Homemade Laundry Detergent

We have been using and loving this homemade laundry detergent for years. It is very cost effective, easy to make, and cleans your clothes. You can make an unscented version or add your favorite essential oils.
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#laundry #laundrydetergent #homemadelaundrydetergent #DIY

[@OurGabledHome]

Have you made laundry detergent before? Why or why not?

[@janetsways4176]

No, because the dishwasher tablets I made left a gritty residue on the dishes. I do add borax and/or baking soda to my laundry sometimes. Hi Anja, I’m sharing this with you because my pulmonary doctor shared it with me. I have to be careful about the things I breathe in. Unlike baking soda, washing soda is a caustic base (able to burn, destroy, or damage organic tissue slowly by chemical action). It is not edible, should not be inhaled, and can damage eyes (flush the exposed areas with large quantities of water). Gloves should always be worn when cleaning with washing soda. That being said, it is safe to use, just be careful when mixing.

[@OurGabledHome]

@@janetsways4176 Yes, homemade dishwasher detergent can be a bit more tricky. I have done quite about of research into the ingredients and while they are not perfect, I am comfortable using them with care. Thank you for sharing and for commenting 💛 ~ Anja

[@jenisecoronado5555]

@@OurGabledHome Have you shared your dishwasher soap recipe? I'd be interested, thanks!

[@OurGabledHome]

@@jenisecoronado5555 yes, there is a video but honestly, I am trying to come up with a better recipe as this one tends to clump more than I like: kzbin.info/door/JmH_2Tq4CR4TQJs7cCX57wvideos

[@jenisecoronado5555]

@@OurGabledHome Thank you! :)

[@Periwinkles4me]

Thank you, Anja! I have used a similar recipe for many years with great success! I use Kirk's unscented soap and love the clean, fresh smell and feel of our laundry! I love your channel, by the way!

[@OurGabledHome]

That's so great!! Thank you so much for sharing and for your sweet comment 💛 ~ Anja

[@mariaprocell2893]

I am excited to try this. We are slowly trying reduce the plastic in our household. Thank you for sharing. I enjoy your videos very much.

[@mccueam]

I’ve always wanted to make my own but never knew how easy it was to make. I already use the two in with my laundry but not the soap. I’ve been using the organic ones. I do have one problem, I was everything in cold water and the power does not always resolves. Anyone know why that might be, I’d love to know. Thanks

[@kduncan8811]

Fantastic!! Can't wait to try this!

[@OurGabledHome]

Thank you and happy making 💛 ~ Anja

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

To skip the lecture and get right to the recipe, go to 3:40. You don’t need two different alkaline water softeners. Washing soda will suffice. Essential oils emit toxic fumes containing harmful VOCs. Avoid inhalation if you value your health! This is not a detergent. It contains none. The only surfactant is bar soap, which will deposit soap scum, a harborage for bacteria, making fabrics dingy, smelly and greasy. No modern washers are designed to use soap. Soap hadn’t used in mainstream laundry products for 70 years, ever since synthetic detergents were introduced. Only clueless DIY enthusiasts wash laundry using soaps, which require hot water, vigorous agitation and thorough rinsing. That’s not how HE washers are designed to operate!

[@addie7495]

Hi Frank! I'm a bit confused why you would even watch this video if you know so much about this stuff! However I had heard the argument you make about the soap depositing soap scum and gumming up washers. For those of us looking to limit our waste and maybe make our own 'detergent' what do you recommend? Is there a way to DIY detergent that won't destroy our washers?? Thanks!

[@OurGabledHome]

All I can say is that this has worked well for us for years but I respect that it may not work for everyone.

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

@@addie7495 I don’t know how you’d make one suitable for modern washers using simple grocery store ingredients.

[@lindamitchell-fox1926]

Can I ask what you use please? I appreciate your knowledge and would like to try something that works well and proper in my HE washer. Thank you.

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

@@lindamitchell-fox1926 Any mainstream HE-recommended laundry detergents should work fine.

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

More cluelessness: she uses two water softeners when one will suffice. Borax is only 1/10 as soluble as WS. It dates from way back when all laundry was washed in hot water. I hope she doesn’t quit her day job. She’s no chemist! Lol!

[@prodepranpongplutong]

I use my own handmade shampoo&shower bar to clean everything in my house except my teeth! :D

[@prodepranpongplutong]

I simply soak my soap bar in water overnight maybe 1 bar to 1 litre depends on how thick I want the liquid soap to be then there is! Liquid soap and it never goes bad,too.

