Homemade DIY Laundry Detergent
Today, our sweet friend Jen, from Blissful 55 is guest posting on Dirty Laundry. No, I am not talking about the problems and dirty little secrets of our lives….we are talking legit, dirty, smelly, laundry; not about the best washing machine or more importantly, how we get that dirty laundry clean with DIY Laundry Detergent. Yes, you can make your own laundry detergent at home!
Homemade DIY Laundry Detergent
It took me a while to come around to the idea of making my own homemade DIY laundry detergent. I also kept in mind to remove tough stains and scents. I tend to be very particular about my laundry detergent. I need it to not fade my colors, smell good, and most importantly clean well. I do not have children at home who like to get their clothes extremely dirty but I do have a husband who insist on coming home from softball games each week looking like the Dirt Monster (he enjoys sliding…and is usually always safe). I have never opted for just the cheapest, non-smelling detergent, harsh to sensitive skin detergent. I love my clothes and was always worried that, by paying for the cheapest detergent possible, I would “get what I paid for”. My favorite detergent was Gain’s “Liquid Apple Mango Tango” with the coordinating fabric softener.
It met my every need, with the exception of the price tag. We always bought the size that says it contains 48 loads for $10.97 (Wal-Mart price) and that was just the detergent. The fabric softener was $4.47 for 52 loads. Both lasted us around 3 months based on our 4 loads of laundry a week. That brings the total to around $60-$65 a year. I don’t know about you but I would like to have all the extra money I can get. The husband’s law school expenses tend to cut down on my craft budget and that is just unacceptable! I need my crafts to keep my sanity so I started looking for ways to save money. I was seriously a huge skeptic when it came to homemade DIY laundry detergent but when I realized the price difference, I just had to try it! I did a ton of research and looked up so many varying recipes for a long time and then determined what I thought would be the best. I tried one smaller batch of homemade detergent, thought it was okay but knew there was room for improvement so I went back and did more, yup you guessed it….research! I’m thrilled to say that it was all worth it and I love our homemade DIY laundry detergent. Get rid of your regular detergent by following my own recipe. And so, what do I have to do to entice you to run to the local grocery store and get these simple ingredients? How about I share how much it cost….are you ready? Try approximately a total cost of $28…A YEAR! That’s based on 6 loads of laundry a week (It’s just me and Mr. Awesome at home so we normally only do around 4, which means this will last around 18 months!). Now let’s get started and welcome to the zero waste lifestyle.
Homemade DIY Laundry Detergent
You will need…
1 (4 lb 12 oz) Box of Borax– Found in the detergent aisle
1 (3 lb 7 oz) Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda– Found in the detergent aisle
1 (3 lb) Container of OxyClean– Found in the detergent aisle. (This is optional but I highly recommend adding it)
2 (14.1 oz) Bars of Zote Soap– Found in the detergent aisle (we chose to do pink for the scent but you can use the white one as your personal preference. You can also use Fels Naptha).
1 (4 lb) Box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda– Found in the cooking aisle (You could also get two 2 lb box, we couldn’t find the larger 4lb box when we went)
1-2 (55 oz) Bottle of Purex Crystals Fabric Softener– or use 1 TUB of Scentsy Washer Whiffs. Scentsy washer whiffs are my top choice, (they smell out-of-this-world amazing – my favorite is Quiver), but when in a hurry, I opt for the Purex, (which can be found in the detergent aisle).
The hardest most time consuming part is grating the bar of soap or the cheese soap. The hubs think it looks like pink cheese….has anyone ever seen pink cheese? Ya didn’t think so! These pink cheese flakes also work as scent boosters. I’m not fortunate enough to have a food processor so I was stuck doing this with a typical hand grater. I did try a blender just for kicks and giggles….total fail! Stick to either a hand grater or food processor if you are blessed enough to have one. I should make it known that the soap dissolves just fine in hot water, or even in cold water. I know that tends to be a concern but you need not worry. Oh and I would recommend using a large mixing bowl to grate into and using the fine soap flakes.
If you are not a fan of grated soap then another option is to microwave the soap beforehand. First, cut the bar into chunks, like this:
Pop it into the microwave for about a minute. It will expand… a lot…but then it is dry and just crumbles into tiny bits!
The hardest part is now over and all that’s left is to mix everything together. I used a very large bucket that I got from my Father-in-Law and took a layering approach to mix it easier. I took a small amount of each ingredient and layered it on top of each other, then I grabbed a large mixing spoon and mixed it together. I did this probably 5 times but it was so much easier than dumping all the ingredients in at once and then trying to mix it well.
Here it is in all it’s mixed up glory.
This batch makes A TON! Enough for your entire year. Now for probably the best part…you only need 1-2 Tablespoons per a load of laundry depending on the size…I’ll give you some time to re-read that since I’m sure your in total disbelief…recover yet? That’s right, you only need 1-2 Tablespoons per load! Now here comes the stroke of genius, if you opted to put the Purex Crystals in your batch, you can scoop the detergent right into your bottle and use the cap as your measuring spoon. There are 3 lines on the side and the middle one is approximately 2 Tablespoons…genius right? If you don’t have any, don’t worry! you can put it in plastic bottles or just use an empty detergent bottle.
Just to give you an idea of how long this bottle lasts, I’ve used about half this bottle and have done around 40 loads, not to mention the huge amount still left in my bucket.
I know that I’m not the only skeptic out their so to put your mind at ease, take a look at the comments!
I thought I would answer the question that has been sent in the most by our readers. The question is how well it worked in a High Efficiency Washer. It actually works really well! This is mostly because it doesn’t create any suds. It took me some time to get used to that but it is actually better for the washer. In case you don’t have a good washer yet or need a replacement, this great roundup of the best top load washers should help you find just the high-efficiency washer you need.
Hope this motivates you all to run out and make our own homemade laundry detergent. The best part is it does not require a lot of money and much We would love to hear from you whether it be your questions, concerns, or reviews of the homemade laundry detergent after you have made it.
HOMEMADE DIY LAUNDRY DETERGENT RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 (4 lb 12 oz) Box of Borax- Found in the detergent aisle
- 1 (3 lb 7 oz) Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda- Found in the detergent aisle
- 1 (3 lb) Container of OxyClean- Found in the detergent aisle. (This is optional but I highly recommend adding it)
- 2 (14.1 oz) Bars of Zote Soap- Found in the detergent aisle (we chose to do pink for the scent but the white would be just fine. You can also use Fels Naptha)
- 1 (4 lb) Box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda- Found in the cooking aisle (You could also get two 2 lb box, we couldn’t find the larger 4lb box when we went)
- 1-2 (55 oz) Bottle of Purex Crystals Fabric Softener- Found in the detergent aisle OR 1 TUB (or 3-4 smaller bottles) of Scentsy Washer Whiffs found HERE. (my favorite scent is Quiver)
Instructions
- Grate zote soap with cheese grater or food processor.
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bucket.
- Use 2 -4 Tablespoons per laundry load.
***This recipe was written by guest author Jen, from Blissful 55. Check out her fabulous blog for more inspiration and DIY tips.***
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If you’d like to share this fabulous DIY laundry detergent recipe, you can! Here is an adorable idea on how to gift it. Perfect for birthdays, Christmas, or just because. This tutorial also includes a FREE Laundry Gift Giving printable.
CLICK ON PICTURE BELOW TO SEE HOW TO GIFT THE WORLD’S BEST HOMEMADE
DIY LAUNDRY DETERGENT
DIY LAUNDRY DETERGENT
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Angela Eaton says
question: is this safe in a HE (high efficiency) machine?
Danielle Kellogg says
I have been making my own laundry soap for about 4 years and My husband and I bought a HE washer about a year ago, I never even wondered if I could or couldn’t use my laundry soap, I just did it. We have not had any problems. I do dump a half gallon of vinegar through it every few months just to help with any build up that may be there.
Heidi says
I also use vinegar to keep my machine clean, but I just use half vinegar and half fabric softener in every load (instead of just fabric softener). My clothes are never dingy and my machine is always clean!
Taleda says
I have been using the basic recipe for several years too, and I have a HE washer also. I’m curious about using the Vinegar to clean the washer? Or clear out the pipes? Can you elaborate on that? How much vinegar – white I assume? By itself in a minimal wash cycle? If I put it with my hand made fabric softener, would it be a half & half mix? Thanks!
Jonelle says
I use vinegar already as a fabric softener, but if I were to make this recipe and omit the fabric softener, would I use the same amounts of everything else??
Cyndi says
Thank you for great saving ideas. I like using natural products that is good, compared to the store bought products. Money saving is a big plus for us that work hard for it!!!
Barbara says
So you use conference and fabric softener and that smells good together I was just wondering with ginger thank you so much
Candi says
How many gallons did this make? I read that you used a bucket. Also, do you have a BORAX-FREE version that it just as sufficient or could I just leave that ingredient out?
Gina says
Candie…did you notice any problems with holes from the borax? I just made a batch today for the first time and am concerned now about the reviews regarding holes in clothes.
Laurie says
I do not know if this question has been answered already or not. One of my daughters, myself as well is allergic to borax for some reason the only detergent we can use that does not bother us is Gain. Trust me the 2 years of process of elimination was not fun. Gain is costly and really really would like and rather have nautral, healthier, cheaper alternative. Thank you.
Jen says
Hi Angela,
Yes it is safe in an HE machine. I personally don’t have an HE machine but I know that this specific recipe has been used in an HE machine without any problems what-so-ever (I’ve given so much out to friends and family to try). HE machines need a detergent that is low sudsing. This recipe does not make any suds so it works really well.
Susan says
What is a HE machine??
lindsi says
If you have an HE washer you are going to want to omit the fabric softener from the recipe. I was speaking with repair man about proper/improper use with the HE washers and he said the worst thing you can do is use fabric softener in an HE washer and strongly recommends to skip it all together so you don’t shorten the life of your washer.
Liz Lemon says
My HE washer is front-loading and has separate compartments for detergent, fabric softener, etc. Do you put the powder in with the laundry or put it in the compartment?
Shelley says
right in the drum 🙂
Jane says
I have an HE washer and dryer and I put this laundry soap right where the liquid goes on my washer I have a little cup that is removable where you can take it out and I just put the powder right in there when I use liquid I put container back so I can put liquid in, I have had no problems
Laurel Placette says
I tried this “home made laundry detergent” for about a year. I liked it ,but it made small holes in my clothes! Messed up a lot of my clothes. Its the borax that did it.Reduced the borax by half and it was fine after that. I don’t think you so much borax.
Stephanie ODonnell says
I’ve been using this for over a year and I have all kinds of tiny holes all over my clothes–I thought maybe there was a nail or something crazy stuck in my washer or dryer–it never occurred ot me the borax was to blame! Thanks for the heads up–I was about to make another batch today!
Jen Y says
I’ve been making my own detergent for awhile now & have always been frustrated with the scent. I WILL be trying this!
Do you add fabric softener to your loads as well? Do you use dryer sheets in the dryer?
A tip: I grate the ZOTE in my food processor. I put the shredding blade in, cut the soap in half lengthwise & send it through. Then I change to the chopping blade & pulse it a few times to get granules…very fast & easy. The headache with this method is the clean up. I run everything through my dishwasher then wash it again by hand. I don’t want soap residue on my FP when I use it for food.
Jen says
Hi Jen,
Thanks for the tip! I am so going to invest in a food processor. I don’t use extra fabric softener since I added the Purex Crystals. The last 4 loads I have experimented with dryer sheets but that is only to help with static control. I think the Purex does a great job by itself.
Sara P says
I heard that if u put a ball of foil in your dryer with your clothes it will take the staic out!:)
Lisa says
— patience is not a virtue of mine.. I am using my food dehydrator to dry out the grated Zote…. Works great!
TINA marie says
I find it much easier to mix it all with a cake pixel then paddles are easy cleanup and I cut the borax in half and replace it with a bag of cheap laundry soap like Ariel or foca
Heather says
you can make your own dryer sheets by taking a hand towel and soaking it in a bowl with liquid fabric softener wring it out real good and let it dry ( i pour the extra fabric softener back into the container so i can use it again) you can use it for like 40 loads. I always hang it up in my bathroom to dry and it makes my whole apartment smell AMAZING.
terra says
if u let the zote dry and get hard. then it will powder when u grate it. so buy several bars and let them dry when u r ready for them they will be ready.
Aleena says
I just made this about half an hour ago and it smells GREAT! I can’t wait to use it tomorrow! When it came to the Zote, I tried the microwave method with one bar and the food processor with the other. Although a pain to clean, the food processor was much easier to me. I saw that someone said to dry it out first. What is the easiest way to achieve that? I am helping my friend make a batch tomorrow and would like to try that method as well to see which I prefer.
Gina says
I unwrap my bars of Zote and sit them on a shelf in my bathroom where they won’t get dusty and just leave them. they dry out and are so easy to grate afterwards.
Tammy Luke says
I like using the food processor too. Much better than microwaving. I tried the microwave method once, and it didn’t crumble as well. No holes ever in my clothing. I wonder if water hardness is a part of the “hole” issue. I’ve been using this laundry recipe for years and love it!
carlene says
I get a 2 cup plastic container, cut four sponges in half, put sponges in it, add a capfull of fabric softener in it and then fill it to the top with water. i put the sponges in the dryer in every load. it works great and it’s a lot cheaper than dryer sheets.
Martha Davidson says
Ref Carlene making her own dryer sheets out of sponges. How many of the sponges does she put in each load to dry and do they have to be resoaked after using one time.
Theresa says
I use Zote flakes and skip the grating step all together. I get them at Walmart just like the Zote Bars.
Jill says
I use the food processor to grate my soap as well. I find that if I add a few tablespoons of the baking soda that I was going to use in the bowl of the processor that it helps the soap not stick and becomes a fine powder.
DKAJ says
That is exactly what I do also. And I just used my nutrabullet to grind up the zote bar. I first cut the zote soap into small cubes and added enough powder to totally cover the soap. It definitely prevented the soap from getting sticky and it turned the soap into a dry powder. I don’t think I would use the grating method ever again as when I tried that initially, all the grated soap went to the bottom of by soap container even after mixing, shaking, turning it repeatedly. I could never get the grated soap to stay evenly distributed. Pulverizing it in with the powders did the trick. And this worked for both zote and the Fels Naptha.
Melanie says
I started making my own soap last fall. I began with Fels-naptha for the soap part, but it didn’t dissolve that well in my washer. Next, I tried Ivory soap after reading other people’s experience. It worked great until my washer CLOGGED! It’s an HE and the tube from the soap dispenser to the drum got clogged with undissolved clumps of ivory soap. Thankfully, it was under warranty and I wasn’t charged for the repairman to come out and fix it.
I mixed my detergent very well and used the recommended amount. Now I’m nervous to try another dry homemade laundry soap. I also have a ton of soap I had mixed up that will now go un-used. I was trying to avoid the liquid homemade stuff b/c it’s such a pain to make. Anyway, has anyone else had this problem?
gina says
I also have an HE – I wonder if we can just add it directly to the drum?
jas says
I have an HE and have been making my own soap for years. With the HE there is no problem at all since it’s not a sudsy soap. I have a top loading HE and I add it where the dispenser is for soap not directly in the drum.
I grate the soap and put it out on a big platter for a couple of days, stirring it once a day to dry it out. Once dry I put it in my blender and make it into a powder. Perfect. It takes a little more time but not active time just time to schedule the drying in.
Jen says
I think I might just have to try drying it out and making into a powder form just for mixing purposes. The soap dissolves really well, especially if you use the fine side of the grater. Great idea Jas. Thanks for sharing!
Bobbie says
I have an HE as well i am just looking into making my own detergent i do add my detergent straight to my drum cause i do not have a dispencer but in still afraid i might mess something up so nervous to try but want to so badly
Ashley says
That sounds like it might work! We have an HE washer, and while I really want to try home made laundry soap I’m really wary of ruining my washer..
Heather says
I have a front load HE And I just add it to the drum and have no problems at all. It works great.
John Wassil says
Does the mix work in HE washers!
Jen says
Hi John,
Yes it does work well in HE washers.
Pam says
I realize this is an old post, but wanted to reply anyway…I have been making this recipe of laundry soap for over a year now, and have an HE machine. I have always just dumped it straight into the drum, no problem.
Jen says
Melanie I’m sorry to hear about all the problems you had! That would be so frustrating. I chose the Zote for 2 purposes. 1. I had read that it dissolved better and 2. it smells better and as you can tell, I’m a sucker for great smelling soap. hehe. I can understand your hesitation with trying another soap and I totally agree with you about the liquid stuff. I knew for sure that I didn’t want to try my hand at that. I’m not patient enough to make a soap that takes so long to make!
