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Thinking about making your own homemade laundry detergent? This DIY laundry detergent is around $40 to make a year’s worth. Find out how here!
Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe
If you’ve ever thought about making your own laundry detergent – you might have started looking at all the different recipes out there and got overwhelmed.
But look no further – this is the BEST recipe for DIY Laundry Detergent and it’s SO EASY to make! Plus? It will last most families an entire year…. so you only need to make it once and it will go a LONG way.
Here’s why this is the best homemade laundry soap you can whip up:
- IT SAVES MONEY – Costs around $40 for a 1-Year Supply
- IT SMELLS GOOD – You can leave out the scent beads if you want – but for me, having my clean laundry smell amazing is one of my happies in life!
- IT’S EASY TO MAKE – 6 simple ingredients, and you don’t need a food processor or anything.
- IT WORKS REALLY WELL – even in Cold Water wash, for front loaders, or HE washing machines!
Here’s How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent
There are two different recipes for homemade detergent you can make – powder or liquid. Both use the same basic ingredients, but the liquid laundry detergent takes longer to make. I decided to go with the powder simply because it’s easier to make!
I also like the option to add scent beads to the powder so I can customize each batch with a smell I love. (You can TOTALLY leave out the scent booster if you have extra sensitive skin or want to keep it more natural!)
Supplies needed:
- Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
- 20 Mule Team Borax (65 oz. Box)
- Pure Baking Soda (4 lbs)
- Fels-Naptha Soap (3 Bars)
- Oxi-Clean Stain Remover Powder (1.3 lb Tub)
- *Optional – Downy Unstoppables 26.9 oz (For a cheaper option use Arm & Hammer or Purex Crystals)
Directions:
First, you want to crumble the soap into powder. To do that you’ll first microwave it and make it big and puffy – then it crumbles really easily! (You can also grate the bar of soap, or if you have a food processor, you can use that).
Add to all the other ingredients and mix well. Store in an airtight container. Use 1 Tbsp per load or 2 Tbsp for heavily soiled clothes.
Prefer a liquid homemade detergent? Here’s a homemade recipe for that one as well!
Liquid DIY Laundry Detergent Recipe
- Super Washing Soda (1/4 Cup)
- Baking Soda (1/4 Cup)
- Castile Soap (1/3 Cup)
- Your favorite Essential Oil (20-30 drops, depending on the strength) ~ I used Cotton Scent from this set and then got this big one bc it smells so good
- Glass Container ~ I grabbed this one at Walmart!
- Gallon of Water (divided)
Note that the cost on this one ends up being between $35 and $40 – but worth it if you prefer liquid detergent and want to make your own homemade laundry detergent using a recipe!
Directions:
1. Place 1/4 cup of washing soda and 1/4 cup of baking soda in container* and cover with super hot water. (I boiled about 4 cups (of the 16 cups needed) and added it).
2. Stir with large spoon until powders dissolve.
3. Add the rest of the gallon of warm water.
4. Add castile soap and essential oil. Stir gently.
5. Use 1/3 – 1/2 cup of detergent per load.
*If mixing together in a container with a spigot (like pictured above), you’ll want to double check that the spigot is closed before adding the liquid ingredients!
Also try this DIY Fabric Softener as well!
Does Homemade Laundry Detergent Save Money?
If you picked up all your ingredients from the Amazon links provided, your upfront cost will be a little high (because you’re buying in bulk in some of those links), but keep in mind that each box of washing soda and borax will make many, many batches of detergent!
If you pick up your supplies at Walmart & Amazon – this will be your out of pocket cost:
Note: Since prices vary at Walmart nationwide and Amazon prices are subject to change, your out of pocket cost might be slightly different.
- Fels-Naptha Bar Soap – $5.34 for 3 bars
- Arm & Hammer Washing Soda 55 oz – $4.78
- 20 Mule Team Natural Laundry Booster, Borax – About $6 per box (note: the cheapest option is to buy a 4-pack on Amazon so you can share with a friend or save for next year)
- Arm & Hammer Baking Soda – $3.34
- Oxi-Clean Stain Remover – $5.98
- Scent Beads – From $4.99 – $15 (Totally depends on which kind you decide to buy)
Total Cost = Around $40 for about 18 lbs of Homemade Laundry Detergent (WOWZA!)
That’s about 504 Tablespoons – or 504 loads! That’s enough to do 7-10 loads per week for a whole year 🙂
Considering Tide Powder is 20¢ per load – or Tide Pods are 25¢ per load – this DIY laundry detergent is a great way to save money!
Also check out these frugal posts:
This powder recipe has been my go to for the past 5 years, it really works! I purchased a large cereal plastic container to store it in. When I’m out, I dump all my ingredients into the container, tape the lid shut, shake it around very well, and done! I timed myself this last time and it took only about 10 minutes. I do use 1 bar of Zote instead these days as it’s far easier to grate and has a good smell. I also swap scent beads for essential oil.
Our family of 7 goes through one batch in about 6 months, so this saves us a lot of money!
Thanks so much for sharing your tips with us, Moriah! So glad to hear this recipe has become a staple in your home. 🙂
Good idea
Thank you! We would love to hear if you give it a try, too. 🙂
How big is your jar for the powder detergent? I am wanting to try this out.
The one used here is a 2-qt jar. The link for it is in the post. Hope that helps! 🙂
For Canadians, this full recipe costs about $80 before tax, depending on the type of soap bars you choose.
This is my second year making a batch of this laundry powder. We loved it the first time—it was easy to make and worked great—so we’re making it again! It performs well in our HE washing machine and is effective in both hot and cold water. One batch lasted us about a year and a half.
We use 1/8 cup (2 TBSP) per medium-sized load and 1/4 cup (4 TBSP) for bulkier items like towels, blankets, and sweats. We do laundry once or twice per week.
This year, we’re experimenting with Aurora Linda Italian Laundry Soap Bars ($13.99 for 3 bars on Amazon; you’ll need 6 bars) instead of Fels-Naptha ($30+ for 3 bars on Amazon).
I recommend using a cheese grater to shred the soap bars instead of microwaving them. Microwaving had a strange smell, while shredding was easy and mixed well into the powder. Over time, the powder may start to clump, but it’s easy to break apart by hand.
Our son was two years old when we first made this detergent, and his clothes were often stained still after using store-bought liquid detergents. With this homemade powder version, his clothes came out noticeably cleaner, and even stubborn stains were faded.
If you’re hesitant about making your own laundry detergent, we highly recommend this recipe! It’s easy, effective, and worth it.
Yay, thank you so much for chiming in with this super helpful information Jenny! 🙂
I wish I would have read the comments before microwaving my soap. Made my nose burn and run. I Do Not recommend that.
Oh goodness. Thank you for chiming in! 🙂
I just took a look and the Fels Naptha soap ingredients and it contains talc (carcinogen) and Oxiclean appears to contain toxic ingredients. I would love a non toxic recipe if you find one. Thank you! I’m currently using Truly Free, but am open to a homemade recipe to save $$.
I would like to share my experience with a similar recipe but no liquids were used. A bit of advice, Walmart and Amazon both sell laundry kits with almost everything in this recipe. I first made my laundry soap in 2021, and that lasted till 2023; I’m a senior citizen and it’s just me so I don’t do a lot of laundry. At the beginning of ’23 I moved to an apt with less stairs, and was still using the soap I made at the first apt and ended up making a small batch till I was completely out of it and use a substitute till I move again. I found it worked good in the HE washer. When I’m able to make more, I put a half a cup of baking soda along with my white vinegar as a fabric softener but don’t use when I bleach my whites, bc bleach and baking soda do a little jig in the washer and it also helps with stains. I hope this interests you and try it out.
Thanks for sharing Pamela! 🙂
Aren’t the fragrance beads caustic chemicals? Seems that adding essential oils to wool balls in the dryer would be better if a scent is necessary. Personally, I avoid them all.
