Homemade Laundry Detergent: DIY Natural Cleaning Product

All-natural laundry detergent is a simple DIY that can be done in just a few minutes with a few basic ingredients. Once you learn how simple it is to make your own homemade laundry detergent, you won’t want to go back to the store-bought detergent!  

Life is full of mysteries.
Why is the sky blue?
What do they put in hot dogs?
How the heck does a family of three produce so much dirty laundry?!

I just don’t understand it. I always thought that once we got past the days of cloth diapers & spit-up, the laundry would be much more manageable. But the basket piled high and shoved in the back of my closet that’s been awaiting folding for a week says otherwise. Don’t judge….

So much laundry means that we blow through some detergent around these parts. Not only is that a hefty chunk of change but there are chemicals on our clothing all day long. Unless you like to run around in your birthday suit….whatever floats your boat, man. But since I have to leave my house and see people, it’s clothes for this ol’ gal. Dustin and I don’t have sensitive skin or any skin irritations, but once little man came along, I wanted my home and family to use as many natural products as possible. 

Why you should switch to natural products

When I started learning about the toxins and harsh chemicals that are found in conventional cleaning products found at the store, I was beside myself! Chemicals like ammonia, formaldehyde, phthalates, and more names that I couldn’t pronounce were all over the labels. Something called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs for short, are chemicals that can damage your respiratory system, cause nausea and headaches, and irritate your nose, throat, and eyes. VOCs have been found in all types of cleaning products, from multi-purpose cleaners to glass cleaners. What?! No, thank you! Cleaning products should clean your home, not add in toxic chemicals. 

Switching to natural products

I know it can seem really intimidating to start swapping your products for all-natural, but I promise it doesn’t have to be as complicated as it seems! It also doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg either! Many times, natural options are more expensive than the regular ones that you find at the grocery store. But I have found that making my own cleaning products at home is not only cost-effective and can save you so much money, but it’s so easy to do. But the best part? They actually work! I have many all-natural homemade cleaning products that you can make on my site! 

All Natural Dishwashing Detergent – This is one of my most popular homemade cleaner recipes, and for good reason! 

Homemade Glass Cleaner – For this DIY you only need three simple ingredients, including white vinegar and lemon. It is so easy and super budget-friendly. You’ll never buy store-bought again! 

Natural Fruit and Vegetable Wash – This is made with simple ingredients and essential oils for their disinfecting properties. 

All-natural laundry soup 

I tried a few different recipes for natural laundry detergent before I landed on this one. We’ve been using it for almost three years and still love it. Instead of liquid detergent that you typically find on the laundry aisle, this recipe uses dry ingredients for a powder laundry detergent. You only need four natural ingredients and I have linked them on Amazon for you so you can easily purchase and make your homemade detergent! 

Ingredients for Natural Laundry Detergent recipe

• 1 box borax
• 1 box washing soda
• 1 box baking soda
• 2 bars Castile bar soap or Fels Naptha soap- grated (Use a cheese grater to easily create grated soap) 
• 20-30 drops high-quality essential oil for scent (you can shop my favorite oils here)

Is borax safe?

Before we move on, let’s address this question! Although borox is natural and something our great-grandmothers used for cleaning, some people have questioned the safety of using it. While I encourage you to do your own research, I personally feel safe using it for my family. This is a great article on the safety of borax if you want to dig into it a little deeper!

How to make DIY Laundry detergent 

Combine all ingredients and mix well, then store in an airtight container. Could that be any more simple? 

I also like to add some essential oils for scent, but that’s not necessary, just a fun way to customize your detergent. My preference changes depending on the season. In the spring and summer, citrus oils are always my go-to. In the fall and winter, I prefer more wood and spice. I love the freedom of experimenting with different combinations and tailoring a scent that matches my mood.

How to use your own laundry soap

We have used this in both a front-loading washer and a top-loading washing machine and our high efficiency with no issues. You can also use it in either your cold water or hot water cycles. Plus, I only use one small (2 tablespoon) scoop per load! Our clothes are clean and fresh, and our wallet is happy! Plus, one batch lasts us about four months, and I wash at least a load of laundry a day. With this recipe, you will get about 120 loads of laundry! Now, I don’t always fold that load…. until nobody can find their undies and I’m forced to be a grown-up again. 

Have you ever made your own laundry detergent? Share your tips and recipes in the comments section below!

Farmhouse laundry room makeover

Sure, it’s not necessary to have a pretty space to do laundry,  but it sure does make it more fun! In this article, you can learn how I Joanna Gaines-ed my small space and gave my laundry closet a DIY makeover! 

How cute is this detergent container?!
It would be the perfect way to store your goods and add a little style to your laundry room. It also includes the scoop and 4 mesh bags: 2 for delicates & 2 for other laundry. PLUS it’s on sale!  Originally $49.99 but you only pay $29. Jump on this deal while it lasts y’all!