Vickey says
Just wanted to add that you can “cook” the bar of soap in the microwave for approximately 2-3 minutes (depends on microwave). This dries out the soap and makes it crumble as you grate it. It helps it mix with the powders better and dissolve in cold water better.
Kari says
Will the microwave method also work with Fels Naptha soap? I am making this recipe with my students and the microwave seems a lot easier but don’t care for the Zote soap.
Julie says
Yes, I’ve tried it with Fels Naptha and it works. You just have to work hard to crush it all up and not leave any big chunks behind. Some of the bigger chunks I left didn’t mix well or dissolve as well in cold water when I washed it.
Kristin says
I just made my first batch recently before I read any of the comments. In reply to Melanie, yes, i had clumping, but it was because I did not know to let the soap dry out. However, after I read the comments and found out it was a moisture problem, I put my already mixed detergent in a large, clear plastic storage bin and set it outside on my patio in the sun to dry it out. Worked like a charm! After it dried a bit I mixed the detergent again and the soap flakes (i hand-grated my soap) were very crumbly and broke apart easily. No more clumping, no more clogging, AND the detergent still worked to get my worst load clean!! (I was concerned at first that the sunlight might destroy it.)
Faye says
I’ve been making the liquid laundry soap for awhile now and love it in my old-fashioned top loading machine, however, by times even the liquid is clumpy. My mother-in-law taught me to dissolve powdered soap in a bit of warm water and adding it to the washer. I still pee-dissolve the soap but now I use a blender I keep next to the washer. They’re so cheap to buy now or can be picked up at flea markets or even scrounged from family members who don’t use theirs. BTW: I put the water in first, add the soap and let it sit to soften before blitzing it for future use.
24Sevyn says
I never use the dispenser, jut put it in the tub. If I did use the dispenser I would always follow the laundry soap with a lot of water as I once purchased a second hand washing machine that had mold growing in there (GROSS!!!) as well as in the part where the fabric softener goes. It took a lot of work to get it cleaned out. Also, I agree that it is a pain to make and store all of the liquid so I usually make a batch of the powder and then use 1/3 cup of the powder to make a gallon of the liquid. It is still quite concentrated but I prefer the liquid as I use mostly cold water to wash my clothes and I find it much too easy to use more than the necessary amount of the powder.
Michelle says
How much of the liquid do you use for each load?
Lorraine says
I had a recipe using dawn dish soap, but lost the recipe in a flood (along with everything else in my home). Worked great in my HE washer and I didn’t worry about clogging. I added fragrance oil for scent. Ordered a Tide and Downy scent from Bulk Apothecary. HOMEMADE LAUNDRY SOAP MADE WITH DAWN DISH SOAP
You Will Need:
1/3 Cup Washing Soda
1/4 Cup Borax
2 Tablespoons Dawn Dish Soap
1 Gallon of HOT Water
Sturdy Gallon Size Container
Scent crystals or fragrance oil as desired
Add powder to water in gallon size container. Shake well. Once it’s dissolved add the dawn soap and scent. Done.
Lily says
How much of this do you use per load?
Sue says
The problem I had was it didn’t dissolve well and left white marks all over my clothes. I thought about mixing it with boiling water first and make it a liquid type soap. Im concerned now about using it in my HE top loader. It’s almost new and I’d hate to have it break on me. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
gina says
How much does the batch make – 1 gallon? 2 gallons? Wondering what size container you need to store this in?
Also for my 2 little ones I usually use free and clear detergent….. how smelly is this if I leave out the fabric sofetener?
Kelly says
Ditto – I have a daughter who has sensitive skin and I’ve used a free and clear type detergent since she was born. I do use fels naptha for stain treatment on her clothes so I wonder if that would be better? … Any thoughts on how well a detergent like this does with sensitive skin would be appreciated!!
Jen says
Hi Kelly,
You could certainly try the Fels Naptha. I chose the Zote because in my research it seemed like it might be the better dissolving soap and I also chose it for the scent. I know this soap has been used on newborns and toddlers clothes without any reaction but I can’t say if they had sensitive skin.
Cheryle says
Hi Jen was wondering if I left out the Zote soap and the A&E washing soda (because I have looked everywhere and can’t find them) would it work just as well? I did read someone’s post that says you can dry out regular baking soda in the oven and that would be the same as the super washing soda. Any suggestions? I live in Leamington,Ontario Canada. I can’t find the Naptha soap either.
Lynn says
Kelly,
I am a lung patient and have asthma and allergies both the fragrances and skin and started making my own bath and laundry soaps because of it. I don’t have any problems with the borax, washing soda, baking soda, or Oxyclean. The Pyrex Crystals have proven to be a bit too strong for me to breath around so next time I make this I will reduce the amount to around a fourth of what is called for in the recipe. As for as skin allergies go, if your daughter uses a bar soap without problems it’s okay to use that type of soap instead of the Zote. If not, look for a natural soap [not something labeled “bar” instead of “soap”], hopefully one that is hypoallergenic. Fels Naptha, by the way, which is awesome, I DO have problems with, as well as Zote.
Lois Brown says
One thing that you can try for not only the scent, but the softening is epsom salts. You can get them either scented or unscented. If you want to make a scent that you can’t find in the stores, use essential oils in the salts, let them set for a couple of days, stirring once a day and add it to the detergent mix. The clothes smell wonderful and they are really soft!
Amanda says
For those who have scent or allergy problems. I made this soap back in January and used Ivory soap as I couldn’t find the Zote flakes a friend recommended and we have sensitive skin issues. It worked great! No clogging in my HE washer, no skin issues. I used 2 bars and just cut them in half and microwaved them for a couple of minutes. It turned into a great science experiment for my kids. once the bar fluffed up I just rubbed it between my hands and it crumbled. Quite messy but super easy.
Terry C says
I made basically the same recipe using Fels Naptha (never heard of Zote!) and used the Epsom Salt with Lavender and Lemon Grass Essential Oils instead of the Purex. Smells great, works great (no holes from the Borax, by the way). I have used Borax for years and have never had it leave holes! By using the Epsom Salts instead of Purex Crystals, it cuts the price even more dramatically. I got the recipe from another site but it is pretty much the same. Gave some to my mother for her front loading HE machine (1TBSP) and she loves it as well. I also make smaller batches from recipe on other site which is more convenient since I don’t have room to store big batches
kelly R says
I have used this recipe for some time now, I do feel like the amount of Purex in the recipe makes the scent too strong for me ( I suffer from asthma ) so I used approx. 1/2 (maybe more) of one bottle of the purex. It is perfect!
Jen says
Hi Gina,
I made my batch in a 50lb bucket and actually just weighed it. The batch makes about 20lbs. I can only give my best guess as far as how many gallons but I would guess at least 3 gallons. It make so much!
If you are worried about smell, I would recommend using the white zote soap. The pink has more of a perfumey smell. Really, it is smellier in the container than it is on the clothes. The smell, without the fabric softener, doesn’t transfer much to the clothes which is one reason I added the fabric softener crystals. Hope that makes sense!
Christi says
Can this recipe work for HE washers? (front loading kind, that the laundry soap is dispensed from the tray at the top?)
Jen says
Hi Christi,
Yes this recipe works for HE washers. Our readers have put the soap in the tray as well as directly in the drum and either seems to work just fine.
Wendy says
I don’t understand how this can work with oxi clean in it, it’s so hard to dissolve for just using in a bucket with stained clothes – how could it dissolve in a front-loading washer? Also, the oxi-clean website says to put it directly in the drum before adding clothes; probably more chance of dissolving that way. I was thinking of putting it in the Cuisinart to get a finer powder, maybe more chance of dissolving.
Karen Shelby says
I have not seen Zote Soap. If I cannot locate some….do you have a substitute?
Jen says
Hi Karen,
I have seen Zote at Walmart and some Dollar Stores as well as either Home Depot or Lowes (don’t remember which one) If you can’t find it, I would try Fels Naptha. I think that would be the next best option IMO
Kim says
Does anyone have a suggestion for an alternate soap for sensitive skin and a sensitive nose? Fels Naptha is pretty strong. Haven’t found Zote yet. I made a batch with Neutrogena. However it’s very gel like and weird and clumps together.
Lacie says
I use Kirk’s Castile bar soap in my laundry detergent. It is made from coconut oil and is hypoallergenic. It seems to work well with a very mild scent. I buy mine in a 3-pack at Fred Meyer near where you would find other bar soaps (Dove, Ivory, etc.) at the very bottom of the shelf. Hope that helps!
Pearl says
I was unable to find Zote at Walmart, but lucked out at an “international” grocery store in my community. Since Zote is from Mexico, check your smaller local grocery stores.
Sharana Jones says
I’ve bought Zote at both Walmart (white & pink) and Save-A-Lot (pink).
Ivory says
For those of you that can’t find the Zote soap: if you live near any Latino grocery stores, check there. I found it at one(ithe store is called “Todos”)down the street from me. The Zote was only $0.99/bar!!!! I bought 8 just in case I move to an area(husband is in the Army) that doesn’t carry it. I think I’m going to stock up on the washing soda as well. 😛
Anonyvox says
It’s kind of funny–we just bought the stuff to make our own laundry soap last weekend, and we haven’t done it yet. I’m glad to read such positive reviews, and I think we’ll add in the Oxy crystals, since our recipe we found online didn’t call for them.
Jen says
Yay! I’m sure you are going to love it! Make sure to stop by our blog and let us know how it goes!
Judy says
You may know this by now, but on the bar soap you can place it in the microwave for 5 minutes…it will puff up huge, but that also removes the moisture & breaks it down to where it crumbles a lot easier than grating all the soap. I do have a question, since you add the fabric softener, do you put dryer sheets in when you dry or how does it do in controlling static if no dryer sheets are used?
Jen says
Hi Judy,
I didn’t know that about the soap so thank you!! Without dryer sheets, I have had some batches (specifically color clothes) that seem more staticy. I have used dryer sheets the last 4 loads and it seems to help some with the color clothes. I would give it a try without using dryer sheets and see what you think.
Amanda says
I just tried it for 5 minutes… at 3 minutes it started to burn… so Maybe just 2 minutes?
Ma says
try microwaving in 30 second intervals. and then letting it set out a day or two to dry out more. it will then almost completley crumble in your hands and you won’t have to grate it. I find it dissolves better this way. (I have a HE washer as well, cold water usage only.)Thanks for the new recipe! I can’t wait to try it. http://bluejeansformomma.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-3-laundry-suds.html
Sarah says
Is this compatible with HE washers?
Jen says
Hi Sarah,
It is compatible with HE washers. It doesn’t create any suds which is really good for HE machines.
Sarah says
Here’s a tip for using a blender to grate the bar soap. Cut the soap into 4ths then 4ths again and then 4ths again. Add about 1/2 cup of borax and/or washing powders to the blender and then add one or two pieces of cut up soap . First use the ice breaking pulse to break up the chunk and then blend away. The addition of the powder keeps the soap from sticking to the bottom of the blender and melting from the heat.
Sarah says
Clarification on cutting the soap….once you have the 4 pieces cut each of those in half and then those pieces in half.
Jen says
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for the tip! I did cut my soap into small pieces before sticking it in the blender but didn’t use any of the powder ingredients. I bet that would help a ton!
Heather says
hilarious. I saw the idea for the soap about two months ago and in the comments then I pinned these steps in the comments adding the crystals for the smell to keep my family happy. Works even better with the Gain scent crystals. Great minds?
Jen says
LOL! I’ll agree to the great minds hehe! I haven’t seen the Gain scent crystals. I might have to check that out for my next time. Maybe compare the price and smell?
Beatriz says
I have a question – do you add fabric softener in the rinse cycle as well or are the purex crystals in the detergent itself all you add?
Jen says
Hi Beatirz,
I don’t add anything other than the Purex Crystals and really, I don’t think it needs anything more.
Ange says
I wonder if that soap is available where I am (just outside of Toronto).
I made some liquid soap years ago and hated it. It did not clean well at ALL. I love saving money, but the money-saving alternative has to work!
I do have a question though. Has your homemade laundry powder gotten hard? I’m concerned that it will turn into a solid, rock hard lump before I can finish using it.
Jen says
Hi Ange,
I wish I could say where you could find the soap in Toronto but my best guess would be Walmart. I think you can also find the Zote online for purchase. I would recommend stirring it every now and then. It can clump up if you just let it sit for months and months. Transferring it to a smaller bottle seems to help that some and I always give the bottle a shake before pouring it into the wash and then take a large mixing spoon to the huge bucket probably around once a month.
Tori says
I found Zote at my local Mexican grocery store. None of the discount retailers had it in my town (in MI)
kathy says
i use the liquid version of this. i do not add the oxyclean or the fabric softener. i have found my clothes are nice and soft with out it. no dryer sheets either. i try to keep cost as low as possible so thats why no oxyclean and am happy with the cleaning results. i have not tried the dry version as have read a lot of reviews that it doesnt dissolve as well but that was with the fels naptha. i really prefer the zote.does it really dissolve well in cold water? that would be so much easier.
Jen says
Hi Kathy,
It really does dissolve well. I know that tends to be a big concern for people but yes it does dissolve well, even in cold water. If you are really worried about it, try getting it as fine as possible. The finer it is, the faster and easier it will dissolve.
Jamie says
ok for realz, now i want to just throw out the store bought stuff and make my own 🙂 will definitely be trying this when the time comes thanks!
Jen says
Yay! Jamie, I am so excited for you to try it! Make sure to stop by our blog and let us know how you like it!
Peggy says
I have been using this recipe (without baking soda or fabric softener) for the past 10 years in my HE front loading machine with no issues. I do add it directly to the tube instead of putting in the dispenser unless I was feeling really motivated and make up the liquid version instead. I have to admit I like a citrus smell so we add a bit of grapefruit, lemon, and rose essential oils to the detergent as well as some tea tree oil for its anti-bacterial properties. With 4 males (3 teens and my hubby) who are in sports/work-out daily we need all the help we can get!! 🙂
shirley says
Peggy do you have problems with your whites turning blah? I had used a similar recipe (no baking soda only washing soda and no fabric softener), and after a while my husband started complaining that his white T-shirts looked dull. I use vinegar in the fabric softener spot and still do even with store bought detergent. I do not like that fabric softener coats our clothes or my washer/dryer with chemicals.
Jen says
Thanks so much for posting Peggy! It’s nice to hear reviews straight from people who use the recipe with their HE machines.
Lesa says
Thanks for sharing about adding the oils. I’m trying more natural solutions recently and was wondering about the fabric softener. Great to read all the variations others have done to know it can be personalized a bit!
Meghan says
Hi! I just a quick question about the laundry detergent! I am really excited to make and use this but do you add additional fabric softener to the load or is this sufficient? I don’t want to overdo it! Thanks!
Jen says
Hi Meghan,
I really don’t add anything other than the Purex Crystals and I think that is plenty sufficient. I am excited for you to try it! Stop by our blog and let us know how you like it!
Colleen says
I dont add the crystals and my clothes are still softer than they were before. I wouldnt add anything
June says
Is there a liquid version of this? I love the ingredients, but I am a liquid detergent kind of gal. 🙂
Thanks
Jen says
Hi June,
I know there are many liquid recipes out there but I’m not sure the exact ingredients and amounts are the same. I really couldn’t give an opinion on the liquid kind. I specifically chose the powder because I thought it would do a better job and it is significantly easier to make.
Misty says
How much did all the ingredients cost you?
Sarah says
In the paragraph under the Gain bottles, she said it cost her around $28……
Jen says
I wanna say it was specifically $27.66ish I just chose to round up to $28.
AA says
Question? Is this Laundry Detgerent good for High Efficency Washers?
Jen says
Yup! It doesn’t create any suds which is best for HE machines.
Sarah P says
I have been using my homemade laundry detergent for about a week and love it! To make the soap grating less time consuming, cut it in chunks and put it in the microwave until it “bubbles up”. Let it cool completely and then just crumble it with your hands.
Jen says
Thanks Sarah!
Andrea says
I made the gel type version of this a couple of weeks ago and started adding the Purex crystals to get that lavender smell back – it is a hit! I may add oxiclean, but see a need for it, yet. I love saving the money but also love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with Doing It Yourself!
jamie says
How do you make the Gel version?? I have never been a fan of powder soap but would love to try this!
Jen says
Hi Andrea,
Is the gel type different than the liquid kind? I’m so glad you love it! I agree though, the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it is pretty awesome!
Amber M says
We are on a well. Do you think this would react ok to the well water? I am just wondering if anyone tried this with hard water. I don’t want dingy whites 🙂
Nancy says
Borax is great for hard water and on the back of the box it says you can add 1/2 cup to each load with regular detergent if you have hard water.
Jennifer says
I was wondering if you use a fabric softener in your dryer. My hubby’s uniforms are polyester and they tend to get static electricity if I don’t use a sheet in the dryer. Will this replace that?
