This Homemade Laundry Detergent is an easy, budget-friendly way to clean your clothes with simple ingredients you can mix in minutes at home.
Doing laundry is one of those everyday tasks that never really stops and the cost of detergent can add up fast.
I originally wrote this post back in 2014, but it was definitely time for a refresh. I wanted a version that was even easier to make (no grating soap) and still worked just as well. After testing a few different ingredient combinations, this one came out on top.
I’ve been using this exact formula for a while now, and it gets my clothes so clean. You only need 2 tablespoons per load, so one batch lasts a surprisingly long time - about 4 months and costs around $20 to make, which is a huge savings compared to store bought detergent.
It’s safe for all washers, including HE machines. You can add essential oils if you want a light scent, and if you have hard water, add a little extra washing soda.
If you’re trying to save money or reduce extra chemicals in your home, this is one of those easy swaps that actually makes a difference.
If you like natural household products, also try my homemade fabric softener recipe.
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Homemade Powder Laundry Detergent Ingredients
- Washing Soda: found in the laundry aisle in a yellow box and helps eliminate odors and removes stains
- Baking Soda: any brand works
- Salts: Epsom and Kosher salt to help soften the water
- Essential Oils: optional, but adds a light scent to your laundry
- Will also need: airtight glass or plastic jar, measuring cups and spoon for mixing
How to Make Powder Laundry Detergent
- Add the washing soda, baking soda, Epsom salt and kosher salt to an airtight container.
- Add about 25 drops of essential oils (I did 25 drops of lavender and 25 drops of eucalyptus).
- Mix everything together with a spoon.
- Seal the container and store in a cool, dry place near your laundry area.
- Use 2 tablespoons per load of laundry.
FREE Printable Laundry Detergent Label
If you’d like to add a label to your container, print out this free natural laundry powder label on sticker paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lemon, orange, bergamot are also great scents to try.
No, washing soda is stronger and designed for cleaning.
I would recommend still spot treating for tough stains such as mud and grease to help loosen the stains before washing.
Yes, it works great for both cold and hot.
Recipe
Homemade Powder Laundry Detergent Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups baking soda
- 1 ½ cups washing soda
- 25 essential oil drops of lavender
- 25 essential oil drops of eucalyptus
Instructions
- Add the washing soda, baking soda, Epsom salt and kosher salt to an airtight container.
- Add about 25 drops of essential oils (I did 25 drops of lavender and 25 drops of eucalyptus).
- Mix everything together with a spoon.
- Seal the container and store in a cool, dry place near your laundry area.
- Use 2 tablespoons per load of laundry.
Nutrition Disclosure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
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