These two easy recipes for laundry detergent liquid makes 14 loads of non-toxic laundry detergent for about $3.oo and rates an A on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Healthy Cleaning scale. Learn the simple way to make liquid detergent in small batches.
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Homemade Laundry Detergent
I have been making my own natural homemade laundry detergent for close to three years. It's an easy powdered detergent recipe that has no dangerous chemicals or additives, works great, and is cost effective.
I love the powdered detergent but it does require grated Castile soap. Since I have not found pre-grated Castile soap this means a bit of extra effort to make the detergent.
Liquid Detergent Requests
Multiple readers have asked me to make a liquid detergent recipe, either because they don't want to grate soap (who can blame them) or they prefer liquid detergent. I get it… I was a liquid laundry detergent user when I purchased detergent.
So, what's taken me so long? Honestly, I could never find a liquid detergent recipe that was easy to make, worked well, and didn't produce gallons and gallons of detergent. Who has the storage space for a 5-gallon bucket of detergent anyway? And, since homemade detergent does not usually contain preservatives, I worried that these huge batches could develop mildew or mold before they were used up.
Liquid Laundry Detergent Trials
A few months ago I began making and testing my own liquid laundry detergent. My goals were simple, I wanted an effective liquid laundry detergent that:
- Does not contain Borax.
- Borax use is somewhat controversial in green circles; it is a naturally occurring mineral, but it is also toxic. Read more at MNN.
- Does not require melting or grating soap.
- Is easy to make (and store) in small batches.
- Scores well on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Healthy Cleaning scale
It took me several months, 15 different batches of laundry detergent, and a few soapy kitchen messes… but I have succeeded!
These 2 non-toxic recipes make small batches of laundry detergent liquid using either Castile soap or Sal's Suds. The Castile version is a bit trickier to make, but both work great and are more affordable than store bought versions.
Version 1 – Laundry Detergent Liquid with Castile Soap
Ingredients
- Super Washing Soda – 7 oz (2/3 cup)
- Baking Soda- 1.5 oz (3 Tbsp)
- Liquid Castile soap – 1/2 cup, any scent –
- Water– 5 cups, divided
Directions
- Bring 5 cups of water to a boil.
- Pour washing soda into a large glass bowl then slowly stir in 2 cups of boiling water until washing soda is completely dissolved.
- Add one tablespoon of baking soda at a time and stir well to combine. The mixture will thicken as baking soda is added until it is a pudding-like texture.
- Stir in ½ cup Castile soap until well combined. Slowly stir in remaining 3 cups of boiling water.
- Cool to room temperature, the mixture will separate while cooling. (See separation in picture below.)
- Combine separated mixture by blending or whisking until smooth. (Tip: Pour the mixture into two quart size Mason jars before cooling then screw on a blender bottom to easily blend until smooth.)
- Store liquid detergent in a glass bottle. Use 1/3 cup per load of laundry
Healthy Cleaner Rating and Cost
This DIY laundry detergent scores an A on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Healthy Cleaning scale.
- Each of the ingredients (baking soda, washing soda, and Castile soap) have earned the highest safety rating.
- The EWG scale was designed to protect humans and the environment from dangerous chemicals.
The detergent is cost effective at $0.24 a load, my favorite commercial laundry detergent costs about $0.30 a load.
| Laundry Detergent Liquid with Castile | Cost per Batch | EWG Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Super Washing Soda (I use this kind.) | $0.50 | A |
| Baking Soda (I use this kind.) | $.007 | A |
| Liquid Castile Soap (I use this kind.) | $2.56 | A (or 0) |
| Total Cost | $3.13 | |
| Cost Per Load (1/3 cup or 13 loads) | $0.24 |
Notes on Using Laundry Detergent Liquid with Castile Soap
- Make sure to fully dissolve the washing soda completely while making or the detergent will be gritty .
- If the detergent sits for an extended period of time it many separate, stir or shake to combine.
- The detergent has a thin gel like consistency, pour directly on top of clothes instead of using your liquid detergent dispenser.
