Make laundry soap at home! You can! It’s easy and frugal and doesn’t even take very long. The ingredients are simple and inexpensive–Borax, washing soda and/or baking soda, and any plain soap such as Ivory. Borax, washing soda, and baking soda are all natural laundry boosters that help remove soils, fight stains, and freshen laundry–basically, they are soap enhancers. You can find Borax and the laundry-size baking soda in the laundry aisle at the store, and many places you can also find washing soda there, too, but I had a hard time finding washing soda here. (Tip: If you live in this area–the only place I found that carried washing soda was Smith’s Food Fair in Big Chimney.)
You can find a number of laundry soap recipes (and soap bar suggestions) here. I tried Recipe #3, which includes one-third of a large bar of soap, 1/2 cup Borax, and 1/2 cup washing soda. I didn’t find that it was quite strong enough to suit me, and so with some experimentation, I came up with my own recipe. If you’re interested in making laundry soap, I suggest you do the same–try a recipe or two, then experiment and modify until you find the mixture that works for you. Try mine for starters if you like! I doubled the Borax in the original recipe and used a combination of washing soda and baking soda, as well as doubling the soap. (I didn’t want to double the washing soda since that might be too hard on fabrics. I can get the added cleaning power with the addition of the gentler baking soda.) This mixture makes over two gallons of detergent.
Update: I’ve also added instructions for making it as a concentrate, which is how I make it now.
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How to make Homemade Laundry Soap:
1 regular (not large bath-size) bar of plain soap
1 cup Borax
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup baking soda
water
Grate the soap. (Soap grates easily.)
Heat 3 pints (6 cups) of water on the stove and add the grated soap. Stir occasionally, until the soap melts.
I use a pint jar and a quart jar for all the water measuring for this recipe as it’s faster than doing it one cup at a time.
Once the grated soap is melted, add 1 cup Borax, 1/2 cup washing soda, and 1/2 cup baking soda, stirring to dissolve.
I use a large pot, large enough to hold all the water I’ll need for my mixture so I don’t have to get a separate pail. If your pot isn’t large enough to hold over two gallons, you’ll have to transfer the mixture to a bucket at this point.
Note: If making as a concentrate (which takes up less storage space), add only 3 more cups of hot water. This will fit in a 39-ounce coffee can bucket, which is what I use.
If not making as a concentrate, proceed as follows:
Add one quart jar of very hot water to your soap mixture.
Stir well. Add six more quarts of cold water. (If you’d like to add some scent, now is the time. Add 10-15 drops. I don’t add scent–it’s no big deal to me and would increase the cost. I’m happy with my laundry simply smelling fresh.) Stir well again and ladle or scoop the mixture into your container(s). I’ve found that three large plastic coffee containers are exactly right to hold this recipe. They come with handy snap-on lids and one is just right to keep by the washer for daily use.
Use 1/2 cup per large load of laundry. Mixture may gel or clump as it sits, so stir before each use. (I keep a 1/2 cup scoop–in a plastic bowl to prevent mess–on top of my washer to measure out the detergent. I just stir it with the scoop before measuring it out.)
Note: If using the concentrate method, use about 3 tablespoons (a little less than 1/4 cup) per load.
Works for me! And it’s cheap. For the price of a couple of average size containers of store-bought laundry detergent, I can make gallons and gallons and gallons of homemade laundry detergent. (It’s better for the environment, too–no steady stream of containers to throw away.) It’s easier to stock up and store the Borax, washing soda, baking soda, and soap bars than cumbersome containers of store-bought detergent, and it only takes 15-20 minutes to whip up a new batch when needed.
I also now use homemade soap for my mix! Want to make your own homemade soap for your laundry mix? See my recipe for a homemade laundry bar.
mim says:
I have an allergic reaction when I wash my clothes in Tide… Wonder if the home made laundry soap could pose any allergic reactions? :treehugger:
On December 14, 2008 at 1:19 am
AndiK says:
I’m definitely intrigued. I’ve been using All Free & Clear (for allergies). Do you have to use this detergent within any set timeframe?