Yes! I add essential oils directly to the laundry mix. I also put them on my dryer balls. I use white vinegar for softener too. Everything comes out smelling good and clean. I don’t want the nasty chemicals from the scent beads, but to each their own.
Thanks so much for the tip! 🙂
Made up a batch last spring. It’s just my other half and me now, but we have one of those “modern” micro washers, so we are doing two loads every other day on a regular basis, plus sheets and towels. Cindy spilled it the other day and yet I still have 3/4s of the tub left. This stuff works like a champ. Clothes are clean and I only wash in cold water.
My kids have asked for a batch for Christmas this year and I am doing that now (hence the reason I am back yet again). SIL wants a batch too (because the kids asked). Yeah, this works like a dream. Just do it.
Thank you so much for this hack. As of the writing of this note, the cost at Wallyworld for pods is no less than 30 cents a load. This comes in at less than a quarter of that cost. Do the math.
Yay, I am so glad that it works well for you and your family. Thank you for giving us your feedback. We so appreciate you!
Anyone have any idea why the powder Detergent has zero smell to it even with the scent beads? It smells amazing in the container but my clothes come out smelling like nothing? I tried to add more beads to it as well to boost it and still nothing? Just a tad confused why this is happening even with fabric softener. Was disappointed that they don’t smell like anything with thos recipe
I would just like to add not just to you just to everybody if he using Castel soap do not use vinegar with it they don’t go together and vinegar and any kind of a bleach can cause a poisonous odorless gas I’ve been doing this stuff for years I just want all of you to know this I’m not speaking to you specifically I just don’t know how to say it on this site I’m just reading it and I love to laundry detergent but I just want people to be careful with vinegar and bleach thank you
Thank you for the heads up Robin 🙂
Obsessed with this recipe!! I couldn’t justify spending the money on traditional detergent when its roughly 50% water. I’m about to make up my second batch (swtiching up the scent beads to keep it interesting). I’ve also shared this recipe out bc my friends and family want to try it.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Yay, I am so glad that it has been helpful for you Paige!
How do you get the FelsNaptha smell out of your microwave?
From some research I did, it looks like baking soda or vinegar usually does the trick! I hope that works for you.
Will this be safe for HE machines?
Yes, all the ingredients should be safe for a HE machine Maxine!
How much would you use for HE?
I would use 1-2 tablespoons!
Your soap recipe should include the fact that there is a pervasive overwhelming smell of feels naphtha soap in microwave. After washing, spraying with vinegar, and baking soda, it still is there. I’m hoping it will go away but regardless this fact should be stated in recipe. I would not have heated in microwave had i known.
I am so sorry to hear that Dolly. Thank you for letting us know and we will keep your request in mind for the future.
I still use this product for washing my dishes, Dawn Platinum and use it to get stains out of my clothes, if it’s a small stain. It works great and removes most stains. Give it a try.
Is the fels-naptha soap necessary for this?
Hi Stephanie! The fels-naptha soap helps to remove stains. Some of our readers have substituted it with Zote or Ivory. Hope that helps! 🙂
My Walmart didn’t have Fels Naptha on hand so I substituted with Zote.
1) What size bar did you use? Since the recipe called for 3 FN, I substituted with (1) 14 oz bar of Zote.
2) I wanted to see if the Zote would harden like the FN, so I gave it a go and at about 1:40 remaining time, I noticed a brown spot in the middle of the plate, and then the plate broke and there was a lot of smoke. However, the Zote had hardened and some of it I could crumble. Instead of messing with that though, I just tossed the shreds into the dry mix.
I actually found the Zote laundry flakes (already shredded) at my Walmart and it’s been a nerve saver (that grating the bars is got in my nerves the first time I made it). I use one box per recipe.
I’ve been making my own dry detergent for YEARS!! I have found that I can omit the soap in the dry mix and replace it with 1 “pump” of dawn in the liquid soap dispenser per load. We have 3 boys and my husband is in construction. The Dawn does a better job of getting out the body oils from shirts and pillowcases! We also have sensitivity to fragrances so I omit the scent beads and use wool balls in the dryer with a few drops of essential oils for the fresh smell we love!
That is so great to hear Christi. Thank you for chiming in. 🙂
Just mixed up my first batch and am super excited to use it! Ty!
So happy we could help! Let us know how it works for you. 🙂
Love it. Seems to clean very well and smells amazing, although I won’t quite as many Downy Unstoppables next time. The only issue I have is that all of the bits of Fels Naptha don’t dissolve totally in cold water. I’m wondering if I didn’t shred it fine enough.
Yay, so glad you are enjoying it Heather! Yes, you do have to take a bit of extra time to shred the Fels Naptha really well. It is worth it in the end though and should last you a long time!
You should seriously consider reading even just a LIIIITLE bit into fragrances & how it affects men & women differently AND others around. Many people that use fragrances do not smell it & those of us that are allergic or are now sensitized to it have itching until we bleed, migraines & more.
Hi!! Just wondering, I am trying to do a Walmart order with all the supplies listed and it’s over $70.00. I thought you had said that the items were under $30.00?? Just wondering
Oh no, that is such a bummer! Since prices vary at Walmart nationwide and Amazon prices are subject to change, your out of pocket cost might be different. I know prices have increased quite a bit over the last few months sadly. It does make around 504 loads, which is enough to do 7-10 loads per week for a whole year. When you look at it that way, the up front cost is a-lot but it will save you so much money over time! I hope that helps. If we find a cheaper way to do this we will definitely share it with you!
I was wondering what you use to make your clothes smell good like a fresh smell?
Our favorite to use is the Downy Unstoppable Beads! They smell so fresh and clean. I hope that helps!
I wanted to let you all know that if you go to the Dollar Tree you can get the generic Oxyclean much cheaper. Also, they sell smaller boxes of the Borax and Generic Scent Boosters for 1.25 also. The soap can also be bought already shredded and ready to go at Walmart.com.. I hope that this information helps someone to lessen the cost! It saved me 12.00!! Also, I put one box of Color Safe Bleach in it, only 1.25!
Wow! Thanks so much for the information. We’ll definitely look into that! 🙂
I went to a local Walmart and spent about $30-$35, excluding the beads. Which I will not add.
Wow, that is great to hear!
“Bidenomics is working.” Sorry, I have a feeling a 2 years ago or even last year’s comparison, the prices would be different.
I think this was written a few years ago. I made it back in April 2024 & spend around $55/$60 I can’t remember. I’m starting to buy the ingredients again to make. (Family of 5 with lots of laundry) we’re not out but will be by the end of this month(Aug. 2024).
Wow! If it helps to have something to compare the prices you’re seeing in store to, we do have the price of the ingredients we used listed towards the bottom of the post. This recipe makes around 504 loads, which is enough to do 7-10 loads per week~it can definitely go faster if you have a lot of laundry!
Thanks for letting us know Keisha. We will look into it and keep that in mind for future projects! We appreciate you bringing this to our attention.
How does all this soda affect black clothes?
All of the ingredients should be safe for all your clothing! We have not had any issues with black clothing when using this mixture! I hope that helps.
Do I put the power directly in the washer or do I put it in the dispenser? I have a front loader.
I would put it in the washer. You can sprinkle the powder around on the clothing. I hope that helps! 🙂
You mentioned you don’t use all the oxi-clean container for this recipe… But I can’t seem to find how much you actually DO use. Does anyone know?
Hey Rebekah! I just updated the post and you do use the whole container of oxi-clean. Sorry for the confusion!
Hello there,
Was wondering if you could suggest another ingredient to add other then the oxi clean as I am allergic to what ever is in there.
Hi Amy! I haven’t tried it but others have suggested pure sodium percarbonate. I would recommend researching this alternative first before using. I hope that helps! 🙂
You will need to wash at 140°F for that to work.
I have been doing this for years, but I use 2 boxes of Zote flakes instead of the Fels Naptha. Much easier!
Thanks so much for sharing your substitution! 🙂
The size of the boxes please. It’s the Chemist in me.
