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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Julie Horihan says
Wow. I’m going to try this! Looks great. Thanks for the tip!
Brittany says
How well does this detergent work? Have you tried it on any particularly messy items? I need a new detergent, but with my husband being a construction worker and having a messy 4yo boy and a baby in cloth diapers… I need something that WORKS! lol.
contactbrendid@gmail.com says
Brittany, my husband is in the Navy and his flight suits often stink like jet fuel (yuck). This detergent used with the vinegar rinse (white vinegar in your fabric softener dispenser) has really done the trick. I can’t vouch for diapers, but it is made with OxiBaby which says it is made for diapers. It took tomato sauce off a t-shirt with no pre-treating if that is proof! Hope this helps.
Sam T says
I used Zote soap flakes and mashed them with a jar instead of trying to grate a bar of soap
contactbrendid@gmail.com says
Good idea! I have not used Zote, but I hear it is a good natural soap. Where did you get the flakes. How did you like the detergent?
Sam T says
I bought the Zote on Amazon… and I’ve only done one load so far… so I’ll let you know in a month.
Steph says
Can you use Zote with an HE washer?
Bren says
I’ve never used Zote, sorry!
Kathryn Lacy says
I used Zote and it took about 10 minutes to grate by hand. Its a very soft soap.
Bren says
Thanks for sharing, Kathryn. I’ve never used Zote since it rates a C on the EWG scale.
Tracia Boyer says
I’m just wondering how it does on colors…does it make the colors look dingy faded or does the colors stay vibrant? I don’t like my cloths to look faded or dingy.
Bren says
I don’t like my clothes to look faded or dingy either! 😉 I think the detergent works the same as my favorite commercially available green detergent and does not cause fading.
Anne says
Bren:
Thank you so much for this post! I made a batch and it is amazing 🙂 I will admit that I “cheated” a bit and used a box of Zote soap flakes in place of the grated Kirk’s. I don’t like to grate soap and the flakes are a great substitute. I’ve made other dry laundry soap and I wasn’t impressed – plus they ALL included borax. Yuck.
Need to make the dishwasher soap next.
Thanks again for you wonderful green recipe.
contactbrendid@gmail.com says
Anne, I’m so glad you like the laundry detergent and I’m happy to hear the Zote worked. I will have to look for Zote on my next shopping trip!
Sarah says
Bren- Thank you for this recipe, as I will be making shortly! After reading the comments, I am wondering if I should go with the Zote Flake route, as that would cut my time in half. But I was unable to find it on EWG. I was wondering if you knew anything about it as far as chemical/toxin wise? I saw you heard it was a good soap? Thank you : )
Bren says
Great question, Sarah. I have not used Zote because I have not been able to find detailed information about its ingredients, this always concerns me. Here is the information I have found on Good Guide.
Sarah says
Thank you for your helpful feedback 🙂
Anne says
I also used a bit more epsom salt than your recipe calls for. I bought a 4 pound bag at Target and put in about half. Figured it was close enough 🙂
contactbrendid@gmail.com says
This is one of the advantages of this recipe, “close enough” works! LOL! -Bren
caitlin says
Hello! This will be my first time making home made detergent and was so happy to find your recipe was borax free. Do you know if I can substitute the bar castile soap for liquid castile soap? Also is this recipe safe for HE washers? Thanks so much!
contactbrendid@gmail.com says
Caitlin, so glad you’re trying the recipe! You can not use liquid Castile in the mix, it would react with the Oxyclean. You can buy pre shredded Castile soap flakes. I’m working on a non-toxic liquid detergent recipe! This recipe is low foaming so it is HE safe.
Allie says
I have searched high and low and this is one of the best recipes I’ve found. What are your thoughts on incorporating citric acid into this recipe? Would it cancel out or react with one of the other ingredients? Also, what do you think about adding a bit of soap berry powder? Is that overkill?
Bren says
Thanks for commenting Allie, you have some good questions. I do use citric acid in my dish washing powder ( as a water softener/lime/scale remover but I have never used it on laundry. I am a concerned it might counteract the castille soap since it is an acid (you can read more here ). As far as soap berry, it wouldn’t hurt the recipe, but you might be wasting $ adding the additional soap with the castille. I’ve used the current recipe for several years in several locations around the US and world (we move a lot) and in several types of machines (standard, HE front loader and HE top loader) and it has always worked well. Maybe save the citric acid or soap berry powder for a pre- treater? Or try making a small batch of my recipe and adDing your desired substitutions a bit at a time per load to see which combination you like best. I hope this helps! -Bren
Justin says
Hi Bren… Excellent recipe! We’ve been working to free our home from harmful chemicals since my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer just over a year ago. She’s doing brilliantly and has just about finished all the main courses of treatment and fingers crossed they’re doing the trick… Does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives to Kirk’s Original Coco Castile Soap for those wishing to try this over in the UK? I can’t seem to locate any stockists of that particular soap over here. Many thanks 🙂
Bren says
Justin, so glad to hear your wife is doing well! My own journey to a more chemical free life was inspired by a dear friend’s breast cancer diagnosis. On to laundry… You can substitute any Castile soap in the same measurement. I have used Dr Bronners unscented bars and Kiss my face unscented olive oil bars successfully. While living in Japan I purchased whatever castille bars I could find. I would recommend unscented, but it doesn’t have to be an expensive brand. Hope this helps! Sorry I am not more familiar with UK brands. -Bren
Justin says
Hi Bren
That’s brilliant… I just googled a couple of natural soaps and there’s a few that might work so I’ll give them a try. Going to look out for an old food processor on freecycle to use. Don’t fancy soapy grated veg next time Tina uses it!
Have a brilliant week!
Justin
Stephanie says
This is great! I was making my own for a while and didn’t like using borax but never thought to just leave it out. I think I may try this!
And I love the addition of epsom salt. Do you think it would be overkill to add the epsom and do a vinegar rinse?
Bren says
Thanks Stephanie! No, I don’t think it would be overkill to do both the epsom salts and the vinegar. I’ve done it before for things I wanted extra fluffy (like towels) or stuff I want rinsed really well (Like baby clothes). The vinegar rinse helps breakdown any detergent that may have been left behind.
Becky says
Hi, thanks for sharing this recipe! I’m planning to make it this weekend. Can I ask where you bought your ingredients? These prices are really great!
Bren says
Becky, I get the Kirks Castile at Walmart or Amazon(Walmart only carries it in some locations), the rest I get at local discount stores or grocery stores. I watch for sales/coupons on baking soda and can usually find an online coupon for Oxyclean. I have been making it for awhile so I tend to stock up! I also find some good deals using Amazon Prime. Hope this helps!!
nicole says
Just wondering, for an HE washer, should i put it in the detergent dispenser or directly in with the clothes?
Bren says
Nicole, I have a top loading HE washer, I put the detergent directly in with the clothes. I’m not sure it would dissolve completely from the detergent compartment but it works great right on top of the clothes. Hope this helps!
Jenny says
Hi 🙂 Thank for this post, I found it on Pinterest & I’m gonna give it a go! We are also trying to rid our house of chemicals but I find that all the “safer” detergents are really expensive. I do have one question though, I have used unscented laundry detergent before and our clothes never smelled clean. Is there any natural things you know of that I could add? Maybe something plant based? Also, I use vinager around the house to clean and it’s a pretty strong smell (one my husband is not fond of) does you laundry smell like vinager if you use it? Thanks so much!! I’m excited to try this!
P.S. Have you made any dishwasher detergent?
Bren says
Jenny, thanks for stopping by the blog! This detergent smells slightly like baby wash. Your clothes will come out smelling like nothing, maybe a little Oxyclean baby smell. If you want the detergent to have a scent you can use scented castille soap in place of the Kirk’s Original Coco Castile Soap. You need 16 ounces total for the recipe. If you use vinegar in the rinse the clothes will smell slightly vinegary when wet, but will have absolutely NO VINEGAR smell when dry. (Vinegar is a natural deodorizer, so as it dries it removes odors including its own.) You can also try my homemade fabric softener, it smells like whatever essential oils you uses. I understand the concern about vinegar smell, when cleaning with it you can add essential oils or make citrus scented vinegar. I also use this Homemade Air Freshener for Fabric and Rooms (which makes the house smell wonderful) and this Natural Carpet Deodorizer and Room Freshener(which turns your vacuum into a air freshener). Yes, I also make my own dishwasher detergent too, you can get the recipe here. Hope this answers your questions! Let me know if you have more!