On December 14, 2008 at 2:20 am
Patricia Herman says:
I have been making my own laundry detergent for 3 years. Its easy, CHEAP and I have no more breakouts from store-bought detergent.
I use the following recipe and add two or three squirts of Dawn dishwashing detergent for grease fighting power and make it smell nice.
I store my detergent in a 5 gallon container with a lid. It last me for 3-4 months. My DD13 even knows how to make it.
Here is my recipe:
Laundry Detergent Recipe
1 bar Fels Naptha soap, grated (I have used other bars if this one is not available)
2 cups washing soda (use only 1 if you have soft water)
1 cup Borax
¼ cup Ultra Dawn dish detergent (optional)
You’ll need a 5 gallon bucket with a lid.
In saucepan over medium heat, melt grated Fels in 4 cups of hot tap water, stirring constantly.
Pour into bucket. Add the other ingredients and 3 gallons of hot tap water. Stir until mixture is no longer gritty.
Let set overnight. It will gel. Use approximately 1/4 – 1/2 cup per washload.
NOW – if you have an HE machine use one or two tablespoons.
On December 14, 2008 at 5:00 am
SkippyMom says:
We do this all the time. Isn’t it great?!!!! I don’t add scent either, but I understand orange essence is particularly nice tho. Also, mine always gels after sitting over night – I actually prefer that.
On December 14, 2008 at 5:06 am
Heidi says:
I LOVE this idea. I have used borax for years because I use HALF the deteregent, it enhances the detergents power. I am going to try this for sure – thank you Sue@
On December 14, 2008 at 5:31 am
Peggy says:
I make mine too but have never had luck with baking soda. Its hard to find washing soda so will have to give yours a try. Here is mine:
https://hiddenhavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2008/07/non-electric-wash-day.html
On December 14, 2008 at 6:03 am
Christine says:
I use the Fels Naptha recipe, I love the smell of it. I will confess though that I still use Tide on my whites or heavily soiled loads. After a while of using the homemade stuff my whites started looking a little dingy.
On December 14, 2008 at 7:46 am
Claudia W. says:
I have been looking at recipes for my own laundry soap and I am finding that yours is simply put and easier for me to understand. Thank you for posting this, now I can make my own too. I was thinking about saving my laundry soap containers for this and recycle plastic that way. I wonder if this gets too gel like to get the soap out of the dispenser on the laundry soap bottle? Hmmm, I’ll have to try that out.
On December 14, 2008 at 8:02 am
greenbelle says:
We’ve been looking for ways to cut costs, with the economy and all, and this seems like a great way to do it! Looks easy to boot!
On December 14, 2008 at 8:11 am
Kathie says:
We make the Fels Naptha recipe all the time, but I add a bit of grated Ivory soap for a better smell. I usually end up with two five gallon buckets, which last quite a while. I also use the free tide when I really have some dirty clothes, and some bleach when the whites get dingy…but this stuff is wonderful.
The Fels Naptha is hard to get in my area, so I have it shipped to me.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DRYER SHEETS
Mix together in a covered container:
1 part fabric softener of your choice
2 parts water
Cut up a sponge or two into one inch squares and plop them in the mixture. Take one out, put it in the dryer, take it out and plop it back into the mixture.
Why do you need more than one piece of sponge? Because like socks, they seem to disappear on me.
On December 14, 2008 at 8:14 am
TeresaH says:
I need to try making that! I’ve got such sensitive skin that its hard to find a laundry soap that I can use. No Tide for me…that is the absolute worse one for my skin!
On December 14, 2008 at 8:24 am
Abiga/karen says:
My daughter made her own detergent for the second time last week. We are happy with it and it is so much cheaper. She does add scent to it. At first we only had eucalyptas(SP) which I love and lavender which she hates. But she bought some to make her own regular soap as presents so she bought lemongrass. Since they bought the house in the country here in central IL they want to caught back costs as much as they can.
Thanks for the internet tips. HughesNet has been on a horrible poor connection roll lately here and my daughter pays a fortune for it. Not sure what dial up is available here but will look into it. Of course then we are stuck to the phone connection area.
