How To Make Homemade Laundry Detergent With Three Simple Ingredients

Commercial laundry detergents often come packed with synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin and harm the environment. But there’s a simpler, more sustainable alternative: making your own laundry detergent at home using just three basic ingredients. This DIY solution is not only effective at cleaning clothes but also significantly cheaper than store-bought options. Whether you're aiming to reduce plastic waste, avoid allergens, or simply save money, this recipe offers a practical and empowering way to take control of what goes into your laundry routine.

The Three Ingredients You Need

The foundation of this homemade laundry detergent consists of three widely available, affordable, and non-toxic components:

1. Fels-Naptha Soap (or grated bar soap): A heavy-duty cleaning agent originally designed for removing stains and odors from fabric. It contains surfactants that break down grease and dirt. If unavailable, alternatives like Zote, Dr. Bronner’s pure-castile bar soap, or any fragrance-free, dye-free laundry soap work well.
2. Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate): Not to be confused with baking soda, washing soda boosts cleaning power by softening hard water and helping lift stains from fabric. It's naturally alkaline and works as a water conditioner and degreaser.
3. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): While milder than washing soda, baking soda helps neutralize odors, balance pH levels in the wash, and enhance overall freshness. It also acts as a gentle abrasive to help loosen grime.

Together, these ingredients form a balanced formula that cleans effectively without relying on artificial additives. The result is a low-sudsing powder ideal for both standard and high-efficiency (HE) washing machines when used in appropriate quantities.

Tip: Always use gloves when handling washing soda, as it can be drying or irritating to bare skin due to its high alkalinity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own Detergent

Creating your own laundry detergent takes less than 20 minutes and requires only a few tools. Follow this detailed process to ensure consistency and safety.

1. Gather Supplies: You’ll need a box grater or food processor, a large mixing bowl, airtight containers for storage, measuring cups, and protective gloves.
2. Grate the Soap: Using a box grater or food processor, shred one bar of Fels-Naptha (or substitute) into fine flakes. The finer the shreds, the easier they dissolve in water. Aim for about 1 cup of grated soap.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of grated soap, 1 cup of washing soda, and 1 cup of baking soda. Stir thoroughly until evenly distributed. Use a whisk or spoon to break up any clumps.
4. Store Properly: Transfer the mixture to an airtight glass jar or plastic container with a secure lid. Label it clearly with contents and date. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from moisture to prevent caking.
5. Usage Instructions: For a regular load, use 1–2 tablespoons of the powder. For heavily soiled clothes or larger loads, increase to 2–3 tablespoons. Add directly to the drum before loading clothes—do not put it in the detergent dispenser, as undissolved particles may cause buildup.

This batch yields approximately 3 cups of detergent—enough for 45 to 60 average-sized loads, depending on usage. At a cost of roughly $0.03–$0.05 per load, it's dramatically cheaper than most commercial brands, especially eco-labeled ones.

Why This Formula Works So Well

The effectiveness of this homemade detergent lies in the synergy between its components. Each ingredient plays a distinct role in the cleaning process:

• Fels-Naptha targets oil-based stains like sweat, grease, and food residue. Its surfactant properties allow water to penetrate fabric fibers more efficiently.
• Washing soda raises the pH of the wash water, which enhances the ability of soap molecules to interact with dirt and oils. It also prevents minerals in hard water from interfering with cleaning performance.
• Baking soda deodorizes fabrics naturally and buffers the solution to maintain optimal cleaning conditions. Unlike many synthetic odor blockers, it doesn’t mask smells—it eliminates them.

Unlike conventional detergents that rely on foaming agents to give the illusion of cleanliness, this formula prioritizes actual soil removal over suds production. That makes it particularly suitable for HE machines, where excess foam can interfere with wash cycles and damage sensors.

“Simple formulations often outperform complex chemical blends when it comes to fabric care and environmental impact.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Environmental Chemist and Sustainable Living Researcher

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making and using homemade detergent is straightforward, certain missteps can reduce effectiveness or lead to issues like residue buildup or machine damage. Below are key pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Mistake	Consequence	Solution
Using too much detergent	Residue on clothes, reduced rinsing efficiency	Stick to 1–2 tbsp per load; adjust only for very dirty laundry
Storing in humid environments	Caking and clumping of powder	Use airtight containers and store in dry areas like closets or cabinets
Putting powder in the dispenser drawer	Poor dissolution, potential clogs	Add directly to the drum before adding clothes
Not pre-treating tough stains	Stains remain after washing	Apply paste of detergent + water to stains and let sit 15–30 mins before washing
Expecting brightening effects	No optical brighteners = whites may appear dull over time	Add ½ cup white vinegar to rinse cycle or sun-dry whites for natural bleaching

Tip: To refresh towels or eliminate musty odors, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle once a month.