Jenny says
WOW!! Awesome thank you!! I’m going to check all of these out 🙂 I’m finding moving away from chemicals is pretty fun for me as I make my own… I love making things, especially when they benefit my family! Thanks again, I LOVE your blog!!
Bren says
Thanks so much Jenny! I love making my own stuff too. It’s so much fun to get safer and save money at the same time. Let me know if you have more questions!
Megan says
Hi-this looks great! But I’m pricing things out on Amazon and the total comes to over $50. Any ideas on where to get the ingredients for as cheap as you listed above?
Bren says
Megan, I’m glad you like the recipe. I usually get the Kirks Castile at Walmart or Amazon. The rest of the ingredients I get at local discount stores or (sometimes) the grocery stores. Right now (3/12/15) the washing soda is $3.97 (Wal-Mart), the Oxyclean is $6.99 (Target), and the baking soda is $2.24 (Wal-Mart) — add that to the Kirk’s and the total price of the detergent is $17.22 for 320 loads or $0.05 a load. If you use generic Epsom salts it adds about $1.25 (Wal-Mart) I also find good deals at Costco on larger quantities of baking soda and Oxyclean… I occasionally find castile soap and washing soda at Costco too. (I have been making it for awhile so I don’t mind stocking up on large amounts of the ingredients.) I love the convenience of Amazon, but it sometimes comes at a premium price on household items. I occasionally find some good deals using Amazon Prime (especially if I use auto delivery). I always price compare at Target.com and Walmart.com before ordering on Amazon. You can also Google phrases such as “Oxyclean coupons” and find more savings at times. Hope this helps!
Megan says
Ok so now I’m standing in Target and they don’t seem to carry Oxiclean Baby, I can’t find it online either. Is it ok to use regular Oxiclean? Thanks!
Bren says
Yes, you can use the regular version or Oxyclean free. I prefer the free or baby version because they have no added artificial scent. Also, sometimes the baby version is hiding in the baby section.
Jen Nichols says
Did you ever look into the ingredients of Oxiclean? I think it is just washing soda and hydrogen peroxide basically. I searched alternatives to oxiclean and got an article stating the following:
The material safety data sheet (MSDS), which is a form with data regarding the properties of a particular substance, for OxiClean with an issue date of March 12, 2007 is here (original source). That document lists the following ingredients for OxiClean.
OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Ingredients
Chemical Ingredients % By Wt.
Sodium carbonate 55-65%
Sodium carbonate Peroxyhydrate 30-40%
Ethoxylated Alcohol C12-C16 2-4%
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate (128860) Fact Sheet:
Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate is a granular substance made by combining sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide. The following is its mode of action: When water is present, the compound breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate. The hydrogen peroxide oxidizes and thus kills the target pests. After contact, the hydrogen peroxide breaks down harmlessly into water and oxygen. (CAS No. 15630-89-4)
Another ingredient, Sodium carbonate, also known as washing soda or soda ash), Na2CO3 is a sodium salt of carbonic acid.
Bren says
Hi Jen! Yes, you are correct, Oxiclean is basically powdered hydrogen peroxide which is what makes it effective in this recipe. When the water in the wash “activates” the Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate it becomes a great cleaner. Hydrogen peroxide is great for removing stains from laundry. Hope this answers your question!
Megan says
Thanks! In looking online it seems Target and Walmart are no longer carrying this product. Amazon and Diapers.com have it. Anyway, I’ll keep looking around town or maybe just pony up the extra few dollars to order online
Allie says
The only place I found it was at Babies R Us.
Bren says
Great suggestion Allie!
Bren says
Megan, did you see Allie’s comment about Babies R Us for the Oxyclean Baby? They usually have coupons too.
Megan says
Great, I’ll check that out. Thanks!
Chanel says
I’m excited to try this. I haven’t been able to find oxiclean baby but did find oxi clean free from Target. I’ll do this and then when I run out I can try to find oxi clean baby again.
Bren says
I hope you have good luck with the detergent. I have been using Oxiclean Free frequently as the baby version is getting harder and harder to find. Come back and let me know how you liked it!
Kimberly says
I was originally looking for a homage detergent that had a lavender scent. Would you be able to add lavender essential oil to this? Or would these Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps Pure-Castile Soap, All-One Hemp Lavender be a good substitution? Kirk’s does not have a lavender option. I want to make sure it stays non-toxic and everything.
Bren says
Yes, the Dr Bronners Lavendar(or other scents) would work great. I love their products. I use Kirks in this recipe because it is more affordable. Just substitute an equal number of ounces as the Dr Bronner bars are larger than the Kirks. If you want to use essential oils try them in fabric softener Or fabric refresher spray.
Sally says
Bren, thank you for the recipe! Kimberly, I bought lavender Epsom salt to give it a little scent. It’s cheaper than buying scented soap.
They also had Milk and Honey, Camomile scented Epsom salts. Which I will try next time.
Bren says
Welcome Sally! So glad you like the recipe. If you’re concerned about using a non-toxic laundry detergent you’ll want to look up the Epsom Salts on the Think Dirty App or EWG. Many of the scented Epsom salts use artificial fragrance. The scented Castile is more expensive but uses natural scents.
Mary says
I am excited to try this recipe! I also love your glass containers….where did you get those and what size?
Bren says
Thanks Mary! I hope you try the recipe! My jars are 2 quart wire bail jars. I love the look and their affordable price.
Mary says
Just did my first batch of laundry this weekend with your detergent and LOVED it! I am now going to make the fabric softener. Thanks so much for making my house more environmental friendly and healthier.
Bren says
Mary, I am so glad you like the detergent. It is my favorte DIY. I hope you enjoy the fabric softener too!
jaime says
Hi just wondering where you purchased the oil lean baby soap at. Thank you
Bren says
Jaime, I think you are looking for Oxiclean Baby? It is often available at online retailers and baby stores. I often use Oxyclean Free when I can’t find the baby version. It is getting harder and harder to find. Oxiclean Free works great too.
Stephanie says
My washer has a detergent drawer with a spot for powdered detergent – can I add it there or should I add it directly into the drum?
Bren says
Stephanie, good question! It should work in a powdered detergent dispenser since it is the same consistency of regular powdered detergent, however I have never used it this way. My washer does not have a powdered detergent dispenser so I just put it in with the clothes. Hope this helps!
Bernie says
Is Oxyclean really non toxic?
Bren says
Good question Bernie! According to the EWG ratings Oxiclean Baby and Free rate A and B. You can learn more at EWG. Oxiclean is mostly sodium percarbonate (sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide) which is consider eco-friendly. The free and baby versions are supposed to be free of artificial dye and scent.
Melodie says
I am so excited to try this recipe! I’ve never made any sort of laundry product myself so I am a bit nervous about it 🙂 My husband and I are trying to have a baby so I’m looking to clear my house of any toxins/chemicals. I was wondering if any all natural bar soap would work in place of the Kirk’s? I did read through the comments and some suggested Zote. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!!
Bren says
I have used several different versions of Castille soap. I am not sure about Zote. I would check EWG or the Think Dirty app for ratings. I try to avoid artificial
Fragrances and colors.
Tiffany says
I was wondering if this Landry detergent will dissolve in cold water ? I am very excited to try this!
Bren says
Tiffany, I haven’t had any problems with it dissolving in cold water (and I do most of my laundry in cold water). If you are concerned you can always dissolve it in a small cup of warm water and them add it to the machine.
christine says
I have Epsom salts that have milk and honey added to it. Will that work or should I buy just plain pure Epsom salts?
Bren says
Christine, I would not use the milk and honey ones – unfortunately the scented epsom salts often have many other additives (including coloring) that may or not work well in your laundry. Hope this helps!
Lori Carlson says
Can you add essential oil if you want a pleasant aroma?
Bren says
Lori, as I mentioned in the comments above, I would use scented Castile soap if you want to add scent. I would leave the essential oils for the dryer. You can find my fabric softener recipe here. They wash right out in the washing machine and leave no odor, kind of a waste for an expensive product! Hope this helps.
Melodie says
I made this incredibly easy mixture tonight!! And washed my first load of clothes in it. I am so glad to have found something that is safe & non-toxic for my family. I love it but my husband wishes it had more of a smell. Is there anything safe to add to give it a freshly-washed smell?