It’s hard to dissolve so I ended up with bleach spots on my good clothes won’t use it again
Hi there! Just purchased all of the ingredients as well as the glass jar linked. It seems that the jar is way too small to hold all of the powdered mix – do you store most in a sealed 5-gallon bucket and refill the glass jar as needed?
Hi Kristin! Yes, as long as it is in an airtight container it will stay fresh!
WS and borax are both hydrates. Sealing the container won’t keep them from clumping.
Is this safe to use on baby clothes?
I made my first batch and fell in love. I use safeguard soap in place of the fetspa for antibacterial and works amazing my laundry is fresh and clean. I do use 3 tbsp per load as I have a huge washer however still more cost effective and clothes are cleaner. Definitely recommend
This is great to hear! I’ll have to try it with the safeguard soap. Thanks so much for sharing that with us! 🙂
Did you still microwave the soap?
I just wish it were printable so I could see it to make it without all the scrolling only got one eye anyway makes it difficult on my phone to see
Thanks for letting us know Katherine. We will see what we can do to make it easier for you!
I need to try this out. Trying to save money with this crazy inflation.
Yes! Everything is so crazy expensive now. Let us know what you think if you try this! 🙂
15 oz of soap washes 504 loads. That’s 0.03 oz/load. A paper clip weighs 0.05 oz.
Where are you getting 15oz from??? She said it makes 504 loads in a 5 gallon bucket. Unless your talking about the glass container that she uses and refills from the 5 gallon bucket?
Hi,
I have just made your homemade laundry soap. Nowhere in the instructions does it say whether to add to the drum of the washing machine or to the dispenser or at least none that I found. The OxiClean container says to add to the drum. Does that mean I should be adding the dry ingredient recipe directly to the HE washing machine drum?
Yes, add the dry ingredients recipe right in the machine drum!
I’ve used this for the last year and love it!! I have an HE washer and add it to the detergent tray, which works great.
15 oz of soap washes 504 loads!
That’s 0.03 oz of soap/load. Weight of a paper clip: 0.05 oz.
Hi, Made some up this weekend. Can’t wait to try it. I’m very allergic to fragrance and the Fels Neptha and Zote soaps both have fragrance in them so I used bars of the unscented castile soap. Also skipped the Oxi clean as it also has fragrance.
Hope you love it, Shari ~ thanks for the tip on the castile soap! 🙂
I am confused on amount to use. You state to use 1/2 cup per load. Then you ended with 504 tablespoons = 504 loads. Do you use a tablespoon each time or 1/2 cup. There are 8 tablespoons in 1/2 cup.
For the powder you will want to use 1-2 Tbsps and for the liquid you will want to use a 1/2 cup. Hope that helps! 🙂
Can I use essential oils in the powder instead of the scent beads?
Hi Shari, you can buy Fragrance Free Oxyclean. That’s what I use & it works as well as the fragrance Oxyclean. I am sensitive to fragrances & it works well for me.
Just a note regarding using vinegar as a rinse agent in an HE washer. I was told by a qualified plumber NOT to use white vinegar as a rinse agent in any HE washer on a regular basis as it dries out the sealing gasket and makes it brittle over time.
Thanks for the tip Susan ~ good to know! 🙂
I’ve been using vinegar in my HE washer since I bought it 12 years ago. I have never had a problem. It was actually recommended by a repair person.
I was told the same by an ABMay repair man. To clean my washing machine drum to put it on the hottest longest wash cycle and place 2 Cups of vinegar in it when I run it to clean it. Then can wash laundry after that cleaning once a month or 3-6 months I do not use my machine very often as I am older without anyone but my grandson and I.
I use vinegar in the softener dispenser of my Kenmore HE Washing Machine. Bought the machine brand new in 2007 and the gasket has never needed replacing. Machine still washing clothes like the first day I used it.
I’ve been using white vinegar as a rinsing agent for years and have not had any problems with the sealing gasket.
hi Laurie, I’ve made two batches of powdered laundry detergent, homemade, and it’s leaving a soap residue inside my washer, I was wondering what do you like better, the powdered laundry detergent or the liquid? I’m gonna try to liquid this time. And also, do you add sometimes distilled vinegar in your washing loads?
Hi Stephanie! When there is build up in my washer, I do a deep, hot clean with vinegar and baking soda and that usually does the trick! I like the powdered better but they are both great!
Hi Brooke. How much vinegar and baking soda do you use when you clean your washer?
Worthless. They neutralize each other.
I read that homemade laundry soap is just that. SOAP it puts that film on your clothes. Take a load of laundry that you washed and dried. Fill your washer up with hot water, put your laundry back in the water with NO detergent. Let it sit overnight and look at your water.
I’ve made both powdered and liquid laundry detergent and yes, I get a film on my clothes every time! I have read that distilled vinegar will remove the film but it also breaks down the fibers in your clothes.
I really want to make my own laundry soap but don’t know the solution
All detergents that are on the grocery store shelves will do that. Is it isn’t always the soap it could be just sent additives as well.
Use Shaklee laundry soap it is fully biodegradable and leaves no residue. Works for people with allergies and sensitive skin.
My doctor actually told me to use vinegar not only to clean and soften my clothes but it disinfects.
I had more issues before using it in my HE washer than I do now. My washer is 13 years old and made it through my 2 boys growing up.
Yes you are right, you should use fel-naptha but not 3 bars. That’s way to much. And Vinegar you should use too
How much of the Naphtha should be used?
According to the recipe the best amount of naphtha is 3 bars. Hope this helps!
I use to make this in a 5 gallon bucket! Kids grew and left so only 2 of us did not need that quantity! My question is, why can’t I store in a plastic jug? I can recycle the detergent I already have.
You shouldn’t store the liquid detergent in a plastic container if you add essential oil, it breaks down plastic. If you don’t add any essential oil it shouldn’t matter how you store it.
The Cotton scent mentioned in the recipe is not an essential oil. It is a fragrance oil. Essential oils are all natural, made from plants (lavender, Lemongrass, etc). This is correct: essential oils need to be stored in glass or stainless steel.
This looks very interesting. I have a couple of questions.
Can you use in a HE front load washer?
Do more of you like the dry or liquid better?
TIA
So I’ve used a similar recipe for years now. I do have trouble if I wash on cold.
I do have a HE washer and hopefully no issues.
I’m curious to now about the powder as much hub hates no smells in my liquid.
Will I be able to wash clothes in cold water with the powder? Or will I still have to use hot water.
All washing machines are different but we’ve had great success with it on cold. Let us know how it goes for you!
I have been using this for about 5 yrs now and I would not use anything else. Jeans and towels come out of dryers soft and fluffy. Like cotton. Not stiff or heavy. Need alittle extra Gor stains use tooth brush make a paste and rub or treat with laundry bars. But best laundry detergent every. My whole family loves my laundry. So clean and soft and last for every.
That’s awesome! Thanks so much for sharing this positive feedback with us!
Looking forward to making this today.
Qu• Is there a method for adding skin safe fragrance oil to the powdered detergent?
Hi Josie! After adding all of the ingredients, you can thoroughly mix in 30-40 drops of an essential oil to the powdered detergent. Hope that helps!
Which one have you been using, the liquid or powder?
For the liquid detergent, can you use any type of fragrance oil? Like the brambleberry ones used for soap making ?
Hi Shawna! Yes, any type of fragrance is fine as long as it is liquid. I hope this answers your question!
I’ve been using this recipe for powdered laundry soap for several years and I love it. Yes, it does last 1 year, and my clothes look great. The fact that I save a lot of money in the process is an added bonus.
So glad to hear! Thanks so much for letting us know!
It says the Fels-Naptha soap bar is .84 but the only ones I see are $12+. Can you possibly give me the links for ingredients you use?
Our local Ace Hardware carries it. Maybe you could have some luck there! 🙂
i use any soap that is cheap. dollar general has soap for a dollar and it works fine.
