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Make DIY Laundry Liquid Detergent for Fresh, Clean Clothes
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5 from 1 vote

Make DIY Laundry Liquid Detergent for Fresh, Clean Clothes

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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Yield: 1 gallon
Cost: 5

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Equipment

Gallon Jar
Storage Containers

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 desired
    9 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.
For heavily soiled laundry or extra cleaning power, you can also add a homemade stain remover or Oxi-Clean just as you would with store-bought detergent. This DIY detergent works seamlessly with other laundry boosters!
Tip: For smaller loads or delicate fabrics, reduce the amount slightly to avoid residue.
 

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.