This easy tutorial for natural homemade laundry detergent makes 320 loads of non-toxic laundry detergent for $20.75 ($0.06 per load) and rates an A on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Healthy Cleaning scale. It’s a win-win for natural cleaning and fugal living.
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Seeking Healthier Laundry Detergent
Are you a Pinterest lover? If you do much poking around on the site you’ll soon discover that DIY laundry detergents are all the rage. (Yep, I’m at the point in my life where laundry detergent can be a rage…. but I digress.)
Homemade laundry detergent is often suggested as a way to save money, but I wanted to make my own laundry detergent for another reason -> to produce an effective all-natural detergent that eliminated dangerous chemicals and additives.
My goal was to create a detergent recipe that scored well on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Healthy Cleaning scale and was still cost-effective.
Not-So-Natural Laundry Detergent
For years I used Arm & Hammer Free Liquid Detergent and thought I was making a good choice for my family’s health. It did a great job, was fragrance-free, and it was cost-effective ($.10 a load). I felt good about using it in our home UNTIL…
… I discovered the EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaning. It’s a database that analyzes household cleaners and give them a grade (A-F) based on ingredients.
Did you know that cleaning product manufacturers can use almost any ingredient and the US government doesn’t review the safety of products before they’re sold? SCARY!
I began looking up all the cleaning/household products we used and learned that my trusty detergent had scored a D for problems such as cancer and respiratory effects. BIG FAT FAIL! I no longer felt good about using it for my family!
All Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent
Store-bought laundry detergents that score an A on the EWG scale are a bit pricey. They range from $14.00 for 42 loads ($0.33 a load) to $15.00 for 70 loads ($0.21 a load). Triple my original laundry detergent cost!
It was time to develop my own all-natural homemade laundry detergent!
Making Natural Homemade Detergent
I started with a basic cost saving detergent recipe from Happy Money Saver and replaced the ingredients that scored high in toxicity. The original laundry detergent recipe made 18 lbs (288 oz.) for $20.27 or 504 loads at $0.04 per load.
| Original Recipe Laundry Detergent Recipe | Cost per batch | EWG Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Super Washing Soda | $3.24 | A |
| Borax | $3.38 | F |
| Baking Soda | $2.12 | A |
| Fels-Naptha | $2.91 | C |
| OxiClean | $3.86 | F |
| Purex Crystals | $4.76 | C |
| Total Cost | $20.27 | |
| Cost Per Load | $0.04 |
The Natural Replacements
My natural homemade laundry detergent uses natural Castile soap instead of Fels-Naptha and eliminates Borax.
Borax use is somewhat controversial in green circles; it is a naturally occurring mineral, but it is also toxic. Read more about the controversy at Crunchy Betty or MNN.
The new all-natural recipe makes 11.43 lbs (183 oz.) for $20.75 or 320 loads at $0.06 per load!
You can also add Epsom salt to the mix for a built-in laundry softener (the original recipe uses Purex Crystals). The Epsom salt version makes 13.19 lbs. (211 oz.) for $20.75 or 368 loads at $0.07 per load.
(Please note: I do not use the Epsom salt, instead I use Natural Homemade Fabric Softener in the dryer.
| My Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Recipe | Cost per batch | EWG Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 box Super Washing Soda, 3 lb. 7 oz (I use this kind.) | $3.24 | A |
| Eliminated Borax | – | – |
| 1 box Baking Soda, 4 lb. (I use this kind.) | $2.36 | A |
| 4 bars Kirk’s Original Coco Castile Soap, Fragrance Free, 4 oz. ea. | $5.16 | A (or 0) |
| 1 container OxiClean Baby or OxiClean Free, 3 lbs | $9.99 | A |
| Eliminated Purex Crystals (or use Epsom Salt, 28 oz >> I do not use) | $5.25 | A |
| Total Cost | $20.75 | |
| Cost Per Load (1 Tbsp) | $0.06 |
The Results
I have been using this detergent for nearly 4 years and there is no looking back!
