Let me preface this post by saying there are lots of recipes for homemade laundry detergent floating around the internet. Most include the same basic ingredients at similar ratios. But, most involve grating bar soap and/or cooking and I can’t really be bothered with either of those steps. I do a LOT of laundry, so I use quite a bit of laundry soap. I’ve tried several brands of laundry detergent and several brands of laundry soap. There are a couple of good brands I’ve bought online in the past, but in an effort to save money, I’ve started making my own. It is so, so simple to make and ends up costing pennies per load. I’ve seen borax and washing soda in the laundry aisle at most stores, and Target carries Dr. Bronner’s. To be honest though, I buy it all on Amazon.
Here’s what you’ll need to make Homemade Concentrated Laundry Soap:
6 tablespoons Borax
6 tablespoons washing soda
8 tablespoons Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap (or any other castile soap)
approx. 7 cups HOT water
10 drops doTERRA essential oils (optional, but kills germs and sure smells great!)
an empty bottle of some sort (I use an old juice bottle)
large liquid measuring cup
tablespoon measure
funnel
Simply measure all the ingredients and pour into the bottle as you go. Add the HOT water last. The bottle I have allows for almost 7 cups of water with a little room at the top left empty so I can shake it. You’ll need to give it a good shake a few times while the water is still hot, and then each time you use it, because it does tend to separate.
The last time I made a batch I was actually smart enough to write the recipe down and tape it to the bottle. That way I don’t have to search for the recipe every time I make more.
I use about 1/4 cup for a small load and about 1/2 cup for a large load.
can you use this detergent in HE washers?
Can you use this detergent in HE washers?
I’ve been using this recipe for a couple months now and I really love it. Thanks so much for sharing!
I would use this recipe up really fast. Have you ever tried making a bigger batch? Thank you!
Cant u wash laundry w/ laundry soda alone? I use about a Tablespoon of nellie’s per lg load and have beautiful soft clothes and bright whites. The more I use it, the softer my fabrics get. And cleaner on just washing soda. 20 buks = 100 loads and its made for H E machines. (low suds). It doesnt produce “grey water) washes the grey residue out as u use it. Dissolves clear. Great for scrubbing floors, cabinets, and carpet. Best washes to all.
That’s Nellie’s laundry soda.