DIY Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent for Washing Machines
This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support this site. For more information, please read theย Disclosure Policy
Did you know you can whip up your own laundry detergent using ingredients you already have in your pantry? Say goodbye to expensive store-bought laundry detergent.
DIY Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent for Washing Machines
Are you tired of constantly shelling out a small fortune on laundry detergents that seem to vanish faster than your socks in the dryer?
Well, prepare to be amazed as we unveil a hidden secret lurking in your very own pantry that can revolutionize your laundry routine.
Get ready to unleash your DIY skills as we guide you through the process of creating your own homemade liquid laundry detergent that is safe to use in any washing machine. Including those high efficiency washers.
Say goodbye to overpriced bottles and hello to a more sustainable and wallet-friendly approach to clean clothes. Intrigued? Let’s jump right in and discover the benefits of making your own detergent, the ingredients, and the step-by-step process that will have you taking control of your laundry day like a pro.
It’s time to save money, embrace your inner scientist, and transform your laundry routine from a chore to a rewarding pursuit But first, the items you will need to make your own laundry detergent.
Ingredients Needed To Make Homemade Laundry Soap
By utilizing simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry, you can create a sustainable and wallet-friendly approach to clean clothes. You don’t need a food processor or cheese grater. You simply mix all the ingredients together.
This recipe, made with simple ingredients, makes 1 gallon of homemade soap.
- 1 gallon (16 cups) of cold water
- 1/4 cup laundry washing soda
- 1/4 cup baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate
- 1/3 cup Castile soap
- 20 drops of essential oils, I use tea tree, optional for scent
Side Note: If you have hard water, I would consider purchasing and using distilled water from your local grocery store.
Using Different Laundry Scents & Their Benefits
Use one of the following or any 20 drops of your favorite essential oils.
Lavender Essential Oil: Calming, promotes relaxation and better sleep.
Lemon: Refreshing and uplifting, can remove stains and brighten white clothing, antibacterial.
Bergamot: Uplifting and antibacterial.
Peppermint Oil: Energizing.
Tea Tree Oil: Antifungal and antimicrobial.
Equipment and Tools Needed
Containers for laundry detergent
Funnel
Wooden spoon
Stockpot
Why do I Prefer Laundry Washing Soda?
I know most have heard of using fels-naptha soap, but I prefer using Arm & Hammer’s laundry washing soda. Its benefits have a huge impact on whitening your clothes.
I like to say washing soda is my secret weapon. You can see how I cleaned my son’s disgustingly dirty football cleats.
Washing soda is not baking soda. Its chemical makeup is different. Sodium carbonate is the scientific name for washing soda. Sodium carbonate is the alkaline disodium salt of carbonic acid.
The sodium carbonate keeps the dirt, grime, and soil in the water, so it can be carried out when the wash cycle water empties from the washing machine. Incredible stuff!!
Why You Should Make Your Own Homemade Laundry Detergent
It’s inexpensive to make. – It costs less than $20 to purchase the ingredients, which make multiple batches of homemade detergent and clean many loads of laundry. Castile soap is incredibly useful for other things.
It’s safe for all skin types. – They made many commercial detergents with fragrances and harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. The ingredients used to make this recipe are safe and nontoxic.
Easy to make. – From preparation to completion, it only takes twenty minutes of your time.
How To Make DIY Laundry Detergent
Made in four simple steps to create your own detergent. Say goodbye to overpriced bottles and hello to a more sustainable, cost-effective, and rewarding approach to clean clothes.
STEP ONE: Gather all your supplies. No bucket is required or grating needed for this recipe.
STEP TWO: In a large saucepan, roughly 6-quart stockpot add water. Bring to a boil.
STEP THREE: Once boiling, remove from the heat and gently mix all the ingredients until dissolved with a wooden spoon. Turn off the burner. Now continue to stir until everything has been well incorporated.
STEP FOUR: Allow your new detergent to cool before transferring it into jars for storage.
If youโre reusing an old detergent bottle, make sure they have been previously rinsed and that the soap is fully cool before adding it to a plastic container. We don’t want a melted or misshapen bottle.
For more tips and tricks, scroll down to our frequently asked questions section.