- Use vinegar in the rinse water for extra softness. Add it to the fabric softener dispenser or use a Downy Ball filled with white vinegar. It automatically releases the vinegar during the rinse cycle.
Version 2 – Laundry Detergent Liquid with Sal's Suds
Ingredients
- Super Washing Soda – 7 oz (2/3 c)
- Sal's Suds – 1/2 cup
- Water – 4 cups, divided
Directions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Pour washing soda into a large glass bowl then slowly stir in 2 cups of boiling water until washing soda is completely dissolved.
- Stir in ½ cup Sal’s Suds until well combined. Then slowly stir in remaining 2 cups of boiling water.
- Cool to room temperature, store in a glass bottle. Use ¼ cup liquid detergent per load.
Healthy Cleaner Rating and Cost
This DIY laundry detergent scores an A on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Healthy Cleaning scale.
- Each of the ingredients (baking soda and Sal's Suds) have earned the highest safety rating.
- The EWG scale was designed to protect humans and the environment from dangerous chemicals.
The detergent is cost effective at $0.26 a load, my favorite commercial laundry detergent costs about $0.30 a load.
| Laundry Detergent Liquid with Castile | Cost per batch | EWG Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Super Washing Soda (I use this kind.) | $0.50 | A |
| Sal's Suds (I use this kind.) | $3.20 | A (or 0) |
| Total Cost | $3.70 | |
| Cost Per Load (1/4 cup or 16 loads) | $0.26 |
Notes on Using Laundry Detergent Liquid with Sal's Suds
- Make sure to fully dissolve the washing soda completely while making or the detergent will be gritty .
- If the detergent sits for an extended period of time it many slightly separate, stir or shake to combine.
- Use vinegar in the rinse water for extra softness. Add it to the fabric softener dispenser or use a Downy Ball filled with white vinegar. It automatically releases the vinegar during the rinse cycle.
More Natural Laundry Solutions
If you're concerned about chemicals in your home check out some of my other green laundry tutorials:
Natural Homemade Fabric Softener (it can be used in the washer or dryer)
All-Natural Stain Sauce for Laundry (It's a great stain pre-treater)
All-Purpose Cleanser (it's great for all-purpose household cleaning and laundry stains)
Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent (The original powdered detergent I have been using for years)
How to Natural Clean Smelly Towels (Learn how to get towels clean and fresh, naturally)
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Karen says
Could you use this in an HE machine and would you put it in the dispenser?
Jodie says
Karen, Did you get an answer to this? I don’t see one.
Thank you!
Bren says
You use the same amount in a HE or regular machine. Hope you like the DIY laundry detergent!
Jodie says
Thank you! Just made it! So excited to try it today!
Karen says
Would you also use the same amount?
Bren says
Yes, use the same amount in a HE or regular machine.
Clarissa says
I’m stoked to try these out – I have such sensitive skin it’s actually really difficult to find brands I can use on my clothes! This will be a great alternative – I don’t know why I’ve never thought of making my own (duh!)
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
Bren says
Thanks Clarissa! My favorite laundy detergent is my Grade A Borax Free Laundry Powder, it makes 320 loads! This liquid version is great for smaller batches and people who like liquid detergent.
Karen says
This is the second time I’ve made this it’s great no grating feels naptha( my family hated the smell I had to do it outside). No five gallon bucket to find room for and no stirring of the detergent before decanting it usually spilled or the drill we used for mixing the stuff usually went all over the place. I can use my extra large ball jars. My family does not do fragrance of any kind so this works for them too. Nobody is breaking out with any rashes it’s a winner for us. Another boon is the small amount means less outlay of money and it’s extremely easy to make. By the way I have a front loading machine.
Thank you.
Bren says
I’m so glad you like the recipe, Karen! I made powdered detergent with grated castile too, but I agree it’s nice to not have to grate.
Donna coutu says
I’m trying to get the house completely switched over from store bought to natural homemade cleaning and hygiene products by may. I’ve found great recipes for certain thing but still have to be careful due to certain diseases, one of which is Celiac Disease, I have not tried laundry detergent yet.