[@OurGabledHome]

@@prodepranpongplutong that sounds great! Thank you so much for sharing and for commenting 💛 ~ Anja

[@TheFunctionalForce]

I’ve been using a similar recipe but I keep reading that soap can clog the pipes (especially in hard water areas like where I live). Maybe the Waschsoda and the borax are preventing this? Do you know your water hardness, Anja? 🥰 Thank u for another great idea!

[@OurGabledHome]

Hi Ximena, We have pretty soft water where we live. Both the borax and the washing soda will soften the water. Happy laundering 💛🧺 ~ Anja

[@TheFunctionalForce]

@@OurGabledHome Danke dir! 🥰

[@OurGabledHome]

@@TheFunctionalForce Na klar!

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

@@OurGabledHome No need for two water softeners. Borax is 1/10 as soluble as WS. From bygone days of washing laundry in hot water.

[@katedavidson2344]

Hey there, does this work in cold water ?

[@OurGabledHome]

Yes, it does 😊 ~ Anja

[@amyokoyetv]

Amazing tip....I will no longer buy detergent here in England, Uk❤

[@kristyjo5745]

I use 1 box borax, 2 boxes super washing soda, 2 cups baking soda, 2 bars soap of choice, and 2 cups oxi-clean. I use to use essential oil, but realized it was most likely all washing out in the water anyway, and after I stopped my clothes smelled the same. We recycle in our community, so the boxes and tub of oxi-clean all go to the center, better than throwing out. We cloth diaper and I found that without the oxi-clean they just weren't clean enough. Also hubby has a sensitivities to almost all laundry detergent we've ever used. Switching to homemade 5 years ago was a lifesaver!

[@debbiem2146]

I would be very interested to know what the baking soda adds to your formula. Is it for hard water? And does the oxy-clean cause any additional fading? Thank you for sharing your recipe :-) .

[@kristyjo5745]

We are on a well with a very effective filter on all our water. So no hard water, but the baking soda neutralizes odors by balancing the ph level. Really I've just always added it in. Baking soda is an amazing cleaning agent for lots of different things. Also you could even make your own washing soda from baking soda if you wanted. I just buy the super cheap bulk box of baking soda in the same area as all the other ingredients. As for the oxi clean, I've never noticed any fading. I had a hard time cleaning our diapers before I added it. It also makes our clothes smell and feel fresh! I don't think I'll go back to not using it tbh. I triple this batch and mix it into a 5 gallon bucket with an airtight lid. But we are about to have our 4th baby and we cloth diaper so we use a lot more than a smaller household.

[@kristyjo5745]

@@debbiem2146 though tbh I don't think you NEED the baking soda, but I definitely think the oxi clean makes a huge difference.

[@debbiem2146]

@@kristyjo5745 Thank you so much!

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

@@kristyjo5745 It’s not needed. She uses two stronger bases which neutralize acidic odoriferous compounds. Baking soda won’t deodorize bases or hydrocarbons.

[@barbaracarlson5018]

I watched a video that showed boiling water to dissolve the zote and then after it is totality dissolved then add next soap and more hot water stirring to dissolve all of the ingredients . Several gallons of hot water. Uses a 5 or 10 gallon bucket with a lid. Find them at lowes. After it is all desolved and mixed well, it can be divided into used plastic laundry containers. It takes 2 days to complete the whole process.

[@sharenp3839]

Yes I use the liquid kind too, it works great and makes a ton!

[@OurGabledHome]

Sounds great and thank you for sharing 👍 ~ Anja

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

Lol. Did you calculate how much soap is being used per load? Most of those clueless recipes are so watered down that they clean as well as plain water.

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

@@sharenp3839 Those recipes are so watered down that they work as well as plain water.

[@bonnieriecke5199]

I read that its not good for the washer and that the soap doesn't work the same as if you were scrubbing it

[@OurGabledHome]

We have been using this for years and have not had any problems. Of course, scrubbing will help as it is a mechanical action 😊 ~ Anja

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

It’s obsolete. Hasn’t been used for over 70 years. Deposits soap scum. Waste of time and $.

[@barbaracarlson5018]

I have several boxes of borax and a box of arm and hammer laundry soap and several bars of zote. I tried to find the zote already shredded up, but couldn't find it so I bought the bars instead.

[@kathynix6552]

What is zote?

