When I first started trying to save money on household stuff, one thing surprised me the most: laundry detergent. The cost sneaks up fast, especially with a family. That’s when I started looking into homemade laundry detergent. And let me tell you, it’s such a smart way to save money without giving up clean clothes.

Today, I’ll show you everything you need to know about making homemade laundry detergent. I’ll walk you through why it works, the different ways you can make it, and how to store it without making a big mess.

I’ll also share how to tweak it depending on your needs, like if you have sensitive skin. Plus, I’ll give you a few extra tips to make your laundry life easier. I’ll even show you how this ties into saving big across your whole home.

If you’re trying to pinch pennies, spend less at the store, or just feel more in control of your budget, this post is for you.

And don’t worry, I’m not tossing out confusing directions or anything complicated. Everything here is broken down in easy steps. You can even get the kids involved if you want. It’s that simple.

Making your own homemade laundry detergent is one of those changes that feels small but adds up fast. You’re not only saving money, but you’re cutting down on chemicals too.

So grab your favorite notebook, maybe a coffee or tea, and let’s get into it. I promise it’s going to be easier than you think. By the end, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t start sooner. And trust me, your wallet is going to thank you. Let’s jump into this homemade laundry detergent adventure together.

Why Homemade Laundry Detergent Is A Smart Choice

When you really think about it, store-bought detergent isn’t cheap. A bottle can easily set you back ten to fifteen bucks, sometimes more. And if you’re doing laundry for a family, that bottle doesn’t last long.

Making homemade laundry detergent changes the whole game. Here’s why:

• It costs way less per load, usually just a few cents.
• You control the ingredients, which is great for sensitive skin.
• It’s easy to make big batches that last months.
• You skip unnecessary chemicals that commercial brands pack in.

A lot of people assume homemade detergent doesn’t clean as well. That’s just not true. It works because it still uses the basic cleaning agents you find in store brands, just without all the extras.

Also, it’s super customizable. You can add essential oils for scent or leave it plain. You can make powder, liquid, or even soap bars if you want to get fancy.

And let’s be honest: it feels really good to make something yourself. It’s satisfying in a way that tossing a bottle into a cart just isn’t.

Saving money on everyday stuff like homemade laundry detergent frees up cash for other things. Maybe that’s a coffee date with a friend, a little extra to throw at debt, or even a small splurge now and then.

In the end, it’s not just about clean clothes. It’s about taking small steps toward a bigger, budget-friendly life.

Simple Ingredients You Need For Homemade Laundry Detergent

One of the best parts about making homemade laundry detergent is how few ingredients you need. Seriously, you might already have some of them at home.

Here’s a basic list:

• Washing soda
• Borax
• Bar soap (like Fels-Naptha, Zote, or Castile)
• Water (if making a liquid version)

You can find these ingredients easily. Walmart, Target, and most grocery stores have them. Some people even order them online if they want to stock up.

If you want to get creative, you can also grab:

• Baking soda (for extra deodorizing)
• Essential oils (for a natural scent boost)
• Oxygen bleach (for stain fighting)

For a basic powder detergent, you usually mix equal parts washing soda and borax, and add grated soap. For liquid, you melt the soap and mix it into a big pot of water with the powders.

Here’s a simple powder recipe:

• 1 bar soap, finely grated
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax

Mix it all together and store in an airtight container. That’s it. You only need about 1-2 tablespoons per load.

Liquid detergent takes a little longer to make, but not by much. It’s still super easy once you do it once or twice.

It’s pretty amazing how such basic stuff can replace those overpriced jugs from the store.

How To Make Powdered Homemade Laundry Detergent

Powdered homemade laundry detergent is my favorite place to start. It’s fast, simple, and stores really well. Plus, no boiling water is involved, which makes it great for beginners.

Here’s how you do it step-by-step:

1. Grate your soap.
   • You can use a regular cheese grater.
   • A food processor also works if you want to save time.
2. Mix your dry ingredients.
   • One cup washing soda
   • One cup borax
   • The grated soap
3. Stir until combined.
   • You want it evenly mixed so every scoop works the same.
4. Store it.
   • Use an airtight container, like an old coffee can or a glass jar.
   • Label it if you want to be fancy.
5. Use it.
   • About 1-2 tablespoons per load does the trick.
   • High-efficiency washers love it too, because it’s low suds.

Some people also like to add a half cup of baking soda for extra freshness. Totally optional, but great if you have kids or pets.

You can also add about twenty drops of your favorite essential oil to the mix. Lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus are popular choices. It makes your laundry smell clean but not overpowering.

Powdered homemade laundry detergent stores really well for months. Just keep it dry, and you’ll always have it ready to go.

How To Make Liquid Homemade Laundry Detergent

Liquid homemade laundry detergent takes a few more steps, but it’s still really easy. It’s a good option if you prefer liquid over powder. Some people think it dissolves better in cold water too.

Here’s how you make it:

1. Grate your soap.
2. In a big pot, combine the soap with about four cups of hot water.
3. Stir over medium heat until the soap melts.
4. Add one cup of washing soda and one cup of borax.
5. Stir until everything dissolves.
6. Remove from heat.
7. Pour the mixture into a large bucket.
8. Add about three gallons of warm water and stir well.

That’s it. Let it cool, then pour into containers for easy use. Old detergent bottles or big jugs work great.

Before each use, give it a little shake or stir because homemade laundry detergent can separate a little over time.

For each load, use about half a cup to a cup of detergent depending on load size and dirt level.

Liquid detergent feels a little different than store-bought stuff because it’s thinner. That’s normal. It still cleans like a champ.

Making a big batch means you won’t have to worry about laundry soap for months. Talk about a time and money saver!