Oh check out this blog as she has a little store selling soap and ebooks if you are interested in doing something like that for some income. https://www.homesteadblogger.com/quiverfull/
Blessingson all your ventures.
On December 14, 2008 at 8:32 am
Nancy in Atlanta says:
Wow – now I KNOW I’m citified. I grew up in a small town, am a country girl at heart, but I’ve lived in this giant metropolis since 1973. I am impressed by and in awe of all of you. I didn’t know anyone in today’s world actually made laundry soap! I won’t try this at home – it’s just my cat and me and she doesn’t go through much tiny l :clap: :catmeow: aundry – but I will spread the word.
On December 14, 2008 at 8:40 am
Heather Harper says:
I will definitely try this! (Thank you for sharing.)
:treehugger:
On December 14, 2008 at 9:19 am
Heidi533 says:
I make my own just like this, except I grate the soap on the small side and I don’t use any water. I just mix the stuff dry and use about 2 tablespoons. I also use Fels Naptha soap because I love the smell of it. But I’m going to try using my own homemade soap soon.
On December 14, 2008 at 9:42 am
Melissa's Cozy Teacup says:
Is this good for sensitive skin? We try to get dye and fragrance free detergents.
On December 14, 2008 at 9:48 am
Christy O says:
Do you know if this is safe for septic systems? We’ve only been here a month and it is our first time on septic so we are a little paranoid. :cattail:
On December 14, 2008 at 9:53 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Christy, we have a septic system and haven’t had a problem with it. I figure it’s better than commercial detergents when it comes to that!
Re the sensitive skin question, I don’t have particularly sensitive skin so I can’t say, but other people have told me it’s better for them with sensitive skin because of fewer chemicals.
I like the dry method! I assume you have to be washing in hot water, though? Or the soap won’t melt, even grated fine?
On December 14, 2008 at 9:58 am
Susan Flemming says:
Funny you should post this today. I’ve been waiting to use up my stockpile of Tide from the last good sale/coupon combination. Just used the last on Friday, so was planning to buy the makings for homemade laundry soap on our grocery trip today.
On December 14, 2008 at 10:01 am
Leah says:
I am for sure trying Kathy’s fabric softener sponges. I live alone so won’t make all that soap, it’s neat though.I’ve had a rash, cause unknown had to get a shot for it. I use liquid tide, but think I’ll start using about 1/2 of the amt called for. Maybe that will help!
On December 14, 2008 at 11:17 am
Kacey says:
Well, I’ll keep my Tide–not much laundry for the 2 of us–but I am intrigued by Kathy’s “dryer sheet” softeners because the ones you buy at the store make me break out.
On December 14, 2008 at 11:49 am
Gail says:
I also make my laundry detergent and love it! I think it cleans better than the commercial ones with all the chemicals and I can’t stand strong scents. I am going to try the fabric softner sponge things. Dryer sheets also leave a coating on the lint trap, and if you don’t scub them
often to remove the residue, the dryer isn’t as effecient.
To test the lint trap to see if it has build up, run it under water in the sink. If the water doesnt flow through easily, it needs to be cleaned. I have been using plain vinegar in the rinse cycle when washing, but will try the sponges.I love anything frugal that will save me money!
On December 14, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Patty says:
As I was reading this, my husband hollered that we were out of laundry detergent, so I figured why not make this one! I ran out to the grocery store I knew would have everything (and yes they even had washing soda) and got a 2.2 gallon container to store it in. It was really fast and easy to make and my husband and 12 yr old daughter just watched in awe as I made it and we watched it start to gel up in the container.
The store was packed and there was barely any room to stand and decide what to get, so I grabbed the 3 pack of Ivory soap. When I got home, I realized it was lavender scented. So, I guess our detergent will be lavender scented, but it’s not strong at all, it basically smells like soap.
Can’t wait to give it a try. My husband and I both have allergies to Tide and all the other big names. We’ve used Arm & Hammer forever, but even it is getting expensive now. Thanks for this idea and the recipe!!