Jen says
Hi Jennifer!
If you have problems with static already, I would recommend using dryer sheets. I have added it a couple times to a few of my batches that tend to be staticy but don’t use them all the time.
Barb says
I just had a suggestion on fabric softener. A friend just told me she buy the liquid type and goes the dollar store and buys 4 or 5 sponges. Cut the sponges in quarters and soak in the fabric softener over night. Then wring out and let dry. She says that you can then use the sponge through a number of loads before you have to repeat the process. I have not tried it yet but am just getting ready to go shopping to get the ingredients for the laundry soap and the softener.
Bre says
Does this work for HE washers and if so, would you use the same amount of soap?
Jen says
Hi Bre,
It does work for HE washers and as far as I know you use the same amount.
Carly Bonomo says
This looks great. 2 questions:
1. Is it safe for he washing machines?
2. Does the cheese soap melt in the washing machine or stick to ur clothes then melt onto ur clothes when you dry them?
Jen says
Hi Carly,
It is safe for HE machines. The soap dissolves in the water. I have not had any stick to my clothes and then melt. It dissolves really well!
Sharla says
Just made my first batch! I have a load in the wash now, towels!
I’m in Canada and I had looked for the Fels Naptha bars before, didn’t have them. I was going to make the liquid detergent, never did. I bought Sunlight bars instead. Or maybe I just can’t find them in my area. I grated them up using the zester side of the cheese grater, and it powdered it up pretty well, they must have been fairly dry from sitting on the shelf.
I didn’t use Oxy Clean, but something similar that I had. It wasn’t a full container, but this was an “optional” ingredient, so I figured all was good. I can always get some and add it in.
I didn’t add in the scent crystals, I like to add them to the loads as I go, more in some, less in others. I’m going to give some to my dad, somebody had mentioned that it worked well on her husbands dirty hands, so I’ll have him give it a try in his laundry and on his work hands!
Sarah says
I’ve made my own soap in the past and in my experience- Fels Naptha (while its an INCREDIBLE stain remover) will make your whites yellow. So if making, don’t use that. I’ve never tried Zote but I’m curious to see if it’s better. I.m trusting Bobbi on that one. 🙂 (the oxyclean probably helps too)
Leiah says
I made a batch in October and I’m barely through 1/3 of it. I did use the Purex Crystals, but only used 1 bottle.
Also, if you’re adding the Oxyclean, here’s two tips: 1) The store brand (Dollar Store for me) works just as good, and 2) The scoop from the Oxyclean is about 2 Tablespoons.
Don’t be skeptical – just do it. You’ll be amazed at how long this stuff lasts!
Jen says
Hi Leiah!
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review! I’m so glad you like it. It does make a ton doesn’t it?!?
It’s good to know the store brand works just as good and that scoop is the right amount!
Thanks again!
Roberta says
I’ve been using homemade laundry soap for about 6 months now. I made the dry because of the headache of making the liquid. But found that the powder doesn’t dissolve well in my HE washer. So I dissolved it in boiling water, let it set overnight. and put it in coffee can for storage. when I need it I take the concentrated mixture out of the coffee can and mix it with vinegar in my blender then put it in my old Gain bottle.( let it breath for a few moments before turning on the blender or it will foam everywhere.) And I added tea tree oil. I use Vinegar mixed with hair conditioner for fabric softener. Works great and it smells great.Vinegar is great for odors and help whiten
Jen says
Hi Roberta,
I have heard of using vinegar and hair conditioner as fabric softener. I might give that a try next time but I really like having the Crystals mixed in. I can’t believe the powder wasn’t dissolving. I haven’t had or heard of anyone else having that problem. That’s too bad.
Yvette says
Does anyone know which board this listed under on Pinterest? Or who put up this pin o Pinterest. They had some more cool stuff on their board tht I wanted to see but I closed the page by accident.
Rachel says
I saw this on Darliene Paricka’s board “I can do that”
Juli says
Yvette, I pinned this from Natalie Holbrook and her “Homemade” board. Lots of other ideas on there.
Kendra says
Is this soap safe to use in HE machines?
Also, have any Canadians made it? I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the pink soap or fabric softener crystals! I know we have Arm & Hammer, but haven’t seen the washing soda.
Jen says
HI Kendra,
I’m not Canadian but yes it works in HE machines. If you can’t find Zote, you could use either Fels Naptha, Kirks Castile, or Ivory.
Julila says
I just made this and I am in NE Ontario. I could not find the soap or washing soda in a store but we are small town and somewhat remote. I found unscented laundry soap bars and washing soda from well.ca and they ship to all Canada free. Before making this I googled where to find washing soda and some said Zehr’s (I think that is the name of it). I have never been in one though. And for the crystals? I think we might be out of luck. I found downy unstopables but that is scent only and we just prefer scent free anyways. Good luck.
Heather says
I’m so excited to try this I just have one question, my girls have really sensitive skin, do you think anything in it would cause a reaction? (it seems right now that the only thing that doesn’t cause one is Draft and that’s expensive!). Thanks a bunch!
Jen says
Hi Heather,
I don’t know of any ingredients in this recipe that would cause a reaction. It has been used on newborn and toddlers clothes without a reaction but I can’t say if they have extra sensitive skin.
Teralyn says
I have an HE machine and I’m wondering how this would do – has anyone tried it. I’ve been told you are only suppose to use detergents that have the “HE” symbol. What ar the ingredients for the recipe for the liquid version? Thank
Jen says
Hi Teralyn,
This recipe does well in HE machines because it doesn’t create any suds. As far as a liquid version, the ingredients are the same, it just involves boiling water and more work.
Teralyn says
What do you mean boiling water – would you mind sharing how I would do liquid form. Thanks – for all of your help and answering everyones questions, even if they are the same 🙂
ejpoeta says
I have made my own liquid soap for like 2 years. You boil the soap in water until it dissolves. Fill a 5 gallon container about halfway. Add borax and washing soda. I think it’s 1 cup of each but don’t really remember. Then add the melted soap and hot water. Mix. Let sit overnight stirring often. If you don’t it turns into a glob. It worked great. My problem was our water sucks and I think from sitting it caused all of our clothes to smell bad. That is why I was looking for a powder version. I am going to try this one and see how it works.
Jeri says
Have you tried this in COLD water and if so how does it work?
Thank you,
Jen says
Hi Jeri,
I do most of my laundry in cold water and it works great! The soap dissolves just fine!
Kimberly says
I am loving my homemade dry detergent but still had concerns about it hurting my HE Washer. I know that it is low suds, but I’ve heard buildup can be a problem. I am now doing a cycle with hot water and vinegar every few weeks to clean the pipes, etc. and that does a great job.
Although we all want to use cold water to save energy, when I called an appliance repair man to get his input, he was adamant that we need to use warm and hot water cycles (depending on what you are washing) to help keep the washer from getting that mildew-y smell. Even though we have soap in the washer, it is the heat that kills the bacteria, so espcially with bedding, use hot water to kill dust mites and bacteria build up in your machine.
That was a good tip.
He also said to test how soluable the detergent is by mixing a tblsp. or two with 3 gallons of water to see if the detergent dissolved or was grainy. I tried the soluable test with cold water and my dry homemade detergent still completely dissolved – no grainy feeling. I do put the bar soap in the food processor and that makes a big difference in it dissolving easily and quickly.
That might be a good test for many that have hard or soft water so they can see how easily the detergent dissolves.
Thanks for all of the tips –
I find the comments extremely helpful!
Jen says
Thanks everyone for all your wonderful comments and questions!
amanda Beausoleil says
I love this idea! only thing I came across researching these home made recipes was a comment some one made on another site saying after a long time of use the soap scum build up from the bar soap since it is animal fat based and doesnt break down it wrecked thier machine and that a vegetable based soap like castile would be a better alternative. When I make this recipe I am going to try the castile version. may be a suggestion you could make on here .it made sense to me as I am a bar soap user in the shower and always am dealing with soap scum
Jen says
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for the idea. I’ll have to do some research on castile soap. If you makd it and use Castile instead, make sure to let us know how it goes!
Marcia says
I’ve made laundry detergent with castile soap before and it worked just fine in my HE washer. I just made some detergent with ZOTE and love it, too!
taunimarie says
Does Zote smell good?
Tony says
What are you calling a “load” of laundry, 3 shirts and a pair of socks? I just washed 4 loads useing a 1/4 cup of this mix for esch load and there is zero scent after the rinse cycle. Seems like a waste to put the Purex in the mix since there is no after scent. Not trying to be rude just curious. My wife will never go for it if it doesn’t smell clean. Plus theree is no savings if I still need to use a cup per load.
Steph says
I tried this recipe a couple months ago (got it from Pinterest), all of the ingredients were the same except I used Fels Naptha instead of Zote and did not use the fabric softener.
I really wanted it to work, but honestly it just did not clean our clothes. I started out using 1-2 T., but it did absolutely nothing. I could still smell the deodorant in my husband’s shirts when they came out of the machine, and general grime that Tide would have gotten out was still there with this stuff. Another odd thing – anywhere there was a dribble of spilled milk (like on the baby’s sheets or clothes) that area ended up as a dark brown spot after it came out of the dryer. Maybe the soap & milk were reacting in the dryer heat?
I thought maybe needed to use more than 2T., but all that did was leave soap scum on our clothing. You could feel the residue on everything. I would think that would be really bad for sensitive skin.
Has anyone had a similar experience? It seems to work for so many people, with either Fels Naptha or Zote. I was truly so bummed when it didn’t work for me. Our water is on the hard side, maybe that’s the problem?
Jen says
Hi Steph,
That would be so frustrating! I wish I could tell you why it wouldn’t work. I’m not sure how hard water would affect it. I know I don’t have the softest water but it still works great for me. Like I said in the post, my husband comes home after every softball game covered in dirt that has penetrated his 2 layers of clothes and after they are washed, they come out super clean. Sorry you had a frustrating experience with it! 🙁 I’ll try and do some research, maybe find out what the problem could have been. If I find something, I’ll let you know!
Steph says
Thanks Jen, I appreciate it! I would love to figure out a way to make it work for me!
Linden says
Steph, hard water DOES affect how well the soap works! If you think about it, cleaning is about chemical reactions, and if your water has a different chemical makeup than someone with softer water, then it will change how well this detergent works. I had a similar problem. I used a simplified version of this recipe (from this website: http://littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/2012/09/homemade-laundry-detergent-new-tutorial.html ) and it seemed to work for several months. Then I noticed that our clothes were starting to smell dirty if they sat in the drawer for more than a week. I was glad I hadn’t added any scent boosters to the detergent, because they probably would have masked the FACT that my laundry was not getting clean! I tried to read up on how to solve the problem, the author on that website even suggested adding more bar soap or washing soda, but it didn’t help. The more I read, the more I learned there is a lot of chemistry that goes into making a perfect laundry detergent recipe that will work for every washer and every type of water. I decided to leave the chemistry to the professionals and went back to buying Tide and Shout and have been enjoying my clean clothes! I tried making my own softener using the hair conditioner recipe, but it didn’t cut down on static nearly as well as commercial softener.
Trudy says
my husband is a master mason & daily comes home w/ the red dirt on his clothes (Sox r the worst )so thick they could stand on their own. My savior has been filling the washer w/ hot hH2o Lil detergent & 1/2 c cascade dishwasher detergent. Agitate a few min let it set over night. Complete the load & rinse 2 times. White Sox hello!
AmyA says
I also love making my own detergent. I’ve used a similar recipe on a smaller scale. I like yours…make it less often.
Anyway, I have discovered (via another blog) a neat trick for the bar of soap. Cut it into fourths (or even sixths) and microwave each piece for one minute. The soap magically becomes very dry and brittle…which lends it to crumbling in the food processor and giving you a much more powdery end result.
Jen says
Hi Amy!
Thanks for the tip on the soap. I can’t wait to try it next time I have to make a batch. Anything to help save me from grating the soap!
JMP says
I purchased the items to make the detergent today. I was able to find all six ingredients on the laundry aisle @ Walmart for a total of $22.96 + tax. Can’t wait to try it out!
Jen says
YAY! I can’t wait for you to try it out. Make sure to let us know how you like it!
Kortnee says
I bought all ingredients today at Wal-Mart and it cost me $40.62+tax.
spillek says
hi, i am really wanting to try this out. but am alittle unsure about it. i dont really like powder detergents. is there any suggestions/ formulas for making a small batch to try before hand before having to invest time and money in such a large amount?
thanks in advance!
Jen says
Hi Spillek,
You could try halving the recipe but unfortunately you would still have to buy the large boxes of washing soda and borax.
ohi says
You don’t have to buy washing soda. Buy baking soda for a fraction of the price, and bake it at 350 for 30~40 minutes. It will make washing soda.
Adela says
Hi! You mentioned about using for a HE washing machine, did you put it in the actual washing drum or in the soap dispenser? I was just wondering since its powder and not liquid, wasnt sure how that worked. (by HE you did mean a front loading washer??) thanks!
Jen says
Hi Adela,
This recipe has been used in both top loaders and front loaders without any problems. In doing research for front loaders, I have found that it works either way. Some prefer to put it directly in the drum and others put it in the drawer dispenser and then put vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser. I would recommend trying both and see which one you think works best.
Shannon says
Ok so I see where a few people are concerned with the zote for several reasons. I also read on a few other sites that the zote can cause certain stains to set in. Could you just leave the zote out and just add two of the softeners for the scent? Then maybe you could just add a little more than two table spoons to your clothes. It seems to me that the oxiclean would help with stains. I LOVE THAT STUFF! I’ve never made my own laundry soap, so what do you think Jen?
Jen says
Hi Shannon,
I haven’t had any problems with Zote whatsoever and from research, the only thing you could omit would be the Baking Soda but I wouldn’t recommend it, especially if you have hard water. If you don’t want to use Zote, you can try Fels Naptha or Kirks Castile. I have also read that people used Ivory soap and had good luck with that. I haven’t tried these so I can’t give my own opinion. I love the Zote and have no plans of changing to a different soap.
Juli says
When you made this, did you use 2 -55 oz bottles if the Purex Crystals or a total of 55 oz? I have washed one load of towels but couldn’t smell anything but the Zote. i would prefer to smell the crystals. Thanks!
Jen says
Hi Juli,
I used 2 of the 55oz bottles. I added the 2nd one mostly just for scent. It isn’t overpowering but I do smell the crystals instead of the zote on the clothes.
Juli says
Thanks so much for responding! I bought 2-26 oz bottles. I may go buy at least one more of those and see what happens!
Natalie says
Any hints on making a great quality homemade soap without using scented products???
I have highly sensitive skin in my household.
Jen says
Hi Natalie,
You could try Fels Naptha instead of Zote and leave out the Purex Crystals. I think Fels Naptha is a milder smelling soap. I’m not sure how Kirks Castile is as far as scent is concerned. Some have tried Ivory soap and liked that as well. Wish I could give a more helpful answer! Anyone else have a good alternative for sensitive skin?
Aijiko says
Purex makes a “baby” formula for their crystals now that is supposed to be gentler on the skin. Kirk’s Castile also makes a fragrance free version of their bar. These additions may help make a more hypoallergenic version.
Corrina says
I love this idea and I want to try it. I am getting a brand new high efficiency washing machine and just want to double check that it will work okay with it…I am always looking for new ways to make things instead of buying them and I just have to try this because laundry detergent is so expensive to buy fillers…this recipe looks great.
Jen says
Hi Corrina,
This recipe does work for HE washing machines. It does not create suds which will clog the machine and that is what is needed for HE machines.
Marisa says
First off, I bet you have a headache from answering the SAME questions over and over! (Does this work with HE? Do you still use fabric softener? Does the soap really dissolve?) GEEZE!!! I’d be crazy by now and not able to keep my cool! Good for you!!
Secondly, DH and I just finished mixing up a batch of this and have our first load going. I can’t wait to see how it goes!
Jen says
Hi Marissa!
How did your load turn out?!? I am surprised by all the responses but I’m glad I can answer questions and help any way I can. At least I hope I am helping hehe.
Can’t wait to hear how your load turned out!
Kim C. says
I’ve made my own soap for years but use the liquid and add Febreeze. The best investment I made was a $3.00 hand-crank cheese grater. Makes shaving that soap soooo much easier.
Jen says
Hi Kim,
I might have to invest in a hand-crank. I’m sure my sore arm would appreciate it!
Raven says
I wouldlove to try this! I have a quick question though, can this be used in the front loader machines? I wasn’t sure if only liquid could be poured through the little trap door.
Thanks!
Jen says
Hi Raven,
Yes, this can be used in a front loader machine. You can try putting it in the trap door or putting it directly in the drum. Others have had luck either way!