- The natural laundry detergent is significantly less expensive than the store-bought nontoxic detergents AND cheaper than my former poorly rated commercial detergent.
- The recipe rates an “A” on the EWG scale so I feel good using it in our home.
- This homemade natural laundry detergent cleans great! I can honestly tell no difference between my recipe and store-bought laundry detergent.
Another big plus, this laundry detergent is naturally low foaming.. This means it can be used in both standard and HE machines.
Bonus tip: Fill the washer’s fabric softener dispenser with white vinegar for safe and effective laundry softening. If the washing machine does not have a fabric softener dispenser (or you do not want to fill it with vinegar) use a Downy Ball filled with white vinegar. It automatically releases the vinegar during the rinse cycle. (You can also make Natural Homemade Fabric Softener.)
Laundry Detergent Questions
This homemade laundry detergent recipe is so popular that I’ve written about it in two more posts:
- Does Homemade Laundry Detergent Really Work? Learn more about the ingredients and how they work.
- All-Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent Question and Answer – Get the answers to tons of common questions.
How to Make Natural Laundry Detergent
Ingredients
- 4 – 4 oz bars Kirk’s Original Coco Castile Soap Fragrance Free (16 ounces total)
- 4 lbs Baking Soda
- 3. 7 lbs Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (1 box)
- 3 lbs OxiClean Baby (1 container)
- 28 oz Epsom Salt (optional, I do not use)
Instructions
- Grate Castile soap into very small bits. (I use my food processor to grate the soap with a grater attachment.)
- To turn the grated soap into smaller bits I pulse it with the food processor blade. I found that processing one bar at a time and adding 1/4-1/2 cup baking soda to soap during the pulsing stage helped the soap separate into smaller bits. *
- Mix all ingredients in a large container and stir. (Do not breathe in the dust.)
- How to use the laundry detergent: Measure 1 or 2 Tablespoons onto the laundry per load. (There are no fillers in this detergent so it takes less than commercial laundry detergent.) It can be used in regular and HE machines.
Recipe Notes
*Warning: Use your food processor at your own risk! I was willing to try because Castile soap is very pure and non-scented. The soap has not injure my food processor at all. It washes out easily and does not leave a scent. (A friend who grated Fels-Naptha in her food processor said it left a strong scent.)
*If you want to make any substitutions to the recipe look them up in the EWG guides to make sure they rate well.
More Natural Laundry Solutions
If you’re concerned about chemicals in your home check out some of my other green laundry tutorials:
- DIY Laundry Detergent Liquid (Two borax-free liquid detergent recipes that make small batches of laundry detergent with no grating)
- 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)
- How to Natural Clean Smelly Towels (Learn how to get towels clean and fresh, naturally)
- Fresh Lemon Dishwasher Detergent (cause dishes get dirty too!)
Questions? I get hundreds of questions about making All Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent! Read this detailed Question and Answer section for TONS of additional information. Check it out or read the comments below for quick answers to your most pressing questions!
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Hannah Adams
This is the best homemade laundry detergent! My husband’s laundry has never come out of the washer smelling fresh or just no smell. (He’s a plumber.) This recipe makes his work clothes smell like nothing. I will NEVER use any other detergent again! I got my mom and mother in law using it as well. We all swear by it!
Bren
I’m glad it’s working well for you, Hannah!
Kaylee
This recipe looks great and I’m very intrigued to try it! But I follow plenty of naturalists online and it’s now coming out that almost all soap based DIY laundry powders can’t be fully rinsed out in a washing machine and end up leaving soap grime on your clothes. Something about them not having a surfactant that rinses your clothes clean. EVERYONE is now saying this, so I’m concerned about making the switch. Can you speak into this issue? I don’t want to make a large batch and potentially end up ruining my clothes.
Bren
Kaylee, I wrote an article about the topic her: Do Homemade Laundry Detergents Really Work? If you are hesitant you might want to try my liquid detergent which makes a small batch and can be made with your choice of soap or detergent.
Rosita
Good morning Bren.