-Patty
On December 14, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Brandy says:
I’m allergic to a lot of luandry detergents, do you know if this causes a reaction to those with sensitive skin?
On December 14, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Heidi533 says:
Suzanne-
I use slightly warm water and haven’t had any trouble with the soap not melting. I don’t like to use really hot water as it fades my clothes. It’s slightly warmer than luke warm.
On December 14, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Donna says:
This is so interesting and I would like to try this sometime. I used Tide for YEARS and then all the sudden, they must have changed something, because I had a reaction to it and most others, bothered me. So, we use Rainsoft now – liquid and it’s VERY VERY expensive but….I had to have SOMETHING.
Suzanne, just a suggestion…when you do the demonstrations in the future…please leave off all Angelfood cake pans off the counter…because I truly was trying to read and follow..but then my attention caught that angelfood cake pan..and I LOVE ANGELFOOD cake – esp. HOMEMADE angelfood cake…so I began to WONDER what was in YOUR angelfood cake pan. LOL LOL LOL HA hahahahahha
On December 14, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Amy says:
Talk about great timing! I came across a recipe for homemade laundry soap last week and decided to give it a try. I found the washing baking soda and Borax but I can’t find the Fels Naptha soap. I was just about to give up and order it online.
The recipe that I plan to use doesn’t require you to dissolve the soap. You just grate 1 bar of soap, add a cup of washing baking soda, and a cup of Borax. Mix together and use 2 tablespoons per load. The dry mix seems like it would be easier to use and store.
I have three teenage boys and the laundry at my house is NEVER ENDING!!!
On December 14, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Gizmo says:
That’s the same recipe I use – I did have to increase it to 1/2 bar of soap. We’re VERY happy with the results, and it even gets out the “farm grime”.
Instead of buying store fabric softeners – I use 1/2 cup of white vinegar too!
I did the math – it costs me (with vinegar) .02 cents PER LOAD!!!!
On December 14, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Lisa says:
I tried this a few months ago, and was SO excited about the cost savings. However, I noticed that my towels and cleaning clothes seemed to be losing absorbency. I always wash them in hot water using no fabric softener, so I decided the detergent must be the problem. I don’t know if it was causing a build-up, or if it just wasn’t removing our body oils as effectively as commercial detergents. I know several people have tried the home-made stuff and love the results, so maybe I’m just weird. It IS a lot of fun to make, though, and my husband was so proud of me!
On December 14, 2008 at 9:00 pm
catslady says:
Wow sounds great but I admit I’m just too lazy. I was always a tide person but it’s just too expensive and so I experiment with off brands and I’m just as happy with the cheaper stuff. I think a lot of it is just advertising and brainwashing lol.
On December 15, 2008 at 10:56 am
April S. says:
Just came across your website through “STUMBLE UPON” and I see you are totally living my dream life!!! I’m so jealous! I guess I now have to dream to live YOUR life one day, eh? Great blog and love your whole website! Keep up the good job.
From April in Alabama
On December 15, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Daughter of Food says:
Really interesting. I have been posting some money saving related articles on my blog (www.familyoffood.blogspot.com) and this relates. I’m going to recommend this post to a friend with sensitive skin.
On December 17, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Pete says:
Another option, particularly for black clothing or anything else where fading is an issue, is Orvus paste. Buy it at a feed store. They wash cattle, show horses, etc with it. Very mild for sensitive skin. Quilters use it to clean vintage quilts. It’s wonderful for all delicates.
Love the idea of making our own laundry detergent! Wonderful idea.
On December 28, 2008 at 8:45 pm
MaryLundShu says:
Is there a way to print this out without the pictures?
On January 6, 2009 at 9:44 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Mary, thanks for asking! I should have put a printable recipe link on there to start with–I just added it! (It gives a printable page with no pics.)
