The DIY laundry detergent that I’m sharing today has been my go-to for about five years now. It’s easy to make, and it doesn’t irritate my skin as some other detergents do, like Tide. Oh, and did I mention that it makes nearly a year’s worth of laundry detergent for around $24 in supplies? I’ve made adjustments to the recipe over the years due to supply chain issues and haven’t noticed any issues. I have noted some changes below.
So here it is:
3 (5 oz) bars Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar [or Zote Laundry Bar]
1 (65 oz) box Mule Team Borax
1 (55 oz) box Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda
2 (16oz) box Great Value Baking Soda
2 (16oz) LA’s Totally Awesome Power Oxygen Cleaner
2 (21 oz) bottles Purex Crystals Fragrance Booster
Step 1 – Make Powdered Detergent
First, you’ll break down the bars of Fels-Naptha into fine pellets of laundry soap. The pieces need to be small enough that they will dissolve readily in your washing machine. I like to do this by using a cheese grater, then blending them in my food processor along with a few scoops of Washing Soda. (The Washing Soda keeps the laundry soap pieces from sticking to each other too much.)
Step 2 – Mix The Ingredients
Next, you’ll combine all the detergent ingredients. In my experience, the easiest way to do this is to use a couple of trash bags!
If you live in a humid area, like I do, make sure to choose an airtight container so that your detergent stays dry.
How Much Detergent Should I Use?
For a standard wash load, use 2 tablespoons of homemade laundry detergent.
For large or heavily soiled loads, use 2 1/2 tablespoons.
For small loads, use 1 1/2 tablespoons.
This detergent works perfectly in any washing machine, including high-efficiency machines! (Bonus HE Tip: Skip the dispenser and toss the detergent right into the washer!)
Notes:
Washing soda has a higher PH than regular baking soda. So if you want to make more eco-friendly laundry detergent, you can increase the washing soda and eliminate the borax.
Original recipe called for 2 (55oz) boxs of OxiClean, however, due to the pandemic and supply chain issues I no longer can justify the cost. I use 2 (16oz) cans of Dollar Tree’s Oxygen cleaner and notice no difference at all. It turns out that using a third of the original oxygen cleaner doesn’t white wash my cloths as much. Dollar Tree for the win!
Adding Purex Crystal is an easy way to give homemade laundry detergent a fresh and lasting scent. If you prefer to avoid fragrances, feel free to leave the crystals out! The detergent will work just fine without them.
Approx Cost Breakdown: (Walmart / Dollar Tree 6-27-22)
$3.27 – 3 (5 oz) bars Purex Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar
$5.47 – 1 (76 oz) box Borax
$4.17 – 1 (55 oz) box Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda
$0.72 – 1 (16oz) box Great Value Baking Soda
$2.00 – 2 (16oz) LA’s Totally Awesome Power Oxygen Cleaner – Dollar Tree
$7.94 – 2 (15.5 oz) bottles Purex Crystals Fragrance Booster
TOTAL: $23.57 [225oz – 90 loads]
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