The most popular green cleaning tutorial on Bren Did is Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent. It is also the DIY that also gets the most comments and emails! This laundry detergent question and answer addresses the most popular concerns and inquiries.
Learn a bit more about making homemade laundry detergent and give this all-natural recipe a try.
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How to Use Natural Detergent
How well does this detergent work?
This detergent works as well as any commercial laundry detergent I have ever purchased. I have used it exclusively for more than 3 years and can tell no difference between store-bought detergent and my homemade laundry detergent.
Can I use this detergent on delicates… or diapers… or dark colors?
I use this detergent on everything from bathing suits and delicates to stinky gym clothes and uniforms. It cleans great and has never damaged an item. If you are concerned you should make a small batch and test the detergent for yourself.
Is this detergent safe to use on baby clothes? I’m hesitant to switch from Dreft.
One of my pet peeves is the way laundry detergent manufacturers market some laundry detergent as baby specific. Many of these “baby” detergents are heavily scented and laden with chemicals that are bad for infant’s skin. For example, Dreft baby detergent rates an F on the EWG scale, I would not use it in my home. My natural laundry detergent recipe rates an A on the EWG scale, that’s why I feel good about using it on all my kids’ laundry.
Is this recipe safe for HE washers?
This recipe is low foaming so it is HE safe. I have successfully used this detergent in a standard washing machine, a front load HE washing machine, and a top loading HE washing machine. High efficiency and standard machine detergents contain the same cleansing ingredients. High efficiency detergents do not contain chemicals such as ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, or sodium laureth sulfate that make soap suds or foam. This detergent works well in a standard machine, but there will not be many soap suds.
Should I put the detergent in the dispenser or directly in with the clothes?
I put the detergent directly in the wash tub on top of the laundry. I have never used it in the detergent compartment since it is powdered.
Can I use this detergent in cold water?
I do most of my laundry in cold water and have not had a problem. If you wash in extremely cold water (such as well water) or have issues with it dissolving, add the detergent to a cup of warm water and then pour it over the laundry.
Natural Laundry Ingredient Questions
Can I substitute Zote flakes? I don’t like to grate soap.
I do not used Zote flakes because detailed information about Zote’s ingredients is not available. W hen companies do not readily disclose ingredients it makes me suspect that they contain dangerous substances. Zote does contains fragrance and dye, both of which I avoid. The best information on Zote is here.
**If you want a no-grate detergent check out my DIY Laundry Detergent Liquid recipes. There are two borax-free liquid detergent recipes that make small batches of laundry detergent with no grating.
Can I substitute liquid Castile soap for the bar Castile soap?
You can not add liquid Castile soap to the dry mix, the liquid will react with Oxiclean in the mix and lose it's effectiveness. Want to use liquid Castile? Mix together the other ingredients (no bar soap) then add ¾ tsp of liquid Castile to the washing machine with 1 tablespoon of dry mix.
Note: liquid Castile soap is more expensive and less concentrated than solid Castille bars. 1 cup of liquid Castile soap equals 3.64 ounces of bar soap. You need 35 oz. of liquid Castile to equal 16 oz. of bar soap in this recipe. The liquid Castile costs about $18.00, the bar Castile costs around $5.00.
**If you want a liquid detergent check out my DIY Laundry Detergent Liquid recipes. There are two borax-free liquid detergent recipes that make small batches of laundry detergent with no grating.
Can I use a soap other than Kirk’s Original Coco Castile Soap?
Feel free to substitute any natural Castile soap bar, just be sure to use the same amount (16 ounces). Dr. Bronners' Castile bars and Kiss My Face Olive Oil unscented bars work well for me in this recipe. Check substitutions on the Environmental Working Group’s database to keep the laundry detergent all-natural.
Is Oxyclean really natural?
Oxiclean is mostly sodium percarbonate. When water is added it releases hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate (washing soda). Sodium percarbonate is considered eco-friendly. The Free and Baby versions of Oxiclean are free of artificial dye and scent, according to the manufacturer. The EWG guide gives Oxiclean Baby and Oxiclean Free ratings of A and B. .
Where to Buy Ingredients
Where do you buy Oxiclean Baby? I can’t find it.
Oxiclean Baby is hard to find in stores, but can be ordered from Amazon. Oxiclean Free is easy to find, works equally well, and rates a B on the EWG scale.
Where do you buy your ingredients? Your prices are great!