On January 6, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Lauralee Hensley says:
Me and my husband have talked about doing this ever since we saw the Duggers on TV. It’s just the two of us, but I am no longer working since a very lengthy illness and injuries in which I can’t seem to get the Military Docs (we have to see them on our insurance, hubby is a retired Marine) to help me get on Social Security (which I paid into a very long time). Anyways, since prices keep going up this is going to help alot. I think I’ll add in some dishwashing detergent to get out greasy stains (I already often do that now with store bought detergents). My cost will be alittle more per load, but not anything like it is now (and I use the cheapest store bought good detergent, some are cheap and no good because I’ve already tried them and know). Even saving about $6 a month for detergent will help us out. It will end up going to the propane bill or the increasing water or electric bill. I gave away my bread maker in the past when I was working full time and didn’t seem to have the time to make bread, but now I may start doing that again too. I could probably save about $2.00 a week there, so buying the machine would pay for itself in under a year.
I have great respect for the families and mostly mommies that do what they have to do, to provide their families a good, clean, healty homelife on a budget, and still keep their Christian senses of humor too. A joyful heart is like a good medicine! I need to stay joyful today, because I caught another virus from someone at church Sunday. I think fever blisters are really yucky and guess who has them today.
On January 20, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Birdie2u says:
Thanks for all your recipes–I’ll definitely make the laundry soap, but one suggestion: could you make the recipes a tad shorter so they print out on ONE sheet of paper? I have four ‘second pages’ in my waste basket from the Grandmother Bread, Crispies, hotpockets and soap…lol
BTW, I’m making bread and crispies as we speak!
Thanks!
On February 9, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Susan Kinsey says:
Hi– just wanted to know if your soap recipe is low sudsing? I made the alternative recipe that adds a small amount of Dawn dishwashing liquid to the batch (she said it would smell nice, and it does…)There seems to be little or no suds. This dosn’t seem quite right. Did I do something wrong?
Thanks–
Susan Kinsey
On March 10, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
It doesn’t make a huge amount of suds, but it depends on how much grated soap you add–more soap, more suds!
On March 10, 2009 at 1:56 pm
aj says:
Our family of 5 has been making our own laundry detergent for over a year now, and are very happy with tthe results. Most of us have very sensitive skin and I can vouch to the fact that none of us have had any reactions.
We have used the felsNaptha soap, and also used some all natural homemade soaps…they all worked well, but the felsNaptha recipe is the only one that completely gelled up. My husband likes to brew up the detergent, and has thrown in different things everytime. A few drops of lavender oil, d-limonene or Orange oil, lemongrass, all add anti-microbial properties plus nice smell. He will put in a few drops of Grapefruit seed extract too which is also antimicrobial. I really like the orange scent, but you don’t smell it on the clothing after washing–it just makes me happy when I am starting a load 😉 I use white vinegar in my old Downy ball. No other fabric softeners at all as they cause buildup, leave chemicals on clothes, etc.
I just love that I know EXACTLY what is in the detergent, and our clothes are just as clean and fresh as they ever were.
I just found a place online (www.soapsgonebuy.com) that has all of these supplies, as they are hard to find in many areas. I do not know how much S&H will cost on the other supplies, but I bought 7 bars of FelsNaptha for total of a little over $11 shipped. The soaps were on sale for 99 cents, normally 1.99, but at most other places they are a normal price of around $3 each. I am very well stocked up now to make many, many batches of this wonderful stuff!
(I can find the Borax at Walmart, and the Washing Soda at Krogers stores)
We have totally changed how we clean, using only vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, d-limonene, vodka, baking soda, and natural essential oils. I know we are MUCH, MUCH healthier for it…plus we save ALOT of money too! What is not to Love!?!
On March 28, 2009 at 5:21 pm
auntie julie says:
I made my first batch of laundry soap this weekend and it worked great! I just had to get past the no suds business and then I was very pleased!
On April 13, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Kathy Lormand says:
Have you ever made a recipe for dry laundry powder? I’ve just recently found your website and it is so much fun. Thank you for a helpful and joyful place for me to go on the computer. Kathy
On May 23, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Hi, Kathy! I have not made any laundry powder yet, but I’ve been thinking about it as I could store up more at once that way, so I may try that out soon!