Juli says
My front loader washer has a piece in the dispenser that comes out if I use powder detergent. I made this detergent and am just putting it in the drum. I have only done two loads so far, but it seems to dissolve okay in the drum.
Jen says
For those worried about clogging machines (especially HE ones) here is something you can do to help with any built up residue. Actually we should all be cleaning our machines every now and then.
Pour two cups of vinegar or lemon juice into the tub, and run the washing machine through a complete cycle on the hottest setting. This helps to remove odors, stains and any build up.
Jan Jones says
I have used the basic homemade laundry soap(just zote, washing soda and borax.) But I am really excited about this! I wanted more of a scent, and who doesn’t love having everything static free? Since my kids do their own laundry, it is easier to have everything in one step (no more forgetting to put in a dryer sheet, or add color safe bleach!) I am adding Purex and oxyclean to my grocery list and will make this soon!
Jen says
Hi Jan,
I’m excited for you to make it! Make sure to stop by and tell us how it goes.
Lisa says
What a great idea and money saving too! I’d love for you to share this at Mix it up Monday:
http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com/2012/02/mix-it-up-monday_12.html
I hope to see you soon 🙂
Jen says
Thanks Lisa! Linked up 🙂
yakmom says
I have heard that bar soap products are not good for those who are on a septic tank because the fat in the soap. The bar soaps include fels naptha, ivory, or zote. (Powdered laundry/dish washer detergent is not good either) Instead, I would look for recipes that use citric acid, borax and washing soda. You can purchase citric acid at health food stores. It isn’t very pricey and lasts a long time.
yakmom says
Oh and if you would like a nice, natural scent…try using essential oils. Simply drops some oils into the mix and stir up. I like lavender in ours.
Felicia Eis says
Thank you so much for this tip!! I am just about to move into my first house (YAY!!) and I was wondering about this with our septic. Also have you heard anything about borax being bad? Just read somewhere that it was…
Mary Rose says
Hey Jen, I’m really interested in your homemade detergent, but before I try it I just wanted to know… do you know how it is for sensitive skin people? I HAVE to use “free & clear” detergents (even more expensive than regular detergent). I am sensitive to most body washes with the exception of dove and caress, unless they are meant for sensitive skin, same for lotions, deodorant, etc… Maybe some substitutions would make it okay for sensitive skin? Please let me know what you think, I look forward to hearing back from you!
Mary Rose
Jen says
Hi Mary Rose,
The only really sensitive skin that I know of personally that this has been tried on, has been my nieces and nephews who are newborns and toddlers. They have not had a reaction to it at all and I haven’t had any readers express problems with it and sensitive skin. If you are really worried about it, I would try a different bar soap like Fels Naptha or Ivory. You could also leave out the Purex Crystals in case that might cause a reaction. Hope that helps!
Loyda says
okay so does the fabric softener come in an unscented??? I don’t use any right now but occasionally use it…
Jen says
Hi Loyda,
This paticular fabric softener doesn’t come unscented, at least to my knowledge. If you are looking for an unscented fabric softener, I would recommend using a 1/2 cup of vinegar in your load.
janette says
im useing this with dial soap … i have a friend that uses ivory and ive heard you can use any bar soap for people that have issues with fragrences or dies … ive been using it for 2 months now LOVE IT … i dont use the fabric softner but i may try it next time … works great one getting stubern smells out … my husband looked at me weird when i used the lil scoop that come with the oxi (i use the cheaper sun verson) but its right at 2 table spoons … then i told him its less than and forth the old soap cost he did look so funny … and he likes it too makes his work cloths smell better hes a grease monkey … every one should try this
Jen says
Hi Janette,
My husband looked at me funny too until I told him the price and then he immediately got on board and once we tried it we both LOVED it right away!
Kate says
I just made this and it smells so good! My first load is in the wash as we speak!
My question is…do you want to put the detergent in the bottom to mix with the water before putting the clothes in or does it go on top of the clothes?
Jen says
Hi Kate,
I’m not really sure it matters but my preference is to start the water, put in the soap and then put in my clothes.
Make sure to stop by and tell us how it turns out!
jackie says
when using it in an HE front loader, can you put the mix in the dispenser at the top of the machine. i have tried some that can only be put in the machine barrel before you turn it on, and thats just a little annoying. i’m looking for one that can be put in the tray. thanks
Jen says
Hi Jackie,
I know that it has been put in both the drum and the dispenser by many of our different readers without a problem in either one. I don’t personally have a front loader so all I know is what readers have told us.
Hope that helps!
Carol Aspinall says
Hi there. I just read about your home made laundry soap. Love love love the idea but being as I live in Canada I have no idea what is comparable to your Zoat soap. Not to sure either if we have all the ingredients near by to make this. If possible is there something you would suggest to substitute for the zoat? Love your site and all the information i get from you. Keep up the good work. Carol.
Jen says
Thanks Carol!
Instead of the Zote, you could use Fels Naptha, Kirks Castile, or Ivory. I’m not sure about the Borax or Baking Soda, but I know you can try calling Church and Dwight (makers of the washing soda) at 18005241328, give them your location, and then they might be able to tell you which stores in your area sell it. Otherwise, I’m sure you can buy it online.
Kayla Lanting says
Can this be used in HE washing machines???
Kayla Lanting says
NEvermind… i already found the answer in the thread! SOrry!
sunny h. says
I LOVE the idea of making your own for $$$ saved!! I have tried this in the past and I had a question…
just curious…I tried this with the fels naptha soap, minus the fabric softener – recipe from a friend. I think I had an allergic reaction to my mixture and broke out in hives. I have very sensitive skin. Have you found this to be true with other users? Would you recommend a different combination for sensitive skin?
Would really love to give this another shot and would appreciate any advise!!
Sunny in TX
Jen says
Hi Sunny,
I haven’t heard of anyone having a reaction to the Fels Naptha. You could try replacing the Fels Naptha with Ivory and see if that works better for you.
Hope that helps!
Treva Sanges says
I love this detergent! I have been using it for about 4 months and it is AWESOME! I did find that if I put my bars of soap in the microwave for about 15 seconds it works wonders in helping to grate the soap.
Jen says
Thanks Treva! I’m so glad you like it!
Michelle Coo[er says
Do you put this directy into the HE washer or in the container for the soap? Also, how much should you use for HE washers?
Jen says
Hi Michelle,
From what our readers have said, you can put either in the detergent container or in the drum, it doesn’t seem to make a difference. You would use the same amount 1-2 Tablespoons per load.
Cate says
Three quick things:
1- I always put 50ml of eucalyptus oil in when I make a batch – it’s antibacterial & it smells nice;
2- use vinegar as a rinse aid every now and then (when dry it does NOT smell) as it breaks down any soap residue you may have; and
3- if you’re planning to use the grey-water (important if you live in a part of the world with water restrictions), don’t include the borax; it’s no good for plants.
Cheers,
Cate
PS – I have an HE washer and haven’t experienced any problems (have been makin my own for a few years now)
Jen says
Thanks for the tips Cate!
Lulu says
Oh I so wish I could get these ingredients in Australia! I have 3 little girls (4,4 and 5) and they love to change outfits many times a day, as soon as they get a speck of dirt/dust/anything on them off they come. I spend a fortune on washing powder 🙁
Jewell says
It might be cheaper to get a few Tide To-Go Sticks and use that on the specks of dirt and throw it in the dryer and then they’ll think it’s freshly washed! 🙂 Just an idea!
kimmy says
you can make this in australia. we have all the ingredients here in oz except the purex crystals. just replace the zote soap with a sards soap bar, sunlight laundry soap bar or lux pure soap flakes. for softener i use 2 cups white vinegar 1 cup hair conditioner in a 2ltr bottle and top up with water. the oxyclean is the eqiv to our sards and vanish powder from what i have researched. hth 🙂
rani says
you are so clever!! love this and thanks for the recipe! I am all over this!
Jen says
Thanks Rani!
Jessica says
Thanks for sharing the recipe! I didn’t realize there was an alternative to fels naptha or ivory soap! I looked up Zote soap and was impressed with the ingredients list! I’m definitely going to be trying this out!!! 😀
The comments about clogging pipes and septic systems piqued my interest though, since we’ve had issues with our pipes this past year and we rent…not excited about ruining someone else’s property. I’m excited about the Zote, but maybe I’ll have to research an alternative…is castile soap biodegradable? In just a few minutes time of looking up this issue, I found someone was told by their septic guy to put powdered yeast down their drains occasionally to help the bacterial levels in the septic…but that wouldn’t help with buildup in pipes…hmmm.
Jen says
Hi Jessica,
I’m not sure if the Castile soap is biodegradable. We rent also and we haven’t had any issues with clogged pipes and septic systems. The most concern comes in having build up in the washer but you can clean that by pouring vinegar in the machine and running it on the hottest setting.
Ashley says
I just wanted to add that I don’t think using ivory soap is a good idea…I have very hard water and I use ivory to bathe…it leaves the worse soap scum ever on my tub…I would think it could clog pipes
Jenn says
Can DIY laundry detergent be used with an HE front loader?
Shannon says
I use homemade soap in mine. You will need to use vinegar or homemade fabric softener with vinegar instead of comercial fabric softener though.
Kristen says
Thanks for the great post! I made my own laundry detergent once (with just the borax, fels naptha soap, and washing soda). While I liked how it worked on darks, it seemed to gray/yellow my whites. Are you happy with how your whites are turning out? Do you feel that part is working just as good as before?
Hoping to be able to find a new recipe that works better for my whites!
Jen says
Hi Kristen,
I am happy with how our whites turn out. I use bleach with them probably once a month or so. I’m sure the Oxyclean helps with the white but no I don’t find that they are getting yellowish or gray and dingy.
Shannon says
You could just cut the bar of soap into 8 chunks, simmer in 2 gallons of water until melted(about an hour), devide between 4 one gallon water jugs, add enough water to fill jugs, and now you have enough soap concentrate to make 8 gallons of liquid soap for only $1.19. Everything you need to get your clothes clean is already in the laundry bar, you don’t need to add anything else unless you want to change the smell. I have a home daycare, 4 kids, and a home bakery so I do a ton of laundry and this recipe works just fine. 4 gallons of concentrate lasts me over a year but I only use half what is recomended for homemade soap recipes.
Laura says
Thank you sooo much for the laundry detergent recipe! Word of warning! DO NOT use your food processor to grate the soap! Just like the blender EPIC FAIL! DESTROYED my food processor. burnt the motor out!
Oh well… This batch is just not QUITE as economical as I intended!!! 🙁
Jen says
Hi Laura,
WOW! I hadn’t heard of anyone having problems with the food processor. Good to know but how horrible for you! I’m so sorry that happened to you. Did you still get to make the soap?
steph says
they have it pre-grated at walmart!!!
Mona says
I really like the idea of making this soap. I’m wondering about long time use of this in septic systems and would like to hear from those who have used this. Was told not to use powdered detergents in septic system. Can’t afford to have those problems. Where can I research this? Thanks.
Jen says
Hi Mona,
I’m not sure how much help I can be on this subject. I’m not on a septic system where I live. I did do some research though and found some forums that said it should be fine but as far as research goes, I would try googling it or ask a professional.
Sorry I can’t be more help.
Michelle says
So, if you have a front loader you pour it in just like you do the crystals?
Jen says
Hi Michelle,
We have received responses from our readers that do it both ways either in the dispenser or directly in the drum and either one seems to work just fine.
toysinthedryer says
Oh I love this! It would be great if you would share this with our readers for Fun Stuff Fridays. toysinthedryer.com/2012/02/fun-stuff-fridays-11.html
Jen says
Thanks for the invite. All linked up!
Angie says
Does anybody know if you can use bleach with this soap? I am wondering if bleach could be added with the whites to help the dingy whites concerns?
Jen says
Hi Angie,
I use bleach with this soap on my whites without any problems.
Breanne says
Do you need to add water or is it all dry material?
Jen says
Hi Breanne,
This is a dry recipe, no water needed.
Angie says
Is this recipe safe to use in a HE washer? I’d really like to try it, but can’t afford to mess up my washer!
Jen says
Hi Angie,
Yes this is safe for HE washers because it does not create any suds.
Katie Pritchard says
So I am a mom-to-be on a budget from saving for the baby, I am also in college and stretching every penny. I came across this on Pinterest and I was excited to try it. I just ran to the store and got all my items. It was a little pricey for the addition of Oxy-Clean and the Softner, but I think it will be worth it. I am so excited to try this.
Jen says
Hi Katie,
Congratulations on being a mom-to-be. That is so exciting! I’m so happy you are going to try this recipe. Stop on over to our blog and let us know how it goes!
steph says
GREAT TIP – I found pre-grated ZOTE when looking for the bars. One box = 2 bars! They only had the white kind and it was about .50 more than buying 2 bars but WELL worth it in time:)Btw- never thought I would make my own detergent but I LOVED this recipe! Awesome – thanks!
Jewell says
UGH I wish I found that considering I accidentally grated my finger really badly while grating the Zote bar! 🙁
Jen says
OUCH! I’m sorry Jewell!
Sheryl says
I got a little carried away and scraped my middle knuckle on both hands. The soap smells amazing (I used one bottle of the Purex Crystals Fabric Softener in the Lavendar scent). Husband is a bit skeptical because we have a HE washer, but I’m sure it will be okay. 🙂
Jen says
WOW! Pre-grated Zote?!? Ya I would probably spend the .50 on tht asl well. Where did you find it at? So glad you loved the recipe!
Jewell says
So I finally made this after searching everywhere for the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (reluctantly found it at the one place I refuse to shop at, Walmart).
My only complaint so far is that the PINK ZOTE bar of soap smells like absolute crap! It is so disgusting!!! I wish I went with my gut and got the white unscented bar! 🙁 I only used 1 bottle of the Purex Crystals Fabric Softener (in Lavender) so I’m going to add a second bottle in hopes that it will hide the smell the Pink Zote bar. 🙁
Jen says
Sorry you didn’t like the smell of the pink Zote Jewell, I actually liked how it smelled which is why I chose that one but everyones preferences are so different. The smell never transfered to our clothes though, only the Purex Crystals and I did add the 2nd bottle for more smell.
Jessica says
I just wanted to relay that the white Zote soap is not unscented. All three variations of the soap (white, pink, and blue) are scented with citronella. The only difference between them are the dyes that give the bars their respective colors. This info can be found on the Zote website in the Frequently asked questions section. Hope I helped!
Juli says
Jessica, since the Zote is scented with citronella, do you know if it helps repels mosquitoes? That would be another money-saving bonus for this detergent! : )
Christina Broyles says
Can this detergent be used with bleach? I know the Oxi-clean says not to use bleach with it. Thanks!
Jen says
Hi Christina,
I have used it with bleach without any problems.
Abby says
I just made and tried this laundry soap today. I works really well! I even put it through a tough test… getting my 7 month old’s poopy clothes clean. I didn’t even pre-treat the items and they all came out with out a stain!
Ttdoesitall says
I make my own detergent, my recipe varies a little from the other one posted. Also the best tip I can give for sweaters pilling is to turn them inside out before they are laundered, it cuts down on the rubbing which is what causes the pilling. Also once something does pill you can get a fabric/sweater shaver and it works great! I’ve even seen some people gently run a regular disposable razor over a sweater laid flat. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-9RSSrSCok&list=UUWU1Q5av2cCIf1fBpQ6Jsaw&index=14&feature=plcp
Casi says
Hi there! If used in a front loader, you put the dry soap in the drum itself? Not in the upper compartment where I usually put liquid? I’ve never used dry detergent in my machine and the liquid homemade detergents seem like they’ll be gooey so this looks great!
Connie says
My question is regarding substituting fels naphtha for the zote. The zote bars are listed as 14.1 oz bars and the gels naphtha are only 5 oz bars so do I still only use 2 bars or do I increase fels naphtha bars to a rough approximation of 28 oz
Barbara says
I was wondering the same thing Connie. I hadn’t noticed that there was a difference in weight between the Fels Naptha and the Zote until AFTER I had made up the recipe so I used only two bars but am now wondering if I should add more? So far, it seems to be working well. I’ve been reading all the blogs hoping to see this answer. I’ve read MANY requests for “can this work in a HE washer”.
Anybody have an answer to this?
Natalie says
I’m wondering the same thing. Is it really supposed to be 28 oz of soap? That seems like a lot to me.
Nadine says
This is a great idea! I do have a question. Do you put all the ingredients listed for one batch?
Carole says
I have been using hypoallergenic soap and fabric softener that is perfume free – Does anyone know if this is hypo allergic
Tori says
I made my soap today. Found the Zote at the Mexican grocery. I microwaved the Zote like one of the commenters said, but be warned: it conventrates the scent. Make sure you open a window or two. It made it real easy to break apart and run through the food processor.