Have you heard from anyone with Celiac or other heath issues about how this detergent works for them? Do you recommend the Castile or seals suds with health issues and skin sensitivities
Bren says
We have sensitive skin (eczema) in our house and I use the Castile soap version. I primarily use my homemade powdered detergent. I do use Sal’s Suds for cleaning. I am not sure about Celiac Disease and the detergent, sorry!
Tanja says
I live in Australia and would love to try your detergents, but am not sure what the equivalent ingredients would be here. Can you help me please
Bren says
Hi, Tanja. What ingredient are you unsure about?
Tanja says
Hi Bren
The washing soda. I have never heard of that. Is it like baking soda which I think is bicarbonate of soda.
Thank you for clarifying it for me as I can’t wait to try out the recipes.
Tanja
Bren says
Tanja, washing soda is Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3). You can read about the differences between washing soda and baking soda here. Let me know if you have more questions! 🙂
Saskia says
Washing soda is called Soda Crystals in the UK. Is that what it’s called in Australia too?
Bren says
I’m not sure if that is the Australian name or not. Sorry!I would check the ingredients to see if it says Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3).
Carly says
You can get washing soda in bulk at The Source stores 🙂
Bren says
Thanks, Carly! Great tip for those in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Tolley says
Is this ok to use in an HE washer?
Bren says
I use it in my HE top loader washing machine. I put the detergent on top of the clothes not in the dispenser.
Jasmine says
Hi! Love your blog and these recipes – the simpler, the better! I was wondering if you could store either recipes into a recycled plastic bottle? I have an old Seventh Generation laundry bottle I’d like to use for this and was wondering if that’d be an issue? I live in a complex with a shared laundry room so I’d like to avoid transporting glass back and forth. Thanks in advance!
Bren says
Jasmine, great question! You should be fine storing it in a recycled laundry detergent bottle. I would make sure the mixture is cool before pouring it into the bottle since the boiling water could leach chemicals from the plastic. Good luck!
Becky says
Have you ever tried adding Epsom salt to you laundry detergent. I had read it softens the water and is a good fabric softener. Thoughts on adding it to these recipes?
Thanks!
Bren says
Becky, I have used it in my powdered detergent but didn’t think it made much of a difference so I use white vinegar in the rinse instead.
Heather says
I use Epsom and Washing Soda in my homemade laundry powder
Pam says
Hi,
I made the detergent with castile a week ago, its turned into a nearly solid state. Its not liquid enough for a good shaking. Any ideas what happened?
Bren says
It can be a variation in water hardness or the brand of castile used. You can still use the soap, just blend it with a stick blender or give it a whirl in the blender. You can add a bit more water while blending if desired (blend first then see if it needs more water). Hope this helps!
marina says
If I dump the gel on the clothes, it is just on one spot. Will it spread well?
ALso, I found the second step : the baking soda is very hard to melt well in hot water. any suggestion?
Thanks
Bren says
Mariana, yes the liquid detergent will spread when added to the laundry. If it is too thick you can thin it with additional water. Try adding the baking soda a little at a time to make it easier to combine. Good luck! -Bren
AmandaH says
In the instructions you tell us when to add the 2cups out if the 5.. but when do you add the remaining 3 cups? I read the instructions multiple times but couldn’t find where.. is it during the mixing in the blender process? I want to make sure I’m making it right. Thanks!
Bren says
It’s in step 4 – “Stir in ½ cup Castile soap until well combined. Slowly stir in remaining 3 cups of boiling water.” Hope you like the detergent.
Sarah Rose says
Hi,
I made this earlier today and my detergent has turned into a foam-like consistency, can I still use it? It’s like more liquidy but a foam. Let me know!
Bren says
If you used the same ingredients as the recipe it should still work great! Hope you enjoy!
Sarah says
Hello! I am wanting to try your liquid detergent.
When I added the baking soda to the water after the washing soda dissolves, it just hardens, and I can’t get the baking soda to dissolve.
I tried adding it to cold water first, but then the water doesn’t gel up. Am I doing this wrong, or do I need to stir the baking soda longer after it goes into the hot water?
Thanks!
