The Original Homemade Laundry Detergent
This is the ORIGINAL homemade laundry detergent recipe, all others only imitate what you’ll find here.
Note: No time or desire to make your own laundry detergent? You can always purchase a great natural brand like this.
When we first set out to make our own homemade laundry detergent we thought it would be difficult and time consuming – turns out it’s neither. Making your own laundry powder is fast, easy, and inexpensive.
We opt for powder over liquid in respect for opportunity cost, storage, and simplicity (the liquid variety takes longer to make, requires more storage space, and is more complicated). And now, years after making our first batch, thousands of others have tried it and loved the results.
This powdered detergent recipe requires just three simple ingredients and takes only a few minutes to make:
- find the written instructions below
- visit page two for pictorial instructions
- visit page three for the cost savings breakdown, notes on HE washers, septic tanks, and borax safety.
Note: This soap/detergent works in all HE front-load washers; read more below.
Detergent Recipe
Each batch yields approximately 32 ounces (between 32-64 loads based on how many Tbsp used per load).
Ingredients
- 1 bar (or 4.5 ounces) shaved bar soap (a homemade laundry bar, Dr. Bronner’s, Kirk’s Castile Saop, Ivory, ZOTE, or Fels-Naptha)
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup washing soda
Directions
Thoroughly stir together for several minutes and enjoy the results! You can take this a step further and blend the mixture in a blender or food processor to create a powder that will dissolve easily even in cold water. (Just be sure to let the dust settle before removing the lid of your blender or food processor so you don’t inhale the fine particles.) Store in a sealed container with a small scoop.
To Use
Use 1 Tbsp per small load (or 2-3 Tbsp for large or heavily soiled loads).
Homeade Laundry Ingredients
I purchased all these ingredients at my local grocery store:
- 1 – 55 ounce box of Arm & Hammer® Super Washing Soda = $3.99
- 1 – 76 ounce box of 20 Mule Team® Borax = $4.99
- 1 – 10 pack of 4.5 ounce bars of Ivory® Bar Soap
Note on ingredients: use whatever ingredients you are comfortable with. Many people cannot afford natural soaps, while others make their own. Brands of commonly used bar soaps include Kirk’s Original Coco Castile®, Pure & Natural®, Fels-Naptha®, and/or ZOTE®. Both ZOTE® and Fels-Naptha® are made for and sold as a “laundry bar.” If you’re looking for a pure, natural solution you’ll need to go with a handcrafted soap so you can be sure of its ingredients.
All items can be found in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores. If you can’t find washing soda, you can learn to make your own here!
Continue reading pages 2 and 3 for the pictorial instructions, cost savings breakdown, notes on HE washers, septic tanks, and borax safety.