Castile soap bars work great, too.
Good to know! Thanks for the tip. 🙂
Fels Naptha $1.20 Walmart .
Can you use Dr. Bronner’s castile bar soap in lieu of the Fels Naptha?
Yes, that is a great alternative Jamie!
i used ZOTE soap 14oz
How big of an air tight container do we need for the powdered version?
These would be perfect! 🙂 https://passionatepennypincher.com/anchor-hocking-1-gallon-jars/
You’ll need maybe 2 of the gallon size containers.
I am using a plastic cat litter container with a removable lid. I line it with 2 kitchen size garbage bags, so I can remix the detergent as needed. It was free and works great.
This is safe for my GEhigh efficiency washer, I won’t regret it later?
I am just new yo this and scared of it clogging or something! Thanks.
And if I use a zote, does it matter which one? Or are they just different scents because of color?
Definitely skip this one if you’re unsure. But if you need to make laundry detergent cheap this might help! For the Zote soap, only difference is the color, the products are the same. However, I would not recommend using the color soaps in your white loads. Hope this helps!
Does this recipe give a strong scent to the clothing?
I have found using my food processor to grate the bar of soap then using the blade to chop it even finer is the best way to get the fels nap soap to be the consistency I want. It’s quick and easy. Of course I always run the food processor bowl thru the dishwasher afterwards.
Thanks for the great advice! I’m going to have to try this!
I always use my cheese grater. You might want to try it.
What can I use instead of the castle liquid soap, because we can’t find it in our country. Thanks
I did a quick Google search and it said that you could use liquid coconut oil soap or even olive oil. You may want to search around and see if anyone else has had luck maybe liquid detergent using those. Let us know if you find anything! 🙂
Is there a substitute for the oxi? My husband is allergic?
Thank you.
A couple ladies from our team said they have made it without and it works just as well! Hope this helps!
Can the dry detergent recipe be adapted to be made into pods?
We haven’t tried so not sure. If we do, we’ll definitely let you know!
Love this! I couldn’t believe how well it worked! I have to use zote soap because all of the stores were out of Fels Naptha. I also cut the recipe by a third I didn’t want to make a huge bath and end up not liking it and having to store it in a giant bucket. Cutting it by a third was perfect for my gallon glass jar. Iwas worried it would not smell nice but I added extra scent boosters and it worked great! My clothes are so much softer, and I would use fabric softener and it still never got my clothes as soft as this. And it got some stains out without having to pre treat it.
So glad to hear! Great tip about cutting it by a third. Thanks for sharing your success!
If I buy it from Walmart instead of bulk like the alternative list about, what is the recipe? And how much will it make?
Hi Sara ~ If you bought the single bar soap, washing soda box, borax, and baking soda, I think it could make up to a month’s worth depending on how many loads you wash and how many people you are washing for. It might just be easier to do the bulk so that you have a stockpile!
How large of a storage container should you use?
Hey Christa ~ We recommend lining a 5 Gallon Bucket with a trash bag for your mixing bowl! You can also use a plastic tub. Anything over 5 gallons will be big enough! I hope this helps!
I used a 3 gallon bucket for this recipe
I used a reusable grocery tote and it worked well ☺️
I’ve also been using this recipe for about 15 years. I use Zote white bars, as I don’t like the smell of Fels Naptha. If I don’t feel like grating the soap I just leave it out. I love that you can make it smell however you want! Has anyone tried using Irish Spring or other bath soaps? I’ve been curious to see it it wrecks the washing machine with soap suds, or not.
So glad you’ve been able to make it your own! 🙂
Can you use this in a HE washer? Just bought a new one..and I am not sure…anybody know if this is okay
This homemade detergent is very low suds so it works just fine in an HE machine. Hope that helps!
I recommend tossing the powder in with the clothes to avoid any build up in the detergent tray.
It did not work in my daughters HE washer.
So sorry to hear that Linda! 🙁
How many zote bars do u use?
I’ve made this in the past and loved it, but grandkids started selling 5 gallon buckets of laundry soap for sports, so I did that. After this last bit that’s left I’ll start making this again. I also like to add Epsom Salt to soften the water. Love the idea of adding scent beads. I can pick those up at Dollar Tree. IMO, one needs only a tiny amount to scent the laundry.
Happy to hear you’ve loved it Sandy! 🙂 Thanks for the tip on the Epsom Salt!
First of all… all of the ingredients to make this cost me $78. The fels naptha alone was $26.99 for 3 bars. I tried cutting it up and microwaving one Block and it burnt and smelt really bad. I only used 2 bars. I have people with sensitive skin in my household and I don’t seem to have any issues with allergic reactions. I washed one load of my clothes to test it out. My whole body has broken out in some sort of rash to were it started bleeding. I’m upset with the money and effort I put into finding these ingredients at multiple stores as well as the skin reaction. I’m not sure what to do with this now. I will try to use it to clean bathrooms and floors. But this was an expensive FAIL.
Oh no, Jenelle! So sorry to hear that this homemade laundry detergent didn’t work out for you and your family. With the exception of the optional Downy Unstoppables, all of the ingredients are all natural – so I’m not sure which one would cause a rash. It only takes a small amount of this laundry detergent to wash your clothes. Is it possible you used too much with your load? It would make a great cleaner for mopping your floors if you’re unable to use it for your laundry, though.
people can definitely be allergic to ‘all natural’ products, thats no guarantee
Bought all my ingredients from Walmart and it came out to $42. Still a good deal if it lasts like they said it does.
Instead of the Felsnapta soap try Ivory soap and don’t microwave it just use a grater. Works wonderful on us in the house who have sensitive skin.
How many bars of Ivory soap should I use?
Not sure where you purchased the FelsNaptha, but it’s only $1.08/bar at Walmart. I’ve made this laundry soap for over 15yrs and it has worked great and saved us money. We also use vinegar in the rinse cycle as a softener and dryer balls in dryer.
I’ve been using a similar recipe with felps naptha and paid $1 08 last time when I bought 5 bars. Well, last November “2022” the makers stopped making it or what I hear “sold the company” so now everyone is charging extra for the last bit. Stupid.
It’s literally $12 a bar or $5 88 at cheapest.
Hate to hear that! We’ll see if we can find a deal on it. Thanks for letting us know! 🙂
If you paid that much for fels naptha you got scammed. I have used it for decades as a pretreatment. Just wet the bar and rub on stains then wash. 99 cents forever at Walmart now with everything going up it’s $1.20 Each.
With inflation…mine cost 28 dollars.
The detergent is awesome!!!
Ran out of carpet cleaner…use the detergent and the carpets tuned out great…just had to do a water rinse afterward but fantastic!!!
Thank you so much for sharing…ill be getting my daughter’s the ingredients and laundry basket for Christmas…
So glad it has worked out so well for you! And good to know that it works on carpet. Thanks for the tip! 🙂
I’m about to steam clean my carpets and so glad I saw this in time! I usually use liquid laundry detergent and didn’t think to use this. And I can clean the kitchen floors and bath tub with it too .
I hate to rain on your parade. This laundry detergent did not work for me. I have well water and it left my clothes looking dingy.
Get water softener!
Problem solved.
Marvin I also have hard water haven’t tried the soap yet but water softeners are expensive and you’re water tastes crappy, my parents had 1 yuk!
Try adding in an aspirin or efferdesant spell check that tablet. It will take out the dingy tint.
Interesting approach! I’ll have to try that, thanks so much for sharing!
I also have hard water try increasing the baking soda that should softener your water, my Mom always used Calgon in her washer which softened the water and you don’t have to add the scent beads
What type of calgon exactly did she use?
It’s calgon water softener. It’s not the kind you bathe with. It’s in the laundry aisle of whatever store you patronize if they carry it. It comes in a bottle in liquid form. I’ve been using it for years. However I have not made the laundry soap people are posting about
Do you realize that the arm and hammer laundry booster is pure baking soda, nothing else and then you are adding baking soda again, so there’s 4 lbs and then another 55 oz ? What is the purpose of this? You can save a little money and just buy a lot of baking soda or not add the laundry booster if you read the ingredients is is only baking soda.