Bren says
Sarah, try sprinkling the baking soda (one tablespoon at a time) across the top of the hot water and stir to dissolve before adding the next tablespoon. If it doesn’t dissolve 100% the detergent will still work just give it a shake before using. The sprinkling should keep the detergent from developing any large lumps. Good luck!
Keira says
I’m having this same problem. (Whisking/smashing the baking soda while typing) I had already read this comment & reply, so I made sure to sprinkle it in, (actually only got 1/2Tbsp) & it created a sheet on top of the water. It’s now broken into little flakes & clumps, but not dissolving. I’ve been smashing & stirring it with my wisk, but it doesn’t seem to be making much difference. Guess I’ll keep trying.
Bren says
Sorry you’re having problems, Keira. Is you water very hot? The detergent will still work with some undissolved baking soda just shake before using.
Sarah says
Thank you!
I’ll try that. 🙂
Liz Bee says
I waited 2 weeks to leave this comment. I made the liquid laundry detergent with Sal’s Suds. I’ve put this detergent through the test for 2 weeks. This recipe is awesome. I’ve used it on my husband’s workout clothes, towels, and my son’s stinky clothes. It actually takes all the bad odor out of the clothes. It’s amazing on musky towels. I’ve tried everything to get rid of that musky towel smell. So, I used this recipe on the towels and it actually worked. No musky smell. It actually smells like nothing…the towels smell like nothing. I can’t believe it actually worked on the towels. And it’s cheap to make. And it’s homemade. Unbelievable. Thank you for this recipe.
Bren says
Thanks for commenting, Liz! I’m so glad the recipe is working great for you!
Liz Bee says
I have a question. I too had trouble dissolving the washing soda. I tried all your recommendations to dissolve, but it didn’t dissolve completely. I have a gas stove. One thing that worked for me was to pour some of the boiling water into the glass bowl. Then place the glass bowl directly on top of the stovetop grate, under simmer heat. Then, I stirred 2 tablespoons of washing soda until completely dissolved, then added additional 2 tablespoons at a time until completely dissolved, and continued to do this. It hasn’t blown up in my face or caught on fire. But my question is, does the washing soda lose its potency if I put it directly on top of the grate on simmer heat? Should I be worried flammability?
My rationale:
The reason why I put the glass bowl on the stove with simmer heat is because I felt that as I added the soda in the water, the temperature may have gotten cooler which prevented the washing soda from dissolving. So I figured, if I put it on the stove, there is constant heat. I’m not sure if this a good rationale or not. Now I’m concerned that maybe I messed with the potency.
Bren says
I would not put the glass bowl directly over the flame for fear that the bowl would break. If you want to keep the water hot you can place the glass bowl full of water on top of a pan 1/4 full of boiling water. The pan is over the heat not the bowl. (You are essentially making a double boiler.) The water boiling in the pan keeps the water in the glass bowl hot. Choose a bowl that fits tightly over the pan and be careful not to let the pan boil dry. Hope this makes sense!
Liz Bee says
Yes, thank you for the advice. Oh, does this technique decrease it’s potency?
Bren says
No, it should not change the potency (as long as you do not leave it on the heat for an extended period of time).
Laura O says
Hi. I made this is a pure liquid. Both sodas dissolved pretty quickly. I bought a different brand of laundry soap (not Arm & Hammer), so not sure if that would affect it. Should I add some more? It is pretty much a pure liquid detergent. Thanks!
Bren says
DId you mean a different brand of baking soda (Arm & Hammer)? If it is pure baking soda it will not make a difference. It’s okay if the detergent is a liquid not a gel it will still work the same.
Jenna says
Hi, I just made this and am running a load of laundry right now. 1/3 cup doesn’t seem to be enough. The water doesn’t feel soapy at all and there are no bubbles. Is that normal? I just want to make sure the clothes are getting clean. It’s a pretty large load. Thanks.
Bren says
This detergent will not bubble much at all. I would try a load and see how you think it worked before adding more per load. Good luck!
Kaitlyn says
For your favorite Grade A Borax free Laundry Powder, you just pour directly onto the clothes correct?
I am having a hard time deciding whether or not to do the liquid or powder!! I have used liquid ever since I can remember!
