Making your own Homemade Laundry Detergent is easier than you might think, and it’s a great way to save money while keeping your clothes clean and fresh. I started making it at home because I wanted a safer, chemical-free option for my family. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a detergent that works just as well as store-bought brands, and you can even customize it with your favorite scents. In this guide, I’ll share how I make my Homemade Laundry Detergent step by step so you can try it yourself without any hassle.
Why do I Need to Make My Own Laundry Detergent?
Making your own laundry detergent is more than just a trend — it’s a practical way to save money, reduce chemical exposure, and take control of what touches your clothes and skin. Unlike many commercial detergents filled with synthetic fragrances and additives, homemade versions rely on simple, natural ingredients that are safe and effective. You don’t need fancy tools or expensive supplies — just a few basic materials, and you can make months’ worth of detergent that works well for everyday laundry. It’s cost-effective, eco-friendly, and perfect for anyone who wants cleaner clothes without harsh chemicals.
Saves Money:
Homemade detergent costs a fraction of store brands and lasts for months with simple ingredients.Natural Ingredients:
You control what goes in — no harsh chemicals, dyes, or synthetic fragrances.Eco-Friendly Option:
Fewer chemicals go down the drain and less plastic waste from detergent bottles.Gentle on Skin:
Ideal for sensitive skin or babies since it avoids harsh additives.Customizable Formula:
You can add essential oils for a scent you love or skip them for a fragrance-free option.Easy to Make:
It takes only about 10–15 minutes to prepare a batch that lasts weeks.Effective Cleaning:
Works well for everyday laundry, keeping clothes fresh and clean naturally.Chemical-Free Home:
Reduces exposure to artificial ingredients that can irritate skin or damage fabrics.Satisfying DIY Project:
Making your own detergent feels rewarding and gives a sense of self-sufficiency.Sustainable Lifestyle:
A small but meaningful step toward a greener, cleaner, and more natural home.
Is homemade laundry detergent completely safe to use?
How I Make Homemade Laundry Detergent Just in Few Steps?
- 1. Start with soap:I grab a bar of natural soap — sometimes Castile, sometimes Zote — and grate it into little flakes. It’s kind of fun and smells nice while I do it.
- 2. Mix in washing soda and borax:
Next, I throw the soap flakes into a big bowl and add a cup of washing soda and a cup of borax. Then I mix everything together with my hands or a spoon. - 3. Add a little fragrance (optional):
Sometimes I add a few drops of lavender or lemon essential oil. It’s optional, but I love how it makes the laundry smell fresh. - 4. Store it properly:
I put the mixture into a clean jar with a tight lid. It sits on my shelf ready to go whenever I need it. - 5. Use it for laundry:
When it’s wash day, I just scoop a tablespoon or two into the machine. It cleans my clothes really well, and I feel good knowing what’s in it.
How Much Does it Cost to Make My Own Laundry Detergent?
When you make homemade laundry detergent, the cost mostly comes from three main ingredients: soap, washing soda, and borax. Here’s a closer look:
Soap – This is usually a bar of natural soap like Fels-Naptha, Castile, or any plain laundry soap. One bar costs around $2–$3 and you grate it to use in your detergent. A single bar can make several batches.
Washing Soda – This is a kind of cleaning booster. A 2-pound box usually costs about $3 and can make multiple batches as well.
Borax – Another cleaning agent that helps remove stains and odors. A 4-pound box costs around $4–$5, but again, you only use a portion for each batch.
If you mix these in the typical ratio (like 1 part soap, 1 part washing soda, 1 part borax), a single batch that lasts 2–3 months for a small family will cost roughly $5–$7.
For liquid detergent, you dissolve the soap in hot water and add the washing soda and borax. You may also need a container to store it. That brings the cost slightly higher, usually under $10 for a large batch that can last about a month or more.
“Homemade Laundry Detergent vs Store-Bought: Which is Cheaper and More Effective?”
When it comes to cost, homemade laundry detergent is definitely cheaper than most store-bought brands. Making your own detergent only requires three basic ingredients—soap, washing soda, and borax. For a batch that lasts 2–3 months, the total cost is usually around $5–$7 for powder and under $10 for liquid detergent. In contrast, branded detergents can cost $10–$15 for a bottle that might last only a month or less, depending on the size and brand. So if you do laundry regularly, homemade detergent can save you a significant amount over the year.
In terms of effectiveness, homemade detergent works surprisingly well. It cleans clothes thoroughly, removes mild stains, and keeps fabrics fresh. Many people also add a little vinegar or essential oil to boost cleaning and scent. Store-bought detergents may have extra chemicals, fragrances, and stain-fighting enzymes, which can make them slightly stronger on tough stains, but they also often contain harsh chemicals that may irritate sensitive skin.
Other advantages of homemade detergent:
You control the ingredients, so it’s safer for children and pets.
You can customize fragrance with essential oils.
It’s environmentally friendly—less packaging and fewer chemicals.
Drawbacks:
Homemade detergent may not be as effective on very tough stains as some premium branded detergents.
Liquid versions need proper storage to avoid spoiling.