How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is a staple in every household, but commercial brands can be expensive and often contain harsh chemicals. That’s why making your own DIY laundry detergent at home will not only help you save money but also ensures you know exactly what ingredients you’re using.

With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create an effective detergent that meets your specific needs and will last for loads to come. Whether you’re looking to save money, avoid allergens, or reduce your environmental footprint, this homemade laundry detergent recipe is a reliable solution. Learn how to create a batch of your own with this guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

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Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?

Making your own laundry detergent has several benefits:

• Cost Savings: Homemade detergent is much cheaper than commercial brands. One container can last you an entire year, depending on how many loads of laundry you do each week.
• Better Ingredients: You control what goes into your detergent, avoiding allergens.
• Eco-Friendly: Reduce plastic waste by reusing containers.

What You’ll Need

To make a large batch of homemade laundry soap, you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 3 Bars of Fels Naptha Soap
• 1 Box of 20 Mule Team Borax (about 4 lbs)
• 1 Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (about 3.7 lbs)
• 1 Container of OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover (about 5 lbs)

Tools

• Cheese Grater or Food Processor
• Large Container for Mixing (mixing bowl, bucket, tote, etc.)
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Airtight Container

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Grate the Soap

To start, you’ll need three bars of Fels Naptha. Your grandmother’s grandmother was probably using this soap when she was doing her own laundry by hand.

Grate the three bars of Fels Naptha soap using a cheese grater or food processor. The finer the soap particles, the easier they will dissolve in water. If you’re having trouble grating the soap, try microwaving it for 10-15 seconds to soften it up a little.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large container (we used a plastic tote), add the grated soap, the entire box of Borax, the entire box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda, and the entire container of OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula until all ingredients are well blended.

Step 3: Transfer and Store

Transfer the mixture into an airtight container, such as a glass jar. We used a mason jar to scoop the mixture over. Be sure to label it clearly and store it in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets.

Step 4: Using Your Homemade Detergent

For a standard load of laundry, use about two tablespoons of the homemade detergent in your washing machine. You can also use the scoop that comes with the OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder, just be sure to only fill it up about 1/3 of the way. For heavily soiled clothes, you can increase the amount slightly.

Tips for Best Results

• Water Temperature: Use warm or hot water to help the detergent dissolve better, especially if you have hard water.
• Pre-Treating Stains: For tough stains, rub a small amount of grated Fels Naptha soap directly onto the stain before washing.
• High-Efficiency (HE) Machines: This detergent is safe for high-efficiency washing machines. Just use half the amount (one tablespoon) per load.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Detergent Residue on Clothes: If you notice residue on your clothes, try increasing the water temperature or reducing the amount of detergent used per load.
• Hard Water Solutions: Hard water can affect the detergent’s performance. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This acts as a natural fabric softener and helps remove any remaining soap residue.

Making your own laundry detergent is a simple and rewarding process that can save you money and reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals. By following this guide, you’ll create an effective detergent that is gentle on your clothes and skin while being tough on dirt and stains.

For more how-to guides like this one, check out our other Cleaning articles.