Want to cut down on harsh chemicals in your laundry and save money at the same time? Making your own laundry bar soap is easier than you think — and you only need three simple, natural ingredients to get started! This soap is perfect for scrubbing out stains, hand-washing clothes, or even grating to make homemade laundry powder.
What You’ll Need:
- 450g (1 lb) coconut oil (great for cleaning and producing a hard bar)
- 60g (2.1 oz) lye (sodium hydroxide)
- 160g (5.6 oz) distilled water
Equipment:
- Digital scale
- Stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic container
- Stick blender
- Silicone or wooden soap mold
- Safety gear: gloves, goggles, long sleeves
Instructions:
- Prepare the lye water
Wearing gloves and goggles, slowly sprinkle lye into the cold distilled water (never pour water into lye). Stir carefully until the lye dissolves completely. The mixture will heat up quickly — set it aside to cool to around 38-43°C (100-110°F). - Melt the coconut oil
In a separate container, gently melt the coconut oil. Let it cool to the same temperature range as your lye solution (38-43°C). - Combine lye and oil
Pour the cooled lye solution into the melted coconut oil. Use a stick blender to mix until the soap reaches light trace (a thin pudding-like consistency). - Pour into the mold
Transfer the soap batter into your mold. Tap the mold gently to remove air bubbles, and cover it with a towel or lid. - Cure the soap
Leave the soap undisturbed for 24-48 hours. Once firm, remove it from the mold, cut it into bars, and let them cure in a well-ventilated area for 4-6 weeks. This curing time allows the soap to harden and finish saponification.
This easy three-ingredient laundry soap bar cleans clothes naturally, is gentle on sensitive skin, and helps you avoid unnecessary additives. Homemade laundry soap can make your laundry routine simpler, greener, and more satisfying!