I made my first batch of Laundry Detergent (Powder) and I am very happy with the results. There is no going back.
When I was going to add my fourth load, I saw a little lump of detergent in the washing machine. Apparently, it doesn’t dissolve completely.
I made it with a Castile soap that I bought locally. For my surprise, it has some ingredients that I can’t pronounce: Titanium . . ., Disodium . . ., etc. I read the label too late. Could this be the reason?
My next batch will include the Castile soap you recommend. I already ordered it following your link.
Bren
Rosita, I’m sorry you had dissolving problems! It may be from the additives. I haven’t used that soap so I can’t be sure. I would try adding the detergent to the tub before you add the laundry or mix it with a cup of warm water to make sure it dissolves before adding it to the laundry.
Rosita
Thanks. I followed your suggestion and it works. I also made the All Purpose Cleaner, the Orange Vinegar, the Hand foaming Soap and the Fabric Softener.
Bren
🙂
Jessica
Hi Bren,
Thank you for the recipe and info. I’m wanting to make a liquid laundry detergent, as I mainly wash with cold water. I did read your article on liquid detergent, but I’m wondering if I could keep the same ingredients in this powder recipe by simply melting the Castile soap bar and adding the dry ingredients to hot water. I know you were concerned about making big batches, but I will be washing cloth diapers on almost a daily basis.
Could I melt the Castile soap bar and use the washing soda, baking soda, and oxiclean baby with water?
I’m also more of a fan of this recipe as it’s less expensive.
Thanks
Bren
Unfortunately you can’t premake it as a liquid detergent. The Oxiclean will react and loose it’s cleaning power. I think your best bet is to make the detergent an dissolve in a small cup of warm water each time you do laundry or make the liquid detergent.
Jessica
Okay, I understand. Thank you!
Jessica
I can’t seem to find Oxiclean Baby anywhere in my city and amazon won’t ship to me.
I found a Dr. Axe homemade laundry soap recipe that uses the same ingredients except the oxiclean. https://draxe.com/homemade-laundry-soap/
I think I’m going to try yours or his recipe without the oxiclean and hope it’s just as effective.
Faith
Love all the information you have on this website! Using this recipe, how much do you use in a regular load in an HE machine? (Is it different than the amount used in a regular washing machine?)
Bren
I use 1-2 tbsp in a HE or regular machine depending on load size.
Tonya G.
How long have you been using this? Has it hurt your machine in any way? That’s what I keep seeing. We have been using your recipe for almost a year now though and love it!
Bren
Tonya, I’ve been using the detergent for about 5 years. I also use my homemade liquid laundry detergent and store bought natural detergent if I am too busy to make my own. I always use a vinegar rinse and have had no trouble with my machine.
Kate
I love your site! Thanks for all that you share. I love that you’re not obsessed with vinegar and EOs in your ingredients (even if they’re good). I’m sensitive to fragrances, even natural ones, and it’s really difficult (and expensive) to find unscented products in store.
I can’t find OxiClean on this side of the world. I think I’ve found three alternatives, and I would really appreciate it if you could help me choose one, or at least give insights since you’re better at these things and it can be overwhelming.
Here they are with the ingredients:
Brand A (Ecostore)
– sodium bicarbonate
– sodium carbonate peroxide
– sodium citrate
– sodium sulphate
– tetraacetyl ethalinediamine (TAED)
– sodium coco sulphate
– helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil
Brand B (Kao)
– sodium carbonate
– peroxyhydrate
– surfactant
Brand C (Vanish)
– sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (sodium percarbonate)
– oxygen based bleaching agent (30%)
– anionic surfactants (5%)
– non-ionic surfactants
– enzymes
I’m guessing Brand A is the most transparent with its ingredients. Brand B is the cheapest. Brand C is the more popular brand.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Bren
Kate, I would pick the one closest to Oxiclean Baby or Oxiclean Free to make sure it will work in this detergent recipe. You can see the ingredients of each in the EWG guide here: Oxiclean Baby and Oxiclean Free. Hope this helps!