Bren says
I pour both the Grade A Borax Free Laundry Detergent and the Liquid Laundry Detergent directly on top of the clothes. Before I made my own powdered detergent I only used liquid detergent, now I mostly use powdered!
Kaitlyn says
Can essential oil be added to make it have a smell?
Emilee says
Hi! I just made this recipe for the laundry soap using the Castile soap and it turned almost gelatinous!? I followed the recipe exactly. Any ideas how to fix?
Bren says
It’s okay if it gels, Emilee. You can use it as a gel (just scoop on top of the laundry) or add more water to thin it. If you add more water you will need to use a bit more per load since it will be more diluted. Good luck!
Clare stiles says
Hi, I’ve just made the soap flakes version and it didn’t thicken when the baking soda was added? Does that matter? I used less water as a result and will use less in a load!
Bren says
It should work just fine, Clare. I agree with your decision to use less a load if you used less water.
Danielle says
So excited to try this recipe! One question: What is the reason for dumping the liquid detergent directly on the clothes? I have a new Samsung front-loading washer and it is more convenient to use the detergent drawer. I don’t want to mess it up though so I will follow your direction if it’s important! Thanks! 🙂
Bren says
If the detergent is a thin liquid when you are finished making the detergent I would feel fine it in the drawer. However, the recipe can “gel up” and get very thick. In this case I feel better using it directly on top of my clothes so I don’t risk clogging detergent dispenser. Hope this answers your question.
gabriela says
So they both have the same grade toxicity? And also will they keep colored close the same but still work well on white clothes? Also does the clothes smell like vinegar and how much do u uses of it? What’s the toxic rate on vinegar?
Bren says
Gabriela, both version of the detergent rate an A on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Healthy Cleaning scale. I use them on both colored and white laundry. No, the clothes do not smell like vinegar when they are done washing. I use about 1/2 a cup of white vinegar per load (I fill the fabric softener dispenser in my machine). VInegar rates an A on the EWG Healthy Cleaning Scale.
Angela Yeung says
Can it be used right after it’s made or have to wait until it cools down? I am getting little lumps of powder balls forming at the bottom.
Bren says
You can use it after you complete all the steps including cooling and blending. Good luck!
Anna says
Hi there! Excited to try these however in the recipe #2 it lists “liquid castille” instead of “sals suds” – I’m assuming they aren’t the same since there are two different recipes. Also, is there a reason baking soda isn’t in the second recipe? Is it just not necessary b/c it’s sal’s suds vs. castille? Thanks!
Bren says
Anna, Castille soap is a plant based soap while Sal’s Suds is a coconut based detergent. The soap recipe needs a bit more “umph” from the baking soda while the Sal’s Suds recipe works well without it. You can read more about detergent vs soap in my post Do Homemade Laundry Detergent Really Work. Let me know if you have more questions! Bren
Claudia says
Hello 🙂 thank you for your page. I am loving it. I am so glad that i found it. I have a question about your first VERSION 1 – LAUNDRY DETERGENT LIQUID WITH CASTILE SOAP. Can i use other soap and that is not liquid? And in this recipe, you didn’t use oxiclean. Can i use it and how much?
Thank you for your answer. Greetings from Europe
Bren says
Claudia,
You can not add Oxiclean to the liquid soap recipe. Question 1 – The liquid will react with Oxiclean in the mix and it will lose it’s effectiveness. If you want to add Oxiclean try my powdered detergent recipe or add a scoop directly to that machine when doing laundry. Question 2 – I’ve never made this version wtih bar soap. If you want a bar soap detergent I’d try the powdered detergent recipe. Good luck!
Vanessa says
I’m excited to try this recipe! How many loads does this recipe make? Thanks!
Bren says
Each recipe makes 14 loads of non-toxic laundry detergent. Hope you like the recipe!
Lisa says
In recipe #2 can I use essential oils in it to make it have a scent? If so how many drops should I use. Thanks! I am looking forward to trying out this recipe!
