How To Make A DIY Laundry Detergent


As my children get older, I realized that more laundry was piling up. I was trying to do the same saving due to the harsh economic conditions brought by Covid-19.

I, therefore, had to cut the cumulative cost that was brought by buying commercial laundry detergent.

Making a DIY laundry detergent requires a few ingredients and is quick and easy to put together.
From personal experience making your laundry detergent is much cheaper than purchasing a laundry detergent.

The efficiency of the DIY laundry detergent is the same as that of store brands. It is safe and has a high standard.

It only takes fifteen minutes and can be conducted by a beginner.

Why I Prefer Powdered DIY Laundry Detergent?

I prefer powder over liquid concerning opportunity cost, storage, and simplicity. Liquid detergent takes more time to make.

It requires more storage and is generally more complicated.

What Materials Will You Need

The Equipment

  • A box grater
  • Measuring cup
  • Rubber gloves


  • Borax
  • Washing soda which is sodium carbonate
  • Pure bar soap or castile soap or soap flakes
  • A container with a secure lid


1. Take the Bar Soap and Grate It

I usually use pure bar soap, which I grate the bar into flakes with a box grater.

Most of the time, I use more than one bar when grating the bar soaps, but this depends on the quantity of detergent you require.

2. Mix the Ingredients

Take the container with the secure and tight-fitting lid, then mix borax, washing soda both in two parts and one part of soap flakes.

These will create the DIY laundry detergent.

Please keep the ingredients in these proportions to avoid interfering with quality.

Note that washing soda can irritate the skin, so you should handle it with rubber gloves as you mix the ingredients.

3. Ensure You Use the Right Amount

To ensure that efficiency is reached use up to three level tablespoons for this homemade laundry detergent per wash load.

In case you have a high-efficiency washing machine use one tablespoon of the laundry detergent.

4. Storing of The Laundry Soap

In an airtight container, keep the laundry detergent and label it clearly to avoid confusion with other materials in the house.

Store it in a place out of reach for both pets and children.

Vital Tips to Take into Consideration When Making Homemade Laundry Detergent

  • Ensure you label the laundry detergent container; it is vital so that others will know what is inside it.

Include a list of the ingredients of the detergent as a safety measure.

As long as you have not exposed the laundry detergent to moisture.
It will not expire or lose its effectiveness.

  • When your detergent turns hard or cakes up, it is advisable to dispose of it since the hard pieces will not dissolve well as you wash.

Most times they will leave a soap residue on the clothes thereby staining them.

Harding of the laundry detergent happens because it does not contain the anti-caking agents will help the detergent not to cloud up as you store it.

A container with an airtight seal will help prevent caking or Harding of the detergent.

  • In many grocery stores, ingredients like borax, washing soda, or soap flakes will be found in the aisle of laundry detergents.

In case you find trouble locating these ingredients, ask for assistance or visit the personal aisle other bar soaps are sold.

  • If you want to increase the cleaning power of your homemade laundry detergent, you can increase the amount of borax used when making it.

Ensure when doing these you will not interfere with the proportions that have been outlined in the instructions.

  • If you want your homemade laundry detergent to have a fragrance, an easy and natural way is to select a soap bar with essential oils already mixed in it.

Can This Laundry Irritate My Skin?

My kids and I have eczema that makes our skin to be sensitive.

This detergent has never affected my kids or me, although it is vital to remember that we are all different.

First, make a small sample and test it out, and based on the results, make a decision.

Is A Fabric Softener Important When Using This Homemade Laundry Detergent?

  • I think that it is a personal decision.
  • I don’t use commercial fabric softeners.
  • I use plain distilled vinegar as a fabric softener.
  • It keeps the clothes super fluffy.
  • Vinegar does not have a smell although, this will be an extra step.

What is the Need to Making Your Detergent?

You have control over the ingredients.
You can customize the scent and the scent strength.
It is easy and cheap to make.


  • Take note of the ingredients used and the quantities.
  • When mixing the ingredients, ensure they are well combined.
  • Handle the washing soda with care.