On May 23, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Michelle says:
OK, so maybe this is a strange question, but here goes. Tell me about the pan you use to make the detergent in. Is this a pan that you normally use in your kitchen? And does it matter? What I’m asking is this, does it matter at all that you use one of your ‘regular’ cooking pans to make this soap? Is there anything in the Fels soap or any of the other ingredients that wouldn’t just wash out of the cooking pan and prevent you from using it for cooking in the future? Is there ANY way there could be any residual chemical problems from using one of your cooking pans to cook up laundry detergent? Just curious! Thanks for posting the instructions and for all of the helpful discussion that follows them. I’ve already purchased all of the ingredients, just curious about the pan issue. Thanks Again!! 🙂
On May 24, 2009 at 10:18 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Hi, Michelle! I run the pot through the dishwasher afterward (I use a large stainless steel pot) so I don’t worry about it!
On May 24, 2009 at 10:26 am
S Follett says:
I have made some of the powder home made soap, 1 bar of sunlight laundry soap grated fine, a half cup of borax and washing soda, I have a HE machine front loader, and use 1 tbsp. No machine errors as of yet.. Im hoping not. as its no suds..the smell is awesome and fresh. has anyone tried this recipe? I also have sensitive skin, but afraid to use regular Ivory bar soap in this because Im afraid it may suds up in the machine. But, no reaction so far with my recipe… take Care.
On June 15, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Sara79 says:
I finally made this and I am LOVING it and very easy to make. And if you go to google.com and type in -different uses for borax- there are more cleaning ideas.
On August 5, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Shirley J. Moweary says:
Sis and I used this recipe and love it. She is constantly handing out samples by the jug and so am I.
Thanks so much
Shirley J. Moweary
Findlay, Ohio
On August 16, 2009 at 5:43 pm
erin says:
everyone in my family has sensitive skin but me, and we’ve been using a Very similar laundry soap recipe for about a year now with great results. it is low sudsing compared to store bought, and we’ve also found fels naptha soap on soapsgonebuy(dot)com with great results. i like to use regular snuggle bought on sale with a coupon in my laundry, but for my sensitive skinned man i run his work clothes through with white vinigar in the rinse cycle.
do it yourself recipes like this one can save so much money!
On December 10, 2009 at 6:50 pm
erin says:
ps. if you make powder instead of liquid, just start your laundry on hot and dump your detergent in until it disolves, then change the cycle to cold, works just fine.
On December 10, 2009 at 6:51 pm
SuzzyQ says:
You can save $$ by using two crumpled up pieces of aluminum foil in the dryer instead of those spendy dryer sheets. It removes the static cling and can be used over and over. Mine lasted about 3 weeks before I noticed any static cling reappearing. I used two pieces about 12 x 12 and just wadded them up. Nothing fancy but works fantastic!
On January 10, 2010 at 1:01 pm
SuzzyQ says:
I forgot to add that if you do many loads of laundry, they might not last 3 weeks but just test it and see.
On January 10, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Sharon says:
I made a large batch of homemade laundry soap, using a slightly different recipe. This was before The one I used doesn’t have baking soda in it. After using it for a couple of weeks, our clothes didn’t smell clean and had a sweaty oder to them. I haven’t used it since, and I hava a 5 gallon bucket full. Could you help me figure out a way to improve it so we could use it up?
On February 23, 2010 at 10:49 am
Sharon says:
Oops. That was supposed to read, That was before I found your recipe!
On February 23, 2010 at 10:50 am
Robin Wray says:
Is this soap okay for the he machines? Thanks. Robin
On April 9, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Hi, Robin! Yes, I use mine in my washing machine and so does everyone else I know who uses it!
On April 9, 2010 at 6:54 pm
JenW!~ says:
I made some of this laundry soap and love it. My clothes smell so clean and fresh. My hubby who also does our laundry hasn’t noticed any difference from our store bought brand so I’d say it’s a thumbs up on big savings. I’m certainly going to be making my own from now on.