[@barbaracarlson5018]

@@kathynix6552 zote is sold in the laundry soap area. It comes in a bar or flakes. If you buy the bar you have to grate it on a cheese grater. It is a kind of soap that helps the clothes get whiter. Sometimes you can find it at walmart. Some grocery stores sell it too. Sometimes it is hard to find. I think I got mine at Piggly Wiggly grocery store.

[@OurGabledHome]

Not sure I have ever seen shredded zote but the bars will work 👍 ~ Anja

[@OurGabledHome]

It's a Mexican brand of soap 😊

[@neliaspencer]

Baby clothes safe?

[@OurGabledHome]

Yes, it’s non-toxic

[@neliaspencer]

@@OurGabledHome thank you so much

[@lindamitchell-fox1926]

I always wash in cold water so the bar soap no matter how small I grate it never dissolve. I’ve also tried the boiling concentrated method and even that doesn’t dissolve. Anyone have any hints?

[@OurGabledHome]

That is a very good question but unfortunately I don't know the answer. Do you have the same problem with commercial laundry powder? Also, it might be worth trying Salsuds ~ Anja

[@robinseebach8967]

Yes I make this and use water and put in 5 gallon bucket. Same ingredients 1c borax, 1c washing soda, bar of dr Bonner’s soap and oil is optional. Fill bucket with 4-41/2 gallons of warm or hot water. In sauce pan add 2 qts water and heat up, then add grated soap until dissolved. Pour into bucket, add the other ingredients and stir. Let sit overnight with lid on. Stir before using each time. (Use 1/2-1 cup per load). I will sometimes put in a smaller container for easier access and just refill that.

[@kathynix6552]

Soak in water overnight before using

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

Soap requires hot water, vigorous agitation and thorough rinsing. It’s obsolete. Has been for 70 years. Only clueless DIY enthusiasts still use it.

[@annelefevre9457]

Why have I not have seen good homemade detergent…ever?? Not one stain of signifgent kind.

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11869-018-0606-0 Essential oils emit toxic fumes containing harmful VOCs.

[@scatslady2587]

Love this - can't wait to try! Thank you! ❤🙂

[@OurGabledHome]

Nice! Happy making 💛 ~ Anja

[@curban616]

I’ve been using a recipe like this for years and years!! You are right, it works fantastic!

[@OurGabledHome]

That's so great! Thank you for sharing 💛 ~ Anja

[@rebeccaoliver8583]

Some controversy about using Borax. Have you done any research about the safety of Borax? Thanks,

[@OurGabledHome]

Hi Rebecca, yes, I am aware of the concerns around Borax and have decided to continue using it. However, you can make this without Borax, too 😊 ~ Anja

[@LavenderLori406]

Anja, how many oz is your bar of soap. Kirk's is 4oz., Bronner's is 5oz. I notice Kirk's is harder, grates into a powder of 2 cups. Bronner's is a much softer soap and even on the fine grate is much bulkier measuring out to 3 cups pr bar. Any thoughts on the ratio of ingredients? Thanks

[@OurGabledHome]

I have used both 4oz bars and 5oz bars for this recipe and haven't noticed any difference 🤷‍♀️ ~ Anja

[@LavenderLori406]

Thank you so much for responding! I so appreciate your channel. With your tutor-ship I am now making laundry detergent AND sourdough starter and gonna try making bread again, tho my first attempt was sad. Wood stove baking is a challenge!

[@benzo543]

Do you just put the detergent in your front loader drum with the clothes?

[@OurGabledHome]

We have a little compartment for the detergent or laundry powder in our front loading washing machine but I guess you could toss it right in with your clothes, too 👍 ~ Anja

[@anitat702]

Will this work for HE machine? Thanks in advance!

[@OurGabledHome]

Hi Anita! Yes, it works with HE (that is what we have, too). Hope this helps 😊 ~ Anja

[@heatherwhite2788]

This is a great way to eliminate plastic packaging, and it’s not hard to find beautiful vintage jars.