Real-Life Example: One Family’s Switch to Homemade Detergent

The Thompson family of four lives in rural Vermont and made the switch to homemade laundry detergent after their youngest child developed eczema flare-ups linked to commercial detergent sensitivities. After consulting with their pediatric dermatologist, they decided to eliminate synthetic fragrances and preservatives from all household products.

They started using the three-ingredient detergent described here, substituting Zote soap for Fels-Naptha due to availability. Within two weeks, they noticed fewer skin reactions and softer towels. Over six months, they calculated savings of $180 compared to their previous eco-brand detergent purchases. They now make a new batch every eight weeks and keep extra jars labeled for guests and seasonal cabin use.

“It’s satisfying to know exactly what’s touching our clothes,” says Maria Thompson. “And my husband jokes that his workout shirts finally smell clean instead of ‘clean plus lavender rainforest.’”

Customization and Enhancements

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can personalize your detergent for specific needs. Here are several safe and effective modifications:

• Add Essential Oils: For a subtle scent, mix in 10–15 drops of essential oil (like lavender, tea tree, or lemon) during blending. Tea tree oil also has natural antimicrobial properties.
• Boost Whitening: Add ½ cup of oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) to the mix for brighter whites. Do not confuse this with chlorine bleach.
• Enhance Softness: While the detergent lacks synthetic softeners, adding ¼ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle restores softness and removes mineral deposits.
• Liquid Version Option: Simmer 4 cups of water with ½ cup of grated soap until dissolved. Stir in ½ cup washing soda and ½ cup baking soda. Cool and transfer to a five-gallon bucket filled with warm water. Use ½ cup per load. Shake before each use.

Note: Liquid versions require more space and have a shorter shelf life (up to 6 weeks), so only prepare what you’ll use within that timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this detergent in an HE washing machine?

Yes, this low-sudsing formula is compatible with high-efficiency machines. Just be sure to use the recommended amount (1–2 tablespoons) and add it directly to the drum, not the dispenser.

Will this detergent clog my septic system?

No. All three ingredients are biodegradable and safe for septic systems when used in normal amounts. In fact, baking soda can help maintain healthy bacterial balance in septic tanks.

Does it work in cold water?

Yes, though dissolving may take longer. For best results in cold washes, dissolve 1 tablespoon of powder in ½ cup of hot water first, then pour into the drum. Alternatively, use the liquid version for improved solubility.

Checklist: How to Successfully Make and Use Homemade Laundry Detergent

• ☐ Purchase one bar of stain-fighting laundry soap (e.g., Fels-Naptha or Zote)
• ☐ Buy a box of washing soda (available in laundry aisle or online)
• ☐ Gather baking soda (standard grocery store variety)
• ☐ Prepare grating tool and mixing bowl
• ☐ Wear gloves when handling washing soda
• ☐ Grate soap finely for faster dissolution
• ☐ Mix equal parts soap, washing soda, and baking soda (1 cup each)
• ☐ Store in airtight container in dry location
• ☐ Use 1–2 tbsp per regular load, added directly to drum
• ☐ Pre-treat stains with a paste of detergent and water if needed

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Laundry Routine

Making your own laundry detergent with just three simple ingredients isn’t just a frugal hack—it’s a meaningful step toward a cleaner home and a healthier planet. By eliminating unnecessary chemicals, reducing packaging waste, and customizing your formula to fit your household’s needs, you gain greater transparency and control over a daily chore that affects everyone in your family.

The process is simple, the ingredients are accessible, and the benefits are tangible—from softer clothes and fewer allergies to noticeable savings over time. Once you see how easy it is to create something so effective with so little, you may wonder why you ever relied on mass-produced detergents in the first place.

💬 Ready to try it yourself? Make your first batch this weekend and share your experience in the comments. Have a favorite variation or tip? Let others know how you’ve made this recipe your own!