I had a load my daughter left in my washer and it started to have that funk smell, so I figured what a great test. This took out that smell! 🙂
The best part is, my girls are excited that we were able to make our own and it’s cheaper. We figured it would save us at least $60 a year? and that is a horseback riding session for us! Way to put savings into perspective, girls!
samantha says
Do you think its okay to use the downy unstopable instead of the purex?
samantha says
i just think the smell is alot stronger and then i wouldnt have to use two of the purex and i love how it smells
Brittany E. says
Hey there! I recently made the soap using Fels Naptha instead of the other, and for some reason all of our clothes are shrinking! I don’t mean just a little bit either, by inches. I don’t know what would cause that 🙁 They are clothes that have already been washed before, so they are pre-shrunk and we washed them all in cold water. Is anybody else having that problem? I am so frustrated because I made a big batch of the detergent and now it will just go to waste. If anybody has any suggestions I would be glad to hear them. It’s so disappointing.
Liv says
No, not even a little. That sounds weird.
steph says
I just made this today and had to try it out in a couple loads and i LOVE it!I could smell the fabric softner crystals when going through the cycles,smelled so good.:)One thing I came to realize I didn’t put the amount of soup the recipe calls for,I had only put in 14.1 oz. instead of 2(14.1oz.)but my clothes still came out clean and I’ll just get more soap to grate up and add to it.Thanks for the awsome detergent recipe!
Beth R says
Good Morning,
First I have to say I am NOT a granola eating , organic growing,carbon foot print, birkenstock wearing type person. No offense to those that are. Im just lazy. I actually do wear birkenstocks and accept the looks of digust that follow, but I digress…..
Yesterday, I finally bought all the product needed to make this laundry soap. After looking in 3 major grocery stores I could not find the Zotes soap, and had to default to Fels-Naphta, not as pretty as the pink cheese, but the smell is surprisingly not offensive.
Had to come here this morning to see if it would be acceptable. I just mixed up the entire batch and am actually looking for a load to wash ! It smells great so far but I am still not a believer in the 2 TBs amount.
Is this for a very small load or an average household size load?
Also, my total (with 2 bottles of the Purex) was $36.21 that was one time I wish I cut coupons. The purex was 8.59 at walmart, I thought about skimping with one bottle ,but in the end caved in and spurled for the second bottle. My laundry must smell clean when done.
So today I will put on my birkies, strip all the beds then joyfully do my laundry and have fresh smelling linens by nighfall !
I cant believe Im this excited to do laundry?
THANK YOU for sharing.
reem says
I have a question about the claimed $28 price tag for this. I did some quick research on the products needed for this and the total cost came up to ~$69. Where are you getting this $28 number from? Please let me know!!
Liv says
I doubled the recipe and everything cost me $56. So the price tag sounds right to me.
Linda says
I found everything at Wal-Mart.
Gabby says
I bought everything at my walmart and the total came out to $28 and some odd change.
Shaina says
I went to Walmart today and all the ingredients for me cost 28 and some change. The ingredient that cost the most was the purex crystals at almost 9 dollars & the Oxiclean was 8. Everything else was CHEAP!! 🙂
Aubri Spangler says
Can I use this in my He washer?? I so want to try this
Amber says
Does anyone know where I ca find Borax at?
Liv says
http://www.drugstore.com/20-mule-team-borax-natural-laundry-booster-and-multi-purpose-household-cleaner/qxp160587?catid=150360&fromsrch=borax
Although it should be in your local grocery store in the laundry isle.
Corcynthia says
I have been going back and forth with taking the jump and making our own laundry soap for awhile. I finally decided to just DO IT ALREADY. We are a military family and always looking for ways to stretch our budget (especially now that gas in San Diego is well over $4.20 a gallon). I just picked up almost everything from the Commissary this afternoon. Going to swing by WalMart tonight to get my Zote and get to grating! I am so excited to try this and hoping to fall in love! (Who couldn’t love laundry soap that lasts so long and doesn’t cost a fortune for the year – so far my total is $20.06 for everything minus Zote!) Can’t wait to check back in and let you know how it goes! Thanks for your wonderful idea!
Melissa says
I tried this using the Fels Naptha, it is AWESOME, would reccomend grating the soap fine as I used my food processor and it is difficult to use the dispenser with the larger grate of the soap.
Melissa
Tawnya says
How much did you use of the Fels? Enough bars to equal the same 28 oz of soap if you used Zote? They come in different weights so I’m just trying to find out if it is like for like in weight or bar count. Could someone please email me this answer at [email protected]? I’d like to know.
Lisa says
Just so people know, if you want to avoid grating the soap and microwaving it, etc – WalMart has Zote in flakes. One box is supposed to be equal to 2 bars and it’s $2.64. Since each bar is 97 cents, it’s more expensive but sounds like it saves a lot of trouble. I’m going to mix my batch tonight and give it a try!
stacey says
I’m excited to try this since I’ve been using a Fels Naptha version. I know Zote is less chemically-intense. Yay!!
If you want to avoid further chemicals (& cost), leave out the softener. Instead use 1/4 – 1/2 cup of vinegar in your rinse cycle. I get really soft clothes doing this! But you’ll have to use it several times to get the buildup of softener out of your clothes in order to give the vinegar an honest try. It doesn’t leave a vinegar-y scent, in case you were wondering.
Happy washing!
Jill says
Love love love it. Trying to find what I have an allergy to and I found this. I love the CLEAN smell it leaves. I made only 1/2 batch in case i would a reaction but it’s plenty for now and I can use the borax and washing soda in other homemade cleaning supplies!!
MY clothes have nevr smelled so good and they are really clean! Thank you!!
JIll says
Took some to wash shower curtains in tub(threw in the window curtain as well. Smelled so good. ( yes I rinsed well) and I thought what the heck , it’s all cleaning ingredients, right? I wiped down the walls, the sink, toilet and cabinets and the floor. wiped over again with just wet rag. Smells amazing. didn’t use much less than a tablespoon, with great results. Won’t do all the time but may make some without napa soap to wash walls maybe refresh carpets?
Rachel says
I just made this soap today, i have been wanting to try it for awhile now! I could not find the Zote soap anywhere but online, my walmart has a terribly small selection of everything, however I used one bar of fels naptha and one bar of ivory instead. Also I made some sort of mistake, there is another Purex crystals bottle on the softener shelf, and i didnt realize until I got home that it is not softener. Its just like a scent booster or something. No big deal because it smells very good, but I had wanted the softener in it. I tried my first load and I was happy with it! i dont really know if it cleans better than my previous brand, but it cleaned just as well for a lesser price. I misread the recipe and only got one 2 pound box of baking soda, but i still have a huge amount that will last me a good long time. All in all you really have nothing to lose with trying it. the whole excursion cost me 20 bux
Linda says
Is this mixture safe for (he) high efficency washing machines?
Melissa Blocker says
I was wondering if you use 2 Tblsp in top load washer or is that for HE front load washer.
Emily Allphin says
LOVE your Laundry Detergent. It smells wonderful and it works really well! 🙂 Mostly, I’m excited about the price tag. Including tax here in Kansas it cost me $30.82 and it makes a TON! 🙂 Thank you, thank you! I will be trying to convert everyone I know to this recipe! 🙂
Sharon says
I have already been using this laundry detergent and LOVE IT… but yours caught my attention. My recipe didn’t include adding the Purex Crystals! I’ll have to look for those and add it to my main batch! I’m very happy with this laundry soap…
Thanks for the post!
Gabby says
I just made this tonight and I feel pretty accomplished with myself 🙂 Although, I did not expect my hand falling off from all that stinkin cheese grating, but I will live! I haven’t tested it out yet on the count that throwing a load in the wash is not on my fun list right now, but it smells so good and I am excited to save all that money. Anywho, thanks for posting this idea!!!
Stacey says
I went and bought all my ingredients for the soap and I am so excited to make it! But before I do, when I got all my ingredients they only had the Fels Naptha. It is a 5 1/2 oz bar, do I need to have like four of those then to equal the 14.1 oz. bars of Zote Soap to call for? Thank you and I hope I make sense 🙂
Sammy says
have you experienced any fading with this laundry soap? I am hesitant to make my own laundry soap since most require baking soda and I have heard it fades fabrics.
Alma says
I have not tried this but……I have an attachment for my drill to mix paint with that works like a hand held mixer. May work well for mixing this stuff in the bucket……just a thought
Shannon says
I was looking at the ingredients for Zote and it is made with Coconut Oil. Due to an allergy I am going to try the Fels Naptha instead. Can anyone suggest how much to use of that? I believe it comes in 5.5oz bars.
Julia says
Can you use in an HE washer safely and not cause problems?
Shelley says
Yes 🙂
Mona says
I have a HE washing machine and there is about 1/2 of laundry soap left after it finishes ? 🙁
Juli says
Mona, I have an HE washer, too. I have been using this for several months. Occasionally I will have one small piece of the Pink Zote that is left undissolved but other than that have not had an issue with it not dissolving. I put it directly into the drum before I add the clothes then start the machine as normal. I also use Vinegar in my fabric softener dispenser to help with any build up in the pipes, etc. Hope this helps.
Amanda says
Does the shredded soap liquify even in cold laundry loads? i’ve seen some recipes that you have to cook down the soup and make a liquid detergent to use but haven’t seen this…
Angela in KY says
I make my own laundry detergent as well, very similar to yours, however I didn’t know what kind of scent to add. I used the Downy Unstopables in my wash but it was EXTREMELY expensive. I use the liquid version of your recipe (without any scent additive) but I was wondering if adding the Pyrex Crystals to my liquid batch would work too????? What do you think?
Amber says
Is this safe to put into the dispenser??? I just made my VERY first batch and I wanted to just confirm the “application” of this. I only ask because the Purex Crystals say to add them directly to the tub of the washer (whether HE or not) and I have an HE washer and just wanted a confirmation on how to do it. 🙂 Should be using it this weekend. 🙂
Amber P says
I am the original poster of this comment and would really love to get an answer as I will NEED to start using this today. Please HELP!!!!
Juli says
Amber, I have been using this for several months. I have a front load washing machine (HE) and I have opted to just add the detergent to the drum before adding the clothes. I figured “better safe than sorry”. I also use vinegar in my fabric softener dispenser to help with any build up that could occur, plus it is a good fabric softener. Hope this helps.
Joy says
When do you put the vinegar in the dispenser, everytime you wash or just occasionally? Also what does it do to your clothes?
Melissa says
Has anyone tried to us the downy unstoppables instead of the Purex Crystals?
jenn says
My daughter and hubby have VERY sensative skin, could you tell me how mild of a soap itit is?
Jacque says
I use a similar recipe. I use 1 cup borax, 1 cup washing soda, 1 cup oxy, and 1 bar Fals Napatha grated. I use about half of the oxy scoop per load. For fabric softener, I use a downy ball and fill it to about “medium” with white vinegar. It softens clothes and leaves them almost static free, and they have no vinegar smell at all. 🙂
Sandy says
Just got the ingredients for this and actually found already grated zote soap….may be a bit more expensive but the time saver is great for me.
Sandy says
Hello, So I just made the recipe last night and washed one load. Is there not supposed to be any suds at all? It is weird just looking at the water. Thanks & God Bless, Sandy
Amber P says
if you read the whole post it does say that there will not be any suds and that it is better for the washer or clothes or something.
Nicole says
I can’t find Zote soap where I am and to order online is expensive with shipping. Is it possible to leave it out and still have it work?
Tori says
Mexican grocery store.
Jessie says
Love your recipe. Been using a similar fels naptha recipe in my HE front loader (grounded the soap in a blender first so it wouldn’t clog). I also use the purex and “wanted” to include them in my entire batch like you did, to save myself an extra step of loading them into the drum. But the instructions on the bottle warns against placing them in a dispenser.
I thought since the fels went through just fine that the crystals might pass through without trouble too, especially since they’re small. After experimenting with the dissolve time of each the crystals take awhile to soften up vs the soap which gets mushy as soon as water hits it. I haven’t tested the theory but the results leave me to believe the crystals would stay hard while passing through the dispenser tube and make be more likely to clog especially if it sticks to the mushy soap pieces. Thought I would mention this to anyone who is thinking about trying them in their front loading HE machines. The soap only (blended into small pieces) should work great, but be careful with the crystals! HTH
Anita says
We make a liquid detergent with the Fels Naptha and we grate it in a Majic Bullet or a box grater. We also use a 5 gallon bucket and a drill with a paint stirring attachment on it to mix it up.
Ivey says
Since it’s a powder, is this bad for septic systems? If so, would melting it down to a liquid solve the problem?
Kim Gra says
Wow. Loved the idea so I made some today. I think i grated the cheese soap a little too big but next time I will do it more fine. I wanted to get it grated in a hurry and got excited about this project. Well anyhow the only problem with it not being finely grated is that it won’t pour out of the crystals bottle that I re-used for the laundry soap. No prob. I just dumped it into the oxyclean container. holds the whole bottle. Well I have my hubby’s dirty work clothes going now….we wil see how it turns out…
Kim says
I am having trouble finding the Zote soap. I found fels naptha and used that in a liquid batch i made but didn’t really like this so I saw yours and definately wanted to try again. I have looked at several stores and can’t find the Zote soap 🙁 Where are you finding it? Thanks and look foward to making this 🙂
Tori says
I found mine at a local Mexican grocery.
Callie says
I would love to do this…. I just don’t know how my daughters über sensitive skin would react. Anyone out there want to send me a sample? Callie dot zenner at yahoo dot com
sarah says
Is it possible to add essential oils to the blend (without the Purex Crystals)? I would like to have the option of using a natural scent, but don’t want the chemical fragrance of Purex. Thank you!
Tina says
I got mine all mixed up today!
After reading the comments here, I used my hand crank cheese grater and grated my White Zote Soap onto a tray, which I then left out to dry out for about a week. Stirring it and crumbing the dried pieces every couple of days. When I judged it was dry enough took it to the blender. I then poured some baking soda into the bottom of my blender, and added a couple scoops of the Zote, blended, and then poured the blended mix into a bowl. I continued until all the Zote had been blended into powder. I then layered everything in a 5 gallon bucket, mixing after each layer using a paint mixer that attaches to the drill. that seemed the best way to get everything to mix really well.
I didn’t use the Pyrex crystals because I am not a fan of lavender, or the other scent they had. I like my clean clothes to smell like just cloth, and hubby has a sensitivity to some soaps so I thought it best to just avoid the Pyrex crystals.
To test my husbands sensitivity I mixed a pinch of the Zote soap in a bowl of luke warm water, dunked a washcloth in the mix, and tied the washcloth around his wrist for at least 30 minutes. I know others have wondered if this is ok for sensitive skin, so I thought I would give my tester method. You could do that with pretty much anything you’re worried about going into the soap mix. He had no reaction whatsoever so I figured it was safe to go ahead.
Once everything was mixed up. I used the oxyclean scoop to scoop the mix into a large jar I bought specifically for the laundry mix, not all would fit, so I put the rest in a 3 quart (cleaned out) pickle jar, and the last of it back into the oxyclean tub.
Once I run out of my store bought liquid detergent this will start getting used, and I’ll comment again with an update!
Thank you Jen!
Anita says
Tina, What a brilliant, simple way to test for sensitivity! Thank you! My husband is also sensitive to perfumes and dyes. Buying one bar to test is so much cheaper and easier than going to all the effort of making it and just hoping for the best.
Sheran says
Just made your DIY laundry detergent recipe today. I did 2 loads today and love it already!! Thanks!
Annette says
This sounds great. Do you still use extra bleach for whites?
Annette says
Another question – Is this good for nylon, polyester and other gentle cycle items? Anxious to try it.
Dawn says
Is this detergent safe for he washers?
Heather says
Oh my – I just made this and now my house smells wonderful! Thank you so much for the easy to follow recipe!
sheri sanderson says
I have been researching this DIY homemade soap. The one question I have before I proceed is about the bar soap. The Fels Naptha is available to me and comes in a 5 and 1/2oz bar. The zote used in your recipe is 14.1oz bar. Just for clarification, I would need to purchase 5 bars of my soap to (almost) equal the 2 of yours, correct? Wondering if anyone else noticed this difference.
Tori says
I made this about 2 months ago. I read through ALL the comments. I used the Zote which I found at my local mexican grocery store. I cut it in chunks and microwaved it. The scent can get a bit overwhelming in this step. It then crumbles and I ran it through my food processor to get it to powder. I used 2 bottles of the purex. And although I don’t notice the scent a lot, the clothes smell nice. My whites are a lot whiter than before (even without bleach). I use a bit more than the 2T and I still have not finished my first (re-used) purex bottle. I don’t need separate softener, the towels are even soft and a lot more absorbent. I have an HE machine with a powdered dispenser and so far so good. I do use a fabric sheet in the dryer if the clothes are prone to static, but on most loads it is not a problem. I have only had one time that it didn’t dissolve, but that was my fault. I stuffed a load full of blankets and comforters. 🙂 When this is gone, I will be making another batch.