[@OurGabledHome]

Hi Heather, exactly! I am so glad you enjoyed this video and are looking for ways to eliminate plastic 😊 ~ Anja

[@TL50-r9f]

My try at this works just like Tide plus. Formula #1: 2 bars of kirks castile soap, 1/2 cup borax, 1 cup super washing soda, 1 cup citric acid, 1/2 cup Epsom salt. Formula#2: Added 30 ml of polysorbate 80 and 30 ml lavender oil to formula 1. Formula#3: Tide plus hygienic clean alone. I stained 3 cloths in 5 separate areas on each cloth with mud, ketchup, , BBQ sauce, mustard and rubbed in blackberries, let the stains dry for 2 days. Formula #2 was only very slightly cleaner than Tide. 5 gallon batch. 1/2 cup per load. Polysorbate 80 makes the soap more like a detergent and emulsifies the mix with the essential oils. Citric acid helps prevent soap scum build up in the washer.

[@OurGabledHome]

Thank you for sharing! Glad to hear that :)

[@TheDebbydoll]

Would fels naphtha soap work?

[@OurGabledHome]

Yes, that will work, too!

[@jessicaj8148]

I'm assuming this is safe for septic? I used to make my own laundry powder back in 2009-2010. Not sure why I stopped, but will try again.

[@OurGabledHome]

As far as I know this homemade laundry powder is safe for septic systems. Hope this helps 😊 ~ Anja

[@jessicaj8148]

@@OurGabledHome thank you!

[@paulinalang8930]

My next task......make laundry detergent! 👍🏻

[@OurGabledHome]

Yay! You'll love how easy, inexpensive but effective it is 💛 ~ Anja

[@birgitw3502]

Hallo Anja, das möchte ich gerne probieren. Kann man auch Kernseife benutzen? Danke 😀

[@OurGabledHome]

Hallo Birgit, aber ja! Ich benutze oft Kernseife, die ich von meinen D-Besuchen mitbringe 😊 ~ Anja

[@sarahpatterson4297]

Thanks,

[@OurGabledHome]

You're welcome 😊 ~ Anja

[@claudiaunruh8955]

We are on a septic system and have to use liquid detergent. Do you have a recipe for that? Thanks.

[@OurGabledHome]

You can mix up the dry ingredients and add hot water to it, put a lid on and let sit for 24 hours. Hope this helps 😊 -~ Anja

[@claudiaunruh8955]

@@OurGabledHome Thank you! By the way, I live in Penngrove so we’re almost neighbors. I loved seeing your visit to Greenstring Farms.

[@OurGabledHome]

@@claudiaunruh8955 Oh, wow, yes, we are neighbors!! Greenstring is the best, I go there at least once a week 😊

[@kathynix6552]

I was told to avoid caustic soda for my septic.

[@jenisecoronado5555]

I have not made it before, probably mostly because in my previous life I was always working and didn't really have the extra time or energy to think about it. Now is different, I just need to have the energy to do it! :) We have a front loader HE clothes washing machine and in the drawer where you add the detergent I have always used liquid detergent. Would powder still be taken up by the machine or would it have to be added directly to the wash on top of the clothes? Thanks, Anja! :)

[@OurGabledHome]

I absolutely get it and we always do the best we can 😌 but I am sure you'll love how easy this laundry powder is and if you quadruple the recipe, it will last you a long time. I have had HE washing machines all my life and have always used laundry powder in the detergent compartment without any problems. I think you could add it on top of your clothes, too. Hope this helps 💛 ~ Anja

[@jenisecoronado5555]

@@OurGabledHome Thank you, dear Anja!

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

No modern washer is designed to use soap, which requires hot water, vigorous agitation and thorough rinsing. Not how HE washers operate!!

[@christin395]

@@FrankGutowski-ls8jt :o what do you using instead?

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

@@christin395 Mainstream detergents are formulated for modern washers. Homemade stuff is obsolete and a waste of time and $$$.

[@APeacefulPursuit]

If you were going to substitute baking soda for the borax, would it still be 1 cup? So 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup washing soda, and then a bar of soap? Thank you!! 💕

[@OurGabledHome]

Yes, that would work. Also, the measurements don't need to be 100% exact ~ Anja

[@APeacefulPursuit]

@@OurGabledHome Thank you so much for getting back to me! :)

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

Baking soda is a filler. You are removing a suitable water softener (WS) and keeping a less suitable one. Why?

[@msmonet]

Good day, Love your mixing bowls,where did you get them?

[@OurGabledHome]

Yes, they are great: amzn.to/3kR7eWb Hope this helps 💛 ~ Anja

[@LavenderLori406]

Awesome! I'm gonna try it. I even make my own lavender oil to put in! I'd love to send you some to say thank you for all your great ideas. I'll look for an email or contact. Thank you!