Hello, Patricia! While Washing Soda and Baking Soda are very similar, they are actually just a bit different. Baking Soda is Sodium Bicarbonate and Washing Soda is Sodium Carbonate. The key differences between the two are that washing soda has a higher pH, which makes it a great water softener and laundry booster. I hope that helps!
The washing soda is Not the same as baking soda. It is very alkalized.I watched a girl make her own washing soda but you kinda have to be cautious because you cook it. I think it is stronger it made at home
Good to know! Thank you for the tip. 🙂
Ugh… I just added 5 of the 6 items to my cart on Walmart (I already have Zote soap) and it’s already $35! This post was only written 2 months ago and the prices have already increased so much. 🙁 I really hope this works so it’s worth it. We normally get pods from Sams Club.
Katrina I have used this recipe many times and yes the price has gone up for what you need but so has name brand laundry soap. It really does work great. And it realy is worth it.
I agree, I love it!!!!!
Hi Katrina,
I’m getting ready to make this for the first time and I’m noticing Zote soap is less expensive that Fels-Naptha. In your experience, does Zore work as well? I’ve got 3 dirty boys so I’m going to need ALL the cleaning power
I know that Fels-Naptha is made to pull oil out of fabric. My grandma used it on my grandfathers clothes after working with engines, lots of oil. The boy scouts are also taught to bring it with them camping in-case they get poison ivy. Helps pull out the oils from the leaves. Great for a mother of 3 boys. lol
Hi! Doesn’t the borox make coloured clothes fade? That is what happened to my coloured clothes when I didn’t see a piece of borox left in the washingmachine from washing my whites.
I finally made this and I have been so please with the results. I live in a very dry climate and I found chopping up the soap (like you would chop a bar of dark chocolate) was easier than crumbling it. It took maybe 5 minutes per bar. I did not add any fabric softener/scent and I think it smells great and leaves clothes smelling fresh. I’m using a left over plastic medicine cup that came with a bottle of liquid cold medicine as a scoop and 1/2 to one measure per load seems about right. The cleaning power is excellent and it feels good to not be creating so much plastic waste Thanks for the great recipe.
I love this and it’ smells so good that My whole apartment smells like of it! This a really great way and especially if you have a larger family or if you are constantly washing clothes and blankets. A little bit for a long way. Also I did forget to add the soap bars? You didn’t post it in the picture so and of course my luck Walmart was sold out of it. It I got everything else and it still smells great and I literally used it right away. Thank you and I will be sharing this with my family and friends!!
I’m not sure if I did something wrong mine doesn’t bubble up at all so it’s like it’s not getting any suds. This is the second batch and still no suds. Please help
it won’t have a suds… but it does work great and cleans…
Laurie Jennings. This is considered a high efficiency (HE) product. It doesn’t foam and make suds but is an excellent laundry soap. It’s also great for pre -soaking and pre-treating stains.
How kind! Thank you!! I am so glad you are liking it! 🙂
Perhaps this has been asked, but does this recipe work for high energy laundry machines?
This recipe does work for HE laundry machines!
Can this wash FRC uniforms ??
It should as long as you leave out the scent beads. Don’t use dryer sheets either
I was wondering since borax, washing soda and oxiclean are all stain and odor fighters, can we just use one of the three instead of all three and the clothes still smell fine?
Made this today according to the recipe exactly and it works great. It did cost me $40 to make but overall I think it’s still worth it. Thank you for the idea!
Yay Ashley ~ I’m so happy you made it! Thank you for the feedback. Always happy to help!
Can I use Zote flakes instead and if so how much?
You can! I would think 1-2 boxes of the flakes would be enough.
Thanks!
Zote flakes instead of the bar soap you have to crumble?
Yes – Zote would work!
I’ve use this homemade detergent for so many years but mine only calls for two bars of the Fels Napa…
My sisters and I, are making our annual batch. This is our second year. The only reason we bought detergent I’d when we went on vacation and we traveled out of town. This is an awesome recipe. I love that I can control the scent. I am allergic to most perfumes.
How fun Babs ~ love that you and your sister have this tradition! 🙂
I have a large capacity washing machine, would I need to add more?
Hey Michele ~ You can use 1 Tbsp for a regular load, or 2 Tbsp for a more soiled load. I hope this helps!
If you put the oxygen absorber packs in with it it helps the mixture to not harden.
Useful info. Fortunate me I discovered your website by chance, and I am stunned why this coincidence did not happened in advance! I bookmarked it.
Yay! We are so glad you found us! 🙂
I’m going to try this! What size container do you use? And does it hold the whole recipe? Trying to order supplies and wanted a pretty jar like yours.
Thanks!
I use just a plain glass jar from Walmart. The gallon Anchor Hocking glass jars with a lid are great and they’re under $9. 🙂 You can find it here: https://shopstyle.it/l/bzuLk Hope that helps!
I would like instructions on doing the liquid. It’s what I use on my washer.
Here you go! https://wellnessmama.com/natural-home/homemade-laundry-detergent/
Buy a paint mixer to go on your drill to mix the liquid it makes it much easier
Those anchor hocking jars aren’t airtight though. Will it get hard if not in an airtight jar?
Unfortunately Amazon or someone wised up to the popularity of this method and jacked up prices. I could only find the bar soap 3pk for $17. And they have a kit made up for $40. They saw us coming a mile away!
Go to acehardware.com, the bars are $1.99 there. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the tip!
I was able to get everything from Walmart under $30. I had to wait a week until it was back in stock, but it was worth it.
Wondering about the 1-2 tablespoons. Is that for hard water or soft water washing? I love this recipe, thank you for sharing.
I’ve been using this for years. We have extremely hard water and I use the amounts suggested. I also mix 1 gallon vinager with 30 drops of lavender essential oil as a substitute for fabric softener. I live this stuff
So glad you like it!
Can you use just straight vinegar for fabric softner? I’m very sensitive to scents. Also can this just be put in the fabric softner tray or does it get put in with the clothes & detergents?
I use straight vinegar all the time. I put mine in the fabric softener tray.
Can’t you just leave it in the bucket you mixed it in?
The laundry detergent needs to be stored in an airtight container. So if you have a lid for your bucket, that would be perfect! Hope that helps!
Great idea! I’m going to make it.
I hope you just love it, Cheryl!
We have a front loader, do I just put the detergent in with the clothes or in the dispensary?
When I have used homemade laundry detergent, I have put it in with the clothes because it can get stuck in the dispensary if it’s not small enough. I hope this helps!
Could you give the recipe for the liquid?
Thank you!
Hello, Anna! Here is a link to making liquid detergent: https://wellnessmama.com/natural-home/homemade-laundry-detergent/ Hope that helps!
Will this work on oily clothes? My son works in the machine shop and is always covered in some sort of gear oil.
I think it would break down the oil really well! It has a lot of great stain-removing ingredients. I hope this helps!
My husband is a Wildland firefighter and I’ve used this for a couple years, it’s the only thing that gets rid of the smoke smell and gasoline smell from his work clothes. I also keep an extra bar of the fels Nathan soap, if I have hard stains I rub the bar straight on the stains and bam they’re gone.
I’m so happy to hear that, yay!! Thank you for letting us know how it worked for you. Also, tell your husband we say thank you for what he does!
I made my own “stain jelly” by dissolving half a bar of fels, cut in chunks, with hot water. I keep it in a pretty jelly jar with a mini bottle brush attached to it through the lid. Just dip the brush in the jelly and rub the stain before washing like normal. Replace the bottle brush as needed, can use a soft bristle brush or cloth too.
Thanks for the tip Wendy! 🙂
Hey Rhonda, I put Dawn dishwashing liquid as an additive to my son’s clothes that have oil or grease. A tablespoon is what I use. Disclaimer, I haven’t used this blogger’s detergent recipe yet but I will soon.