How To Use This Liquid Soap
This homemade liquid laundry soap is highly concentrated, which means you need only a small amount to get a dirty job done.
First, give your liquid detergent a good shake before every use. Then add it directly into your washer, or if you prefer the design compartment for laundry detergent.
Laundry Detergent Measurements for Best Results
- For top loading washer machines, use 1/8 to 1/4 cup of liquid laundry soap per load of laundry.
- For a front loader, use 1-2 tablespoons. Added into the detergent compartment.
Store just like you would commercial laundry detergent in your laundry room.
Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe
This recipe is non-toxic, fights stains better than commercial detergent, and is inexpensive to make! Perfect for those who want to save money and those who have sensitive skin.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with โญโญโญโญโญ or leave a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our recipes.
DIY Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent For All Washer Types
Did you know you can whip up your own laundry detergent using ingredients you already have in your pantry? Say goodbye to expensive store-bought laundry detergent.๏ปฟ
Materials
- 1 gallon (16 cups) of cold water
- 1/4 cup laundry washing soda
- 1/4 cup baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate
- 1/3 cup Castile soap
- 20 drops of essential oils, I use tea tree, optional for scent
Tools
- Containers for laundry detergent
- Funnel
- Wooden Spoon
- Stockpot
Instructions
- Gather all your supplies. No bucket is required.
- In a large saucepan, roughly 6-quart stockpot add water. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, remove from the heat and gently mix all the ingredients until dissolved with a wooden spoon. Turn off the burner. Now continue to stir until everything has been well incorporated.
- Allow your new detergent to cool before transferring it into jars for storage.
Notes
Using Different Laundry Scents & Their Benefits
Use one of the following or any 20 drops of your favorite essential oils.
Lavender Essential Oil:ย Calming, promotes relaxation and better sleep.
Lemon:ย Refreshing and uplifting, can remove stains and brighten white clothing, antibacterial.
Bergamot:ย Uplifting and antibacterial.
Peppermint Oil:ย Energizing.
Tea Tree Oil:ย Antifungal and antimicrobial.
If you made this best homemade laundry detergent recipe, we would love to hear all about it.
We get so excited when we learn that you have chosen to make one of our home DIY recipes featured on Inspiring Savings. Please leave us a comment below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Homemade Laundry Detergent Go Bad?
Most store purchased laundry detergent contains a best buy date on the bottle. Homemade liquid laundry detergent can develop mold and mildew growth because it does not contain any bacteria inhibitors.
It is important to use all of your homemade detergent within 3 months of making it. Keep your detergent bottles in a cool storage space. Changes in temperature can greatly affect your DIY detergent.
I Have Sensitive Skin. Will This Irritate Me?
This recipe contains natural ingredients. You shouldn’t have a problem. But if you are considered. I would half the recipe and do a small load of laundry to test out.
This detergent has never affected our family, but everyone is different.
Where Can I Buy The Ingredients?
I can usually find all my ingredients at Walmart and Amazon. You can search for the washing soda down the same aisle where you would find borax and fels naptha bar of soap.
For more cost savings, take a trip to your local dollar store. Often, I can find name brand washing soda for just $1.25. When I do find it there, I stock up.
How Much Does This Make and How Long Will It Last?
This makes roughly 17 to 18 cups. Depending on your measurements (if you use 1 tablespoon per load or 1/4 cup) you could either have 288 loads (using 1 tbsp) or 72 loads (using 1/4 cup).
This lasts my family exactly 3 months. I do about 6 loads of laundry every week and use 1/4 cup of liquid detergent. This has the potential to last you a long time. Just make sure you carefully check that it hasn’t gone bad.
Can I Use Liquid Fabric Softener With This Detergent?
Yes, of course you can. It will not have any ill effects. But if you would like to continue using all-natural ingredients. You may want to consider adding in a1/2 cup of white vinegar to your fabric dispenser instead.
The acid in the vinegarย neutralizes the alkaline in the hard water – dissolving the minerals and softening the clothes. Not only will soften your clothes without the use of chemicals, but using vinegar is another cost-saving change.
More Great Homemade Cleaning Product Recipes That Work