Lynn says
Does this leave a residue on your clothes? We had switched years ago to liquid because the powder would stick to the clothes.
Leah says
This weekend I bought all my ingredients for the diy laundry soap. I still had a few loads left in my Tide bottle so I used it on a load. My 12yo daughter left a cherry chapstick in her pocket and I didn’t catch it. Greasy pink-ish smudges on the entire load 🙁 I washed the load again in my usual and smudges were still there. I went upstairs and made the batch of diy soap and crossed my fingers (I did not pre-treat at all). SUCCESS! Everything looks great and smells great (I used the lavender scent crystals). Not a spot on anything, even the light grey soccer jersey of her brother’s came clean (it wouldn’t have been pretty if it hadn’t). I am passing this on to all my friends! So happy I found you 🙂
Kathy says
I used my Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer – with the slicer/shredder attachement to shred the fels naptha soap bars – worked like a charm! I can’t find Zote where I live, but I think I’m going to order it from Amazon.com
Also, instead of fabric softener, I bought the Downy UNStoppables in-wash scent booster – I use a lot of microfiber cloths for cleaning, and they can’t be washed with any fabric softener. This works great to get the scent without the softener!
Londa says
Im not sure how i like this. I just made it and all the smells from all the different powders has really gotten to me. I had to open the door and my lunges hurt now 🙁 i sure hope it is worth it
Sheba Rotan says
The ingredients say 1-2 Purex Crystals. Did you use 1 or 2 bottles? I’m excited to try this!
Amanda says
I just made this soap and am running the washer as we speak! I just wanted to share what I did to store it. For anyone with infants, if you use similac, the container that it comes in (the bigger one with the scoop in the lid) is GREAT to store this!!! The scoop is 1 TBSP, so just put 2 scoops in, put the scoop bag and close the lid! Done!
Thanks so much for sharing your recipe!
Kendrean says
I have found Zote flakes in my Walmart! It is with the powdered detergent just down from the washing sodas! 1 box is equivilant to 2 bars. SO much easier than grating. Will definently be trying this recipe!
Mikey says
If I use Fels Naptha should I still use only 2 bars? Fels Naptha bars are only 5.5 oz and the Zote is 14.1 oz. Thanks!
Suzanne says
I went an extra step and put the mixture in my vita-mix. This way I would be sure and have the fels napa soap intergrated with all the ingredients. Didn’t take too long, I did really small batches (cup at a time). Note I orginially grated the soap, but felt it was not small enough.
Sheryl says
Love this soap ‘recipe’. No longer buying expensive laundry soap or fabric softener. This soap does it all for much less.
Debi says
I can’t tell you how much I love this stuff. I was digging around looking for more to wash. I love the smell and my clothes actually look and feel cleaner. Thank you so much!!!
Debi
Melissa says
Quick question: how long will the batch last? I’m currently single, so I don’t do many loads of laundry compared to someone with a family. Is there an expiration date on the soap? Thanks!!
anne says
an old fashioned table mount meat grinder makes the soap really fine. I open the fels up and let them sit for a day or two so it gets hard. that way it does not clog up the grinder which is a real pain. the grinder makes it powdery!!
LaDonna says
Does it keep colorings looking good or do the color clothes fade.
Lauren says
Love your recipe! Just made a whole batch today. Instead of 2 bars of Zote, I did one bar of Zote and one bar of fels naphtha. The whole house smells great. My only warning would be, when grating the soap with your hand grater, use the smaller size option to shred it like cheese, because when it’s all mixed and poured into the purex bottle, the large shreds keep getting stuck! Should have heeded the warning about that one! Otherwise, BRILLIANT!! I’m thinking about putting it in old jars with a vintage metal measuring teaspoon tied to the side (I plan to hunt them down at tag sales) and a little gift tag with the instructions as well as the recipe to make your own! With mother’s day coming, I have a couple moms in mind to gift some to! Thanks so much and keep up the great site!!
Alissa says
Hey! I LOVE this idea! However, I have a 3 month old so I’m concerned about being able to use this on his laundry. Would it be ok, and if not, what kind of revisions could I make to make this “baby friendly”?
Thanks!!
Shaina says
Hello, I just found this site and I absolutely will be TRYING this Detergent! I am a wife and mother of 4, 3 boys(1 is a 2 year old being POTTY Trained)& 1 Tom Boy 🙂 My husband works in construction, roofs & mechanic work!! My daughter and I are volunteering at a local farm (cleaning stalls and doing dirty work) SO To say the least I Do “A LOT” of laundry!
One question to all who uses this detergent! My Oldest son and Daughter are fair skinned and have eczema! Detergents tend to flare the eczema (ESPECIALLY for my 14 year old son) Does anyone know if this “home made detergent” Is good for Skin?
Thanks so much!! LOVE the site!!
Nathalia says
My two year old has really bad eczema. We have been using this recipe for a while and he has no problem with it!! Hope this helps!!
Lauren says
I made the batch as instructed last week. Only problems so far: I grated the Zote soap/cheese into too large of shreds. Now they are sticking to the walls of the washing machine (I have a regular not HE) and after removing the clothes, I have to wipe the slime blob of pink mush off the drum. This is even AFTER doing an extra rinse cycle. So seriously, shred it very very tiny or crumble it into a powder! It was super soft and easy to grate but it is now a mess and I’m not sure how to go about fixing the whole batch without ditching it all and starting over. 🙁 also, it seems to be a bit harsh and has washed out some of my colors, especially the grey shirts I have look pretty faded since this wash, so I added a splash of woollite which I’m not sure if that helped or not. Any advice would be great!
Bobbie says
I’ve been using homemade detergent for a while now. Mine is using Fels Naptha, Washing Soda and Borax. I used a fine grater for the bar soap. I use only 1 Tbsp per load unless the load is particularly dirty. I could not help but wonder how well the soap was disolving, so I microwaved a Tbsp in 1 1/2 cups of water. It doesn’t seem to get disolved enough so now each time I do a load of wash I simply disolve my detergent first. (Actually I disolve enough for 1 load after I finish my last load. That way I am ready to begin again more quickly) Just heat it, stir it, let it cool a bit, then heat and stir again. Not on too high of heat though, it makes a clean mess in the microwave… lol
Juli says
Lauren, After I made my batch I read that you could microwave the soap and it will become powdery when it dries. What I did was use a collander and pour the dry detergent through it. It will catch the zote pieces. I then microwaved the soap pieces for about a minute as i filled a plate with the pieces. Let them cool then put them in my small food processer with a bit of the dry detergent. This made the flakes smaller and i had no more problems with undissolved peices of zote. It took a bit of effort but was worth it.
Dee says
I don’t know about Zote Soap, but Fels Naphtha chops up nicely in the blender!
Also, a DIY Oxy Clean:
1/4 cup of washing soda (Sodium carbonate) & 1 cup of Hydrogen Peroxide. Add to washer with detergent. Let agitate for a few minutes, then turn off washer. Allow to soak for up to 6 hours (only active for that long).
Cheers
Megan says
I have made prob 6 different versions of homemade laundry soap and after the last flop my husband said no more we will buy it from now on. I happened to have the ingredients to make 1/4 of this batch on hand so I gave it a shot. I am so thrilled that I did. This is much easier and less of a mess than the liquids I have made. It makes the whole house smell good while mixing it and it truely is the best one yet. I didn’t add the oxyclean since I didn’t have any on hand but will next go round. Zote smells great by itself but the purex is even better. I have washed some nasty stuff with the laundry soap (I have a 3yr old) and have ended up with everything fresh and clean
Shelley says
Yay! So glad this worked out for you. Thanks for letting us know!
Judy says
My two daughters and I made this up as printed on your site and I have to tell you we all three absolutely love it! One has the HE washer and she has had no trouble with clogging. We love the smell and how clean our clothes got. Thank you!!!! Every penny saved helps these days.
Shelley says
Yay! Thanks for letting us know. 🙂 Love rav reviews like this.
JudyL says
I’ve made a similar recipe without the oxiclean & fabric softener, but I lost the recipe-glad to find this one! I used Zote soap grated in my food processor.No problem burning the motor out, but you probably need to put a towel over it because of the dust that flies everywhere! Then when we would scoop it out for the wash,the powder was so dusty it always got in out noses & made us sneeze. I figure the soap was just so dry, so I’m going to try adding a bit of water to it next time,so it’s still a powder,but not as dusty! The Zote’s been sitting in my cupboard so long it’s as hard & dry as it can be, so I figure I’ll break it up with a hammer before processing it. I did get an old processor(the old,almond color that has a better motor) at a thrift store for $2.50 to use just for this purpose now. ALso, when you dump it all in the bucket, jsut put the lid on & start rotating it back & forth, upside down, in different directions – this will mix it without having to stir it – I can’t do that because it hurts my hands. I didn’t know Zote had citronell in it – wonder if it repels mosquitos?
Dawn says
Just an FYI….if you epson salt and essential oils….you can make your own fabric enhanser!! 🙂
Joanna says
I use the grater part of a salad shooter to grate the soap.
Jamie Wilson says
I have a question how many bars of soap do you need? I thought 3 they are 5 1/2 oz. each is that right?
krystal says
I was given a homemade laundry soap a few months ago. The woman who made it for me used Fels Naptha and it resolved really well, even in cold water. I just made my soap and I used the Fels Naptha (I couldn’t find zote). I can’t wait to use it! Thanks, Jen!
graccela says
so i made some homemade laundry detergent n put one tp on it , i watch it run it made no bobbles like the other stuff ..do i have to add more or it fine??? n i can see the water getting dirty .. n can someone tell me like how much they use on there baby laundry?? it will help me alots
Darby Shaw says
I put all the ingredients together and then washed 4 loads of laundry. I am more than satisfied with this new and improved laundry detergent.
Irma says
I couldn’t find Zote so I sub’d Irish Spring. After 1 load, it smells great and I don’t see any residue on the clothes. If I encounter any problems with it later, I’ll try to come back and post.
Also, I omitted the baking soda and used about 2 cups of Oxi Clean.
Plus, I used 5 gal bucket I bought at Home Depot (an extra from my son’s T-ball team bucket project).
Shaina says
Ok so I went to Walmart with my list of ingredients. They didn’t have the Zote but they did have the Fels Naptha. I only bought 4 bars which were 5 1/2 ozs a piece.
It is TOO hot here so I didn’t use the grater. I cut each bar into small chunks. (they looked like Velveeta squares for queso) I then added a generous amount of baking soda in the bottom of my food processor (NOTE: DO NOT put the soap in the food processor by itself it will not shred well and it melts and sticks together) I added half the bar into the baking soda and it shredded it so fine almost to powder!!! 🙂 I used a big tub bucket to mix (turned on its side and spun it mixed it pretty good like on how its made those industrial machines) I then used a wooden spoon the rest of the way!! 🙂
I have washed only blue jeans so far and I like how they have washed. I have a family of 6, two teen boys, a 11yr old daughter into horses, a hubby who works in construction/hardwood/gutters and a 2 1/2yr old who is potty training so to say the least I do TONS of laundry..
SO we will see how long this lasts us. I spend 15+ a month on cheap xtra laundry detergent so I spent 28 today on this detergent. Lets hope I save and like the differnce!!!! 🙂
Happy washing!!
Eva says
I’m about to mix my first batch; with 3 kids & a husband who jogs on his lunch break, we’re always doing laundry. Yes ladies, my hubby shares in the chores department, most times he’s better than me at it.. Well, here goes
Susy says
Fabulous recipe. I have to check out the crystals– I am allergic to so many things and even the pink Zote soap is too strong smelling–when I lived in Central America it was the ONLY brand of soap I could find and it caused allergy issues.
I have never used the powdered soap because our HE washer says no powder, even in the drum. I melt Fels Napths on the stove with a bit of water, add a few drops of lavendar and Rosemary essential oils. I put the liquid in an old soap bottle, I saved.
BUT: BEWARE the FOOD PROCESSOR!!! When I taught kindergarten I used my fancy new food processor to mix up fancy soap balls for Mother’s Day. The container and blades came clean easily, but soap goo seeped down into the machine at the bottom and I had to throw it out because I could not submerge it, and everything I cooked afterwards tasted like Dreft Baby SOAP flakes. I have never had a food processor since since DH was irked/
Shayna says
I live in the South (USA) so we have very high humidity. How do you store all of that? Will it eventually stick together when stored for such a long time?
Julie says
I made this recently and it just did not work. It did not get smells out of clothing (clothes did not smell clean at all) and many of them that had stains just came out still stained and dingy. I tried upping the amount of detergent I used in each load and that did nothing. Not only did it not work, but the cost of making it is more than one of the cheaper brands of detergent costs and the storebought cheap brand actually does a better job cleaning the clothes! It ended up being a waste of time and money for me. I was very disappointed, too, because I really wanted it to work.
Lisa says
I used the 7lb size of oxyclean from home depot instead of the 3lb and it seems to work great! I guess the more the merrier? I love this laundry detergent and I also added a smaller containter in addition to the 55oz bottle of purex and my clothes come out so great smelling but not too overpowering! I had such a huge stain on my toddlers clothes from playing in the mud and it all came out completely! You could also get an additional bar of zote soap and rub it on the stains too! I didn’t but for tougher stains I might do this….get it and make it ladies and gentlemen!!! You will love it too!!! Saves a ton of $$$ With a family of six I have to save wherever I can!
Kimberly says
Is there a way to make this into liquied form.
Rebecca says
I just made a batch of this and I am STOKED to try it later this week! As I was picking the ingredients up, I noticed Gain has started making fabric softener crystals, much like the Purex ones. I found them at Target. Thought I’d let you know in case you were missing the Gain scents … Right now, it’s only in Sweet Sizzle, but it smells really good!
Mrs Gallagher says
I use the pink Zote soap too! It smells AWESOME and it’s 90cents at my local Big Lots. I have been contemplating adding OxyClean and the scent crystals to my homemade detergent as well. I like fresh smelling laundry and unfortunately the DIY version just doesn’t cut it for that. 🙁
Kathy says
How much do you use in a load of laundry?
Betty Barratt says
today I went off to Walmart with my shopping list. The only thing I did not find there was the Borax, but took care of that at my grocery store. As for cost, I spent $43 at Walmart plus $6 for the Borax. I’m not so sure this is going to be cheaper, but I am excited to mix this all together and see how it works compared to Kirkland Dry and Gain HE liquids.
I appreciate the heads up on how to best work with the Zote to get it as fine as possible. I microwaved it tonight and the odor was fairly overpowering even with the windows open. I enjoyed watching it poof it, but moved it to the garage until tomorrow to finish pulverizing.
Thank you so much for this recipe.
Jamie says
This is the same recipe that I use and I have three children 6, 3, and 20 months plus a husband that works in construction and it takes care of all the stains and smells. I use two tablespoons, wash 2-3 loads a day and this will last 4-5 months and cost me about $20. Highly recommend!!!!
Kaaren says
Regarding your recipe for home made laundry detergent, you don’t mention if this is acceptable for “he” type washing machines. The new washers require that type of detergent, thus many of the store brand detergents are labeled “he”. Thanks for your response. I think the “he” labeling has to do with less sudsing in the tub.
Betty Barratt says
Actually all through the comments you will find that the answer is yes you can. I have an HE front loader and just started using this mixture and it’s very low suds.
Betty Barratt says
Thought I’d add my 2 cents after putting all this together and using it for the first time. First of all, it was kind of messy working with the Zote after microwaving it. That’s OK, it’s only soap. I ended up layering the mixtures so I would not have to stir the whole thing. That worked out great.
So the real test, I washed up some bedsheets using the 2 tbsp recommendation and washed in my HE machine with warm water. I used my dispenser just fine. I did do a thorough cleaning of my machine and ran a vinegar cycle before running the sheets.
Out of the dryer the sheets were so dang soft I was in disbelief. I had been using Gain fabric softener in the washer and there is just no comparison. Of course more important than soft is did the sheets get clean. They sure did. I’m looking forward to running some towels tomorrow and see how that goes.
If anyone has a tip on how to spend less than 2 hours preparing the ingredients, please let me know. It should be a long while before I have to make this again and I will do a better job keeping my machine clean on a regular basis, so maybe just a little tip will help.
Again, thank you for sharing your recipe.
Sarah says
Thank you so much for sharing! I just recently started making my daughters baby food, and now I’m stuck on homemade laundry soap! As soon as my husband gets paid I will be going out and getting these ingredients! Thanks again!