Unscented Kirk’s Castile is available for a good price on Amazon and Walmart (online and some locations). I purchase the other ingredients at local big box stores. As of 10/2015 the washing soda is $3.24 (Wal-Mart), the Oxiclean Free is $7.59 (Target), and the baking soda is $1.98 (Wal-Mart), add Kirk’s from Amazon and the detergent is $18.50 for 320 loads (5.7 cents a load). Generic unscented Epsom salts add about $1.25 (Wal-Mart).
Where do I buy Epsom salts?
Epsom salts can be purchased at most grocery and big box stores. Check the pharmacy or personal care section. Buy only pure, unscented Epsom salts. There is no need to get an expensive brand. (Note: I do not use Epsom salt in my detergent.)
Where did you get your glass containers? I love them!
I store my detergent in affordable 2-quart Hermes top jars or wire clamp jars. The are also called glass swing-top, or wire bail jars. I love the look of these classic jars in the kitchen and laundry room.
How to Add Scent to Natural Detergent
Unscented laundry detergent never makes my clothes smell clean. What does this detergent smell like?
Many people think “clean” is the powerful scent of synthetic fragrances. Unfortunately, the artificial scents that make laundry smell like mountain streams or fields of flowers contain toxic substances which can harm your health. The bottom line –> truly clean laundry smells like nothing! Use this detergent and laundry will come out of the machine clean, safe, and smelling like nothing!
What can be added to naturally scent this detergent?
Commercial detergents are usually scented with toxic chemicals that coat laundry. Natural substance cannot not make laundry detergent smell as strongly as artificially scents. To add a gentle, natural scent you can:
- Use naturally scented Castile soap in place of the non-scented Castile soap.
- Make natural Fabric Softener using essential oils to soften and lightly scent laundry in the dryer.
- Spritz clean laundry with natural Fabric and Room Refresher Spray before folding.
What you should not add to detergent:
- Essential Oils – Essential oils are natural and safe to use in laundry, but wash out with the rinse water. Laundry comes out of the machine VERY faintly scented or smelling like nothing. Any remaining essential oil scent will disappear in the dryer.
- Scented Epsom Salts – Epsom salt is sometimes sold with artificial scent such as lavender, milk and honey, or chamomile. Scented Epsom salts do not rate well on the EWG scale, do not use them if you want non-toxic laundry detergent.
We have really smelly laundry; can I add Downy Unstoppables or Purex Crystals (or a similar laundry scenting product) to the detergent?
Please check ANY scented product on a green cleaning guide (I use the Think Dirty App, on the Good Guide, and EWG.org) before adding it to the detergent. Downy Unstoppables rate an F and Purex Crystals rate a C on the EWG scale , I would not use them in my home. Stinky gym clothes and fuel soaked uniforms come out smelling clean and fresh when using this detergent and a white vinegar rinse, no harmful ingredients necessary!
Do clothes smell like vinegar if you use it to soften laundry?
White vinegar in the rinse cycle may make laundry smell slightly vinegary when wet, but it will have absolutely no vinegar smell when dry. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer, as it dries it removes odors including its own. If you hate the scent of vinegar make natural Fabric Softener that softens in the dryer and uses essential oils.
I hope this Q & A has answered your most pressing questions. Still have concerns? Read more in my post Do Homemade Laundry Detergents Really Work or comment below and I’ll answer.
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Wow thanks for posting this Bren! I get a lot of questions too when I tell people I make my own laundry detergent. My mother in law was really skeptical that it would get clothes clean without ruining them until she tried it. I think you have all the questions covered. 🙂
Thanks Sara!
I have a question. If I run out of laundry detergent, what products in my house would be safe for a sheet wash?
Theresa, did you see my recipe for Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent? You can also use castille soap in a pinch.
Since I have gone gluten-free, I have stopped using white vinegar in cleaning. (If I understand correctly, white vinegar is made from wheat and/or barley.) Do you know if apple cider vinegar can be used in place of the white vinegar?
Melinda, I have never personally tried apple cider vinegar in my laundry but I have read that it works the same way as white vinegar. If you want to try it, add it in the rinse cycle. Hope this helps! -Bren
For your Canadian visitors, I found the Oxiclean Baby at Superstore and London Drugs, the washing soda at London Drugs and the Baking Soda (the 2 kg box) at Superstore, although you can find baking soda anywhere. Castile soap is hard to find, amazon.ca has some, but I think the prices are better with amazon.com (even with the bad exchange). Hope that helps!
