a sheet pan covered with parchment paper.

Finally, spray equal parts vinegar and water over the laundry bombs and let set for eight hours before using. You can use one laundry bomb for small loads and two for larger loads. The laundry bombs refresh clothing without the need for extra cleaners.

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To make your own laundry detergent, gather all the ingredients and put them in a food processor. Blend until you have a fine powder. Then, pour the mixture into an airtight container. You can use about 1-2 tablespoons for each load of laundry, depending on your preferences.

If you're not sure, you can use the scoop from your old detergent and fill it up to the 1 line, which is roughly 2 tablespoons. This recipe, which includes Borax, can make around 74 loads of laundry.

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To make your own laundry detergent, start by mixing washing soda and baking soda together in a large bowl with hot water until it dissolves. Pour this mixture into your laundry detergent container and add warm water almost to the top, leaving some space at the top.

Then, pour in the Castile Soap and gently mix. Add some essential oil and mix again. Keep a wooden spoon or something similar with the container so you can give the detergent a quick stir before using each time. To use, follow your washing machine's instructions and use 1/3 of a cup of the detergent.

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To make DIY liquid laundry soap, you will need the following ingredients: washing soda, baking soda, Castile soap, essential oil, hot water, and a container to store the detergent. In a large bowl, mix together the washing soda and baking soda with enough hot water until it dissolves.

Then pour this mixture into your laundry detergent container and fill the container with warm water, leaving a couple of inches of space at the top. Next, add the Castile soap and gently mix. Finally, add your desired essential oil and mix again.

Keep a wooden spoon or something similar with the container so you can give the detergent a quick stir before using it each time. To use the detergent, follow your washing machine's instructions and use 1/3 cup of the detergent.

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To make DIY liquid laundry soap, start by measuring and pouring washing soda and borax into a one-gallon container. Add 2 to 3 cups of cool tap water, apply the lid, and shake the container vigorously until the powdered ingredients appear to be dissolving.

Fill the container with tap water, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Slowly pour blue Dawn dishwashing liquid into the container, being careful not to create a lot of suds or bubbles. Fill the measuring cup with more water and use it to top off the container, leaving about a half-inch of space at the top. Apply the lid and roll the container on its side to mix everything together.

To use, measure out 1 tablespoon to 1/4 cup detergent, depending on the size and type of washer you have, and the hardness level of the water. For front-loading HE washers, start with just 1 tablespoon. Experiment to find the right amount for your individual conditions.

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To make liquid laundry soap, gather the necessary ingredients: washing soda, borax, blue Dawn dishwashing liquid, and water. Measure out the washing soda and borax and pour them into a one-gallon container. Add 2-3 cups of cool tap water, apply the lid, and shake the container vigorously until the powdered ingredients are dissolved.

Fill the container with more tap water to within an inch of the top, leaving enough room for the Dawn. Measure out and pour in the blue Dawn dishwashing liquid slowly, being careful not to create too many suds or bubbles. Once you've poured in all of the Dawn, fill the measuring cup with more water to top off the container and rinse out the last of the Dawn.

Apply the lid tightly and roll the container around a bit to mix everything. To use the laundry soap, measure out 1 tablespoon for a front loader and 1/4 cup for an older top-loading machine, adjusting as necessary based on the size and type of washer you have and the hardness level of the water where you live. If you have a front-loading HE washer, start with just 1 tablespoon to ensure the detergent is well-rinsed out on the last rinse cycle.

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To make powdered laundry soap, start by cutting the bars of soap into pieces and placing them on a large plate. Microwave the soap in 1-minute intervals until it becomes poofy, which might require you to do it in parts.

Once done, remove the soap from the microwave and let it cool off completely. Next, put the cooled soap into a blender and blend until it becomes powdery, doing this in parts and only when the soap is cooled. Pour the blended soap into a large container and add borax, washing soda, baking soda, and Unstopables.

Mix everything well until all the ingredients are well combined. You can use your hands for this purpose. Finally, store the laundry soap in a cool, dry place. To use, add 1-2 tablespoons of the soap per load into your washer drum or detergent tray.

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To make your own laundry detergent, start by mixing 1/2 cup of Borax and 1/2 cup of Super Washing Soda in a large mixing cup or bowl. The recipe suggests using a four-cup mixing cup, but a slightly larger option may work better.