Bren says
I’m glad you like the detergent! Unfortunately laundry scents are usually from toxic chemicals, so you can’t make this smell like most commercial scented detergents. You can use scented Castile soap in place of the non scented or try my Fabric Softener which uses essential oils. If you really want scent spritz the clean laundry with my Fabric and Room Refresher Spray before folding. Hope this helps!
Bianca says
Thanks for the recipe! I went and grabbed all the ingredients at Walmart today, with the exception of the OxiClean Baby, which I had to order from Amazon. I have a load or two of laundry that needs to be done, would it be safe to use the mixture minus the OxiClean until it comes in, or should I just use my chemical-laden Arm & Hammer in the meantime?
Also, couldn’t find scented soap. Can I add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture for a fresh scent?
Bren says
Bianca, it should be safe to use the mixture minus the oxyclean, but I have never tried it. It might not get your clothes as clean. You can add essential oils but the laundry will still come out smelling mostly like nothing. You might try the essentials oils during the rinse cycle if you really want scent. Hope this helps! So glad you are trying the detergent!
Amy Kroeger says
Hi I just made this recipe with Kiss My Face Olive Oil soap because I couldn’t find Kirk’s or Dr Bronners (without scent) anywhere is my area. The Kiss my Face doesn’t say “castile” on the packaging, do you think it will still work ok?
Bren says
Yes, it will still work great. I have used Kiss My Face Olive Oil soap in the recipe as a substitute for Castile when necessary.
Rebecca says
The only Epsom salt I could find had lavender eo, would that be ok? Also would this work without the oxy baby? Only ingredient I didn’t find at walmart. Final question is this safe to use for baby clothes, assuming yet but want to make sure before I skip deft this time.
Bren says
I would look up any Epsom Salts you find on the EWG Skin Deep Database, one common Lavender Epsoe Salt contains artificial fragrance. You can generally find plan Epsom salt in the pharmacy section of Wal-Mart, just ask the pharmacist.
The recipe will not work as well without some type of Oxiclean, I believe Wal Mart carries Oxyclean Free which rates well on the EWG scale and works in this recipe.
Dreft baby detergents rate an F on the EWG scale. This recipe rates an A, that’s why I use it on all my kids’ laundry. It has never harmed any item I have washed in it.
Hope this answers your questions, let me know if you have more. I am so glad you are trying the recipe!
Sally says
Thank you, Bren! My hubby is in the navy too!
My problem is getting smell off the gym clothes:(
Im gonna make this batch, take half of it or less and add in some downy crystals and wash extra smelly items with that batch;)
Bren says
Hi Sally! Great to see another Navy wife here! Hope you like the laundry detergent! If you want to make a natural detergent I would check the scented product on EWG before adding it. Most don’t rate well. Have you tried vinegar in the rinse water? It does an amazing job of eliminating odor. I use this recipe (with no Epsom salts) and a vinegar rinse on my hubby’s gym stuff and it smells clean and fresh. Hope you like the recipe.
Janel says
Hi Bren,
I was wondering since you do not use the Epsom salts if you tried this recipe with them and didn’t like it? Thanks, Janel
Bren says
Good question, Janel! I honestly didn’t see much difference with or without the Epsom salt. Since I like it just fine without I don’t feel the need to use them. I think some people like them because they have hard or extra soft water. Hope this answers your question!
Becca says
Hi!
I live in Canada and I am finding it difficult to locate Oxiclean baby. Are there substitutes that you recommend?
Thank you!!
Bren says
Becca, if Oxyclean Free is available in Canada it makes a great substitute. Oxyclean is just one brand name for a mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium percarbonate. You can find it under other brand names. If you find one available in Canada I would look it up on the Think Dirty app or the EWG database to make sure it is non-toxic and free of artificial fragrance.
Ashleigh Nicole says
Great post, I had no idea borax had such a low rating. Did it state why? Have you tried soap nuts? I really want to start using those to see if this is a big difference or not.
Bren says
Ashleigh, you can read more about Borax from the EWG on their blog and also at the Mother Nature Network. I have never tried soap nuts but have heard a lot about them. We love this detergent so I haven’t used anything else for years. You’ll have to let me know if you try them.
lisa says
Hello! I’m so excited to make this!! My husband is a plumber and would prefer I not use powder detergent.. do you think it would be possible to mix this with water ahead of time so it will dissolve? Thank you so much!
Bren says
Yes, you can mix a scoop of the detergent with a cup of warm water and pour it into the machine as the cycle starts.
Mindy Sue says
Do you know if this is safe to use on cloth diapers?
Mindy Sue says
Nevermind, sorry, just saw the other comments! Thanks!
Bren says
I’ve never used it on cloth diapers, but I have used it on pretty much everything else without any problems. Hope this helps!
Emmy says
Do you mind telling me where you bought the OxiClean baby and Castile soap? I have looked on Amazon and I cannot find it for a price close to yours…
Bren says
Emmy, Oxiclean Baby is available on Wal Mart.com for $7.52 or at Babies-R-Us or Diapers.com for $9.99. I usually buy my Castile soap from Amazon. The unscented version is also available at some Wal-Mart stores. Hope this helps!
Vicki says
Most recipes I’ve seen call for washing soda not baking soda – so you use baking soda?
Bren says
Vicki, my recipe uses both: 4 lbs Baking Soda and 3 lb. 7 oz. (one box) of Washing Soda. Hope this helps!
Jesse says
Question….. How does this detergent work with dark loads? Our family tends to wear a lot of dark colors (especially my teens) and I am worried about dark colors fading. Thanks for any help!
Bren says
Jesse, I use this detergent on all my clothes (darks, delicates, everything) I have not had any problems. I think it is very gentle on clothes.
anniebelles says
I cannot find the oxiclean baby anywhere! I know I can order it online, but I am eager to make this over the weekend. Are there any alternatives? Thanks!
Bren says
Oxiclean Baby is getting harder and harder to find. You can substitute Oxiclean Free in the recipe. Also, I just wrote a question and answer we post for the laundry detergent recipe since I get so many question you can find it here: Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent Q&A. Hope this helps!
carolyn says
Super washing soda Crazy expensive online and can’t find locally…. I heard soda ash from pool supply store is the same (100% sodium carbonate) thoughts???
Bren says
Soda ash and washing soda are all names for sodium carbonate. This version that I use is affordable online. You could double check with the pool supply to make sure it is the same. Also, check out my Question & Answer for making Homemade Laundry Detergent. Hope this helps!
Connie Harper says
Would it be okay to use Dr. Brooner liquid castles soap instead of the bar of Castile soap? Also if I downsized the recipe to 1.17 gallon what would measurements be? Thanks, Connie
Bren says
Connie, you can not use liquid Castile. You can read all the reasons why and what you can substitute in my Homemade laundry detergent q&a. If you want to make 80% of the recipe amount you just need to multiply each ingredient by .80, I prefer to make the full recipe as it uses full boxes of the ingredients. Thanks for commenting!
Janel says
Hi Bren,
I’ve tried other DIY recipes in the past and did not like any of them, but I made yours last week and I just love it! I’m so happy to not be using unsafe detergent any more…thank you so much! I have one question, I have always put a 1/2 cup vinegar in the wash cycle with my towels…can I still add vinegar with your detergent…I’m wondering if it will counteract with the castile soap or the Oxyclean? Thanks Bren…Janel in NJ
Bren says
Janel, I’m so happy to hear that you like the recipe! You should not add vinegar to the wash cycle of any detergent that contains Castile soap, it will break down the soap. I add the vinegar to my fabric softener dispenser, it is then added during the rinse cycle where it helps to rinse out the soap and fluffs/deodorizes the laundry. If you do not have a fabric softener dispenser or do not want to use if for vinegar you can use a Downy Automatic Dispenser to release vinegar at the right time. Let me know if you have more questions! -Bren
Janel says
That’s what I thought, but I wanted to make sure. Thank you and I hope you and your family have a Blessed Thanksgiving! Janel 🙂
Wanita says
Hi,
Does this dissolve in cold water?