Vanessa says
Hello! This sounds wonderful and I can’t wait to try it! I was wondering how it works on dark clothes? My husband wears a lot of black pants and such to work. We typically use Woolite Dark because our dark clothes were starting to fade using regular detergant.
Nikki says
I came across this on recipe on pinterest. I just made the mixture tonight, it made my house smell good just during the mixing. I found it much easier to mix with my hands than to mix with a spoon. I also found another use for it. Just so happens that my son decided to explode some cheap markers all over our light colored carpet this evening. I didn’t have any carpet cleaner on hand so I mixed a little bit of the detergent with hot water and scrubbed up the ink. And it came up fairly easy. I have already washed three loads of laundry with it and it smells wonderful, the real test will be if my husband and son dont have a reaction to it, due to their sensitive skin. Only time will tell. I hope it doesnt because my laundry room smells sooooooo good as do the clothes. Good luck everyone!
Cynthia B Blackwell says
I was dreading the grating part. Reluctantly, I bought a hand grater. As I was rereading the instructions, I thought about my grating/grinder attachements to my KitchenAid stand mixer. I attached the smallest cut grater, and ZOW-EE, I grated 5 bars of Fels-Naptha in two minutes flat. The hand grater went way back in the back of my kitchen cabinet to be forever forgotten. My husband really got into the process, stirring and shaking it for me. I’ve talked to several people who have used this “recipe” and they really swear by it. Anything to save some money these days! It cost me (with the bucket, grater, a 2 tablespoon coffee measuring spoon, and a plastic measuring cup) $36.00 to make. If this works, next time it should cost between $25.00 – $27.00. This amount of Tide would have cost me double plus at Walmart’s everyday low prices! And I would be buying the Tide more often as it takes more. Can’t wait to see the results!
Katie says
hey.. i just made this soap.. I measured how much it made in the end and divided it by 2 tablespoons per load.. then added up how much it all cost me per load..
I got about .125/load Sam’s Club sales powder Gain for .13/load.. their off-brand liquid detergent is .10/load
Anyone else figure out cost/load?
Sarah says
Will it work in the HE washers ?
Shelia says
How does it work in cold water that all I have going to my washer
Sabrina says
I am going to try this! I want to make a batch for my parents as well but my dad has sensitive skin and can only use the “free and clear” soaps, if I. Omit the purex would it be free and clear then? Or is there something else I need to modify? Also do you use the liquid fabric softner too still?
Jennifer says
I made a batch of this in March, minus the Purex, I just add Downey for clothes and sheets. HOWEVER, it faded my black cottens and some other dark colors!! My really dirty whites aren’t coming as clean either. So, I keep Wisk on hand for those things. Otherwise, I’m fine with it. Not sure I will make again though.
susan says
I have made homemade liquid laundry detergent and use it mostly on my husbands work clothes because it seemed somewhat harsh but it works great. The zote is milder, and this method seems much easier and will try it as soon as I purchase the necessary supplies. I have the HE machines and my question is, do you add the powder to the drum or put it in the dispenser? Thanks for the directions.
Jessica says
any chance you could cut this recipe down into a WAY smaller batch? I want to be able to buy one box of borax and use it to make laundry soap AND dishwasher detergent (I know, I want my cake and to eat it too LOL)
Katie says
O.k… I know this is a long answer but hopefully you find what your looking for in it..
at first I made about a 1/4 of a batch and I made it like this
1.5 Cups of Washing Soda
1 Cup Oxyclean
2.5 Cups Borax
1/2 a bar of Fels Naptha (they didn’t have any zote)
1 lb of baking soda (I used half of a 2 lb box which was about 2 cups)
1 28oz bottle of purex crystals (its the smaller bottle)
With the above recipe I measured and figured the cost be about .13 per load, which is not any cheaper than powder gain (atleast around here)
so then I made this recipe instead
5 Cups of Borax (half the box)
3 Cups of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (half the box)
1.3 lb Container of OxyClean
1 bar of Fels Naptha soap grated (I cut it up and put it in my ninja food processor w/ a little bit of the powder ingredients to keep it from sticking.. worked great..)
2 lb Boxes of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
1 28oz Bottle of Purex Crystals Fabric Softener (smells great but it’s expensive)
in the end (with my adjustments) it’s about .09/load if you dont use the purex crystals (which i wont next time) its only .06/load and if you make a double batch and buy the 3lb box of off brand Oxyclean and the 4lb box of baking soda it should come out even cheaper
emi says
i can not find the super washing soda anywhere can i sub in another product for this? I purchased everything else!
jennifer says
How do I mix these? Do I use all of the ingredients? Do I pour in all the baking soda, oxy clean, etc? Or do I measure it out? Please help:)
Thanks!
Debbie says
My grandmother and mother always made homemade lye soap for their laundry, but I’m a little on the lazy side so I started making this homemade soap. My first batch I made a mistake and put all fabric bleach in it. It works fantastic but you have to use more of it per load. The next batch I made I used oxycleen in it, I did not like it as well as the first. Then I tryed just the original recipe of borateem, laundry soda, baking soda, and zote. I like this one the best but now yours says use crystals, now my question is will you have to add more soap to get the same degree of clean?
I also have a tip: when you grate your soap use a food processor or I use my bullet and mix you dry ingredients with it while blending and the soap come out much finer and it desolves a lot better in the washer.
Nicole J says
I just did your tutorial and THANK YOU! I think that adding the Purex crystals was a stroke of genius!
Read my adventure over at my blog, http://uniqueolive.blogspot.com/.
kristina says
i don’t know if this has been posted or not, but i use a salad shooter with a grater blade to grate my soap. works so well, and it’s easy.
Yvonne says
I have been using this for 7 months now. It works as well as Tide, without the suds that my HE washer doesn’t like. My clothes look clean and I don’t use the Oxyclean in mine or the fabric softener crystals. I make my own fabric softener. I also make a bathroom cleaner that I will never give up! All are much more eco friendly and less expensive, plus they are safe for your skin. I love your blog. Thank you!
H says
I tried a similar recipe but using Fels Naptha and no fabric softener. I had a huge problem with static! It got so bad, even using dryer sheets wasn’t helping. I had to quit using it ultimately. I also didn’t care for the smell of it. It was so strong that I couldn’t stand to grate it.
I look forward to trying this recipe but I am a little concerned with static electricity. I’ve never used zote before and I love my clothes to smell nice so I am interested to try this. I just hope it’s not as intensely “soap” smelling as Fels Naptha. That stuff nearly knocks you out!
Nicole says
Is this safe to to use on baby clothing?
Katie says
I would. If you leave out the purex crystals it should be the same as any free and clear detergent that you could get for babies. I never used special detergent for my baby because the issue is that most soaps (especially scented ones) leave a little bit of the soap residue in the clothes, which could irritate sensitive baby skin. What I did (and you could too if you are concerned) was to run the baby’s clothes in a wash and rinse cycle like normal, then in an extra rinse cycle afterward to make sure all residue was rinsed clean
RACHEL CARTER says
I searched through the comments that I could see but was unable to find any thing – How about High Efficiency front loading washers- can you use this DIY laundry detergent in those?
Michael says
Love this recipe! I’ve been using it for my whole family’s clothes and it works GREAT! Better than the store bought stuff I used to spend way too much money on! Instead of the Purex Crystals, I used Scentsy Washer Wiffs (https://christinemoore.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Buy/ProductDetails/LAY-WW-CLG)
because I feel like the scent lasts a LOT longer with the Scentsy products. Works great, smells great, and saves me money, so I owe you a HUGE thank you!
simplyroot says
I’ve made the soap and have used it this week. So far no complaints from the family 😀 I do have one question. It seems like my soap is separating into layers. I made the dry version and it mixed up fine. When I placed it into the Purex bottle, I noticed layers of Zote soap. I tried to shake it in the bottle and it just made more layers (kinda looked like ribbons of pink.) Any idea? I grated and food processed the Zote soap before I mixed it in. I’m concerned that I’m not getting enough soap in my wash.
Alison says
i am having the same problem…my soap wont stay evenly mixed. does anybody have a solution for this? i dont want to get too much soap in some loads, and not enough in the other loads.
Alison G says
I was having the same issue I just shake it up before I use it every time. I let my little people help shake it and they love it.
Peggy says
I had the same problem until I decided to throw it back into my food processor for a whirl or two. The grated soap is now fully incorporated into the mix and I have had absolutely ZERO separation issues. We also have an older HE machine so we just place the powder directly into the drum prior to adding clothes. I have to admit I love the smell of lavender so we added lavender essential oils to the mix… simply divine!!!
Melissa says
Thank you for posting this, Peggy!! I want to try this and have an HE machine, and wasn’t sure where to put the powder (I always use liquid.. lol)
Can’t wait to try this!
SmallTownGirl says
Try using a bar of ivory soap in replacement. You grate it just the same, but it is more sensitive, and with less chemicals. I haven’t had any problems with is seperating and it cleans well! In the powdered and the liquid versions! 🙂
Heather says
I can tell you that I grated in mine with the food processor then took out the shred blade and placed the regular blade in and put in about1/2 cup baking soda and whirled them together…The soap is super fine granule and it mixes great with out separating .. (I also used the gain pearls scented softener… It smells AWESOME!)
Kristianna says
There is a scientific reason different masses separate. Generally the larger items sift to the top.
It’s commonly called the Brazil Nut Effect b/c most people have seen how this happens in mixed nuts, but it will happen in any dry mixture.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granular_convection
I would say to keep the bottle less full to help redistribute, or work from the large bucket and don’t move that very often, and skip the bottle.
Rose says
I just purchased everything I need for this. I bought generic Oxi-Clean at the Dollar store for $1 a lb so that was only $3. Then I bought 3 bars of Fels Naptha since my Walmart doesnt carry Zote. Everything else was the exact size it calls for and I spent a total of $23.97. Excited to make this! I’ve been making my own liquid detergent for about a year and a half and it’s saved us probably a few hundred dollars. We have 4 young boys and a baby on the way so laundry is a constant thing! I’m hoping this works as well as the liquid. The ingredients are almost the exact same as liquid kind and it’s worked absolutely amazing for us so far in our top loading HE washer. The only extras in this I usually don’t use are the Oxy cleaner and the Purex crystals. I’ll probably still use vinegar since it works so well to keep our washer clean and the smells out of our clothes!
In case anyone is wondering, with the liquid detergent we made we would always put it in the dispenser. The powder I will put directly into the drum but I’m sure it’d work fine in the dispenser since the washer flushes water through the dispenser to get all the soap down.
Kim says
Thank you! I was wondering where to put the powder in my HE washer. I’ve always just used liquid. Do you still put the vinegar in the detergent dispenser?
Trisa says
I put the powdered soap in the same spot as the liquid and it went through just fine
Jami says
Do you put the vinegar in with each load? How much?
Dana says
I use this recipe too and it is fantastic. FYI… I Mix it in a bucket with a lid I bought at Lowes for about $6. Put the lid on and let the kids roll it around the yard for a while and it is perfectly mixed!!!
Jade says
I made your detergent today and it smells so wonderful! I also left it out in the house for a while because it smells so good. My husband and I are really excited to try it this week. Lots of friends and family are waiting to hear my comments, and they will probably make it too! Great job. I read lots of recipes for this before choosing yours.
elle says
Hey went to do this today and forgot the regular baking soda (did get the washing soda) is that vital? Some of the other recipes don’t use it and I’m super eager to run a load NOW. lol thanks for this post!! Smells AMAZING!!
Christina S says
Instead of using the purex crystals , Do you think liquid downy would work ? BF cant use purex products ( makes him itch for some reason )
Katy says
Downy Unstopables would be the same, I assume!
Deb says
I read another recipe and they dried out the grated soap on a tray and put the dry soap back in the food processor to make a soap powder.
Shirley says
I found the 4 lb box of baking soda in the laundry aisle right next to the Washing Soda and Borax at Walmart.
Wendy says
I just wanted to say I love this stuff! Also, it was time to make my 2nd batch and when I went to get the Zote soap, I noticed a box of zote flakes next to it in my Walmart. Could it be??? I looked at the box and sure enough it is a box of pre-grated zote soap.. one box equals 2 bars. 2.67 I figured with all that I am saving with making this it is worth .69 more to NOT HAVE TO GRATE SOAP!! Just thought I would share!!
Beth says
Thanks for the info…I will look for this at my Walmart. We have a large Amish community here, so there are some items that are carried here that aren’t carried in other communities. Good tip, thanks again!
Mrs. Morgan says
I couldn’t even find zote soap.. i hope what i used will work okay.. i walked up and down the detergent aisle in my walmart 4 times.. also checked food lion, and lowes.. nothing. i just got done making me first batch. Very hopeful! I’ll have to try other wal marts it sounds like.
Kelsey says
Did anyone have problems with this laundry detgerant making weird noises in your washer? I used it this morning and it sounded like little pebbles were in my washer and there was nothing in there. I used liquid next and it didn’t make any weird noises. Thank you.
Ellen says
I haven’t bought laundry soap since November 2011. I now use the liquid, because I noticed that the Borax tended to clump & leave white stuff(for lack of better word!) all over my husband’s navy work clothes! SO, needless to say, I went back to the liquid.
Stacey says
Love the homemade laundry detergent idea but I have a question. When using it in a HE washer, would you put the detergent directly into the tub rather than through the top dispensers? Wondering if the grated soap chunks would filter through? Any suggestions?
Tami P says
I have an HE and have always just added it to the cup thing where detergent goes…I’ve never had it clump of fail to go through. This isn’t the same recipe I use but close…good luck!
Jane says
Tami, I have an HE washer also could you send me the Recipe for the detergent that you use please.
Jayne Lein says
I went out and bought everything I needed to make this but I can’t the Arm and Hammer washing soda anywhere? What can I substitute it with? I used to buy it buy now it seems to have vanished!
Lisa says
Put the baking soda on a cookie sheet. Spread it out to a thin, even layer. Dry it in the oven at ~250. When you do this, it dehydrates the soda, making the soda wash. You’ll know that it’s finished by the consistency. Soda wash is a bit “fluffier” than the soda. Just compare the two (the soda to what you dried in the oven). It may take some time (hours) to dry completely (it shouldn’t take more than 2 hours I would think). That’s it! Easy peasy!
asbibb says
You can use a coffee scoop as a measure. It’s 2 tablespoons.
Andrea says
I have a ? About the Zote soap. Is it really 14.1oz? I could not find so I got Fels Naptha ans it is only 5.5oz bar
Kelsey says
I I had to buy 6 of the fels bars but i only used 5. Also he prepared for a few hours of grating the soap.
Michelle says
I saw a similar recipe on the onegoodthingbyjillee blog that was the same except they used 3 FelsNaptha bars instead of the two Zote bars. I have 2 FelsNaptha bars and one Zote in the closet, so I’ll be mixing it up a bit 😀
Reese says
IM EXCITED!!! lol My son and hubster have sensitive skin, is this safe to use on them? im super CHEAP! lol i hate spending money on 152 load of soap “ALL free and clear” $26.00 (sams club price) and it only lasting 3 months! please let me know and i’ll be at walmart ASAP! =)
SHARADA says
I have been using for my son with super sensitive skin for about 5 years with no problems 🙂 HTH
Dottie says
My hubby has super sensitive skin and I cut up a bar of fels-naptha soap and dissolve it in a 5 gallon bucket. That’s it. Gets our clothes clean, soft and good smelling and his skin doesn’t react to it at all. Anything else and he’s scratching his back on the furniture like a big ol’ bear!
Jesicca M. says
Just made a batch of your laundry detergent .. excited to see how well it works 🙂 thank you for your great post !
tina says
Can this be used with the HE front loaders?
Adrianne says
Yep!
RagginMAMA says
I have now used a full purex crystals bottle of this soap! and am about to make another batch… because after one week of using it I gave the rest of mine away to my family members so they could try it out! Hmm…. haven’t asked them how they liked it yet lol… Gunna have to do that! I happen to be down right in love with this soap.
Melinda says
I’ve used this recipe for a couple of years now & love it except I use Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda instead of regular baking soda. The Super Washing Soda is found on the laundry detergent aisle….it supposedly has more cleaning powers than reglar baking soda. Once you try this detergent you’ll never go back to expensive name brands. Had to buy some expensive stuff the other month because I ran out of my homemade and was in a hurry to wash something……..I felt so guilty!! Got in a hurry and mixed up a batch….couldn’t wait to use up the bought stuff and get back to my homemade…won’t let that happen again!!
Donna says
The recipe includes both the Washing Soda AND the baking soda.
