DIY Laundry Detergent: Affordable and Easy to Make at Home
Many families are switching to DIY laundry detergent to cut costs and avoid harsh chemicals found in store-bought brands.
Commercial options can be expensive, and long ingredient lists often leave people guessing what they’re really using on their clothes.
If you’re looking for a simpler, more affordable alternative, making your own detergent might be the perfect solution.
In this guide, you’ll learn what you need, how much it costs, and simple step-by-step recipes to help you get started the right way.
Why Make DIY Laundry Detergent at Home?
Many people choose homemade options because they want a simpler, more affordable way to manage everyday laundry without depending on expensive store brands.
- Saves Money Over Time: Making your own detergent helps reduce everyday household expenses without changing your laundry routine.
- Uses Simple Natural Ingredients: The ingredients are basic and easy to recognise, with fewer harsh chemicals, dyes, or artificial fragrances.
- Customizable Scents and Strength: You can add essential oils for a light, natural scent or keep it completely fragrance-free.
- Supports a Low-Waste Lifestyle: Making your own detergent reduces the need for frequent plastic containers from store brands.
You can reuse storage jars and buy ingredients in bulk, which helps cut down on household waste. Choosing DIY laundry detergent is a practical way to make laundry more affordable and intentional.
Ingredients Needed for DIY Laundry Detergent
Most ingredients for DIY laundry detergent are affordable, easy to find in grocery stores or online, and commonly used in everyday cleaning.
So, these are the four ingredients that are used in this recipe:
- Fels-Naptha Soap
- Baking soda
- Washing soda
- Super washing soda
Step-by-Step Mixing Process
With just a small upfront investment, this powder recipe can last for hundreds of washes. It’s simple to make, practical to use, and a smart choice for everyday laundry. These are the steps you can follow:
Step 1: Grate and Prepare the Base
Grate the bars finely using a hand grater or food processor until the texture is very small and powder-like.
This helps the mixture dissolve better in the wash and spread evenly through the load. A finer texture also improves how well it lifts dirt and grease from fabric.
Step 2: Add the Baking Soda
Pour the powder into a large mixing bowl and spread it evenly. This part of the mix helps control odours and keeps clothes smelling fresh without strong artificial scents.
Stir gently to break up any clumps before adding the next components.
Step 3: Boost with the Super Washing Soda
Add the cleaning booster into the bowl and combine thoroughly. This strengthens the formula and helps soften hard water so clothes rinse cleaner.
For a smoother blend, you can pulse a small portion with the grated flakes before mixing everything together.
Step 4: Strengthen the Formula with Borax
Add the final powder into the bowl and stir well until everything looks evenly mixed. This step improves stain removal and overall cleaning performance.
Make sure there are no visible clumps so each scoop works consistently.
Step 5: Mix, Store, and Use
Mix all components until the texture looks uniform and fully combined. Transfer the finished powder into an airtight container to keep moisture out.
Use 1 tablespoon for regular loads or 2 tablespoons for larger or heavily soiled loads.
Cost Comparison: DIY Powder vs. Store-Bought Powder
The table below comparesDIY laundry detergent with store-bought detergent powder in terms of ingredients, total cost, and cost per load.
| Ingredients / Product | DIY Laundry Detergent | Store Powder Detergent |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Base | Fels-Naptha (3 bars) | Surfactants & Enzymes |
| Cleaning Booster | Washing Soda | Builders (Sodium Carbonate) |
| Odor & Stain Control | Borax | Enzymes & Stain Removers |
| Freshness Support | Baking Soda | Fragrance & Additives |
| Total Cost | ~$11.77 (Full Batch) | ~$15–$25 per box |
| Estimated Loads | ~416 loads | ~80–100 loads |
| Cost Per Load | ~$0.03 | ~$0.20–$0.30 |
Tips for Best Results With DIY Laundry Detergent
Getting the best results from your DIY laundry detergent doesn’t take extra effort, just a few simple habits. Follow these practical tips to make sure every load comes out clean, fresh, and residue-free:
- Use the Right Amount: Use 1–2 tablespoons per load since DIY laundry detergent is concentrated and doesn’t need a large scoop.
- Store It Properly: Keep your DIY laundry detergent in a dry, airtight container to prevent clumping.
- Use Warm Water for Heavy Loads: Powder detergent dissolves more effectively in warm or hot water.
- Test on a Small Load First: Try your DIY laundry detergent on a small load when switching for the first time.
- Break Up Clumps Before Using: If the powder forms small clumps, stir or shake the container before scooping.
The ingredients are simple, the recipe is easy, and each load costs far less than store brands. Once you try it, DIY laundry detergent feels less like a project and more like a smart, money-saving habit.
Conclusion
You’ve seen how simple the ingredient list is, how easy the powder recipe comes together, and how much cheaper each load can be compared to store brands.
There’s no complicated process and no special equipment required. Just mix, store, and use. What makes it even better is the flexibility.
You can keep it fragrance-free, adjust the amount per load, and reuse containers instead of constantly buying new plastic tubs.
Once you try DIY laundry detergent, it stops feeling like a “DIY project” and starts feeling like a normal part of your home routine – one that saves money and still gets the job done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DIY Laundry Detergent Safe for HE Machines?
Yes, DIY laundry detergent is safe for HE machines when used in small amounts. Because HE washers use less water, you only need about 1 tablespoon per load.
Is DIY Laundry Detergent Good for Sensitive Skin?
Often yes, especially if you choose a fragrance-free version. DIY laundry detergent lets you skip harsh dyes and strong artificial scents. Many people find it gentler because they control exactly what goes into it.
How Long Does DIY Laundry Detergent Last?
Powder DIY laundry detergent can last up to 6 months. Store it in a dry, airtight container to prevent clumping. Keeping moisture out helps maintain its cleaning power over time.
