Say goodbye to store-bought detergents and hello to a simple, effective, and eco-friendly homemade alternative. With just a few ingredients, you can create your own liquid laundry soap that’s gentle on your clothes, wallet, and the planet.
Ingredients
- 1 bar of natural soap (such as Castile or unscented soap)
- 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
- 1/2 cup borax (optional, for extra cleaning power)
- 10-12 cups of water
- Essential oils (optional, for fragrance—lavender or lemon work well)
Instructions
Grate the Soap
Use a grater to finely shred the bar of soap. This helps it dissolve more easily.
Melt the Soap
In a large pot, heat 4 cups of water on medium heat. Add the grated soap and stir continuously until completely dissolved.
Mix in Washing Soda and Borax
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the washing soda and borax. Stir well until both powders dissolve fully.
Combine with More Water
In a large container (like a bucket), pour the soap mixture and add 6-8 cups of hot water. Stir to combine.
Add Essential Oils (Optional)
For a fresh scent, add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil and mix well.
Cool and Store
Allow the mixture to cool completely. It may thicken slightly as it sits. Transfer the liquid soap into bottles or a container with a lid for easy storage.
How to Use
Use 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid detergent per load of laundry, depending on the size of the load and soil level. Shake the container before each use to ensure the mixture is evenly combined.
Why Make Your Own Laundry Soap?
Making your own laundry soap has several benefits that make it worth considering.
Eco-Friendly
By making your own laundry soap, you reduce plastic waste and avoid harsh chemicals found in commercial detergents. It’s a simple and effective way to make a positive impact on the environment.
Cost-Effective
A batch of homemade laundry soap costs a fraction of store-bought alternatives. You’ll be able to save money without compromising on the cleanliness and freshness of your clothes.
Customizable
When you make your own laundry soap, you have full control over the ingredients. This ensures that you’re using a safe and effective product for your family. You can even customize the fragrance by adding essential oils of your choice.
Enjoy clean, fresh clothes and the satisfaction of crafting your own eco-friendly laundry solution!