Thank you Marlaena! I am sure all my Canadian readers appreciate your research!
Hi Bren,
Thank you for posting this as it was very helpful! I just did my first two loads of laundry with your recipe and it works great!!! I have a few questions.
I have a liquid stain remover I just spray on stains to treat them. Could I somehow use this combined with water (and it would dissolve) to use as a stain spray?
Also, do you reccomend any natural smelling castile soaps that would add some scent as you suggested? I am with you, and definitely want to stay clean in the EWG, but wouldn’t mind a scent as long as it was still just as clean.
Thank you 🙂
Sarah, thanks for stopping by the blog! Yes, you can mix this soap with water and use it to treat stains, I would mix it on a load by load basis, it may not last long in liquid form. I often spray stains with hydrogen peroxide or a bit of liquid Castile soap. For scented Castile bars I have used Dr Bronners brand or Dr Woods brands, both work well… just don’t get a moisturizing version. Hope this helps, let me know if you have more questions!
Awesome thank you Bren 🙂
Hi, Thanks so much for all of the great info that you provide on your blog- I have been visiting often to make nontoxic products for my home.
Question: are you able to provide this recipe for a much smaller quantity? Maybe in cups vs. pounds? It would be very much appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Nevermind! I was just able to answer my own question by measuring everything out. In case anybody else asks, here’s a recipe for 2 smaller batches. The sample size batch is slightly off the exact measurements, but should still work.
Sample Size batch:
1/2 bar Kirk’s Castile
1/2 c. Baking soda
1 c. Washing soda
3/4 c. Oxiclean Baby
Medium (Half) Batch:
2 1/2 bars Kirk’s Castile
2 1/4 c baking soda
4 3/4 c washing soda
2 3/4 c oxiclean baby
Thanks for the calculations, Robyn! Hope you like the detergent.
Thank you so much for this post. You have motivated me to make my own laundry detergent again. The hardest part is the grating!
I previously made a natural laundry detergent without the Epsom salt and Oxi Clean and thought it worked well. Are these necessary and what is the benefit of them? I don’t mind adding them, I just want to know, especially about the Epsom salt. Thanks!
Thanks Alissa! The Epsom salt is used as a softener. I generally make mine without it. You can read more in my laundry detergent post. I like using OxiClean because it is powdered hydrogen peroxide, it helps to remove stains and brighten the laundry. Hope this helps!
Question, what do you use as a bleach substitute for whites?
Tiffany, I use hydrogen peroxide, extra washing soda, extra Oxyclean, or lemon juice.
I like this recipe and am researching homemade laundry detergents right now. I am just curious as to why you eliminate the borax and add oxi clean instead? Borax is like baking soda or salt and non toxic and cheaper than oxi clean. I just don’t understand why this recipe eliminates it completely. Thank you!
Gen, Borax use is actually quite controversial in “green” cleaning circles. It is actually not non-toxic and can be used to kill ants and other pests. You can read more about borax and see why it gets an “F” rating at the Environmental Working Group. You can read more about why I have personally decided to use Borax in my Homemade Dishwasher Detergent post. 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. According to the EWG ratings Oxiclean Baby and Free rate A and B.
Hi. I was wondering if using oxyclean and vinegar is safe? I just read the post about mixing green ingredients and was wondering if these ingredients mix or not because you only use the vinegar in the rinse cycle? thanks!
Katie, the Oxyclean is drained out of your laundry tub with the wash cycle water so it is not mixing directly with the vinegar in the rinse water. I have had no problems using a vinegar rinse, but you can also emit the vinegar rinse if you desire.
We have well water and rust. I use homemade detergent made with borax but can’t use it on whites. Have any of your followers mentioned having issues with well water?
Bobbie, is the issue with well water or with rust in your water? I have used my homemade detergent at my parents’ home which has well water. I sometimes have to add the powder to a cup of warm water to get it to dissolve more quickly in the very cold well water. Otherwise I have had no problems. If you have a rust buildup you can run CLR though your washing machine occasionally. You can read more in my Green Dishwasher Cleaning post. Hope this answers your question!
Why do you add in the regular baking soda when the recipe already uses the super washing soda?
Holli, baking soda and washing soda are two different substances. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is great for softening, brightening and odor removal in the wash. Super washing soda (sodium carbonate) it is great for dirt and stain removal and also cuts through grease, it helps make water soft and the detergent more effective. I love the way they work together in the laundry detergent recipe.
Hace you considered making liquid laundry detergent?
