This homemade laundry detergent has been a game changer for my little family! It is made from just a few simple, natural ingredients and the process is so easy. You can have ready to use, toxin free laundry soap in less than five minutes.
What I Love About this Homemade Laundry Detergent
What is not to love, honestly?
One factor that I am particularly thrilled with is the fact that all the ingredients are easy to find. You can pick it all up at the Walmart, Target, or basically any store that has general grocery goods. I have looked at a few other recipes that called for strange products I could never find and while I am sure they are great recipes I just do not have the time to go on a rabbit hunt for detergent supplies at this point in my life.
Also, can we just mention the fact that it makes a TON of detergent!? The way this recipe is created you will not be having to make more detergent every couple weeks (although, it is so easy to make you totally could!). For my family of three- this includes a baby who really likes to dirty some clothes- I make this detergent about every 5-6 months depending on life and what is going on.
Another reason I love this homemade laundry detergent recipe is that it is very affordable. I have not done the math but I would say that this probably costs somewhere between $5-$7 per five gallon bucket, maybe less if you get good deals on supplies! Let’s low ball it and say each five gallon bucket lasts your family three months- that is only $20-$28 spent on laundry detergent per year.
Supplies Needed
Personally I find it cheaper to buy these supplies in bulk. I bought all the supplies last spring and I still have enough for probably three-four more batches. (So basically, I will not be buying any more supplies for at least two more years!)
- 32 oz. Dr. Bonner’s unscented Castile soap
- 55 oz. Arm and Hammer washing soda
- 4 lb. package baking soda
- 1 gallon white vinegar
- Essential oils of choice
- 5 gallon bucket
Where to Get Supplies
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The five gallon bucket used for this recipe can be found at most home improvement or gardening stores- Lowe’s, Home Depot, Tractor Supply to name a few.
Recipe for Homemade Laundry Detergent
Ingredients
- 5 cups boiling water
- 1 cup castile soap
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 cup washing soda
- 30-40 drops of essential oils of choice (a few favorites are lavender, orange and clove, eucalyptus and cedarwood)
- 5 gallon bucket with lid
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients except boiling water to the five gallon bucket.
- Add five cups of boiling water and stir until water is dissolved.
- Fill the rest of the bucket with warm water until the bucket is full (not too full or it will slosh out when you move it- yes, that is experience speaking!).
- Store in a cool, dry place. Use 1/2 cup for a medium-large size load. I use extra if the laundry is extra dirty or smelly.
*Note- because it is such a large batch and will likely be setting for longer periods of time, you may notice the detergent start to separate. Just give it a good stir and it will all come back together.
Click here for our all natural laundry scent booster recipe!
Easy Homemade Laundry Detergent
Equipment
Method
- Add all the ingredients except boiling water to the five gallon bucket.
- Add five cups of boiling water and stir until water is dissolved.
- Fill the rest of the bucket with warm water until the bucket is full (not too full or it will slosh out when you move it- yes, that is experience speaking!).
- Store in a cool, dry place. Use 1/2 cup for a medium-large size load. I use extra if the laundry is extra dirty or smelly.