Thanks a bunch for the tip Kelly! 🙂
I just made this for my family. I should have splurged on the downy unstoppables, but I used the cheaper smaller bottle of softener, has hardly any smell.. I love the clean smell of laundry, so mad at myself!
It cost me $40.00 to make not 20.00! I am not sure where I am going wrong? Even the Fels naptha bars are 2.99 on Amazon for the cheapest I can find! So with that being said I am at 9.00 just to start? I even clicked on your links, why me? What am I doing wrong? Or is this an old post and prices haven’t increased when this was published?
Hi Lisa ~ Inflation is everywhere, unfortunately. Some states and cities have higher prices than others. As awful as it is, we still are trying to help our readers save money with the crazy prices! I’m so sorry you were having trouble keeping it frugal. We are sending hugs to you!
And everyone remember – about the cost of the supplies going up now…Have you noticed how the cost of Tide has surged? So making this homemade version will still be saving you money!
Thanks for the reminder Barbara!
And, has anyone noticed how thinned out the Tide detergents have recently become? I have been a lifelong TIDE LOVER, and now it dispenses like full on water and even drips out of the non-drip spout. Doesn’t matter if it is shaken, does the same thing. More water, less detergent has been our experience. That’s why this recipe is a real GAME CHANGER! Love it SO much!
Thanks a bunch for your feedback Jenn ~ so glad you like the recipe! 🙂
These scent products are full of toxic chemicals making over a million canadians. A study said that over 34.7% of people reported bad reactions face of these toxic chemicals.
My Walmart has fels naphtha far cheaper than Amazon, usually under a dollar.
Thanks for the tip Emily! 🙂
Could you go back and dump the entire thing in another lined bucket and add the scent beads? I personally appreciate lower-scent laundry so I was thinking of doing it without and going back to add if the natural smell ended up being a little off.
I was in the same boat with the $2.99 bars of soap but then I came across them at Menards for .94 cents. If you have a Menard’s, definitely check there.
Wow, thank you for the heads up Brandy!
I made this for the first time today. I was raised on Tide and have used it all of my adult life. This stuff is AMAZING! Towels came out so fresh and clean. I used the microwave method because I was concerned about my food processor. After the soap got fluffy I put it in the food processor with the S blade and got a beautiful fine powder. Thank you for this recipe!
My daughter and I have been making our own powdered detergent for years using this recipe. We grate the Fels Napa soap. I only use the grater for this process so I don’t need to worry about washing it off. We love it. It’s very gentle on our skin and her 3 babies.
So good to know Cherie ~ glad to hear you love it! 🙂
Can this be used for an older top loading machine?
Honestly, I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.
Can this be used this in a HE front in loader? I know you can’t use regular laundry detergent in a front in loader.. It makes to much suds.
This homemade detergent is very low suds so it works just fine in an HE machine. Hope that helps!
Would I be able to use Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Bar Soap instead of Fels-Naptha?
Since I haven’t tried it myself I don’t know for sure but I would think any bar soap would work for this. Let us know if you try.
I just bought everything to make but I am confused with the Fels Napha. Do I microwave it then put it in the food processor?
You can also use a cheese grater I read that on another recipe
Hi Ro! Yes, you could!
Microwave to make it puffy and softer. Then you can crumble with your hands or as I do, use your food processor to powder it. (Was processor really good afterwards just to make sure all soap is gone from it.)
How do I get the smell of chemicals from the soap out of my microwave now. My whole house smells. My microwave is ruined. It is awful. Why is there no warning about this
Oh no, Kim! I’m so sorry this happened to you. I recommend opening windows and letting it air out, maybe spray some air freshener. I hope this helps, again I’m so sorry about this!
Try placing a small box of baking soda in the microwave, close the door and leave it there at least overnight. The baking soda absorbs odors. Afterwards, put some slice lemons wedges in a 2-cup measuring cup. Fill it with water and microwave it for a minute or two.
I have never heard that about the baking soda. That’s a great tip! I’ll definitely be using that one.
Ma’am, make a solution of vinegar and water to spray inside the microwave. Let it sit for about an hour then wipe it out. Repeat this a couple of times, that should take out the smell.
That’s a great tip Jacqui. Thanks so much!
Just a tip to go along with this . If your microwave is dirty, microwave a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water for 3 minutes then let it sit for about 15 minutes. The steam loosens everything right on up. One of my fave cleaning hacks. Everything wipes right off. No scrubbing at all 😉 (And don’t freak out about the smell! The vinegar smell disipates fairly quickly. )
I am currently making that, and I feel you!!! My teenage daughter came out of her room and said “What are you doing?!!?? You guys are going to die in here from all these chemical smells” 🙁 It does kind of smell awful!
I should of read this first. I have also ruined my microwave. I tried cleaning with water/vinegar/baking soda to no avail. I don’t mind my house smelling good like the soap but it’s been three days and I can’t nuke anything without it having the smell of the soap. I would just grate in the future over the microwave option.
Do you put the detergent in fort and then the clothes?worried about the detergent breaking up.
Thanks for idea. I haven’t tried this yet. I’m going to use 3 bars of zote instead of the fels naptha soap. I don’t like the thought of putting it in the microwave. I read on another site that one box of zote flakes is equivalent to two bars of zote soap. So if anyone wants to try zote flakes, use one and a half boxes. The zote bars were $1.62 at Walmart, the zote flakes were $3.88. I have grated zote soap before by hand, no need to microwave.
I used the zote flakes as well in my first 2 batches and it worked really well. So much simpler than grating or microwaving.
Can i get the recipe for the dry detergent with measurements. Thank you
Hi Maty ~ if you scroll down in the post, you should see the amounts needed:
Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (55 oz. Box)
20 Mule Team Borax (4 lbs 12 oz. Box)
Pure Baking Soda (4 lbs)
Fels-Naptha Soap (3 Bars)
Oxi-Clean Stain Remover Powder (1.3 lb Tub)
*Optional – Downy Unstoppables 26.9 oz (For a cheaper option use Arm & Hammer or Purex Crystals)
Hope that helps! 🙂
I can’t use oxi clean my skin breaks out what would be a good substitute for that or do I just leave it out?
Oh no, Melissa! So sorry to hear that You can just leave it out. Hope that helps!
Would someone please share the recipe and instructions for making the liquid detergent?
Here you go Lynell! 🙂 –> https://wellnessmama.com/462/homemade-laundry-detergent/
Im in the process of purchasing all items to make. Thank you so much! I just have a few questions, I know you have mentioned to purchase in bulk for the borax but we are only using 1 box combined with the rest of the items correct? I just want to make sure I can purchase everything on Walmart Minus the scent beads for $19 with just 1 box of borax but want to make sure thats all I need right now.
Thank you for this recipe so excited to try this!
Yes Kat, you’ll only need one 65 ounce box of the borax to make a single recipe! 🙂 Hope the recipe works well for you!
Does anyone know of a dishwasher detergent recipe that is effective?
Does this dissolve well in cold water? I have shied away from powder detergents because of this. Thanks.
Hi Lisa, we feel like it works pretty well in cold water but I can see why that might be an issue for you. Let us know if you try it and how it does in your machine!
Lisa, 50 years ago (before liquid laundry soap) my mother-in-law showed me to add the soap powder into the washer and add some hot water to dissolve it, then switch to cold. I have a top loading washer and I still do it but now I have a large silicon whisk to help out. Seems to work just fine but I don’t use the bars of soap – just salt (helps retain colour), washing soda (sodium carbonate), and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). When I need it I will add sodium percarbonate (the business end of Oxyclean – the rest is just washing soda).
Is this soap safe to use with bleach? I usually add a little bleach to my dirty towels.
Do you have to use the Fels Naptha soap. We can only use pink dove due to skin issues
Hi Carla, we haven’t tried it with another type but if it will crumble the same way, I would assume any type would work. If you try it, be sure to let us know how it goes!!