Pricilla, I have not made a liquid laundry soap because: 1) I love the dry version and 2) I am concerned about the ingredients reacting when water is added to make it into a liquid. I want the cleaning reaction to happen in the washing machine! If you want a non-grate version you can mix together all the ingredients minus the Castile soap and then add ¾ tsp of liquid Castile to the washing machine with 1 tablespoon of the mix. I used to ONLY use liquid detergent but this mix dissolves so easily that I do not miss it.
Is the OxiClean a “stain soaker”? I don’t find any other online.
You can use the Baby version (you can buy it on Amazon) which says stain remover on the side or the Free version (you can buy it on Amazon ).
How much should you use in a HE machine versus a regular machine?
Christa, it is low foaming (as I explain above) so you use 1 tablespoon in either a regular or HE machine.
Hi Bren, I am having difficulty finding the Baby Oxi, what retailers have you had success finding it at? I really want to make your “safe” laundry detergent.
Unfortunately, Oxiclean Baby is getting harder and harder to find in stores. It is available on Amazon but costs more than in stores. I use Oxiclean Free when I can’t find the baby version, it works equally well and also rates an A on the EWG scale.
I had just found the Baby Oxi Clean at Toys R Us/Baby’s R Us store at $9.99 for 3 lbs. It was hard to find!
Bren, I already bought liquid castile soap for liquid version..is liquid not a good way to go? How would I use it in with liquid with your recipe?
You can not add liquid Castile soap to the mix, the water in the liquid soap will react with the Oxiclean. You can mix together all the other ingredients and then add ¾ tsp of liquid Castile to the washing machine with 1 tablespoon of the mix. Please note: Using liquid Castile soap is more expensive than using Castille bars. 1 cup of liquid Castile soap equals approximately 3.64 ounces of bar soap. This means you need 35 ounces of liquid Castile soap to equal the bar soap in this recipe. The liquid soap will cost you about $18.00, the bar soap costs around $5.00.
Bren, I actually found it on diaper.com at a very good price in case anyone else is looking.
Is it okay to use: Dr. Bronner’s Organic Pure Castile Bar Soap – Lavender – instead of the Kirk’s?
Charlotte, I’m glad you found the Oxiclean. Yes, you can substitute any natural Castile soap for the Kirk’s, just make sure to use the same amount (16 ounces). To keep the laundry detergent all natural be sure to check any substitutions on the Environmental Working Group’s database. (PS – The answer to this question and your precious question are above in the post if you don’t want to wait for my replies.)
Hi, Have you heard and/or researched using Himalayan Salt in the dryer as a softener?
I was reluctant at first due to the HS cost, but tried it in one of those pretty fabric bags from the wedding section at a craft store…pretty colors, organza-like with ribbon closure.
It works wonderfully!!And it’s been a few months now and I haven’t changed the salt! No static, laundry feels great.
I really hope to find it’s not toxic.
Thanks for your blog and your diligence!????
What a great question, Jan! I have not heard of using Himalayan Salt but will check it out. Are you using a block of salt? I would make sure your bag is 100% cotton so it doesn’t melt/release fumes in the dryer. Thanks for the tip.
For those who still want their laundry to have a fresh scent without using anything toxic, I have two words……clothes line!! Hanging clothes outside makes them smell super fresh! Sometimes i was my pillowcases mid-week ahead of schedule just so they smell extra wonderful at bedtime!
Excellent suggestion, Pamela!
I have been so thrilled about making this laundry detergent, but I ran into a problem which I feel strongly about. I am big into animal rights and that is how I got on this path… but some of the items you use, like the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda, and others I think, the companies test on animals. I have a HUGE problem with this! I have already bought these things from Amazon and have made the soap. However, in the future, is there anything else I can use which is not causing animals to be tortured?
Thank you for your help,
Laurie, I haven’t specifically researched all the companies but you can definitely substitute animal safe brands for any of the ingredients. I think Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda is animal friendly and you can turn it into washing soda using this method. You can use Dr Bronner’s Castile Soap and Savvy Green Oxygen Bleach. Hope this helps! -Bren
Hi Bren. I just made your detergent recipe and I think it works great, but I noticed for my sons really stinky items there was still a slight odor. It was a large load washed with cold water and I used two tablespoons of the detergent. How do you get your husband’s work clothes to come out with no odor? Is there anything else I should be doing? Thanks in advance!
I forgot to mention that I did use vinegar in the rinse cycle as well.
