How To Make laundry Soap
Have you ever looked at the ingredients in your store-bought laundry detergent? I did one day, and let me tell you, I was shocked. Harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and ingredients. That was when I decided to learn how to make Laundry Soap.
I like making homemade products. I remember when I first made the laundry soap, I ended up making 13 pounds, which was fun to make. The formula that I’m going to share with you is nontoxic, smells good, and is gentle on your skin and clothes.
When I was learning how to make homemade Laundry Soap, I wanted to make it cheaper, eco-friendly, and work as well as store-bought brands since I am not a very big fan of harsh chemical use in products. Plus, I also love making handmade soap and candles.
Why Make Your Own Laundry Soap?
When I first told my friends I was making my own laundry soap, they looked at me like I was nuts. “Why go through the trouble of just buying from the store?” they said. But honestly, it’s not troublesome at all. Here’s why I love it:
- It saves a ton of money – One batch lasts for months, and the ingredients are super affordable.
- No harsh chemicals – Perfect for sensitive skin and safe for kids and pets.
- Eco-friendly – No plastic waste from detergent bottles, and it’s gentle on the environment.
- Customizable – You can choose your own scents or go fragrance-free.
Ingredients for DIY Laundry Soap
- 2 cups Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
- 2 cups of Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate)
- 1 cup Borax
- 1 cup Epsom Salt
- Essential Oils
How to Make Homemade Laundry Soap (Step-by-Step)
This process is very easy, I can do it, anyone can! Here’s how:
- Gather your materials – Before starting, make sure you have a large mixing bowl, measuring cups, a spoon or whisk for stirring, and an airtight container for storage.
- Mix dry ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the baking soda, washing soda, borax, and Epsom salt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Add essential oils – If you want a scented laundry soap, add 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Lavender, lemon, and tea tree are great choices for freshness and antibacterial properties.
3. Break up clumps – If your ingredients start to clump together, use a fork, whisk, or Spon to break them apart. This helps ensure an even mixture.
4. Store properly – Transfer the mixture into an airtight container, such as a Mason jar or a plastic container with a secure lid. Keep it in a dry place to prevent moisture buildup.
That’s it! Your homemade laundry soap, which is nontoxic, eco-friendly, and gentle to your skin and clothes, is ready to use.
How to Use Homemade Laundry Soap Effectively
You might be wondering, “Okay, but how much do I use?” I’ve got you covered:
- For regular loads: Use 1-2 tablespoons per load. Simply sprinkle the powder directly into the washing drum before adding the clothes.
- For heavily soiled clothes: use 3 tablespoons for extra cleaning power. If dealing with tough stains, let the clothes soak in warm water with detergent for 30 minutes before washing.
- For cold water washes: Dissolve the powder in a cup of warm water first, then pour it into the washing machine to ensure even distribution.
- For hand-washing clothes: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of laundry soap in a bucket of warm water. Let the clothes soak for a few minutes, scrub gently, and rinse well.
Tips for Storing and Using DIY Laundry Soap
Here are a few pro tips I’ve learned along the way:
- Keep it dry – Moisture can cause clumping, so store it in an airtight container.
- Shake before use – If the ingredients settle, just give it a shake to mix them up.
- Boost with vinegar – Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener.
Final Thoughts
Making your own laundry soap is one of those little changes that make a big difference, and it’s also a lot of fun! It’s budget-friendly, non-toxic, and keeps your clothes fresh and clean without unnecessary chemicals. Plus, it’s super satisfying knowing exactly what’s going into your detergent. You can even experiment with different essential oils for unique fragrances.
If you’re tired of overpriced, chemical-laden laundry detergents, give this homemade laundry soap recipe a try. Trust me—you’ll never go back to store-bought!
Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how it works for you!
FAQ: Answering Your DIY Laundry Soap Questions
Q: Can I use this in cold water?
A: Absolutely! Just dissolve it in warm water first and then add it to your wash.
Q: Does homemade laundry soap work for sensitive skin?
A: Yes! Since it’s free of synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals, it’s great for sensitive skin.
Q: Can I use this in a front-loading washer?
A: Yes! Just make sure to use a small amount (about 1 tablespoon) to prevent too many suds.
Q: Can I skip borax?
A: Yes! If you prefer an even gentler detergent, replace borax with additional baking soda.
Q: Will this work for baby clothes?
A: Yes! Just make sure to skip the essential oils if your baby has extra-sensitive skin.
Q: Does this laundry soap expire?
A: Nope! As long as you store it in a dry, airtight container, it will last indefinitely.
Q: Can I use this for hand-washing clothes?
A: Yes! Just dissolve a tablespoon in warm water and let your clothes soak before rinsing.
Q: Will this work in hard water?
A: Yes, but adding ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle helps soften clothes and prevent residue buildup.
How To Make Laundry Soap
Make your own natural, budget-friendly laundry soap with just a few simple ingredients! This nontoxic detergent keeps clothes fresh, clean, and chemical-free.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
- 2 cups Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate)
- 1 cup Borax
- 1 cup Epsom Salt
- 10-20 drops Essential Oils (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Gather all ingredients and a large mixing bowl. Make sure your workspace is dry to prevent clumping. If your ingredients have lumps, break them up before mixing.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine baking soda, washing soda, borax, and Epsom salt. Stir thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add Essential Oils (Optional)
Add 10-20 drops of essential oils of your choice. Stir well to ensure the fragrance is evenly mixed throughout the detergent.
Step 4: Store the Laundry Soap
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container to keep it dry and fresh. Store it in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping.
Notes
✅ Storage Tip: Keep the detergent in an airtight container to prevent moisture buildup and clumping. A Mason jar or plastic container with a tight lid works best.
✅ Scent Customization: Experiment with different essential oils like lavender for relaxation, lemon for freshness, or tea tree for antibacterial properties.
✅ Safe for HE Washers: This laundry soap works in high-efficiency (HE) washers—just use 1 tablespoon per load and add it directly to the drum.
✅ Avoid Overuse: More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. Stick to the recommended amount to prevent soap buildup in your washer.