We use Zote soap it is often found in Mexican stores it’s really good on whites and my daughter has really bad eczema and we haven’t had any problems.
How much of the Zote soap flakes do you use instead of the Fels Naptha soap? I Just looked on Amazon and they have a 17.6 oz box of Zote flakes. Do you add one box to this recipe?
Zote also comes in bar form.
Good to know Marcie! 🙂
I use Dr. Bonner soap and grate in food processor
Is your food processor dedicated to soap making only or do you use with food after? How do you clean for food use again? Thank you.
I have been using this recipe for a long time and love it. If you have people in your household with sensitive skin, I recommend using a goats milk soap. I have bought it from Bend Soap Company and you can buy it already shredded. She started her company because she had a child with eczema and it is amazing!!
Thank you! I will try this as we have a good amount of skin sensitivity in our home.
You can use the dove. But you can leave out the soap completely and it still cleans your clothes
So simple. So fresh. Definitely should have read about microwaving the soap before I got to the third bar; it was a game changer. I did run it through the food processor just to see what it would look like (plus I own one and never use it) but I didn’t have to. My only hesitation is accepting that 1 tablespoon will clean my laundry. I cannot fathom that. But I will try it out.
I’m curious, did you feel a tablespoon worked well for a load? I had the exact same worry!
Wendy, I have been using this detergent for about 4 months and only use 1 Tblsp and I have had no issues with my clothes not being clean.
Thanks so much for your feedback Melanie! 🙂
I made this recipe, maybe a silly question but I have a front loader, where do you put this powder detergent? In the washer basin or the soap dispenser?
Last time I used this recipe I put it in the top soap dispenser with the little door opened as if you were using a powdered detergent.
Thanks for sharing this. There is a typo in the directions in adding ingredients. You say to add baking powder instead baking soda. It confused me at first until I reread the ingredients.
Thanks a bunch for the heads up Marilee ~ so sorry for the confusion! Just updated the post! 🙂
Please do not put Fels Naptha soap in the microwave. It left a film on the inside of the microwave and was very difficult to clean! Also my microwave smelled like that soap for a long time afterwards.
Oh no Liz! Thanks a bunch for your feedback!
I love this recipe, but I use Jabon soap flakes instead of Fels Naptha. I can get it on Walmart.com. I use one whole box of the soap flakes!
Great suggestion Denise!
I like this idea so much more !! I don’t want soap in the microwave
How can I stop this soap from leaving a powder residue? Also, even though I microwaved and crumbled the bar soap I can’t get it to dissolve even in hot water! Please help!
You can get Fels Naptha already shredded on Amazon. I use it.
I microwave an old coffee cup with a cup of water for 1 to 2 minutes then add the tablespoon of prepared laundry soap and melt it before adding to my washing machine.
great idea Mary Kaye!
I have taken to pretty hot tap water in a jar with a lid and shake it but I still can’t get it all to dissolve.
Thank you for this idea!!! Some of our clothes have residue on them and I was wondering how to resolve that. I’ll try dissolving in hot water first
I have the same question about residue being left on dark clothes.
Does anyone know the amount of oxy-clean in the listed container? I bought a larger oxy-clean from Costco so I have no idea how much to add for this recipe.
The recipe calls for the 1.3 lb tub Melissa! (Maybe 2.5 – 3 cups?)
I use the same ingredients but instead of 3 bars, I use 2 bars of Fels Nappa and 2 bars of Zote. I made a batch today and split it in half as I wanted to try different scents beads. This laundry soap clean great and is super affordable.
Love that Mary ~ thanks so much for your feedback! 🙂
Hello!
I am super excited about making my own detergent! However, I wanted to see if I could leave out the Fels Naptha and Borax? Would this compromise the way that it thoroughly cleans and sanitizes?
Thanks!
I have been making this homemade laundry soap recipe, minus the scent boosters, since 2006 and LOVE it! I have used it in both a top load and HE front load machine with great success. I unwrap the fels naphtha soap bars a good month beforehand. This allows them to dry out and grate into a fine powder with ease. I dump the ingredients into a tall kitchen trash bag, knot it and roll it around to mix it up. The bag contains the dust from the powders. My friend double bags hers incase the bag tears, but I haven’t had any issues using one bag. I add vinegar in the final rinse cycle and my laundry always looks great!
What size jar do you store it in?
Hi Zelda! The pictures in the post have it stored in a one-gallon glass jar, but you can use whatever you’d like ~ hope that helps! 🙂
I bought two 1 gallon containers off Amazon and it filled both of them- almost to the top.
I used empty coffee creamer containers, I removed the label, rinsed and air dry, they have a pour spout, so perfect for the homemade laundry detergent
where do you get the sprout for the cans? can you provide a picture or link as I have never seen this and store a lot of things in these metal containers. I also wrap them with MacTac in different colours, to know if soap or other item categories. Thank you. Can’t wait to get some sprouts!
When using a HE top loader, do you put the detergent directly into the washer basin, or do you put it in the drawer you’d normally put detergent in. My concern is it will clog up (I’ve read this can happen). If I put it in the basin, I’m thinking nothing will clog?
I just put it in the tub, then add clothes.
Question: I’m an avid powdered Tide user. Mostly because my son is a baseball player and that’s the only detergent I find that truly gets stains out. Plus I use it on my floors to clean since it lifts dirt so well. Can anyone compare this with powdered Tide and tough stains and lifts dirt?
Thank you!!!
Is it safe to use in a HE washer?
Yes, as it is low suds. Works wonders in our HE washer.
Where do you put the detergent in? Any special instructions? I’ve always used liquid with my front loader so I’d love any details of how to go about using a powder! I wouldn’t even know where to put it! Lol!
I throw the powder right on top of the clothes. Haven’t had a problem doing that. I wash all clothing in cool water; towels and bedding in hot water. I also use vinegar instead of Downy in the fabric dispenser. I’m working on the scent beads next. I have 4 or 5 different scents and am trying to find the one I like best.
What I would do is make it divide it up so you can add the scents make different batches.
Great tip Cyndell! 🙂
How much vinegar do you put into the fabric softener dispenser?
I also front loaders. Do you disolve the soap in water and then add to machine.
I wouldn’t use this. It’s soap, not detergent. Soap leaves a film on your clothing just as it leaves a film on anything. Dirt and body oils stick to it and your clothes will begin to take on a dingy appearance. Worst of all, that film builds up in your washer and even your dryer…
Does the Fels Naptha soap really leave a film on yor clothes and washer?? I was going to do this, but now I am hesitating.
I leave it out and am lovin this. Remember these items have been around for over 50 yrs. They are safe. I just dont add the bar soap
Felphs Napa is a laundry soap bar.. Zote is another laundry soap bar. Both will be found in your laundry detergent sections and not body wash soap section.
I have used this recipe for two years and have NOT experienced buildup. Instead of Fels Naptha, I use Zote flakes. I also use wood dryer balls in my dryer.
Hi there, just wondering how many packages of the Zote flakes did you use for this size of detergent?
I’ve used this for years and have no residue or dingy clothes. It dissolves in cold, warm and hot water. I shredded the bar of fell Naphtali with a potato peeler then chop it up with a plastic hamburger chopper for frying the meat. I save a chunk of the fell naphtha to use to remove grease stains from clothes by rubbing it in the old fashioned wat. Best stain remover!
That’s great to hear Karen! Thanks for the feedback!
I made my first batch about 5 months ago. I LOVE IT. My husband is a self employed Lanscaper and handyman. Some things he puts in the wash needed new names for the dirt stains and smells lol. I use this but put 3 tablespoons for a large load. It is not soapy nor does it leave a film. It actually supercleans everything. Leaves an amazing smell. I do not put in the soap bars though.
The reason is because it is known to cause cancer if you read up on it.