Bren says
Wanita,I haven’t had any problems with it dissolving in cold water (and I do most of my laundry in cold water). If you are concerned you can always dissolve it in a small cup of warm water and them add it to the machine.
jessica says
Hi there! I am currently using a homemade non toxic liquid detergent that I’ve been pretty happy with, but I think I’d like to give this a try. Does the powder stay loose and “powdery”? I wonder because when I made a powder dish washer detergent and kept it in a Mason jar under the kitchen sink, it turned into a brick. Not sure if it was something in the recipe, or the moisture or temperature uunder the sink? Not sure? But that’s my only concern with making a powder, have you had any issue of that sort?
Bren says
Great question, Jessica! The detergent stays very powdery no clumping or hardening. I’ve had the same problem with homemade dishwasher detergent and found out it was the citric acid reacting with the other ingredients that turn it into a brick! (You can solve the dishwasher detergent problem by leaving a silica gel packet or small mesh bag of rice in the jar or by leaving the mixture open in a large bowl for several days & stirring occasionally before you put it in a storage jar.) Hope this helps!
jessica says
Excellent! Thanks so much! Gonna try this laundry detergent asap….. and may try dish washing powder again too! Thanks for the tips 🙂
Bren says
Hope you like the recipe! You should also check out my lemon dishwasher detergent and powdered dishwasher detergent.
Jeannine de Swardt says
A question, does the detergent leave a greasy residue behind, in your machines inner workings, like some of the other detergents?
Bren says
Jeannine, I’m not sure which other detergents you mention, however this detergent recipe has not ever left a greasy residue behind for me. I have used it for nearly two years with no problems.
Deb Robeck says
I’ve used liquid laundry detergent for years and skeptical about powdered detergent. I have a top loader HE machine and wondered how well the detergent rinses out ofb the dispenser drawer?
Deb Robeck says
Also, I see that you use Oxiclean. There aren’t any harmful chemicals in oxiclean?
Bren says
Oxiclean is mostly sodium percarbonate which is considered eco-friendly. According to the EWG Oxiclean Baby and Free rate A and B. You can learn more at EWG. The free and baby versions are supposed to be free of artificial dye and scent. You can read more about the detergent and my use of it in my post Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent Question and Answer. Hope this answers your questions!
Bren says
Deb, I only used liquid detergent before making this detergent. In my opinion it dissolves more quickly than store bought powders. I have a top loading HE machine and put the detergent directly in the wash tub with the clothes. I have never used it in the detergent compartment, but it works great right on top of the laundry in cold water. When I am at my parents home (which uses extremely cold well water) I dissolve the detergent in a cup of warm water and pour it directly on top of the laundry. You can read more about the detergent and my use of it in my post Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent Question and Answer
Esmeralda says
Thank you for sharing! I’ll be making this weekend. Hate to sound CrAzY, but could this also be used to wash my dishes? I was dishes the old-fashioned way. I fill up a bowl with liquid dish washing soap, fill with water, and start dipping sponge to wash dishes. Since this is a safe and natural recipe, would you think it a good idea to also use for washing dishes? Thank you again!
Bren says
Esmeralda, it should work to get the dishes clean by hand but will not suds up since there is no foaming agent. You can also use liquid Castille soap or washing soda alone for hand washing. Good luck!
Kim says
I just washed 2 different loads of towels with the diy laundry soap. I always wash all my towels together but this time all the light colored towels have blue everywhere from a blue towel that was washed with them. I’ve washed them together many times and never had a problem with fading. Any idea what happened? I’m afraid to use it on my clothes. I don’t want something to fade all over them.
But on a better note….I love the way the towels came out as far as fresh and clean. It worked great. Just not loving the blue spots. Help!!
Bren says
I’m not sure what happened, Kim. I am so sorry you had this issue. I have never had a problem with fading or color transfer. I do separate lights from colors even when washing towels. If you want to wash them together I would use cold water.
Kim says
Hi Bren! Just wanted to let you know I have started washing everything, including towels, in cold water and I haven’t had anymore fading. Thank you so much for the great recipe!
Bren says
I’m so happy it’s working for you!
Megan P. says
Thank you for this recipe! Just getting on the all natural, no chemical bandwagon and this seems like a great recipe to start using in my home. Quick question, because I’m having a hard time doing conversions can you tell me how many 2-Qt jars you get out of this recipe using the Epsom salt version? I saw you mention in the comments which jars you use but it would be helpful to know how many to buy; or many you store it in a large container and refill the jar for everyday usage? Help is appreciated 🙂
Bren says
Megan, the complete mixture would fill at least two 2-quart jars. I generally store the mixture I am using in a 2-quart jar and put the rest into the empty Oxyclean bin I used in the mix. I usually mix the detergent it in a giant plastic container that used to contain pretzels (I bought it at Costco so imagine the size!). I sometimes leave the detergent in that container…. but the glass jars look nicer!
Jen says
I was unable to find any Kirk Soap on the EWG website- any idea what the original soap is rated? (Not the unscented) thanks!
Bren says
It rates a 2 on their beauty product score chart (1 being the best, 10 being the worst) . You can read the full report here.
Danielle says
Do you know if All OXI laundry booster free and clear for sensitive skin is equivalent to the OxiClean baby/free and clear? It is half the price but I couldn’t find it on the EWG website but I didn’t see it. However, the other All products on there seemed to score an F…
Bren says
Danielle, it took me a little research but I have an answer! Here is where you find the product data sheet for the All Oxi Booster Free & Clear. It contains Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Carbonate Peroxide both of which rate an A on the EWG scale. This is essentially the same product as Oxiclean Free/Baby, you can see the Oxiclean ingredients here. I would check out the back of the box to make sure those are the only two ingredients and would then feel safe using it. I always double check to make sure the word fragarence is not on the ingredient list, sounds odd but a lot of fragrance free products still have fragrance! Hope this helps! I will have to check it out the next time I am at the store. -Bren
Eliza says
Do you have this recipe in a smaller size? I have all these ingredients on hand but I use a lot of them for cloth diapers so I don’t want to use the full boxes for this recipe.
Bren says
Eliza, you can simply divide the ingredients by 1/2 or 1/4 to make a smaller batch.
Brooke says
Thanks for the recipe! I have been making my own laundry detergent for years. I just recently found out the fels naphtha is not as safe as I thought it was 🙁 I am looking into using kirks castile soap in my laundry detergent as well. I am a little nervous because I have heard many people find that castile soap leaves an oily residue on their clothes. I really don’t want to ruin my families clothes but I also want to make healthy choices for my family, so I am at a dilemma!! Do you find that the castile soap leaves any sort of residue on your clothes? Also does it clean well?
Bren says
I have been using this detergent for close to 3 years and I have never had an oily residue. It cleans great. It removes stains and odors well. You can read more in my Natural Laundry Detergent Q & A.
Ines says
Hi Bren! Your blog is amazing! I’ve been trying natural cleaning products for a while but your recipes look way better than the ones I’ve been using. I read some of your comments because Oxi Baby or anything like that exists here in Uruguay (there’s Oxi powder I’ll check today in the store to see the ingredients but doubt they come as clan as yours) so I was wondering if like you said to Daniel on Feb. 16 I could substitute it directly with Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Carbonate Peroxide. I’m not sure I’ll find them in pure state but just in case, could you tell me the proportions or if there’s anything I can substitute it with? Thank you!!
Bren says
Ines, thank you so much for the lovely compliments. I am sorry to say that do not know the Sodium Carbonate or Sodium Carbonate Peroxide ratio since Oxiclean does not disclose the amount of fillers they use. You could try it out for yourself or use Borax as a substitute for the Oxiclean. I am not sure how you feel about Borax use, but you should be careful not to breathe it in if you use it in the recipe. Hope this helps!
Ines says
Thank you Bren! I’m hunting for Oxiclean today to see if I’m lucky enough to fin a clean one. If not I’ll investigate with the other ingredients. I’ve been using borax for a while but had no idea you shouldn’t breath it, so I’ll try to get even cleaner with Oxi. Thank you for your answer!
Bren says
Good luck!
MrsReneD says
I made this today! Thank you for the recipe as my husband has such sensitive skin! Time will tell, but I have a feeling this will work 🙂 …
Bren says
Thanks Rene! My kiddos have sensitive skin too. Hope this recipe works for your family.