The other recipes may suggest using boiling water, but the author used very hot tap water, which worked well enough. However, it is important to note that the borax and washing soda did not completely dissolve, which required the addition of another two cups of hot water to dissolve the rest.

Next, add the diluted borax/washing soda mixture to your container, then add 1/3 cup of Dawn dish soap. Replace the cap and shake well. You'll see a lot of sudsing, but that's okay. Add cold tap water until the rest of the bottle is nearly full. Be aware that suds will pour out, so make sure to place the container in a sink or other appropriate area. Label the jar with the ingredients and begin using about 1/2 cup per load, adjusting as needed.

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To make homemade laundry detergent, start by grating a bar of soap into a pot. Fill a one-gallon jug with water and pour it into the pot with the grated soap. Cook until the grated soap dissolves. Next, add the Borax and washing soda and bring it to a boil. It will coagulate.

Turn off the heat and add one gallon of cold water, stirring well. Use a funnel to pour one gallon of the detergent into each container.

You now have two gallons of homemade laundry detergent. Use half a cup per load. Note that this detergent won't produce many suds, but that doesn't mean it's not cleaning your clothes effectively.

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To make Pretty Pink Laundry Detergent, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients: 1 cup of Borax, 1 cup of washing soda, 1 bar of Fels Naptha soap, 1/2 cup of Epsom salt, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Then, grate the bar of Fels Naptha soap using a cheese grater and put the grated soap in a large bowl. Add the Borax, washing soda, Epsom salt, and salt to the bowl, and mix everything together well.

Next, you will need to add the pink food coloring to the mixture. You can use as much or as little as you like, depending on how bright or light you want the pink color to be. Mix the food coloring in thoroughly until the mixture turns a pretty shade of pink.

Once everything is mixed together, transfer the detergent to an airtight container for storage. Use 2 tablespoons of the detergent for each load of laundry. This recipe makes enough detergent for about 16 loads of laundry.

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To make your own laundry detergent balls, start by grating Fels-Naptha soap into a mixing bowl. Add washing soda and Epsom salt to the bowl and mix well. Next, add hydrogen peroxide and vinegar to the mixture, stirring until it resembles wet sand.

Add 30 drops of essential oils for a pleasant scent. Using your hands, press the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Allow the balls to dry for 8 hours before storing them in an airtight container. When it's laundry day, simply toss a ball into your washing machine with your clothes and enjoy clean, fresh laundry.

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Making your own DIY powdered laundry detergent is easy and cost-effective. Start by mixing together baking soda, super soda, Borax, and OxiClean in a large bowl. It's best to add one ingredient, mix it up, and then add the next ingredient.

Next, add your preferred booster, whether it's Purex Crystals, Downy Unstoppables, or the Arm & Hammer Clean Sensations. Mix it all up again. Then, grate the Zote soap or Fels-Naptha, whichever you prefer to use, using a cheese grater. Mix in one bar at a time to ensure all pieces are evenly distributed.

You can experiment with using both types of soap to see which works better for your washing machine. Once you have everything mixed, store it in an airtight container. Use about 2 tablespoons of detergent per load, 3 tablespoons for larger or soiled loads. You can put the detergent directly into the drum if you have a front-loading washing machine. Finally, enjoy your freshly laundered clothes!

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To make your own laundry detergent, begin by grating the Zote soap using a cheese grater or food processor. Then, mix all the ingredients together in a large bucket. Once it's all mixed up, you can use 2-4 tablespoons of the mixture per laundry load. This recipe is a great way to save money and create a more eco-friendly laundry routine. Give it a try and see how it works for you!

Image courtesy Love and Laundry

The person behind this amazing homemade laundry detergent recipe of 2023 has shared their method for making it. They recommend starting with the powdered ingredients and mixing after each addition to ensure consistency.

Purex Crystals are suggested to aid in even mixing, and they suggest using the plastic lid that comes with the detergent as a measuring tool. The recipe also includes the use of Zote Soap, which can be grated by hand or purchased pre-grated. They caution against using too few bars of soap, as it is the ingredient that cleans clothes, and emphasize the cost-effectiveness of the recipe.