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Have you ever thought about making homemade laundry detergent? This DIY laundry detergent is around $30 to make a years worth!
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 less than $30 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 or HERE (55 oz. Box) Note: It looks like the Amazon price is WAY high right now, so grab from Walmart until that changes!
- 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.
Note: I used up all of the ingredients except the oxi-clean – since there was a little over the recommended recipe.
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 Homemade 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 – $1.20 x 3 Bars – $3.60 at Walmart
- Arm & Hammer Washing Soda 55 oz – $4.76 at Walmart
- 20 Mule Team Natural Laundry Booster, Borax – $5.97 per box on Amazon (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 – $2.98 at Walmart
- Oxi-Clean Stain Remover – $5.98 at Walmart
- Scent Beads – From $4.99 – $15 (Totally depends on which kind you decide to buy)
Total Cost = $28.09 for about 18 lbs of 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:
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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!
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.
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! 🙁
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.
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! 🙂
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?