Tawny says
Hello Bren! I absolutely love your site! I see lots of comments regarding oxi-clean baby and just wanted to share. On the EWG site they also rate ” LA’s Totally Awesome Power Oxygen Base Cleaner” an “A”. I have been using this in my laundry detergent in place of oxi-clean and it works great! It’s the same ingredients as oxi-clean. Even better – you can find it at the Dollar Tree. A 16 oz container is only $1!!! I make a smaller sized, similar version of your recipe so this works perfectly for me- plus the scoop in the container is a perfect size to measure the laundry detergent out. Your recipes just make sense. I’ve made my own laundry detergent in the past but was still always concerned with the “natural” ingredients I was using. Thank you for sharing all of your recipes!!
Bren says
What a great suggestion, Tawny! I can’t wait to check it out!
Greta says
Maybe I missed it in the comments, but has anyone used Biokleen? They have an oxygen bleach plus (3X concentrated. 32 loads, 2 pounds. About $9 on Amazon). I have a container here but I haven’t used it before. Since it’s three times concentrated would I only use 1 pound for this recipe?
It rates an A on EWG but has more ingredients than Oxiclean. I’ve always heard how much “filler” Oxiclean has (And for some reason I can’t convince myself that Oxiclean is “green” enough for me. Something still seems fishy!?)
Ecover Laundry Bleach is another one I’m interested in. Anyone have any experience?
Thanks!
Bren says
I’ve never tried Biokleen or Ecover, let me know if you have any luck!
Lauren says
just found this! looks like a great alternative. does it work for all washing machines? And by all machines, I mean the HE – High Efficiency machines.
Bren says
Lauren, yes you can use the detergent in HE machines. This recipe is low foaming so it is HE safe. I have personally used this detergent in a standard washing machine, a front load HE washing machine, and a top loading HE washing machine. It worked equally well in all the machines. You can read more in my Homemade Laundry Detergent Question and Answer.
Luanna Villanueva says
Thank you so much for the recipe to your great laundry detergent. I had been trying various eco friendly commercial detergents but was extremely unhappy with the results. My clothes never seemed to get clean. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to try yours; it couldn’t be any worse. I’m delighted to say that after using yours for a good month I won’t be looking any further. My washing is cleaner than it has been in a long time and without harming the environment! I use a HE front loading washer with a powdered detergent dispenser. The first time the detergent did not dissolve completely. Every time since, I heat up a cup of water in the microwave, stir in the detergent and pour it into the dispenser when the cycle begins. There’s never been any residue left on the laundry. I have very hard water and used Epsom salt in the recipe. Without using vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser, my washing is amazingly softer. All in all, I am very pleased to have found a safe replacement for the expensive detergents I had been using.
Bren says
I am so happy to hear that you are having great success with the detergent! I love it too. I have a HE machine and simple pour the powdered detergent on top of the clothes (in case you don’t want to use the dispenser). Thanks for commenting!
Janie says
Hey Bren, such a great article. Thank you for sharing not only your opinion but the facts. So helpful! On another note, I’m wondering if I missed something. I clicked on all the links you said but prices are way higher for each product. For example, you said $3.24 for 1 box Super Washing Soda, 3 lb. 7 oz but on the link to amazon, the price is $9.89. I’m confused on the pricing breakdown, help?
Thanks!
Bren says
Janie, the prices are based on the best I can get shopping stores in my area and/or online. The Amazon links are to show the products I buy, Amazon prices change all the time so I cannot guarantee they are lowest. I would check your local stores and online to see where you can get the best deal.
klynch528 says
sorry if this has already been asked – but do you mix in any sort of essential oils for a scent, or are they not necessary? Thanks!
Bren says
I do not add essential oils to the detergent since they simply wash out leaving no scent. You can read my scenting ideas in my Homemade Laundry Detergent Question and Answer.
Barb Burchett says
I have been making a liquid laundry soap for a few years, but would like to try this. Could you please tell me how much to add to each load? I read the article a couple of times and stated to read comments, but do not have time to read them all. Thanks
Bren says
No problem, Barb. It’s actually in the printable recipe. Use 1-2 Tbsp per load. I generally use 1 Tbsp.
Kayla says
I just made this tonight and am very excited to use it! I was wondering though, how do you keep from inhaling it? I know that sounds ridiculous .. But I used the exact ingredients listed and I feel it is very dusty, as in when I scoop a whiff of dust comes up with it. Any suggestions?
Bren says
Kayla, I keep mine in a big jar that is only about half full so the dust stays inside. Also the dust seems to settle down and not be a problem after a few days.
Usha says
Do you know if these ingredients are safe for septic systems? The key for septic systems is not to use stuff that will kill the bacteria required to break down rhe water and be biodegradable itself.
Bren says
I would double check with a septic tank guide but they should all be safe for your septic tank.
Vanessa says
I just made this but i used Grandma Lye Soap , because my son is allergic to coconut oil and i couldn’t find any castillo soaps without coconut. but it seems like the soap doesn’t completely melt in my HE washer, Do you have any suggestions on what to do?
Bren says
Vanessa, I would fill a cup with 8 to 10 ounces of warm water and dissolve the detergent into it then pour into the washer directly on top of your clothes. I do this when washing in extremely cold water and it works great. You can also try Kiss My Face Bar Soap Pure Olive Oil Fragrance Free Soap in the detergent. Good luck.
chlshiland says
Thank you so much for this recipe! I want to try it so badly. The thing is I use cloth diapers and I have hard water. I tried looking at all of the comments to see if these two things had been addressed and didn’t see much as far as actual experience using this recipe for these two things. Could you help me out and let me know if you know anything about how this detergent works for those two issues? Thank you so much!
Bren says
I have very hard water and use this detergent exclusively. I have not washed diapers in it, but I have washed everything else…. Including fuel smelling uniforms…. with great success. Hope this helps!
Bren says
You should also check out my Q & A, https://brendid.com/natural-homemade-laundry-detergent-question-and-answer/
Melissa Drummond says
Hello, I searched through old comments in hopes to answer my own question but I am not sure I found it. Would you mind telling me what size container I need to house this recipe once completed?
Bren says
I store mine in a 2 gallon jar. It is about 3/4 full when I make detergent. You could use any 1.5-2 gallon container.
Melissa Drummond says
Thank you for your response!
Krystal Kalene Herbst says
I was wondering if the soap dissolves well in cold water? We washing everything on cold per the husbands’ request.
Bren says
I use it in cold water (I also wash everything in cold water), you can dissole it in a bit of warm water if you have problems. Read more in my post Homemade Laundry Detergent Q & A
Kathy says
Just a FYI. A repairman told me you should never use salt in your washing machine. There are parts it could cause issues with, such as corrosion.
Bren says
Epsom salt is magnesium, not table salt. You can leave it out and the recipe still works great.
numnee says
I am new to all this DIY cleaners and such. I’ve been really looking forward to green laundry detergent. Do you have suggestions for a liquid laundry detergent? Or do you know of someone who has made a liquid green version of a laundry detergent? I would appreciate it 🙂
Bren says
I am working on a liquid version, my Stain Sauce will work but it is a bit of an effort to make. I do not have a liquid recipe that I have tested to recommend, sorry!
numnee says
I’m looking forward to the liquid laundry detergent :). Thanks.
Kristin Menzen says
I just found this recipe and was so happy to see in the comments you’ve also successfully made this with Kiss My Face Olive Oil Soap. My son has terrible eczema and believe it or not, we think it’s coconut that’s doing it. We aren’t sure yet if it’s just a sensitivity or if it’s an actual allergy, or if it’s all in my head, but coconut is in EVERYTHING (soap, hand sanitizer, laundry detergent, baby wipes) so I’m trying hard to find alternatives for everything. I just bought the olive oil soap to use as his regular soap and now I need a laundry detergent recipe and now I’ve found one. When doing the vinegar rinse, you just put the white vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser when you load the washer? How much do you use? Also, does the OxiClean Baby list it’s ingredients. I can’t find that online at all and I need to make sure no pesky coconut products have snuck their way in there. Thanks so much!
Bren says
I love Kiss My Face Olive Oil Soap, I buy it for showering. I use vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser or add it to a Downy Ball. You can use Oxiclean Free if you cannot find Oxiclean Baby (it’s getting harder and harder to find). Check out my Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent Question and Answer for tons of questions I have been asked about the recipe. It has lots of great info. I hope this helps your son’s eczema!
