This homemade DIY liquid laundry detergent recipe is easy, affordable, and uses natural ingredients you probably already have at home. Not only is it a great way to save money on laundry, but it also gives you the flexibility to choose essential oils like lavender essential oil or tea tree for a personal touch.
Whether you have hard water, a front loader, a HE machine, or just want to avoid synthetic ingredients, this DIY approach delivers cleaning power without all the chemicals found in commercial detergent.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy recipe. Requires basic ingredients from the grocery store.
- Natural alternatives. No synthetic fragrances or chemicals.
- Cost-effective. Saves much money compared to commercial detergent.
- Customizable. Add essential oils or adjust warm water vs. cold water for your personal preference.
- Eco-friendly. Uses less water and fewer chemicals in wash water.
Make DIY Laundry Liquid Detergent for Fresh, Clean Clothes
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Equipment
Materials
- 1 Cup Liquid Castile Soap or a castile soap bar grated
- 4 Cups Water boiling
- 1 Cup Washing Soda (sodium carbonate)
- 1/2 Cup Baking Soda
- 9 Cups Water cool
- Optional: a few drops of essential oils like lavender or citrus oil for fragrance.
Instructions
- In a large gallon bucket or jar, add the liquid soap or the grated soap flakes. Pour the boiling water over your liquid soap. Stir until dissolved.1 Cup Liquid Castile Soap, 4 Cups Water
- Add washing soda and baking soda, mixing well. You can use an immersion blender to help incorporate the dry ingredients if needed.1 Cup Washing Soda, 1/2 Cup Baking Soda
- Pour in the cool water and stir until fully combined. Add the essential oils if desired9 Cups Water, Optional: a few drops of essential oils like lavender or citrus oil for fragrance.
- Let it cool slightly and transfer to airtight containers. Shake before each use.
- Use about 1/2 cup per load of laundry. This works well for both hot water and cold water washes.
Notes
How Much DIY Laundry Detergent to Use
The amount of detergent you use depends on your machine type:- High-Efficiency (HE) Washers: Use 1/2 cup per large load.
- Regular Top-Loading Washers: Use 1 cup per large load.
Tips for Best Results
- You can use a cheese grater or food processor to grate a castile bar soap if you don’t have liquid soap on hand.
- I mix mine in a 3-gallon bucket and pour it into my two half gallon jars. Leaving just enough room at top of jars to shake
- Spoon 1/2 cup portion into the single load dispenser of machine. I use a large spoon with two half gallon jars and shake then scoop out desired amount.
- Cold Weather or Hard Water. For cold water washes or hard water, you may need to use a little more detergent per load.
- High Efficiency Machines. This recipe is safe for HE machines and front loaders.
- Optional Additions. You can add a homemade fabric softener or a splash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle for extra softness.
If Your Detergent Stays Liquid Instead of Gel
Sometimes, your homemade liquid laundry detergent may remain fully liquid instead of forming a gel. This can happen on humid days or if there’s a minor variation in making the recipe. Don’t worry. This will not affect the cleaning power! You can continue to use it exactly as directed, whether you scoop it into your washing machine or pour it into a high efficiency front loader. Tip: Give it a good shake before each use to make sure all ingredients are evenly mixed. Storage. Store in airtight containers. This gallon batch can last a long time if kept in a cool, dry place.Essential Oil Fragrance Options
Here’s a list of essential oil fragrance options that work beautifully in DIY laundry liquid detergent. Grouped by scent type to make it easier to pick your favorite or mix for a custom aroma.
Floral Scents
- Lavender – classic, calming, and great for bedtime laundry
- Geranium – sweet, rosy, and uplifting
- Rose – romantic and soothing
- Ylang Ylang – exotic, slightly fruity, floral
Citrus Scents
- Lemon – fresh, clean, and energizing
- Orange – bright, cheerful, and refreshing
- Grapefruit – tangy, uplifting, and modern
- Lime – crisp, clean, and invigorating
Herbal & Green Scents
- Tea Tree – antibacterial and refreshing
- Eucalyptus – clean, spa-like, and revitalizing
- Peppermint – cooling, invigorating, and crisp
- Rosemary – earthy, herbal, and energizing
Warm & Comforting Scents
- Cinnamon – cozy and warm, perfect for cold weather
- Clove – spicy, comforting, and inviting
- Vanilla (essential oil or absolute) – sweet, soft, and comforting
Blends & Combinations
- Lavender + Lemon – fresh and calming
- Orange + Clove – warm and cheerful
- Tea Tree + Eucalyptus – super clean and refreshing
- Peppermint + Lavender – cooling yet soothing
💡 Tips:
- Use 5–10 drops per quart jar for subtle fragrance; more for stronger scent.
- Avoid oils that may stain fabrics (like deep red or brown oils).
- For sensitive skin, stick to mild floral or citrus oils.
- Mix oils in a small bowl before adding to ensure even distribution.
Top 5 Essential Oil Blends for DIY Laundry Detergent
1. Fresh & Clean Citrus
- 5 drops Lemon
- 5 drops Orange
- 3 drops Grapefruit
Bright, uplifting, and perfect for everyday laundry. This blend leaves your clothes smelling fresh without being overpowering.
2. Relaxing Lavender Spa
- 10 drops Lavender
- 3 drops Geranium
Ideal for bed linens and pajamas, this calming blend promotes relaxation while keeping your laundry naturally scented.
3. Herbal Refresh
- 5 drops Eucalyptus
- 5 drops Tea Tree
- 2 drops Peppermint
Invigorating and clean, this is perfect for gym clothes, dirty farm clothes, or high-odor loads.
4. Cozy & Warm
- 5 drops Cinnamon
- 3 drops Clove
- 5 drops Orange
A warm, comforting scent great for cold weather or holiday laundry. It makes your clothes smell cozy and inviting.
5. Soft & Floral
- 5 drops Lavender
- 5 drops Ylang Ylang
- 3 drops Rose
Light, romantic, and floral, this blend works beautifully on delicates and gives a subtle, long-lasting scent.
💡 Pro Tips for Adding Oils:
- Add drops directly to your DIY laundry liquid detergent after mixing ingredients.
- For stronger fragrance, increase by 2–3 drops per quart.
- Shake well before each use to evenly distribute oils.
- Avoid oils that can stain fabrics (like deep reds or browns).
This homemade liquid laundry soap recipe works on everything from dirty farm clothes to delicate fabrics, making it a great way to care for your family’s laundry naturally.
this is a diy recipe we make again and again