I would though recommend this. I also have a 10 yr. Old boy. It has saved me so much money and it has extended the life of my clothes to include my sheets blankets etc.
Actually according to this web site-
https://www.google.com/amp/s/joynealkidney.com/2020/09/30/fels-naptha-laundry-bar-soap/amp/ –
They removed the ingredient that had been known to cause cancer.
Fells Naptha is a laundry soap, not a hand soap nit just happens to be in a bar shape.
The borax helps to eliminate that
I love homemade detergent! I make mine without the Unstoppables and I don’t add in Oxyclean, haven’t needed to really. I love how cost effective it is and so easy to make!
I haven’t tried it yet but I would like to my question is how does it work with kids that have skin allergy to a lot of detergents
Hmm, since the recipe does call for several items that have scents, it might not be the best option for kiddos with sensitive skin – though you might be able to substitute with unscented items! Or there are probably some other great homemade soap recipes online that are more specifically geared towards those with sensitive skin Shauna! 🙂 Hoping you find one that works great for your family!
I agree but i love the smell and the way oxyclean brightens it all up
Hi Shauna! My fiance has sensitive skin and I make a very similar recipe as Laurie. I just leave out a few of the ingredients and he hasnt had any problems with it irritating skin.
I use just 3 ingredients botox, washing soda, and bar soap (any will work). My local walmart is always out of felsnaptha (sp?) So I started using ivory soap. It smells good and non irritating. I’ve also used homemade soap from a local shop in my town.
I make smaller batches but you can make it as large or small as you need. My recipe is below. You can add oxiclean in ad well for stains and such.
1c botox
1c washing soda
1 bar of soap grated.
Do you mean borax instead of Botox?
Sensitive skin it the reason I started making my own. I leave the sent boater out and use Zote White flakes instead of the Naptha. I have used it for about 8 years and will not go back to buying detergent.
How much Zote flakes do you use per recipe???
What do you use for fabric softener? And do you use dry sheets?
Hi Sarah, if you use fabric softener in your mixture then you don’t need the dryer sheets. We love the way it makes the clothes smell but you don’t have to include those. The recipe will work perfectly without them!
Thank you
What does everyone store their detergent in? How big of a container? Looking for ideas. Thanks!
I was wondering the same thing.
Yes what size container
Hi ladies! The glass jar in the post is one gallon size (Walmart should have them!), but you can use whatever works best for you! 🙂
I double my recipe because I have 5 people in the house so I use a 5 gallon bucket. Then I fill the oxiclean tub for storage under my washer as easy access.
Good to know Shanna! 🙂
I’m wondering, too!
I used the same recipe and mine filled two 1 gallon containers.
I know I’m late on this reply, but I bought one of those big tubs of cheese balls and had the kiddos empty it for me. It works great for us!
Is this recipe safe to use in HE washers?
Yes it is!
Thank you! That was going to be my question as well. That is a condition of my lease.
I’ve made homemade laundry detergent for years. I’ve started noticing our whites are very dingy. I am going to try this recipe.
The one I was using is just three ingredients
Borax
Felt naptha
Washing soda.
This recipe has oxy clean. Gonna try it and see if it helps my whites.
Would love to hear your thoughts if you give it a try Christy! 🙂
I may try this, afer seeing your video, looks easy. I just added everything to Walmart cart for a total of $22.73! That’s using the Arm & Hammer In-Wash Scent Booster, Purifying Waters, 24 oz instead of Downy. Thanks for putting this together.
You might also want to try Mrs. Stewart’s Concentrated Liquid Bluing. I use it in my HE washer and my whites are sparkling white!! It’s non-toxic and Bio-Degradable! and it works every time, for me!
Hi! Do you add Mrs. Stewart’s separately, or use it as an ingredient when making the detergent?
I didn’t know you could use this in your washer. Do you set the soak cycle too?
Wondering also do you add it separately from the washing mixture.
Same with me, but I used the recipe with the oxyclean. Also, when I washed clothes in cold water, I would sometimes have to run through the Rinse & Spin Cycle because the fels naptha wouldn’t dissolve. I got frustrated and went back to store bought detergent.
I’ve been using this since March – when we got married and at the time had the two of us plus 7 kids in the house. The two oldest have moved out but still have 7 people in the house. This is awesome stuff!! I purchase the Fels at Publix – along with the other ingredients. My husband is the one who actually makes it. He halves the recipe for the liquid and even with all these people in the house, we’re only on our second batch.
Now for savings on fabric softener – I have a small container that I put in a small about of fabric softener and add water. I purchased some small, thin sponges at Dollar General (5 for $1) and let those soak in the mixture. When I need a ‘dryer sheet’ I squeeze a sponge until it’s not quite dripping and throw it in with the clothes. (If it’s an extra large load, I’ll used 2.) It works great! I’ve never had static cling and if you want more scent, just add more softener with less water. That one bottle of softener will last a long, long time!
Thanks so much for sharing Ginger! I haven’t tried it yet, but really need to. For fabric softener we use vinegar – but I never thought about the sponge idea. . . love that!
Did anyone see the Consumer Reports on using laundry detergent? The report showed little to no difference in the cleaning ability of detergents. They also stated on items that did not have any stains came just as clean without detergent. Makes you wonder why you paid for a high price detergent.
Jamie~ What is the recipe for LIQUID detergent?
Thanks,
Bridget
I love making my own detergent. I make the liquid version and have always used Fels Naptha. I didn’t know I could use Ivory! That makes it even cheaper, since Ivory can be had so cheaply with coupons — even free sometimes! Can Ivory in the liquid version, I wonder? HMM, maybe that’s why I never used it before. Anyway, I love the smell the Fels Naptha gives my detergent. I have been making detergent for over a year and am still using the same boxes of Borax and Washing Soda. I’ve gotten some detergent free with coupons here in the last 6 months, so it’s been a while since making my own. I won’t hesitate to do it again, when I need to, though. It seems like the powder is quick and easy to make; the liquid version only takes 10-15 minutes, but then it has to set for 24 hours before you can use it. I got my recipe from http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com.
Patti – Just treat it like regular detergent and put it in the dispenser. You only need about a tablespoon. (You can google it for exact info!). Kathy – The detergent leaves no scent on your clothes so I add a very small amount of fabric softener to the wash (for a scent!) and my clothes are just like I washed them with regular detergent. 🙂
Thanks Jaime for the info! I’ve never tried to make this but I think I’m going to once I run out of laundry detergent!
My concern is that you say your clothes aren’t as soft in comparison to using store bought detergent. I wonder if you could make a homemade batch but add it to your regular store bought detergent to “extend it’s life”? Hmmmm….I may have to try this.
Jamie, Do I put it in the dispenser or just add it to the clothes before I shut the door?
It’s great for HE washers! It is a very low sudsing soap so it is perfect for the front loaders!
So do you use this in an HE washer? If so, where do you put it?
That’s a great question Patti – I’ll send it to Greta to find out!
These are the same ingredients I use in the detergent that I have been making except I use Zote soap instead of the Fel Napha. I have used both and I prefer the Zotes. I cut mine into chunks and mix it up in batches in my food processor. I too love the smell and how it works in my top load washer. Zote soap is much cheaper at Walmart verses Amazon.
Good to know Karen ~ thanks so much for the suggestion! 🙂
Could you also use a grater and grate it?
I have been using homemade liquid detergent for almost 2 years. I am currently halfway through my 3rd batch (and I have 5 people in my house!). I spent $10 intitally (the 5 gallon bucket was the most expensive ingredient!) and I haven’t needed to buy anything else. I use about 1/4 a lid of fabric softener per load to give our clothes a little scent. It works great!
I just made my 3rd batch of liquid laundry detergent last week. It’s amazing and I love it! I use the Fels Naptha soap because of its stain fighting abilities (I have a 1yo and its insane the things she gets all over her clothes!) and I’m surprised at how little it costs to make. I’m still using my original boxes that I bought at my local publix!
What would the recipe be for liquid detergent?