On June 12, 2010 at 12:50 am
Rachel says:
2 questions for you. Do you use the full bar of soap? And you said you use much less water now, so how much do you use? I’ve been planning to make my own laundry soap for a while so I already have all the ingredients, but your recipe looks much simpler than others I’ve seen. Can’t wait to try it.
On July 16, 2010 at 9:06 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Rachel, you could use half of the water which would make it very thick, then use 1/4 cup in your laundry instead of 1/2 cup. This is the water you add AFTER heating it all together. Water just takes up space!
On July 16, 2010 at 9:47 am
Geri says:
Hi,
I have 3 kids and a husband that gets very dirty.
I spent $1.29 on 1 bar of Fel’s naptha.
$1.00 on 3 bars of Ivory soap.
$1.35 on Dawn dishwashing liquid.
$4.99 on the borax
$2.99 for the washing soda(on sale)
about $12.00 total
I made 3 gallons of this and as I type I have 2 washers going.
My pots that I made it in are shining 😀
I can’t imagine how much money this is going to save me. Thanks for the recipe. You have a great blog here, with many interesting ideas and amusing stories.
On July 21, 2010 at 9:42 pm
SuseM says:
By how much did reduce the water? I am going to start making laundry soap soon – saw everything at Walmart tonight. Thanks for all of your posts, I learn so much and enjoy them all the same.
On July 27, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Jamie says:
I just made a batch of this and I can’t wait to use it!!! It smells amazing (I used a bar of lightly scented hypo-allergenic soap) and I can’t even believe how cheap it is. I think it cost about $8 for all of the ingredients and I haven’t even made a dent in them. I’m betting I have enough to make enough soap for a year for the two of us. I love it!!!
On July 28, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
SuseM, I’ve updated the post to include the specific directions for the concentrate method!
On July 31, 2010 at 5:36 pm
lauren says:
This is great!!! with a large family we have alot ALOT of laundry, as much as I hate this chore specifically!!! at least I can do it cheaply now 🙂
On September 9, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Angela says:
Thank you for this valuable information. I love your site and reading the stories about your life. It brightens my day every time! :sun:
On September 25, 2010 at 9:29 am
keri says:
:purpleflower: :fairy: :duck: :woof: :sun: :sun: :wave: I really think this is a great idea to save some serious dough here.But when making your own dishwasher soap if you have hard water you add some salt to it for the cloudiness it will work to soften the water and getting the dishes cleaner.I going to try the laundry also to save alot of money.I wish someone had idea to make dishwash tabs though.I am in determination to make a recipe for them though so i guess it’s up to to me then.goodbye and thanks a lot for the recipes.
On October 15, 2010 at 7:23 pm
keri says:
:happyfeet: :happybutterfly: :happypuppy: :heart: :purpleflower: :help: :sheep: I ment to wright Im going to make my own laundry soap
On October 15, 2010 at 7:27 pm
susan says:
I have don’t use liquid detergent so what I do is mix 1 box borax, 1 box of washing soda, 4# box of baking soda and then 3 bars of ivory. when you mix it all together you need a big clean bucket, it makes so much. I store it in sever. Because al big tupperware type containers and only have to make it once or twice a year. I use aboout 1/4th. cup in the soap dispenser and then pour a little warm water in to dissolve it.
I use 1/4 cup of white vinegar instead of a laundry softne r. It leaves no smell like you get with regular softners,I line dry everything and even the jeans feel soft.
On November 17, 2010 at 8:13 am
nerosmom says:
@ Keri….I wonder if you could make your own dishwasher detergent!!! That stuff is getting very expensive too! I have been making the laundry detergent. We love it…and I estimate we spent about $45 for supplies that have made a year’s worth. For our family of five we were spending about $350 a year.
On November 22, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Carni says:
Suzanne, Could you elaborate a little more on making the concentrate version and using it. Thank you
On November 27, 2010 at 11:42 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Carni, I just use less water! And to use, I use less, percentage-wise on how much less water I put in.