[@OurGabledHome]

You are so kind and I would be honored to have somd of your lavender oil (my favorite!) 💕 ~ Anja

[@ceciliagongora8777]

Just wanted to let you know I used your recipe for my laundry soap and yes it works wonderful especially on my husband’s white T-shirts thank you again keep doing your videos I really enjoy you Cecilia from Texas

[@OurGabledHome]

I am so happy to hear that and thank you for letting me know 😊 ~ Anja

[@SarahsOctoberHome]

I’ve been just plain lazy😅 always wanted to though✅ You’ve inspired me to try it🤍☺️👏🏻

[@OurGabledHome]

Yay! I am so glad you like it!! Thank you for commenting 💛 ~ Anja

[@julieparker5029]

Thank you for sharing the how-to. I just ordered the items so I can make my own. 💐♥️💐

[@OurGabledHome]

That sounds great, Julie!! Happy making 💛 ~ Anja

[@julieparker2984]

@@OurGabledHome Anja, since I have arthritis I’ll put the bar soap in the food processor…do I add both powders also or just the bar soap?

[@elkeschmitt623]

I add some salt to my dishwasher detergent and put lemon peel in the bottom ( the salt I buy is in the huge bags for water softeners=so it is really cost effective) I also add salt to my laundry detergent.

[@OurGabledHome]

That sounds great, Elke! Thank you so much for sharing 😊 ~ Anja

[@kathynix6552]

Is that ordinary sodium chloride?

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

Wishful thinking. Salt has no effect on cleaning effectiveness.

[@rebecccaadame]

Do you have hard or soft water? I used to make my own and then was reading that it creates build up on your clothes. I think the water hardiness is a contributing factor.

[@OurGabledHome]

Good question! I think our water is fairly soft. If you have hard water, you can add ¼ to ½ cup of citric acid directly to each load. Hope this is helpful 😊 ~ Anja

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

@@OurGabledHome Citric acid reacts instantly with WS and borax, which are bases. One product of those reactions is sodium citrate. What purpose does it serve?

[@robingirven4570]

I’m going to try it! With just the two of us here, I do two loads a week. Clothes an😮d linens (sheets, towels and washcloths). I’m using laundry sheets right now and they work well but I’ll try this. Thank you Anja!

[@dlgrilli]

I made some from a recipe of another youtube and I'm not happy with it. Your recipe is quite a bit different so I'll make adjustments a give it a go. Question - Do you ever put vinegar in your rinse cycle to make sure all detergent is removed?

[@OurGabledHome]

I am so glad you like my recipe! I use vinegar in the rinse cycle as needed but not always ~ Anja

[@FleaWalters]

I just found your channel looking for sourdough starter. I found that and the detergent. I love this detergent...Thank You! Im subscribed and look forward to other productions. #XoFlea

[@OurGabledHome]

Aww ... I am so glad you like my videos! Thank you so much 💛 ~ Anja

[@janisdurwael269]

Anna - I have liquid castile soap.....can I use that instead of bar soap?

[@OurGabledHome]

You can but then you will have to add water and boil the whole mixture. Hope this helps ~ Anja

[@vernaoyer295]

Thanks, Anja. I would like to make this sometime. 😊

[@OurGabledHome]

You'll be surprised how easy it is 💛 ~ Anja

[@chipmunkcorner248]

Been making my homemade soap for a few years now. Many years ago I almost became homeless and learned how to stretch the dollars as far as I could. This lead to me learning how to make stuff. Friends would get me cheap powdered laundry detergent & I watch videos and added it to my homemade laundry soap to stretch it out. Now almost 9 years later, no longer in that position…. But I now make my laundry soap using all natural ingredients and I won’t go back to using store bought detergent. I will sometimes use scent beads but that’s rare. My mom has me make her laundry soap but I make it using baby powder scent beads. She loves it. I don’t break out from homemade laundry soap & my clothes just look, smell & feel clean. Great video by the way.

[@OurGabledHome]

Nice! Thank you so much for sharing your story and your nice comment 😊 ~ Anja

[@kathynix6552]

This gives me hope. I read that the soap doesn’t rinse out of the clothes properly leading to dullness eventually. Apparently it was ok for our grandparents to use it because they scrubbed the dickens out of the clothes on the washboard but our washing machine are too gentle. Does this sound likely to you?

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

@@kathynix6552 You are correct. Soap hasn’t been used to wash laundry for over 70 years except by clueless diy enthusiasts.