If it’s really stinky I wash on hot and put less in the load. I also sometimes run a rinse and spin with no detergent just vinegar on terrible smell stuff (like gasoline smell). Hope this helps!
With your advice, I rewashed that load and it worked! I feel more confident about the recipe now. I see I’m going to have to buy a bigger bottle of white vinegar though. 🙂 Thanks a lot for your help!
You’re welcome!
Hey Bren!
I have 2 questions for you. Number 1, is this batch 320 loads worth if you only use 1 tbsp per load? And also, I made your homemade fabric softener, which calls for essential oils, but then I just read in this blog post where you mentioned that you should NOT use essential oils because:
“Essential oils are natural and safe to use in laundry, but they will wash out of your clothes with the rinse water. Your laundry will come out of the machine VERY faintly scented or smelling like nothing. Any remaining essential oil scent will disappear in the dryer. This is an unnecessary waste of an expensive product!”
So I’m confused by the contradiction. Should we add essential oils to the fabric softener, or is it a waste of an expensive product?
Thanks for the questions, Briana. Yes, this detergent makes 320 using 1 Tbsp per load. 1 Tbsp is all that you need to get a load clean. I have a super capacity top loader and use only 1 Tbsp per load. If you are using the homemade fabric softener and want the essential oils to retain some of their smell you should use the fabric softener on a cloth in the dryer. The essential oils are a catch 22, people LOVE their laundry to smell and ask about it all the time. However, most are looking for the huge burst of scent that dangerous chemicals give laundry. Essential oils can add scent to your laundry process/ laundry room and faintly scent laundry but are never going to give the huge scent of manmade chemicals. I use some in my fabric softener to mask the scent of vinegar and make the laundry process more pleasurable. I do not use them in the detergent as it smells fresh and clean already.
Perfect, thank you so much for your speedy response! I can’t wait to give this a try!
Hi Bren,
Thanks for all this information!
How about washing wool using this laundry detergent? And I’m also hesitant about using Epsom salts and vinegar with wool. Your thoughts please?
Thanks,
Summerdays
I have hand washed wool sweaters in the detergent minus the Epsom salt and vinegar. I use cd water and dry flat. I had no problem. I would spot test if you are concerned.
Hi Bren! LOVE your site! I’m in the UK and it seems we cannot get OxiClean here for love nor money…(well, PROBABLY money actually, but A LOT of it…). Is there a substitute or can it be left out?
Many tia x
Thanks Carly! OxiClean contains two active ingredients: Sodium Percarbonate and Sodium Carbonate. I think Vanish Oxi Action is the same product in the UK. I would check the laundry aisle for anything containing those active ingredients. They usually have oxygen or Oxi on the name. Hope this helps!
Is this product Biodegradable? We use our washing machine water to water our plants here is drought stricken CA.
According to Oxiclean their products are biodegradable (Oxiclean is Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate), according to Kirk’s their Castile soap is biodegradable, according to Good Green baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is in it’s natural state and does not need to biodegrade, and washing soda is also in its natural state (sodium carbonate). However, ingredients can be biodegradable and still not be safe for watering plants. I would read this guide to grey water and decide for yourself.
Oxiclean baby is currently 9.99 at toys r us. You can buy online for in store pickup to save shipping. Hopefully this helps someone.
Thanks for the tip, Niki!
Hi there! I was shocked to find all of the ingredients on the military base besides the bar soaps! Amazon finally got them restocked and I was able to get this made. I am LOVING it so far, but I had a question/concern. The clothes are feeling a bit oily out of the washer – thoughts on what is causing it or how I can avoid it? We have a top-loader “water efficient” washer if that matters. Thanks so much!
I have a top loader high efficiency machine too, I’ve never had a problem with an oily feel. I think it could be a few problems: 1) you might be using too much of the detergent, I use only 1 Tbsp per load (use less or use vinegar in the rinse to help break down the soap) 2) if you have just switched from commercial products it could be the film from the fabric softener washing out of your fabrics (use vinegar in the rinse to help break it down) 3) it could be the water where you live or the commercial products washing out of your machine (again try the white vinegar rinse to help). I put the vinegar in my fabric softener compartment or use a Downy ball filled with vinegar. You can also try filling all the compartment (bleach, fabric softener, detergent) with white vinegar and running the washer cleaning cycle. Hope this helps! (PS – You can usually get Kiss My Face unscented olive oil soap in the commissary, it works in this recipe if you don’t want to order the Kirk’s soap.)