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Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent (for Pennies!)

Make this easy (and budget friendly) homemade liquid laundry detergent – it’s liquid! No chemicals, dyes, or additives – for sensitive skin.

Skills Required: None. This is unbelievably simple to make. You’ll be boiling water, cutting soap, and mixing everything together.

homemade liquid laundry detergent

Ready to take control of your laundry routine with a fun, easy DIY project? Summer in Georgia brings the heat, and with it, an endless cycle of laundry.

If you find yourself running the washing machine more than ever, why not mix things up and save some money with your very own homemade liquid laundry detergent?

This homemade liquid laundry detergent recipe is not only economical but also a breeze to make. It uses simple, easily accessible ingredients like Borax, Kirk’s Castile Soap, washing soda, and a few cups of water.

These materials that promise to tackle even the toughest of stains without the harsh chemicals found in store-bought brands.

homemade laundry soap liquid

Ideal for those with sensitive skin or anyone looking to reduce their household’s chemical exposure, this detergent skips the dyes, fragrances, and additives typical of commercial options. And if you’re missing that fresh, just-washed scent, pop in a few drops of your favorite essential oils.

One of the greatest perks of this liquid detergent, aside from its effectiveness and skin-friendliness, is its compatibility with HE (high-efficiency) machines.

Designed to produce low suds, it meets the specific needs of these machines, ensuring a smooth run with every load. Plus, it leaves no residues like some powdery detergents do, so you can say goodbye to undissolved bits on your freshly washed clothes.

While this DIY mix comes with heaps of benefits, here’s a quick heads-up: it’s a good idea to be around the house the first time you use it, just to ensure everything goes smoothly with your particular model of washing machine. Though I’ve yet to hear any mishaps, it’s always best to play it safe!

Arm & Hammer laundry booster super washing soda, 20 Mule team Borax, Kirk's original Castile soap, and an empty mason jar

So, are you ready to stir up your own batch of homemade liquid laundry detergent? Let’s dive into the how-to and start transforming your laundry days. Get ready to enjoy clean, fresh clothes without the hefty price tag of commercial detergents. Let’s get crafting!

Ingredients

Other Materials

  • Large measuring cup
  • Spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • 2 glass mason jars, at least 16 ounces each

Tips and Tricks for This Recipe

Optional: microwave a bar of soap in five second increments for a total of 20 seconds. After each five seconds, flip bar of soap onto the other side. This softens the soap so cutting it is easier!

To use your detergent: pour 1/4 cup into your washing machine’s liquid dispenser. Launder as usual.

If the soap gets solid, microwave the jar!

20 Mule team borax, laundry booster, Kirk's castile soap, and liquid laundry detergent in mason jars

You just made detergent for 16 loads – for only $!!!! (prices calculated by what I paid for my ingredients and could vary slightly). It’s a great way to save money, especially these days.

liquid laundry detergent diy

Note: One bar of soap will make about 3 – 4 batches.

Make this easy (and budget friendly) homemade laundry detergent recipe - it's liquid! No chemicals, dyes, or additives and it's perfect for sensitive skin.
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4.50 from 38 votes

Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent

Learn how to make homemade laundry soap liquid the easy way – no chemicals, cheap, effective!
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Type: Cleaning Tips
Yield: 16 loads
Cost: $1

Equipment

  • Measuring cup(s)
  • Spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • 2 glass mason jars at least 16-ounces each

Materials

  • 3 Tablespoons Borax
  • 3 Tablespoons washing soda
  • 3 Tablespoons Kirk’s Castile Soap or Fels Naphtha Soap
  • 4 cups hot water

Instructions

  • Open the soap and microwave in five second increments for a total of 20 seconds. After each five seconds, flip bar of soap onto the other side. Using a sharp knife, cut soap into small pieces, about 1/4" in size until you have 3 tablespoons.
    Bar of castile soap cut into pieces with a knife
  • Boil 4 cups of water and add soap to the water. Stir until soap is completely dissolved, about 2 minutes.
    Chunks of castile soap being added to a container of boiling water
  • Add Borax and washing soda and stir until completely dissolved.
    Borax being added to a container of hot water and castile soap
  • Pour your laundry detergent into mason jars and add lid and ring.
    Two mason jars with liquid laundry detergent in them with the lids off on a wood background

Video

Notes

Use caution when handling your hot mixture. Set aside to cool and the jar will actually seal.
If the mixture gets solidified, simply microwave it in the jar, lid removed. Be careful when handling.

Have fun making this DIY laundry detergent recipe! If you are looking for supplies, this is a great way to purchase the borax and super washing soda and soap together at a discount. I’d also love for you to check out these other handy dandy home related posts:

4.50 from 38 votes (38 ratings without comment)
Give Your Rating




Taylor

Wednesday 29th of March 2023

My soap layered out and even solidified a bit after a week, anything I did wrong?

Ben

Saturday 3rd of June 2023

@Amy, my mixture gelled once cooled. I used a handheld mixer to liquify it.

Shelley Otto

Friday 14th of April 2023

@Taylor, I used the Zote flakes and it did the same thing for me. I’ve mixed it up and it’s more of a gel than a liquid but it works well for me. I add it to the drum instead of using the dispenser.

Amy

Wednesday 29th of March 2023

Hmmm I haven't heard of or experienced that yet. Was it kept in a hot or cold place and did you use the exact same ingredients that I did? I'm thinking you could microwave it if it's in a glass jar.

Jenny

Saturday 26th of November 2022

Is the 1/4 cup measurement for he or regular washers?

Amy

Monday 28th of November 2022

I use about that much in my HE washer!

Jenny

Sunday 16th of October 2022

Would fels naphtha bar soap work?

Amy

Sunday 16th of October 2022

Yes! I have not tried it but I read elsewhere that it worked. Give it a try!

Elizabeth

Wednesday 27th of July 2022

Will zote soap work for this recipe? I already have a bar at the house and wanted to try this out.

Amy

Thursday 28th of July 2022

Hi Elizabeth! Did a little research and yes, supposedly it works! Please for me on the first batch, just do towels or something and make sure it works okay. Don't use nice clothing. Just because you never know :)

Fermina

Friday 26th of March 2021

Have you tried using a grater instead of all those steps to soften and chop?

Melanie Denise Kaufman

Saturday 10th of April 2021

@Amy, Do you have a recipe that,uses Dr.Bronners or.A bar of his soap?I love his products.

Amy

Friday 26th of March 2021

No but that's a great idea! Thank you for the suggestion!