Stephanie says
Hey there! So excited to have run across this recipe. I am fairly new to the world of natural cleaners and would love to save myself the step of grating the soap. Baby steps, ya know?! 🙂 Do you have any suggestions on where to buy the pre-grated soap? I am located overseas (also military!), so big box stores are not an option. Thanks so much!
Bren says
Stephanie, I have not been able to find a source for pre-grated soap that scores well on the EWG scale. 🙁 I grate mine in the food processor and then run the food processor bowl and grater through the dishwasher with my dishes. It comes out sparkling clean. The soap takes about 2 minutes to grate this way. I’ve been doing it for about 3 years with the same food processor. I’ll let you know if I ever find a pre-grated version. -Bren
Phylicia says
Hey Bren,
Would you use this on cloth diapers? I’ve been making the Borax/Felz Naphtha version for two years and I’ve often wondered if it’s effectively cleaning the diapers. I want something more natural but that still works for the diapers. Thanks!!
Bren says
I use this detergent on everything from hand washables to fuel soaked uniforms. If you are concerned about fragrance, optical brighteners or enzymes this detergent contains none. If you are concerned about detergent buildup or detergent residue you should use the white vinegar rinse (although I do not have a build up problem with or without vinegar). If diaper odor is a concern I would use the vinegar rinse. Hope this helps!
P.W. Singleton says
Thank yoy for your recipe. I have been making my own detergent, but we are having a baby, so I am trying to find some recipe that will be good for the baby. I am glad I found this, I will try it. I have one question though. What is Epsom Salt for? I saw it is an optional.
Thank you very much.
Bren says
The Epsom salt is used by some people as a softening agent. It is entirely optional, I do not use it when I make my own. You can read more in my Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent Question and Answer.
Scott says
I have used a mixture of 1 cup Borax, 1 cup Washing soda and 1/2 bar Ivory soap for nonbleach detergent (colors); and added 1 cup of sodium perborate for bleach detergent (whites) and had good results.
And, add about 2 ounces of 6% white vinegar to the wash also.
Now, I want to see if I can get the same or better result patterned after your recipe- 1 cup each Washing Soda, Baking Soda and Sodium Perborate, 1/4 cup Kirk’s Castille.
I’m not convinced Borax is hazardous, it has been used for generations, Also, while I like Ivory soap, it still does have an undisclosed fragrance in it, and so wish to avoid that. Regular Kirk’s Castille also has a fragrance so I’ll use the unscented version. I will try this new way and post how it works.
Bren says
Interesting experiment Scott, hope it goes well.
Scott says
I tried 1 part baking soda, 1 part washing soda, 3/4 part sodium perborate and 1/4 part Kirk’s Castille unscented soap on whites, colors and towels. I add about 2 ounces of white vinegar in the wash as well.
Preliminary results:
The clothes smell and feel great! No fragrance, or perspiration smell.
Cleaning quality is good, but not great on stains, etc. (which was true of the previous version with Borax and Ivory soap).
I used sodium perborate as a bleach substitute on every load, no fading immediately noticeable, but need more time to test. If it works, this could be one homemade detergent for both whites and coloreds.
Bren says
I’m glad the recipe is working well for you. I agree, some stains need extra treatment. I use homemade Stain Sauce for Laundry. or All Purpose Cleaner with a spray of hydrogen peroxide. Can’t wait to hear more! -Bren
Emily says
Ok, I just started my first load! I have an he machine, should I put it in the detergent spot or just the bottom of the washer? My old stuff I put in the bottom but I’m not sure how well it was working, my hubby’s gym clothes came out still stinky. But it could have just been the detergent…
Bren says
I have a HE washer and put the detergent right on top of the clothes. If your clothes come out stinky you might want to give the machine a cleaning and then try washing them again. Here’s the way I clean my machine. Good luck!
Emily says
I’ll try that first. Thanks!
Katie says
I’ve been using this for about a month, and I’m impressed! The only thing I do differently is use 3 or 4 tablespoons per load in my large capacity HE machine. It works great. I’m hooked!
Bren says
Thanks Katie! I’m so glad you like the detergent!
Carmen says
I read that if you mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together, it’s the same as oxyclean,and less expensive. I can’t remember the amounts to mix together, would this work in your laundry detergent recipe. If so, How much should I use? Thanks for your help.
Bren says
People mix hydrogen peroxide, water and baking soda or washing soda to make homemade “Oxyclean.” ou can not add this mixture to the dry laundry detergent mix, the liquid will react with the mix and lose it’s effectiveness.
Ana says
Hi Bren, this is a great recipe, however, I am concerned about what I have read online about using soap instead of true detergent to clean clothes, that it will ruin my washer, that it’ll clog pipes or create a film and that it won’t truly clean clothes. What are your thoughts of using soap vs a real detergent?
Bren says
I use soap, I have been using it for 3 years in my HE machine and have not had a single problem. It’s important to note that soap has been used for cleaning much longer than detergent. I wrote a long response about soap vs detergent on my FB page (you can see it here). You should do whatever you are comfortable doing with your appliances. Be aware that soap and detergent can both build up if you are 1) using too much detergent or 2) overloading your machine so clothes cannot rinse properly. You may get a bit of soap residue (soap scum) or mineral build up if you have hard water, but a but of vinegar in the rinse will get rid of this problem. You can also run an occasional empty load with vinegar to really clean things out (this should be done if you are using soap or detergent, most manufacturer’s recommend a cleaning with their own cleaning tabs). I have personally seen no difference in build up when using detergent or soap. If you want a true detergent you should check out my Liquid Laundry Detergent recipe.
Melissa says
What quantities of Castile soap snd Epsom salt would you recommend if I leave out the oxy clean?
Bren says
I’ve never made it without Oxiclean so I can’t give you any good advice, sorry!
Amy says
Hi Bren, tested out your recipe in 1/4 part and I love it! It’s the best out of the 3 I have tried. But the catch here is that I can’t get Oxiclean in Singapore, (damn, I can’t get lots of things here) but I have managed to find pure Sodium Percarbonate from Japan. The catch here is 3lb of that cost a whooping of USD22.
So, is there a way I can reduce the amount of Sodium Percarbonate?
Bren says
I’m so glad you like the recipe, Amy! I have never made it with less Oxiclean, but you could try making a a batch with 1/4 the normal amount and see how it washes then work you way up to what you think works best. All you would have to do is stir in a bit more. Hope this helps!
Susan Kaliszewski says
Just wondering if using a cheese grater for the bar soap will work? I do not have a food processor
Bren says
Yes, you can use a grater as long as it has small holes. You want the soap to be in small enough pieces to easily dissolve.
Catharina says
Hey Bren
I from Brasil, just found your blog. There is just One thingh I dont understand about your receipt: why use the OxyClean? It is not just made of “Sodium Percarbonate and Sodium Carbonate”? You just put already the same component using the washing soda ?
Thanks
Love this blog
Bren says
Oxiclean is mostly sodium percarbonate (a dry granulated form of hydrogen peroxide) which helps remove stains in laundry. Washing soda is pure sodium carbonate. If you skip the Oxiclean you are skipping the granulated hydrogen peroxide. You don’t have to use Oxiclean, I use it because it is a common brand in the United States and is easy to find. You can use any powdered sodium percarbonate. Hope this answers your question, thanks for commenting! -Bren
Kara says
I’m so glad I ran across your recipe! I was buying natural laundry soap from a lady near me that made it and sold to but she has recently stopped. I have the list of ingredients, just not how much of each. This is the closest recipe I have found so far! The only thing missing is “wet” ingredients. Is there a need for any of these — water? Vegetable glycerin? Coconut oil? It also has essential oils added to some for scent but I read above you said, it was kind of a waste due to its washing of during the wash. Thank you for your opinion.
Bren says
Thanks for stopping by, Kara! You do not want to add water to this recipe because it will react with Oxiclean in the mix and lose it’s effectiveness. Oxiclean is powdered hydrogen peroxide (Sodium Percarbonate), its cleaning power is released when it hits water so you do not want it to touch liquid before it is in the washer. Coconut oil would just make your laundry more dirty, I am not sure why that was added. Vegetable glycerin does work as a stain remover, but since it is a liquid it would react with the Oxiclean if added to the mix. I would recommend keeping a bottle of vegetable glycerin as a stain treater instead. The essential oils do wash out, but if you prefer nice smelling detergent feel free to use some to make laundry time more fun (I support anything that makes laundry more enjoyable!). If you want a liquid detergent recipe you should check out my recipe here. I also have a LONG laundry detergent question and answer here. Good luck! Let me know if you have more questions and how you like the detergent. -Bren
Paige says
Hi Bren,
Where are you purchasing all of your ingredients for this recipe? The links to amazon you have above show much more expensive products. Or are your price calculations outdated? For example, you have the box of baking soda as $2.36 but that Amazon link shows it at $5.95 which is quite a bit different.
