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.
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.
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!
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
- 3 Tablespoons Borax
- 3 Tablespoons Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (or baking soda)
- 3 Tablespoons Kirk’s Castile Soap (12-ounce bar is more than enough)
- 4 cups boiling or very hot water
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!
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.
Note: One bar of soap will make about 3 – 4 batches.
Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent
Learn how to make homemade laundry soap liquid the easy way - no chemicals, cheap, effective!
Materials
- 3 Tablespoons Borax
- 3 Tablespoons of washing soda
- 3 Tablespoons Kirk's Castile Soap or Fels Naptha Soap
- 4 cups hot water
Tools
- Large measuring cup
- Spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- 2 glass mason jars, at least 16-ounces each
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.
- Boil 4 cups of water and add soap to the water. Stir until soap is completely dissolved, about 2 minutes.
- Add Borax and washing soda and stir until completely dissolved.
- Pour your laundry detergent into mason jars and add lid and ring.
Notes
Use caution when handling your hot mixture. Set aside to cool and the jar will actually seal.
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:
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 feels naptha 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!