Want to Cut Your Laundry Bill in Half? Try These Easy Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipes

Store-bought detergent may be convenient, but it can get expensive fast. Most commercial detergents cost roughly 20 to 30 cents per load, while homemade liquid laundry detergent can cut that cost by more than half.

And considering how often Americans do laundry, the savings can add up quickly over the course of a year.

“Our research showed nearly 50% of respondents claim to do seven loads of laundry or more per week,” Shawn Ashby, laundry manager at Whirlpool, said of a company-backed laundry habits survey.

For people looking for a more affordable or natural alternative to commercial detergent, here’s how to make homemade laundry detergent, including borax-free options and important tips before you start.

How to make homemade laundry detergent

Before making homemade liquid laundry detergent, wear protective gear like gloves, safety glasses and a mask to avoid irritation from powdered ingredients such as borax and washing soda.

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Classic homemade laundry detergent recipe

Stacy Johnson, the founder of Money Talks News, shared one of the most popular homemade laundry detergent recipes.

• 1 bar soap
• 4 cups boiling water
• 3 gallons water
• 1 cup borax
• ½ cup washing soda

Step-by-step instructions

• Step 1: Bring four cups of water to a boil.
• Step 2: Grate the bar soap using a cheese grater.
• Step 3: Add the grated soap into the boiling water and stir until dissolved.
• Step 4: Pour the dissolved soap mixture into a large bucket with three gallons of water.
• Step 5: Add one cup of borax and ½ cup of washing soda.
• Step 6: Stir until the mixture thickens.

The result is a thick homemade liquid laundry detergent that can be scooped into the washer similarly to commercial detergent.

Utah State University homemade laundry detergent recipe

The Utah State University Cooperative Extension recommends a similar recipe for homemade clothes detergent, but with slightly different proportions.

• 2 cups grated bar soap
• 2 cups borax
• 2 cups washing soda
• 2 gallons water

Unlike the previous recipe, the university’s version combines the dissolved soap water, borax and washing soda first before adding two gallons of water instead of three.

Martha Stewart homemade liquid laundry detergent recipe

Nashia Baker and Alexandra Kelly of MarthaStewart.com created another variation of DIY laundry detergent using hydrogen peroxide and essential oils.

• 16 cups boiling water
• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 2 additional cups water
• 2 cups borax
• 2 cups gentle dish soap
• 50 drops essential oil

Step-by-step instructions

• Step 1: Add two cups of borax and two cups of baking soda to eight cups of boiling water.
• Step 2: Dilute one cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with two cups of water and stir into the mixture.
• Step 3: Add two cups of dish soap and the remaining eight cups of boiling water.
• Step 4: Add about 50 drops of essential oil once the ingredients are fully dissolved.

Homemade laundry detergent recipe without borax

Borax remains one of the most debated ingredients in DIY laundry detergent recipes.

While borax is a naturally occurring mineral, the National Pesticide Information Center warns that it can be “corrosive to the eye and irritating to the skin.”

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) goes further, warning: “We recommend that you not use the recipes that include borax, since it may pose health risks.”

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For people looking to avoid borax entirely, Bren-did.com recommends a borax-free homemade laundry detergent recipe.

• ⅔ cup super washing soda
• 3 tablespoons baking soda
• ½ cup liquid Castile soap
• 5 cups water, divided

Step-by-step instructions

• Step 1: Bring the water to a boil.
• Step 2: Combine two cups of water with the washing soda and stir until dissolved.
• Step 3: Slowly add the baking soda until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
• Step 4: Stir in the liquid Castile soap, followed by the remaining water.
• Step 5: Let the mixture cool to room temperature and stir well before use.

For homes with hard water, Bren-did.com also recommends skipping the baking soda and swapping the Castile soap for ½ cup of Sal’s Suds, which tends to work better in mineral-heavy water.

FAQ about DIY laundry detergent

While DIY detergent can save money and cut down on unnecessary additives, it also works a little differently than store-bought formulas. Here’s what to know before you start washing with a homemade mix.

How much homemade laundry detergent should I use per load?

Most homemade liquid laundry detergent recipes recommend ½ cup to 1 cup per load. High-efficiency washers should start with ¼ cup to ½ cup because HE machines use less water and can produce excess suds.

How long does homemade liquid laundry detergent last?

Store homemade detergent in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and try to use it within a few months. Liquid batches may separate or gel over time, so shake or stir before each use.

What are the drawbacks of using DIY laundry detergent?

Some appliance experts warn that homemade detergents may leave buildup in washing machines.

According to Sarah Armstrong, a new product brand manager at Maytag, “creating a DIY detergent may void the warranty on your appliance, as you run the potential risk of damaging your washing machine,” per Better Homes & Gardens.

That concern is especially relevant for high-efficiency machines designed for low-suds commercial detergents.

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Will homemade detergent work on tough stains?

Homemade detergent handles everyday dirt and lighter stains well, but it lacks the enzymes commercial detergents use to break down grease, grass and protein stains like blood.

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For stubborn stains, pretreating clothes separately may still be necessary.

Can I add fragrance to homemade laundry detergent?

Yes. Adding 20 to 50 drops of essential oil — such as lavender or tea tree oil — is a common way to scent DIY laundry detergent naturally. Add the oils after the mixture cools so heat doesn’t break down the fragrance compounds.

What’s the best container to store homemade detergent in?

A repurposed detergent jug works well once the mixture cools, though glass jars are another option for people avoiding plastic. Keep the container sealed, clearly labeled and out of direct sunlight — especially around children and pets.