Bren says
Paige, the links are to show the brands I use. If you check out my Homemade Laundry Detergent Question and Answer. I break down where I buy everything.
Anna says
I have used a few homemade luadry soaps but so far none have stood up to my two dogs and their smell. Do you have animals or have a problem getting that particular smell out of your wash? Also would this recipe work for cloth diapers?
Bren says
I have a huge German Shepherd and wash his bed with this soap. It works great. Use a vinegar rinse or pre-wash with vinegar if you have really stinky dogs. You can my HUGE Q & A about this detergent here and more about homemade detergent in general here.
Holly says
I’m extremely pleased with how easy this was to make. I live in an intentional community where electric is limited and I was able to grate the castile soap with a fine cheese grater very easily. The ingredients were easy to find and were even a little cheaper than your listing prices. The ingredients cost less than 20 dollars and will last a long time. I can’t wait to use it! I’m using a large, bpa free cereal storage container to hold it and this makes somewhere near 10 freakin’ pounds of detergent! I’m blown away. I will share this blog post and my satisfaction 🙂 thank you for your hard work! I almost did the liquid detergent but decided on the dry for cost effectiveness, mess reducer and quantity of product. It’s really nice to be able to easily cross reference your recipes and opinions/experiences 🙂
~ Holly
Bren says
Thanks, Holly! I like the dry detergent best. It last a LONG time and is very cost effective. I hope it works well for you. -Bren
Sharon says
Made this today. Haven’t tried it in laundry yet. I was using Norwex powder detergent and liked it but it was pricey.
The prices on you list are way low to current price. I got all on Amazon and cost about $35.
Bren says
Hi Sharon, I hope you enjoy the detergent. Amazon, while very convenient, is more expesive that buying the ingredients at a local store. You can read my local prices ( $20.75 ) in the comments or Laundry Detergent Question and Answer. Cheers!
Trisha says
I am so excited to make this – but castile soap where I am is very expensive…
Could I use the Ivory pure and simple soap bars? I can buy a bulk pack of that very cheap.
It has a pretty good rating on EWG … do you know if it will work okay?
Thanks!
Bren says
Trisha, check out my homemade laundry detergent question & answer. It discusses all the possibilities! Good luck.
Nancy says
Hi, I was wondering why it said cook time 10 minutes. I did not see in the instructions a need for any cooking. Thanks! Looking forward to trying this recipe.
Bren says
Nancy “cook time” is just the recipe card telling you how long it takes to make… no cooking necessary!
Tristan says
Hi there!
I am super interested in trying out this recipe. As I was browsing the web today for recipes, I came across some articles that said that using homemade laundry detergent is actually not good for your clothes as the soap and things can create a film on your clothes. Then this film actually traps dirt and gunk in your clothes. Have you had any problems with this? I don’t want to clean my clothes for them to turn out not actually being clean. Thanks!
Bren says
Thanks for commenting, Tristan. It depends what ingredeints you are using, some homemade recipes use the wrong ingredients. I am happy to report that my recipe works great. If you want to learn more I wrote a whole post about how homemade detergent works and another detailed q & a about homemade laundry detergent. Let me know if you have more questions! -Bren
Joanna Valliant says
Hi! I’m not sure if this was previously addressed in the comments but I saw that some people asked about using Zote flakes instead of Castile Soap. I just wanted to mention that Zote Flakes received a ‘C’ rating from the EWG so I don’t think this is a great alternative to use especially if you are concerned with the environment! Sorry if this had already been addressed!
Bren says
Thanks for commenting, Joanna. You are correct, Zote does not rate great. I do not use it in my home. You can read more in the Natural Laundry Detergent Q & A.
Shannon says
How big of a container do you use to store it?
Bren says
I store it in a plastic container that holds 2 gallons.
Janyce says
Hi Bren,
Was curious to know where you bought a 4 pk of castilles soap for $5.16?
amazon is selling an 8 pk for $17.00 +.
Bren says
I buy it online at Wal-Mart.com (affiliate link) and also at VitaCost.
Danielle says
I love this recipe for laundry detergent. I made my first batch 5 months ago, and just yesterday made a second batch. Cleans so well and lasts so long. Thank you for sharing!
Bren says
Thanks, Danielle. I am so happy the detergent is working well for you!
Michele says
Can you please let me know what labels you bought to print out the free labels for the Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener? Also, do you have a label for the Stain Sauce?
Thank you so much for the recipes and all the information. I have been gathering all the ingredients and have been to at least 6 stores. The last of the stuff I had to order online.
I am so excited to get started.
Bren says
I print the lables on Avery full sheet labels (affiliate link) then cut them out with scissors. I have not made I label for the stain sauce… I will try to get on that soon! I hope you enjoy the cleaners. -Bren
Meggie says
I tried the recipe cut in half, used dr bronner lavender scent soap bar, and also used the vinegar rinse. My whites do not come out white a bit on the dingy sid, any help?
Bren says
You can add a bit more washing soda to boost the whitening power. Make sure you are washing on warm too. Good luck!
Meggie says
I washed my whites in Hot water, towels still came out dingy
Alicia says
I’m excited to try out this recipe! Do you happen to know how much this yields? Thank you
Bren says
Alicia, the recipe makes about 20 cups (320 loads at one tablespoon per load).
Tiffany says
Could I add hydrogen peroxide instead of oxi clean? Maybe separately in each load?
Bren says
Sorry, I’ve never tried it with hydrogen peroxide. You would not want to add it to the dry mix.
Claudia says
I am so excited to make this detergent 🙂 but i have a small problem. In Europe we don’t use this measurements. We weight things into grams and kilograms. Could somebody help me to convert this recipe into grams and kilograms. I want to do the right way. Thank you
Adrienne says
So this recipe is Earth-friendly or is it just non-toxic? It would be really great if it was both.
Bren says
Adrienne, the EWG ratings are meant to protect both human health and the environment. Hope this answers your question!
Adrienne says
thank you so much Bren!!
Bren says
😉
Margret says
So this is a natural recipe? I would really like to know, its for a science project and it has to be “Earth-friendly”.
Anyway, thanks.
Bren says
Margret, EWG ratings are meant to protect both human health and the environment. Hope this answers your question!
Sheila says
I LOVE THIS!!! Finally got around to making this and all I can say is ‘WOW’!!! I use 1 tb for regular laundry and 2 tb for my dog potty pads. They come out clean and WHITE. Amazing!
I have also been using straight white vinegar, for the rinse, and my laundry has NEVER been so soft. Works great with dryer or line dry. I am a convert and have been converting friends to a more chemical free life.
Thank you SO much for posting all you do!
Sheila 🙂
Bren says
Thanks Sheila! I’m so glad it works for you!
Patricia says
My roommate wants a borax free homemade laundry detergent. But I don’t have a good processor. Do I still need to put the castile soap in the food processor? Can I still use Purex Crystals?
Bren says
Patricia, I would check out my liquid laundry detergent recipes if you want a borax free recipe and don’t want to grate soap. I do not use Purex Crystals in any of my recipes because they contain artificial fragrance and rate a C on the EWG Healthy Cleaning Guide.
Becca says
I was just looking at my Borax version because I’m needing to buy more ingredients. Thanks for the post and for doing all the homework for us. Definitely plan to try this healthier laundry detergent instead. 🙂
Bren says
Thanks, Becca. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Angela Yeung says
Do you also use your food processor on food after the soap? Is 1-2 tbsp enough for a load of laundry? Will all the ingredients fit in that 1-2 tbsp?
Bren says
Yes, I use my food processor for food after grating soap. As I mention in the post “The soap has not injure my food processor at all. It washes out easily and does not leave a scent.” Yes, I use 2 Tablespoons per load for my large HE machine.
Angela Yeung says
I purchased Dr. Bonner castile soap bar but they are 5oz each. Should I use 3, 15oz or 4, 20oz? Thanks!
