Easy To Make Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap
Let us be honest, most store-bought laundry detergents are loaded with chemicals, artificial fragrances, and ingredients. If you’ve been looking for a more natural, budget-friendly alternative that’s gentle on your skin and better for the environment, homemade liquid laundry soap might be exactly what you need.
I started making my own laundry soap a few years ago and haven’t looked back since.
Not only does it save money, but it also gives peace of mind knowing exactly what is going on with my family’s clothes. Plus, it is fun and easy to make!
In this post, I will walk you through how to make your own liquid laundry soap—including the exact ingredients, tools, step-by-step instructions, and a few handy tips to customize it just the way you like.
🌿 Benefits of Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap
If you have been following me for a while, you already know how much I love homemade soap because it’s packed with benefits.
It is super affordable, low waste, made with natural ingredients, and so much more.
Below, I have listed some of the other top reasons why I swear by homemade liquid laundry detergent.
- 💰 Cost-Effective
- 🧴 Low Waste
- 🌿 Natural Ingredients
- 🧼 Customizable
- 👕 Gentle on Clothes
- 🌸 Naturally Fragranced
- 🧺 Effective Cleaning
- 🧪 No Synthetic Additives
This recipe makes about 4 to 5 liters (1 to 1.25 gallons) of liquid laundry soap, which is enough for 32 to 64 loads, depending on how much you use per wash.
🧼 Ingredients:
- 🧽 1 soap bar
(Castile is my go-to, but Fels-Naptha, Zote, or homemade tallow soap work well too — just go for unscented or naturally scented options.) - 🧂 1 cup washing soda
- 🧪 ½ cup borax (optional)
(If you are concerned about using it or have very sensitive skin, feel free to skip it — the soap will still clean beautifully.) - 💧 10–15 cups of water
- 🌿 10–20 drops of essential oil
(I love lavender, lemon 🍋, or tea tree 🌱 — all natural and leave clothes smelling fresh.)
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here! Just some basic kitchen items:
- Cheese grater or sharp knife
- Large stainless-steel pot
- A large spoon for stirring
- Funnel (optional, but really helpful)
- Clean container to store your soap — I use an old laundry detergent bottle or gallon jug
👩🍳Step-by-Step: Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap
Let’s dive into the process. It’s super straightforward, even if this is your first time doing something like this.
🧼 Step 1: Grate the Soap
Grab your bar of soap and grate it using a cheese grater. If you don’t have one, you can slice it very finely with a knife.
🌀 Grating the soap helps it melt faster and more evenly when you heat it up.
💡 Note: If you are using homemade soap like tallow or goat milk soap, make sure it’s fully cured and dry. Softer soaps take longer to melt.
🔥 Step 2: Melt the Soap
In a large pot, pour about 4 cups of water and set it over medium heat. Add the grated soap slowly, stirring often as it melts.
👀 Don’t walk away — it can bubble over quickly if it gets too hot. Stir gently to help it dissolve.
⏱️ This usually takes about 5–10 minutes.
🥣 When you no longer see solid pieces and the mixture looks smooth and creamy, you are good to go.
🧪 Step 3: Add Washing Soda and Borax
Once your soap is fully melted, add and stir in:
- 🧂 1 cup of washing soda
- 🧂 ½ cup of borax
🌀 Keep stirring until everything is completely dissolved. You may notice the mixture start to thicken slightly, which is normal!
✅ Borax is optional. If you have very sensitive skin, feel free to skip it.
💧 Step 4: Add More Water
Once your soap mixture is fully melted, take the pot off the heat.
🌊 Now, slowly add 10 more cups of hot water while stirring. This helps thin the mixture to make it easier to pour and use.
📏 14 cups total (including the first 4) makes a good consistency. Adjust for a stronger or lighter mix as you prefer.
🪣 If your pot is too small, divide it into two containers or buckets.
🌸 Step 5: Add Essential Oils
Once the mixture cools a bit (but is still warm), add your essential oils.
✨ Just a few drops make a big difference in scent.
- Here are some lovely options:
- 💜 Lavender – calming and floral
- 🍋 Lemon – fresh and clean
- 🌿 Tea tree – antibacterial and deodorizing
💧 Add 10–20 drops total and stir gently.
🧴 Step 6: Transfer and Let It Set
Time to bottle it up! Use a funnel to pour the soap into a container like a recycled jug or mason jar.
- 🌙 Let it sit overnight — it will thicken as it cools.
- 🧊 Sometimes it gels a bit. That’s totally normal!
- 💪 If it’s too thick, just shake or stir before use.
🧺 How To Use In The Washing Machine
Using it is super simple. Here’s how much I use per load:
- Regular machines: ½ to 1 cup per load
- High-efficiency (HE) machines: ¼ to ½ cup per load
Since this soap is low-sudsing (which is a good thing!), it’s perfectly safe for HE washers. It works well in both hot and cold water, too!
💡 Optional Add-Ins
Sometimes I like to customize my laundry routine depending on the load. Here are a few natural add-ins I love:
| Add-In 🌿 | Why I Use It 💡 |
|---|---|
| 🧂 Baking Soda | Helps remove odors, softens water, and boosts cleaning power |
| 🍋 Lemon Juice | Breaks down grease, brightens whites |
| 🧴 White Vinegar (rinse cycle) | Natural fabric softener, and helps remove soap residue |
| 🧂 Salt (1–2 tablespoons) | Natural water softener that helps break down stains and mineral buildup |
| 🧪 Hydrogen Peroxide (½ cup) | Natural bleach alternative for whites and disinfects without harsh chemicals |
| 🌸 Essential Oils (lemon, lavender) | Adds natural fragrance, and antibacterial properties |
| 🌽 Cornstarch (rinse cycle) | Acts as a softener and natural anti-wrinkle aid |
| 🍋 Citric Acid (1–2 tsp) | Softens fabrics and adds mild natural freshness |
I have also shared the powdered version of homemade laundry soap. Be sure to check it out later!
🧴 How to Store Liquid Laundry Soap
I store mine in a jug or container with a secure lid. You can reuse old detergent bottles or mason jars.
- Shake well before each use, especially if the mixture has separated or thickened.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- It keeps well for 3 to 6 months (though I always use mine up much faster!).
❓ FAQ
1. Can I use this liquid laundry soap in a high-efficiency (HE) washer?
Yes! This soap is low-sudsing and safe for HE machines. Just use a smaller amount—about ¼ to ½ cup per load—and make sure it’s well-diluted.
2. Will lemon essential oil or juice bleach or fade my clothes?
No, not in the small amounts used in this recipe. Lemon adds natural freshness and brightening, but is safe for everyday laundry. However, for dark or delicate fabrics, always test a small area first.
3. Is it safe for baby clothes or sensitive skin?
Absolutely—just skip the borax and stick to a gentle soap like Castile. Lemon essential oil is generally safe, but can be left out for ultra-sensitive loads.
4. Does this soap work in cold water?
Yes, but it dissolves best in warm water. If you’re washing in cold water, pre-mix your detergent with a bit of warm water before adding it to the load.
5. Why does my soap thicken or separate after sitting?
That’s totally normal! Homemade soap often gels or separates when cooled. Just give it a good stir or shake before each use. For a smoother texture, you can blend it once cooled.
6. How long does homemade laundry soap last?
Stored in a sealed container at room temperature, it lasts 2 to 3 months easily. If you used fresh lemon juice, try to use it within 4–6 weeks and refrigerate if possible for longer freshness.