Bren says
Lisa, you can add essential oils (they will not hurt the detergent recipe) however the scent will wash out with the rinse water. Laundry comes out of the machine VERY faintly scented or smelling like nothing. Any remaining essential oil scent will disappear in the dryer. I prefer to add my essential oils to a wool dryer ball or my homemade fabric softener.
Donna says
Have you read the blog by butterbeliever.com? I’m not sure what to believe. But her bashing of diy laundry detergent ends with buy this detergent and /or sell it as a wholesaler. I’m confused as what to believe.
Bren says
Thanks for writing, Donna. I have not read that blog but I am familiar with the complaints against homemade laundry detergent. My short answer is this: How well the homemade detergent works depends on the ingredients used to make it. There are alot of detergent recipes online that are really, really questionable. I’ve been using my homemade detergent for years and have had no problems with my machine or laundry. If you want to read my LONG explanation you can read my post “Does Homemade Laundry Detergent Really Work?” Hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions.
Donna says
Thank you so much. I ❤️Your recipe and have been using it for months. I am doing the 2nd option with 7oz washing soda 4 cups boiled water and 1/2 c sal suds. It’s amazing and I have never had such a clean front loader. I also use an immersion blender so I don’t have to whisk so hard. I am off to read that post you mentioned now. Thanks again
Christine says
I’ve made this twice so far but both times mine is like a solid block. I followed the ijnstructions exactly. I’m using the washing and baking soda with water and Castile soap. How can I remedy this, do I add more water? I didn’t want to water it down.
Bren says
Christine, I would add more hot water to loosen it up. It can just be a difference in the type of water or how long it boils. Just add s little extra detergent to the wash to make up for the extra water in the detergent.
Sheila says
Hey, Does the first liquid detergent recipe work as well as your borax free dry recipe?
Also, in your dry recipe you use Oxi Clean Baby but not in the liquid- may I ask why?
Bren says
Sheila: Question 1: Yes, the first liquid detergent recipe work as well as my borax free dry detergent recipe. Question 2: No, you can not add Oxiclean to the liquid soap recipe. The liquid will react with Oxiclean in the mix and it will lose its effectiveness. If you want to add Oxiclean you can add a scoop directly to that machine when doing laundry. Good luck!
Rita Avancini says
Hi,
I haven’t tried your recipes yet but thanks for your great suggestions and R&D.
Wouldn’t be better to use distilled water to avoid variations in tap water that can compromised the recipes results?
Best,
Rita
Bren says
Yes, you can use distilled water if you have it available. The thickness of the soap is not particularly important so I don’t mind the variations. Hope you give it a try. -Bren
Heather says
I read your recipe and was planning to use it yesterday. But being the minimalist I am (lazy?) I just used Sal”s Suds. Prior to that I have been using perfume/dye-free major detergent, for years. I wanted to change because I have had to double rinse everything due to itching and still the fabrics irritated my skin, the detergent was taking too my dye out of my dark clothes, and seemed to be causing my clothes to “age”–that is, get holes etc, faster than ever. With the Sal’s Suds I used regular wash cycles, whites and colored clothes separately, all cold, no double rinse, and regular drying time. Everything turned out great! Softer, less battered, and no itch! We have extremely hard water here. My question is, what does the Washing Soda do? I bought it, and am ready to use it, but wanted to know what to expect. Is it for greater stain removal? The clothes I washed yesterday weren’t all that dirty. Also, I really dislike the smell of Sal’s Suds, and was delighted to discover that the smell was completely gone after the dryer. Thanks!
Bren says
Heather, you can definitely use Sal’s Suds on it’s own. I like to use washing soda for extra brightening and stain l. It lowers the PH of the water (read more here in my post about washing soda).
Jade says
Hi I’ve made the washing liquid twice now but mine is really watery and I do not get the pudding-like texture that you describe after adding the bicarbonate soda. What am I doing wrong?
Bren says
It might be your water. Try making the recipe with distilled water next time to see if it makes a difference. (Even without the thick texture it should work just fine!)
Lisa says
Help please. I made this last night. Whisked everything until it was clear slightly gel-like. I woke up this morning and it is completely solidified!