Tips For Making Your Homemade Laundry Detergent Even Better

Homemade laundry detergent is already amazing, but you can tweak it to make it even more perfect for your home.

Here are some quick tips:

• If you want it stronger, add a half cup of oxygen bleach to your recipe.
• For extra scent, use essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or citrus.
• If you have very hard water, toss in a little baking soda to soften it.
• Use distilled water when making the liquid version for longer shelf life.

Storage tips:

• Always use airtight containers for powder.
• For liquid, make sure your container has a tight-fitting lid.
• Store detergent somewhere cool and dry.

Washing tips:

• Pretreat tough stains with a dab of detergent paste (just detergent mixed with a little water).
• Always measure, don’t just dump detergent in. A little goes a long way.
• If your clothes start feeling stiff, use white vinegar as a natural fabric softener.

One little bonus? Homemade laundry detergent makes a great frugal gift too. Just put some in a cute jar with a label and tie it with twine. Friends love it!

There’s something really satisfying about knowing you’re saving money while still keeping your clothes fresh and clean.

Easy Powdered Recipe

Looking for a quick and simple solution? Powdered homemade laundry detergent is the perfect choice! You only need a few basic things, and you’ll have a fresh batch ready in no time. I love how quick this one is to mix up.

Here’s what you need:

• 1 bar of soap (like Fels-Naptha, Zote, or Castile)
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax

Directions:

1. Grate the bar of soap. Use a cheese grater or a food processor.
2. In a large bowl, mix the grated soap, washing soda, and borax together.
3. Stir everything until it’s well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into an airtight container.

To use it, just scoop 1–2 tablespoons per load. That’s it. Your clothes come out clean, fresh, and soft.

Tips to make it even better:

• Add 20 drops of essential oil if you like a scented detergent.
• Double or triple the recipe if you want a bigger batch.
• Keep a small scoop in your container for easy measuring.

Powdered homemade laundry detergent is great for high-efficiency machines too because it doesn’t create too many suds. That makes it easier on your washer while still getting your clothes really clean.

I love that this powdered homemade laundry detergent stays fresh for months if you keep it sealed tight. And it only takes about ten minutes to make a batch!

Simple Liquid Recipe

If you prefer liquid, this homemade laundry detergent recipe is perfect. It’s a little more hands-on than powder, but it’s still super simple. Plus, you get a huge batch that can last a long time.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 bar of soap (Fels-Naptha, Zote, or Castile)
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax
• About 3 gallons of water

Directions:

1. Grate the bar of soap finely.
2. In a large pot, heat 4 cups of water on the stove.
3. Add the grated soap and stir until it melts completely.
4. Pour in the washing soda and borax. Stir until everything dissolves.
5. Remove from heat.
6. Pour the soapy mixture into a large, clean bucket.
7. Add about 3 gallons of warm water and stir well.

Let it cool before using. It will thicken up as it sits, but that’s normal.

To use it, shake or stir the detergent before each load. Then use about ½ cup per regular load, and a full cup for really dirty loads.

Some extra tips:

• Use old detergent bottles to store it for easy pouring.
• Add essential oils to the bucket if you want a fresh scent.
• Stir again after 24 hours if it starts to separate.

This liquid homemade laundry detergent works great in cold water too. And it’s an awesome way to make your budget stretch even further!

Homemade Laundry Detergent Without Borax

If you want to skip borax, no problem. A lot of people prefer a borax-free version, especially if they’re trying to go more natural. This homemade laundry detergent recipe still gets clothes fresh and clean.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 bar of Castile soap (or other gentle soap)
• 2 cups washing soda
• ½ cup baking soda
• Optional: essential oils for scent

Directions:

1. Grate your soap finely.
2. In a big bowl, mix the washing soda and baking soda together.
3. Add the grated soap.
4. Stir everything until well blended.
5. Store in an airtight container.

Use about 1–2 tablespoons per load, just like the others.

A few bonus ideas:

• Add 15–20 drops of essential oil, like lavender or lemon, for a clean, fresh smell.
• Double the recipe if you want a bigger batch.
• You can also sprinkle a little extra baking soda into really smelly loads.

This version is super gentle, making it perfect for babies, sensitive skin, and anyone who wants a natural choice.

Making a borax-free homemade laundry detergent takes just minutes. And it still gives you clean, soft clothes without the extra chemicals you don’t want.

It’s a smart swap if you’re trying to keep things simple and affordable around the house. Plus, it’s another easy step toward living more frugally every day.

Final Thoughts

Homemade laundry detergent is one of the easiest ways to save money at home.

In this post, we talked about:

• Why homemade laundry detergent makes sense.
• What basic ingredients you need.
• How to make both powdered and liquid versions.
• Extra tips to get the most out of it.

It’s simple, affordable, and a smart move for any budget-conscious home.

Here’s a quick recap:

• Powdered detergent is fast and easy to make.
• Liquid detergent takes a few extra steps but stores well.
• Customize your recipe with essential oils or baking soda.
• Always use airtight containers for storage.

By making homemade laundry detergent, you cut down grocery bills and feel good about what’s touching your family’s skin. Plus, it’s nice not lugging huge bottles from the store all the time.

Small switches like this add up faster than you’d think. I love sharing little ideas like these because they fit right into a frugal living plan without feeling overwhelming.

If you love saving money and picking up budget-friendly ideas, be sure to stick around. I share a lot more tips like this, and you’ll often find these ideas over on Pinterest too.

Homemade laundry detergent is just the beginning. Once you start seeing the savings, you’ll want to keep going. And trust me, there’s no better feeling than finding simple ways to make your money stretch further every single day.