How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent at Home

Making your own laundry detergent at home sounds hard, but it’s actually pretty simple.

Many people try homemade laundry detergent to save money, avoid strong smells, or use fewer ingredients on their clothes. With the right recipe, you can clean everyday laundry using items that are easy to find.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make laundry detergent at home, what ingredients work best, and how to use it safely.

By the end, you’ll know if homemade laundry detergent is a good fit for your home and your laundry routine.

Detergent vs. Laundry Soap

Laundry detergent and laundry soap are not the same, even though many people use the words together.

Detergent is made to break down oils and rinse away dirt, especially in modern washing machines. It works well in both hard and soft water. Laundry soap, on the other hand, is usually made from fats and oils.

Many homemade laundry detergent recipes are actually laundry soap mixes. These can clean light dirt but may struggle with heavy stains or oily clothes.

In some cases, soap can leave residue if it does not rinse out fully. Knowing the difference helps you set the right expectations and avoid laundry problems later.

Who Homemade Detergent Works Best For

People washing lightly dirty, everyday clothes
Homes that do laundry often in small loads
Those who want fewer ingredients and mild scents
Anyone looking to lower laundry costs
Households with time to test and adjust recipes

Homemade detergent works best when you start slow and adjust based on how your clothes look and feel.

Ingredients for Homemade Laundry Detergent

Most homemade laundry detergent recipes use just a few basic ingredients. Each one has a simple job, and knowing what they do helps you mix them the right way.

Ingredient	What It Does
Washing soda	Helps remove dirt and grease
Borax	Softens water and boosts cleaning
Bar soap or soap flakes	Lifts dirt from fabric
Baking soda (optional)	Helps with odors
Oxygen bleach (optional)	Brightens whites

You don’t need every ingredient to get started. A simple mix often works best, especially for beginners.

Homemade Laundry Detergent Powder Recipe

homemade laundry detergent powder in a glass jar with a wooden spoon and ingredients like washing soda, borax, and soap on a table

Making powdered laundry detergent at home is quick and easy. This version stores well and works best for regular, everyday laundry loads.

Tools and Materials Needed

Large mixing bowl
Spoon or whisk
Airtight container
Measuring cups
Grater or soap flakes

Step 1: Prepare the Soap

If you are using a bar soap, grate it into fine pieces. Smaller flakes mix better and dissolve faster in water. You can also use ready-made soap flakes to save time. Make sure the soap is fully dry before mixing.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Add the grated soap, washing soda, and borax into a large bowl. Stir everything well so the mix is even. Take your time with this step so the ingredients don’t settle unevenly. A well-mixed powder cleans more evenly in each load.

Step 3: Store the Detergent

Transfer the mixture into an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture. Label the container so everyone knows what it is. Shake the container lightly before each use if needed.

How Much to Use: Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load. For HE washers or small loads, start with less and adjust if needed.

Liquid Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

homemade liquid laundry detergent in a glass bottle with measuring cup and ingredients like soap, washing soda, and borax on a table

Liquid laundry detergent is a good option if you wash clothes in cold water. It dissolves easily and is simple to measure.

Tools and Materials Needed

Large pot
Spoon for stirring
Measuring cups
Large bucket or jug
Funnel (optional)

Step 1: Dissolve the Soap

Add grated soap and hot water to a pot. Heat it slowly while stirring until the soap fully melts. Do not let it boil. This step helps the soap blend smoothly into the liquid detergent.

Step 2: Add the Boosters

Once the soap is melted, stir in washing soda and borax. Keep stirring until everything is fully dissolved. The liquid may look cloudy at first, which is normal. These ingredients help improve cleaning power.

Step 3: Dilute and Cool

Pour the mixture into a large bucket or jug. Add more hot water to reach your desired amount. Let it cool completely, then stir or shake before storing. The texture may thicken as it sits.

How Much to Use: Use about ¼ cup per load. Shake well before each use, and reduce the amount if clothes feel coated or stiff.

How to Use Homemade Laundry Detergent Correctly

Using homemade laundry detergent the right way helps your clothes stay clean and fresh. Small changes in how you wash can make a big difference.

Use less than you think: Homemade detergent is often more concentrated. Using too much can leave residue on clothes and inside the washer.
Choose the right water temperature: Warm water helps powder detergent dissolve better. Liquid works well in cold water too.
Adjust for HE washers: High-efficiency machines use less water, so start with a smaller amount and add an extra rinse if needed.
Watch your clothes: If clothes feel stiff or look dull, reduce the amount or rinse longer.

Using the right amount and watching results helps you fine-tune your routine over time.

Stain Removal Using Homemade Laundry Detergent

Homemade laundry detergent can handle light stains, but it has limits.

Pre-treat stains as soon as possible for better results. Grease and oil stains often need extra help, such as a small drop of dish soap before washing.

For whites, oxygen bleach works better than soap alone when used correctly.

Do not rely on homemade detergent for set-in or heavy stains, as it may not fully remove them. Testing on one item first can save time and protect your clothes.

Safety, Storage, and Shelf Life

Homemade laundry detergent is simple, but it still needs safe handling and storage. A few steps can help it last longer and stay effective.

Store out of reach: Keep detergent away from kids and pets, especially powder mixes.
Use airtight containers: Moisture can cause clumping and reduce cleaning power.
Avoid breathing in powder dust: Mix slowly and wash your hands after handling ingredients.
Check shelf life: Powder lasts longer if kept dry. Liquid detergent should be used within a few weeks.

Good storage habits help your homemade detergent stay safe and ready to use.