DIY Laundry Detergent (the best!): Switch to a homemade detergent for a less-toxic home

Cass
Sep 10, 2024
2 min read

Switch to a DIY Laundry Detergent so you can be one step closer to a greener, less toxic home.

Making your own DIY Laundry Detergent is simple, cost effective and one that really works!

This recipe I've found to be the best and most effective with washing laundry. Plus, it is only 4 ingredients!

Ingredients:

2 gallons and 1 quart (32 cups + 4 cups = 36 cups) Boiling Water
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda or Laundry Soda
1 Fels-Naptha bar (grated)
Essential Oils (ex. Lemon, Lavender, etc.) (optional)

Directions:

In a large bucket or pail, add 2 gallons (32 cups) of boiling water.
Add the borax and washing soda and mix well.
In a separate bowl or pail, add the remaining 1 quart (4 cups) of boiling water and the grated Fels-Naptha bar and mix well.
Add the fels-naptha mixture into the large pail and mix it all together well.
Let sit and cool for at least 1 hour before transferring to a large storage container. I used my punch dispenser (as in the pic) because it is perfect for getting the amount of detergent you need, easily.
Use 1/4 cup - 1/2 cup detergent per load (see notes below).

Notes:

Small / Normal Loads: add 1/4 cup DIY Laundry Detergent per load.
Large Loads: add 1/2 cup DIY Laundry Detergent per load.
Do not add too much detergent, to avoid detergent build-up on your clothes or in the washing machine.
I recommend doing a vinegar rinse cycle on your washing machine every 1-4 weeks to avoid build-up. You can do this by filling up your laundry detergent compartment with vinegar up to the max line, then running a full hot water cycle on your washing machine.

Closing Statement

DIY Laundry Detergents can be rewarding knowing that you are washing your clothes with a less toxic formula, and that you may be saving money while doing it.

Download your printable recipe card here!