Bren says
Don’t panic! Just add a bit more water and blend. Repeat until you get the consistency you desire. Remember to increase the amount you use per load slightly since you are adding more water.
vikky says
Good idea to put the mixture in the box/tin.
Just a question or something I would like to share,; I already made this recipe myself for such a long time, never cooked this just used distilled water and as the Sal Suds contains some oil I always add essential oils in this before adding into the water.
Bren says
Thanks for the tip, Vikky!
Kim Jameson says
I love your Blog! Thank you for all of the info and free printables! Such fun!
I saw that you mentioned to put the detergent right on top of clothing and not dispenser for #1 above… but not for #2 (using Sals Suds). I have a front loader and cannot add prior with a big mess. Will the dispenser still get a thin coat of gel like if I use Sals vs Castille (in HE front loader washer)?
Bren says
Hey, Kim! I put my homemade detergent on top of the clothes for all my recipes to make sure they get into the ash compartment and do not clog the dispenser. Can you add some clothes, pour on the soap and then continue adding your laundry?
Melissa says
I’m planning to make this but I was curious if this was safe to use with cloth diapers. Looking for a laundry soap that will last a while and be safe on baby cloths
Bren says
Melissa, I have never washed diapers with this detergent (my kids were out of diapers before I developed it). I do wash everything else in it with no problem. If you have concerns I would check with you diaper manufacturer to be safe! Good luck, Bren
Melissa says
I checked with my mom who makes her own soaps and said it shouldn’t harm them at all. This recipe is great and I plan to make it tomorrow. Thank you so much for your recipe
Melissa says
Hey so, I have a stupid question. How exactly would you attach the Mason jars to a blender base to mix the soap. I know if you have a bullet you could just attach the blender piece to the jar but not sure about a regular blender
Shelby says
Hi there! I’d love to try this homemade recipe but I was wondering if you know if these products are cruelty free? I try not to support companies/products that use animal products or do animal testing.
Thanks!
Bren says
Dr Bronner products (the Castille soap and Sal’s Suds used) are certified cruelty-free and there is no animal testing done with them. (Read more here: https://www.drbronner.com/faqs/.) Church & Dwight (the makes of Arm & Hammer Baking soda and Super Washing Soda) say they do not test on animals. (Read more here: https://churchdwight.com/our-brands/animal-testing-policy.aspx). Hope this helps!
Andrea says
Thank you for posting this recipe- it’s very well explained and isn’t a huge amount! I had to make my own washing soda by baking the baking soda, and then used it in this recipie, but it turned out completely liquid. Since it is not a gel, does it still need to be blended for immulsification, or can it be used as it is now? Also, is it as potent if it has not formed a gel at all, or is the ⅓ cup still enough?
Thank you!
Andrea
Bren says
You can use the liquid as is. It will be the smae potency if you added the same amount of water as the recipe (and your baking soda actually turned to washing soda) so ⅓ cup is enough for a load. Hope you enjoy!
Kandis Campbell says
can you add some type of essential oil for smell? if so, how much? and if not, what can you use to make it smell good?
Bren says
Commercial detergents are scented with man made chemicals that coat laundry. Natural substance cannot not make laundry detergent smell as strongly as artificially scents. To add a gentle, natural scent you can use scented Castile soap in place of the non-scented Castile soap, make natural Fabric Softener to soften and lightly scent laundry in the dryer, or spritz clean laundry with natural Fabric and Room Refresher Spray before folding.
Essential oils are natural and safe to use in laundry, but wash out with the rinse water. Laundry comes out of the machine VERY faintly scented or smelling like nothing. Any remaining essential oil scent will disappear in the dryer. Read more in my Laundry Detergent Q & A.
Lian Ellison says
I just made the laundry liquid with Sal’s Suds and I wanted to tell you how happy I am with it. It was easy to make and the results are awesome!! Even without using any kind of softener it leaves my towels much softer than any commercial, chemical liquid ever did! Thanks so much 🙏🏼
Bren says
Woooo hoooooo! I am glad the detergent is working well for you! 😉
Arline Stoffberg says
Hi Im not sure this question heas been asked
Does this soap work well with cold/cool wash?
Bren says
Yes, it can be used with cold. Good luck!