On November 27, 2010 at 11:57 am
Karen Anne says:
I can buy the Fels Naptha, Washing Soda, and Borax at my local Ace Hardware. I email them in advance and they round it up from their other stores in the area if necessary.
On December 9, 2010 at 7:15 am
m.t.dodson says:
i have been looking into making my own liquid laundry detergent since i saw something about it on my local news station.
while researching about it online,i found a website that says:
“Washing soda is Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate. Baking Soda is sodium Bicarbonate. Baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) slowly turns into washing soda (Sodium Carbonate, a.k.a. soda ash) when heated above 140 degrees F. The carbon dioxide released is what makes things rise. If you heat baking soda to 350-400 degrees, it’ll turn into washing soda fairly quickly.
Washing soda is also sold in pool supply stores as “soda ash”, and is used to raise the pH of the water. (Read the label to make sure it is 100% Sodium Carbonate)..”
this from tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes
also, other posters have left their experiences and i have condensed them to the following:
“The Vinegar is a light acid.
The alkalinity softens hard water… the Vinegar reverses the alkalinity & this helps with the rinse being clean,
I see that people are adding Oxyclean too. That is great but I can save you money just put in a 1/2 cup of 3% Hydrogen peroxide. The stuff in the brown bottle. It is a great disinfectant too.
I wash produce with 3% hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar solution. It washes away every thing and does not leave a taste.”
also, there was a post that for extremely smelly or greasey clothes to soak the clothes in a 1/2 cup of borax and as hot-water-as-clothes-will-handle over night then wash as normal.
On March 12, 2011 at 9:51 am
Cody says:
I have been using a homemade dry powder detergent but it didn’t work will in my HE washer so I made your recipe, however after the mixture cooled the soaps & sodas solidified on top of the water, any idea why or how to fix it?
On April 2, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Cody, it does that, you have to stir it back up every time. If you want a homemade laundry detergent that’s liquid and stays liquid, you can make your own homemade liquid soap. I do that for laundry detergent now. You can find the tutorial and my laundry recipe here:
https://chickensintheroad.com/house/crafts/how-to-make-liquid-soap/
On April 2, 2011 at 1:02 pm
mrsdmahogany says:
I made this wonderful smelling detergent for the first time this past weekend. I decided to make the concentrated version. Wonderful stuff! I do have a question though. Once it cooled and sat, the top did “gel” up and harden a bit, but stirring it up, using my hand seemed to do the trick to blend it together again. My question is that my recipe seemed to turn out rather “liquidy” and using 3-4 Tablespoons in my load of laundry didn’t have the “suds” that you would normally get with store bought soap. Did I do something wrong?
With thanks,
Dianna
On April 13, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
mrsdmahogany, it does gel up, that’s normal, and no, it doesn’t suds up as much as storebought soaps (they have suds enhancers to make people happy).
On April 13, 2011 at 2:58 pm
mrsdmahogany says:
Whew! Good to know…I thought I did something wrong. This soap is the BEST thing I have ever made…except for chocolate chip cookies 😉
On April 14, 2011 at 1:40 pm
AspenFlower says:
I forgot to comment about it, but I finally made my homemade laundry detergent for the first time last weekend! :happyflower: I filled up a whole 5 gallon bucket with the detergent. I followed your recipe posted above, excepting that I used Fels Naptha instead of Ivory. I am so inspired by making all this homemade stuff! I even made a 5 gallon bucket of soap for my mom & I used her recycled plastic coffee containers to store some of her detergent for her easier access/use. My next hope is to make your soap bar recipe, however, the lye is of some concern for me but I’m just going to get out there and do. Can’t wait! :snoopy:
On September 19, 2012 at 2:51 am
nicolai26 says:
Is this detergent safe for colors? Will colors fade faster than if I use Cheer and cold water? Also, is there anything I can add to help it clean better? My light colored clothing is starting to look dingy.
By: Nicolai (House Cleaning Chester NY
On January 28, 2013 at 12:22 am
ashtn99 says:
Is this approved for washing cattle? :cowsleep:
On April 25, 2013 at 9:27 pm