If you have seven minutes you can make this homemade liquid laundry detergent. There is no soap grating involved and just 3 ingredients, well 4 if you count the water. The longest part of the process is waiting for the water to get hot.
This recipe works for HE washing machines, that’s what I have.
I have been making laundry detergent for two years. I decided to try this because I had become aware of EWG (Environmental Working Group) and learned about products I was using that were not good for my family. Reading words like asthma and respiratory issues, skin allergies and irritations, development and reproductive toxicity and cancer, really scared me. I started doing research and took baby steps to change what my family was consuming. The first thing I tried was making my own detergent.
I used to buy All Free & Clear detergent because there were no harsh fragrances and it didn’t cause any skin allergies, so I thought. To my surprise it scored a D on EWG, YIKES! I was fooled by the name but that’s alright because I have learned so much about living healthier and naturally. See, I’m always looking on the bright side.
Not only is this detergent all natural with no harm to your body, you will save money and it lasts a long time. I have a family of 4 and I get about 100 loads out of it. Not bad.
*TIP: I found that putting vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser of the washing machine helped to make my clothes and especially towels soft. The towels used to come out a bit “crunchy”, but not anymore.
Vinegar is not only a great fabric softener but it also helps to get rid of the residue that detergent leaves on the clothes.
Other articles you might be interested in: Vinegar, Why You Need to be Using it in Your Laundry and Three Easy Steps to Detox Your Laundry
Benefits of the Ingredients:
Castile soap is a vegetable oil based soap. It is biodegradable and nontoxic.
Baking Soda is a natural deodorizer that helps to get out smells and stains.
Salt helps keep clothes from fading, softens the water, and it is a stain fighter.
What You Need:
- 4 cups hot water
- 1 cup liquid castile soap (I used unscented)
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/3 cup salt
- 1 gallon empty container ( I used an old, clean vinegar container)
Make It
In a large measuring cup, stir together the hot water and baking soda until the baking soda is dissolved. Next, add the salt and stir until it is dissolved. Add in the liquid castile soap and stir to combine.
Pour the mixture into the one-gallon jug. Fill the rest of the jug with water, slowly, as the soap will foam.
You will need to shake the container before each use. Use 2-3 Tbsp.
15 Comments
The detergent became like a solid a couple days after I made it. Should I add more water?
Hi, and thanks for the recipe.
I failed here.
My baking soda never did dissolve, even after boiling the water and using a stick blender as a last resort. And I ended up with about a third of my container being foam no matter how slowly I added water. (I never did take chemistry! 🙃)
Also, will the Dr Bronner’s add residue to the washer over time? Is that why the vinegar should go in the rinse cycle?
Thanks for any pointers.
What does the salt do for the laundry?
Salt softens water with various hard mineral deposits.
I’m curious about the salt…what purpose does it serve in the recipe?
I made it today using the Lavender Castile soap, it is so mildly fragrance it’s just perfect!!!! Love it, used the peppermint for dog shampoo it was to strong!! Thanks for this cause my powder was not desoving very good anymore that ive been making!! Love how easy this was to make!!
Thanks for taking your time to share your experience! I’m glad you like it.
Thanks for this recipe! I will make it today.
Is it 2 – 3 tablespoons for a 4- 5 kg washing machine? I have a 7 kg washing machine, so I think I need to use more.
I’ve made other liquid laundry detergent and for that recipe I need aprox 200 ml per laundry. So I am very curious if 3 tbsp will be enough for my washing machine 😀
I made this soap last night and the baking soda never did fully dissolve. I let it sit overnight and there was still some foam at the top of my jug. I tried a scoop out in my sink with some water today and it had a sort of scummy residue on top and it did not get sudsy at all. Is this the way it’s supposed to turn out? I’m thinking I did something wrong.
What about adding essential oils to it? Or would using an scented soap be better?
Either one will work. I have not added essential oils to it so you’ll need to experiment with the amount. You may want to start with 1/2 tsp and see if the scent is good for you and then add more from there if you want it stronger. If you do decide to add essential oils you will need to use a glass container and not a plastic one.
Great recipe. For once I don’t itch as I do from commercial laundry detergents.
Thanks Florence, I’m so glad you like it and it works well for you.
Could you use epsom salt?
Mia, you cannot use Epsom salt in place of regular salt. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate not sodium chloride. The magnesium will make your water harder and cause the detergent to not work as well and could also cause calcium buildup in your washing machine. I have used kosher salt, pink himalayan, and regular table salt. All three have worked great!