Bren says
You should use 16 ounces of soap to make the recipe. Save the leftover soap from the last bar for your next batch or use it in the shower. It’s great body soap.
Angela Yeung says
Hello,
What is your opinion on this powder or your other liquid formula?
Bren says
Are you asking which I prefer? I think both work equally well but I generally use this homemade powdered detergent because it makes 300 loads and is easy to store.
Brina says
I’m sorry if this is a duplicate question, I had trouble reading ALL of the feedback on your post!! I have made my own laundry detergent using Borax, Washing Soda and Castille bar soap. I have since read an enormous amount of information that says soap does not actually get into the fibers of clothing and will instead build up over time on clothes, and that DETERGENT is necessary to actually clean clothes well. And that many ingredients found in home made laundry recipes are water softeners that do not actually contribute to the cleaning process of clothes. Are any of the ingredients in your recipe considered DETERGENTS rather then soap? Thoughts?..I specifically read a womens blog who used home made powder for months. She then stripped a load of “clean” clothes that she had been using her DIY recipe on and the water from that load was GROSS! Ugh..so confusing
Bren says
Brina, I actaully wrote a whole post about this question. You can read it here: Do Homemade Laundry Detergents Really Work?
Jordan says
i know it’s been a couple of years since this post and Kirks could’ve changed their recipe since then, but I scanned the soap into the “think dirty” app and they rated it at 9 for the fragrance. What soap are you currently using or would you replace this with?!
Bren says
Jordan, I use the non-scented version of Kirks in the recipe but any CAstille soap will work. Just use the same number of ounces. I also love Dr Woods and Dr Bronner soaps. Good luck!
Haleigh says
I was skeptical to make my own laundry soap because I heard blames that “they don’t work” and “it doesn’t remove odor from clothes”. Well I’m here to say that this stuff works! Not to mention, I had an accident if the female sorts today, and did not pretreat my undergarment. I just threw it in there and hoped for the best. To my surprise it got the stain out! My clothes are completely odorless and feel nice and clean. I used the home made dryer sheet recipe in addition to my wool dryer balls as well. My clothes feel so soft. Next time I will leave out the essential oil because I really can’t notice that it left a scent. But that’s not a concern of mine. Clean clothes are. And this stuff is legit. So glad I stumbled upon this recipe. It makes a ton! I made my friend sample bottles of each!
Bren says
I’m so glad the laundry detergent is working great for you, Haleigh! I had out samples to my friends too! 😉
Liz says
I left a comment on one of these laundry detergent recipe pages and I don’t see it here. But, since you are responding to comments made in January 2018 here, I’ll ask my question again.
I am being told in no uncertain terms that using soap in any DIY detergent recipe is going to create a build up on my clothes and in my washing machine. I have read as much of what you have written on your blog about your experiences with the recipe and you do say, you’ve had no problem with cleanliness of the clothes or having a problem with your machine. But – you did make a statement at the end of your ‘Do Homemade Laundry Detergents Really Work?’ page, that made me wonder. You said…
“THE FINAL DECISION HOMEMADE OR STORE BOUGHT?
I would rather deal with a few disadvantages to using soap for laundry than expose my family to unnecessary man-made chemicals. You should decide what is right for your family.”
That to me would indicate there are a few disadvantages, but what are they? All I saw you say, was that you were happy with using it and there were no disadvantages. So I’d really be happy to know what the trade offs are. If my laundry is not going to be as clean, or have a scent, or I have to do a little more to get whites, white, I can live with that. But if my clothes and the washing machine are going to develop a build up of residue after a few months, that is a different matter. Especially if the machine is going to end up with a build up. If it’s the clothes, well, no harm no foul. I could switch back to a different detergent and that would be the end, but if the machine was affected, that might not be so easy to solve. So, I’d really appreciate a specific answer about whether or not you have experienced any buildup or soap scum in your machine over time and if so, if you had to do something to address that? Also you seem to indicate you moved around some, so I find myself with the question of whether you were using the same machine long enough to determine that no, there was no build up. Thanks so much. 🙂
Bonnie says
Liz, I reread her article and I interpreted the disadvantage as having to take the time and make the laundry soap. It is safer for the family but it does take time.
I have tried homemade recipes in the past and have not been happy with them. I just started using this and the jury is still out 🙂.
To save time, I cut up the soap and put it in the microwave. This puffed it up and then I put it in the food processor. Easier on my processor.
Bren says
Interesting technique, Bonnie. I’ve seen the microwave soap experiment done with kids. I wonder if it affects the cleaning power of the soap?
Bonnie says
I don’t think so! I’ve tried other recipes and just wasn’t happy with the cleaning ability. I also discovered I hated grating soap 🙂
My test subject was my sons work clothes which come home caked in mud. It was taking 2 washing’s with my commercial detergent. 2 tablespoons and the clothes came out spotless! I was so amazed!!
I did find that I had not made the soap fine enough because I was getting residual soap on my clothes at first. So I put it back through my food processor and made the mixture finer in texture. No soap residue and a fantastic cleaning job! Thank you Bren!!
Virginia Galligan says
How did you determine that 183 oz would give you 320 loads? How many tablespoons does 183 equal? Also were you going by using 1 or 2 tablespoons per load?
Bren says
One dry ounce equals approximately 2.38 tablespoons so 183 ounces is approximately 435 tablespoons (these are rough measurements). Using 1 Tablespoon per load you should get at least 400 loads. If you use 2 tbsp for every single load you will get approximately 217 loads. I tend to get at least 320 loads per batch using 1 tablespoon for smaller loads and 2 for large or extra dirty loads.
Virginia Galligan says
Thank you! I just made up a batch but had to use “normal” Kirk’s and slightly different Oxiclean. I’m excited to try it! Can I post information about this on my own blog? I would link to this post. I like to share “thrifty” finds.
Bren says
Thanks for posting, Virginia. You can definitely post about the laundry detergent on your blog. However please send your readers here for the ingredients/instructions.
Lori Christoffersen says
Hi Bren, thanks for all of your efforts and your willingness to share your knowledge! My personal idea of “The Holy Grail of Laundry Detergent” adds one additional criteria – which is none of the ingredients are purchased from companies that test on animals. That takes Oxiclean and Arm & Hammer baking soda off the list. I can get baking soda from other sources but Oxiclean poses more of a challenge. I was wondering if using sodium carbonate peroxide (which gets an A from EWG) is something you may have tried or if you have thoughts around whether this ingredient would perform similarly? Thanks!
Bren says
Thanks for commenting, Lori. Oxiclean is mostly sodium percarbonate so some reader have tried using Sodium Percarbonate as a substitute. If you want to experiment with Sodium Percarbonate I would use only 1/2- 3/4 of the Oxiclean amount since the pure Sodium Percarbonate has no fillers. You could also search for other Oxygen bleaches that are animal friendly, I found this one on Amazon: Ecos Oxi Brite
Yarely says
Hello,
I am wondering if this soap dissolves well when washing with cold water?
Bren says
Yes, it dissolves in cold water. If you have extremely cold water (like well water) you can pre-dissolve it in a small cup of warm water or try my liquid laundry detergent. Good luck!
Kaydee says
I am hoping it was just a fluke or maybe I did it wrong? I tried using this last night for the first time and for the most part I love the result! The only problem I did have so far was that the clothes on top (that the detergent got poured onto) still had detergent on them, It didn’t dissolve from them… I did wash them on cold, but I noticed on another comment you said it would dissolve in cold water. Any ideas what might have gone wrong?
Bren says
Kaydee, it really depends on the temperature of your cold water. When using super cold water I recommend dissolving it in warm water (I have also allowed a bit of warm water to run into the machine over the detergent and then switched to cold). Good luck!
Ginger says
Thank you so much for this!!! I spent a day on EWG, checking out our products. Ours weren’t on there and I’m tired of membership fees. I grew up on shaklee and use it in my own home. My mother wouldn’t even let us in the detergent isle as kids. As a one income family with lots of laundry we have been looking for an economical option, and my husband needs scented detergent. This is perfect and we are going to do this for our weekend project! P.S. I had to drop some unfortunate news to my sisters about their new found favorite products- melaleuca. ALL F’s.
Bren says
I’m glad to be of service, Ginger. Hope you like the detergent!
Stefanie says
Are the measurements still the same if I don’t use the oxiclean?
Bren says
I’ve never made it without Oxiclean so I’m not sure how it would work.