Leah says
Was wondering if anyone had a.problem with their clothes fading. I heard that baking.soda fades the.clothes. I just made a batch of soap today and doing other research they say not to use the baking soda. I’m confused. I love the.smell but am curious if anyone else has had problems. Thanks. Leah
Lara says
I have used a similar version of this recipe (just Borax, washing soda, and fels naptha) for about a year now and I have had no issue with fading. I did a little research and found out most commercial detergents prevent fading bc they contain brighteners. Zote says it contains brighteners too 🙂
Dottie says
I use Zote soap and I love it. It makes things much nicer to grate your soap and then let it dry out. When it gets dry it gets brittle and you can put in the food processor. Cant wait to try your recipe. Looking forward to having a nice scent.
Krystal says
Ok, so do you grate then let it dry out before putting it into the food processer?
April says
Just a note to say if you open the end of the Zote soap and let it sit until you need to make more, at least a week prior to making this recipe, it can be cut up and put into processor at the time of making the recipe.
Sheila says
Jenn ~ hope this is not a goofy question, but since you add the Purex crystals is there no need for using a fabric softener? Essentially, is this washing detergent and fabric softener combined?
Jen says
Hi Sheila,
Yes this is detergent and fabric softener combined. I occasionally use dryer sheets for a couple loads, only to help with static control.
Wendy says
I was wondering if you could use the Downy Crystals in place of Purex, or if they have different purposes?
Thanks,
Wendy
Adrianne says
You can use Downy Unstopables in place of Purex Crystals
Stephanie says
Will this work in a HE machine? I’m a little leery of trying stuff in my new HE machine.
Kelsey K says
Just a quick question about the fabric softner… You arent suppose to use fabric softner on work out clothes and bathing suits cause it gets stuck in the fabric and prevents them from wicking away moisture when you run/work out/swim… so is it safe to use on my yoga pants and gym clothes and bathing suits
connie says
I havent made this yet but I do know that the purex crystals and downey unstoppables are only scent booster and not fabric softener. Hope that help.
connie says
Sorry,correction,the purex is a softener but they downey is not.
Janet Belcher says
Actually the Purex crystals are not a fabric softner only a scent booster. I went to buy some today, but decided against it for that reason.
Sarah says
The package says its ok because its only a scent booster, not a softener.
brenda says
I’ve made the detergent and so far, so good! I have a front loader and have been adding the 2 T directly to the drum, everything dissolves. Also smells good after taking out of the dryer. Will continue to use!
Jennifer says
I was wondering if this stuff is safe for septic systems. I recently moved into a house with a septic system (always had city sewer before) and hear a lot of things you can’t use like powdered laundry detergent, bleach, certain kind of chemicals etc. So I was wondering if this in the powdered form and with the ingredients is safe for my septic system?
Jen says
I grew up on a septic system and we always used powdered laundry detergent. You can also use some bleach, just don’t go crazy because you don’t want to kill off all the bacteria in the septic tank. Most state university extension services have information on what you can and can’t do regarding care of your septic system. Below I found a quick link to our states information
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD6583.html
rachel says
for septip systmes check out a product called Pink solution
watch the demo at http://www.pinksolution.ca
or view the product on my website missesclean.ca
You need to have something that doesn’t sud AT ALL for septip tanks as far as I know and have been taught.
Terpe says
There are pink cheeses. Cheeses with wine added to them (like a Port Cheese) can have a pinkish color. Also cheese made with either cranberries or strawberries mixed in can take on a pink appearance.
Rachel says
What if I can’t use Borax? Is there a substitute?
Jennifer says
I had to find a recipe that is cloth diaper safe and wanted it borax free since it is known to be harsh on the skin. I also and using Sun Oxygen Powder instead of Oxiclean. I found out that Purex Crystals are safe to use on cloth diapers. I wonder how much of each ingredient you would use when you are only using Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, Sun Oxygen Powder, and Purex Crystals. Any thoughts?
tee says
Hi. Would this recipe work in the HE washers? Thanks. Great post!
SueM says
Anyone use this DIY Laundry Soap while using COLD water loads? Does it completely dissolve? I only wash my whites in HOT water. I had the recipe for DIY Liquid but this seems so much easier to store & scoop 😉 I will be making this soon…
Jess says
Yes, I have used it in both. No problems in cold at all. Our clothes are super clean and smell great =)
Jennifer says
Is there anything that can be used in place of Arm & Hammer Washing soda? I have searched high and low and theres nowhere within a 50 mile radius of me that sells it. Ive found it on amazon.com but i really don’t want to pay as much as they want for it. Thanks! Jen
Tracy says
Amazon.com carries it.
A says
If you have an Albertsons, they’re pretty good about keeping it in stock..
🙂
lacey says
Supposedly you can make washing soda from baking soda by baking it. I don’t know the exact directions but you can google it.
Andi says
This is great! I can’t wait to try it out. I’ve been looking for a detergent recipe like this for quite a while. Thank you for sharing!
Andi in Vermont
Tami P says
I do not use additional fabric softener except for sheets or something that gets particularly staticy 🙂 and even then I cut the sheets in half so it makes my dollar stratch farther and works just as well. HTH
Denise says
Just want to ask a quick question. I made this last week and LOVE IT, but am wondering – since you add the Purex fabric softener crystals to the mix, do you also use additional fabric softener – either in liquid, powder, or sheet form? thanks again for posting this!!
Nancy says
I wondered the same thing, but I assume you do NOT have to use additional fabric softener because in the list of ingredients Jen says she uses two bottles of Purex because she likes the smell AND she wants her clothes to be soft. And in the narrative when she compares what she paid before the DIY detergent with her costs now, she included purchased fabric softener in the “before” costs but not in the “now” costs. I have my detergent made but have not tried it yet, but I do not plan to add additional softener.
Jenna says
I was wondering that too, because if you look closely at the bottle of Purex crystals it doesn’t say “fabric softener” anywhere on the bottle (at least not that I could find). It just says “fabric enhancer”. I don’t know what that is supposed to mean, or if it will make my clothes soft and not static-y! I guess I will try it and see what happens!
Megan says
Right on the bottle of Purex crystals it says – Purex Complete Crystals Softener.
diana says
mine does really look like yellow cheese not pink cheese because i used fels naptha.
miss misty says
I read that some people are making their own liquid laundry detergent. Could the recipe above be adapted and made into a liquid?
Thanks <3
Jess says
I made this a few weeks ago and absolutely LOVE IT! It works great. It has even been tested on my two year old’s bedding after she vomited all over it. Other friends have made different versions of homemade detergent and complained it didn’t get bad smells out. Not this one. My daughter’s vomit bedding (she’s two so it had dried a bit during the night) was totally stain free and smell free after one wash!!! The only thing I changed (not even changed really) is I used one bottle of the crystals because I don’t like things too heavily scented because of our allergies. It was the perfect amount for us.
Irene says
Instead of grating the soap. I use Fels Naptha soap. Simply put the cake of soap in your microwave for about 2 minutes until it foams up like cotton candy. Let cool completely. Then it will smash up into a very fine powder. Works great.
Jessica says
I found Zote shreds at Walmart 🙂 No grating here 🙂
Lori Faerber says
Not sure if this is where to ask this question but I am curious how much is recommended for a high efficiency washer? Thank you,
Lori
Nancy says
Many comments above say yes…
Lorena says
2 Tbsp
Miranda says
I was wondering how well this does on greasy clothes and stains?
Sandy Gonda says
I love this detergent I made. I washed a ten year old quilt and dirt came out of it that I did not know was there. Clothes are bright and smell very good!!!
kris says
I use an old salad shooter to grate soap.
Terri says
I absolutely love this receipe….made a huge batch for myself, everyone that came over loved the smell and wanted some. I made the huge batch for my sister and she absolutely loves it as well!!! thanks soo much!! everyone in my family loves the smell.
Nancy says
Just wondering, What is Zote soap?? Is it possible if I use regular bathing soap?
Deb says
Laundry soap such as Zote or Fels Naptha are not the same as bath bars. Laundry soap has ingredients that dissolve oils. Bath bars have oils that linger on your skin to hold in moisture. This would leave spots on your clothes.
Lorena says
also Sunlight bar laundry soap.
Heather says
Also Kirk’s Castile soap works too.
Sharon says
I love this idea but will it disolve in cold water washes………..I only use hot water in whites………
Jen says
Hi Sharon,
I do the majority of my laundry in cold water and it dissolves just fine.
Jean says
im cocerned with the fact that i have septic and im on well water, could this be a double whammy on my pipes? love the idea but cant afford to do this til i know for sure it isnt gonna kill my pipes
heather says
I have well, and septic. It is fine. Everything being used is the same Brand Name laundry makers use
Elaine Stone says
I do not have a web site. I really like the sound of making this detergent and I am planning on it soon. Without suds (that alone)the clothes should be cleaner. I have a question or two.
1. Should you add to water before adding clothes?
2. If you have the softener in there, do you have to add it in the rinse? Thank you so much for sharing that with us.
Elaine Stone
Bridge City, Texas 77611
LisaWinks says
I couldn’t even wait to use up my liquid soap before making this and trying it. I’ve done one load so far and can’t wait to go home and wash more stuff! I loved the smell and it may be all in my head, but I have some pants that look cleaner than they had been looking.
Thanks for sharing!
Samantha says
Hi,
I was just wondering where you buy your Zote soap here in Canada. I live in Québec and can`t find anywhere here in Canada where I can buy either Zote or Fels Naptha. I would really appreciate you informing me concerning this. Thank you for sharing your laundry detergent recipe. We hope to try it out as soon as we can get our hands on one of those soaps.
Samantha
Jess says
yea…I’m from NZ, and have no idea what zote or fels naptha soaps are…! any equivalents?
shanny says
Home depot has zote in canada.
Bree says
My husband and I made this the other night. It is such a wonderful combination and works amazing! We mixed it all in a huge bucket we had downstairs and then poured it back and forth between another bucket to mix it well. I also added some old laundry detergent that I hated! It didn’t do the job on it’s own, but mixing it with your recipe I was able to get rid of it and make more. I swear that huge bucket will last me 2 or more years. Score!
Diana says
I was excited about trying your receipt for this laundry detergent. However, I have been having some difficulty finding some of the products at my local Walmart, K-Mart, Sprouts, Rite-aid & Big Lots. I have found most of the items, except for the Borax. Is there another laundry boost I can use or can you tell me where else I might find it? Also, I am unable to find the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda. What I have found is Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent. Is this the same thing? Help please, I am low on detergent and need to make this soon.
Melody says
Do you have a Walmart? I found these ingredients there.
KJsLdy says
Albertsons is a good place to find everything you need.
Kelly says
The laundry detergent is very different from the Super Washing Soda. If you still haven’t found it, check out Ace Hardware’s website. You can buy it on there, and they’ll ship it to your local store for free. As for the Borax, I would think they’d have that, too. I ended up checking Wal-Mart’s website for Zote Soap, because only one location in my area had it, but they also had everything else I needed (after I had ordered the stuff from Ace). Hope this helps!
Heather Parsons says
Bobbi, I am from a place called Saskatchewan canada (I grew up in North Battleford). Now I live in Utah, and I am making your soap. Crazy world.
Tiffany says
Is this detergent safe for H/E washing machines?
Gstepmom says
Instead of using the crystals, try this: add unsweetened lemon kool-aid for a fresh lemony scent.
For the Fabric Softener use 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of water. Mix in a spray bottle. When you put your load in the dryer spritz 5 sprays of the vinegar water mixture for your softener. You’ll love it.
Gstepmom says
Oops sorry. For the Fabric Softener use 1 cup vinegar to 3 cups water.
Ashley says
Hi, I was skeptical at first about making homemade detergent. So last night I decided it was time to try it, oh my this was amazing. Why haven’t I been making my own. It smells really good and my clothes were very soft. I highly recommend that people should try it. I will never again pay for those high detergents from the store.
steffie says
how about a recipe for liquid detergent?
Marla B. says
I make the liquid version and melt the grated soap (1/3 bar of Fels Naptha or 1 whole bar of Ivory) in a LARGE pot of near boiling water the add the dry washing powders (1/2 cup each)until they dissolve. I dilute this mixture to equal 2 gallons, add my extra scent, and then pour it into old laundry bottles or empty gallon vinegar bottles. I use approximately 1/4 cup per load depending on how soiled it is. I have been curious to how effective it may be to add a cap of peroxide to my load. I hope this recipe option helps. I want to keep my open for this Zote soap. I have not seen it on my local store shelves.
steffie says
and im a little confused as to why add the baking soda?
Tami VanDusen says
Would it be possible to add water softeners like Calgon and an iron-remover like Iron Out to this recipe? I have extremely (and I mean EXTREMELY) hard water from our acreage well.
Sarah says
Borax is a water softener
Anita says
I have tried this recipe and had a problem getting the grated soap to dissolve completely since I use cold water to wash clothes. Did anyone else have this problem?
Genesis says
Hi, I love this idea, but I know that the Zote soap alone makes dark clothes fade. Did any of your dark loads fade? I look forward to hearing back from you.
Jen says
Hi Genesis,
I haven’t had any problems with dark clothes fading. In fact, I feel like the colors last longer.
Kelly says
I am very anxious to try this. With this, will I still need to use dryer sheets or anything in the dryer? Also, I didn’t find many comments on the topic of stains – no stain remover? This detergent will work well on dry/wet stains? THANK YOU!
Melissa says
I am dying to try this! We have to buy All Free & Clear because my kids have eczema, and are sensitive to regular detergent. I was wondering if this would be ok for eczema prone skin? Thanks!
Andrea says
I wouldn’t use the scented crystals if you’re currently buying All Free & Clear, and I’d hesitate to use Fels Naptha or Zote. However, I have used 1.5 bars of finely grated white Ivory soap (Yes, bath bars!) for every bar of Fels Naptha. It grates easily and is safe for sensitive skin. Just leave out the crystals and replace the laundry soap bars with Ivory and give it a try.
Alicia says
Have you tried it yet? I too use All Free and Clear and would love to know how you altered yours and if it worked well for y’all.
Misty says
I had a question for you. I have one of those new washing machines and dryers. I was told that I have to use laundry detergent that is HE (high efficiency). I know the difference is that it doesn’t make as many suds. Can this detergent be used in an HE washer and dryer?
Cathy says
Just wanted to know if Zote is a laundry soap? I’m from Canada. I have never seen that soap here. We have other laundry soaps. Wanted to know if I can replace that with another soap. Btw. Can’t wait to do my own detergent. Thanks for sharing this.
holly says
Yes. It is a bar you find in the laundry isle. I believe they have another kind called flez naptha. Probably any bar found in the laundry isle will work.
Chasity McPeek says
Just tried your laundry detergent recipe after seeing it on Pinterest. Totally changed my life. It is amazing! Cleans great, Smells even better. I can’t wait to see how much money this saves my family! I have shared your site with all my friends and family and can’t stop bragging on how awesome this is! Thanks for sharing!!
Maggie Loftin says
I have been looking for a homemade/cheaper detergent for my he washer. When I found this I was excited to try it and just bought the materials this morning and mixed it up. I am going to be trying it later this afternoon. Will get back to you on how well it works. but if its half as good as everybody says it is I am going to spread the word. It only cost me about 25 dollars and for the expensive h e stuff that is amazing especially for the amount that will be used.
Marla B. says
Do you have to use hot water for the soap to dissolve well? I have been making liquid homemade soap for about 2 years. My washer is HE & needs soaps that use less water, so it is perfect since it does not create a ton of suds. But it takes a while to melt the soap shaving, so I have been leery about using the dry version. I wash in cold only, except for a nasty mess or a visibly soiled uniform (I’m a nurse & I get into all kinds of stuff). The only drawback I have is finding the right scent and amount of scent to make my husband believe his clothes are clean. I am not crazy about the fels naptha scent and the ivory is a bit weak, so I add soap scents to my soap and homemade fabric softener. I am searching for a strong scent similar to Gain. Any ideas?
Amy L says
I made this today. It smells great. Thanks for sharing!
Holly says
I find it easier to use the oxyclean box for the smaller container instead of the purex bottle. That way if it seperated you can stir it up easier. the #2 line is 2 Tablespoons.
Shelby says
I made this last night and used it in several loads of laundry today! I love it! Works great! Thank you!
Dedra Masters says
Great money saver! I am going to do this, however, we have a child that is allergic, we have to use free and clear products on her clothes. Is there a way I could alter this to be safe for her clothes do you know? I am going to look into using the white Zote or fels naptha to see if that would do it. I already use borax as a laundry booster for all of our clothes so I know that is safe to use. Fabric softner doesn’t seem to bother her so I am thinking it would work.
Amy says
I was going to mention my son made this for his 4-H project. He’s 10. We haven’t tried ZOTE yet as we can’t find it and our recipe didn’t include the Purex Crystals but we’ll try it next time. (I thought that was liquid! I should’ve read the bottle better!)
Anyway, I had made it once already and knew the soap grating was a mess. I considered food processor for the grating but the hubs thought that wouldn’t be a good idea and feared all future food would have a soapy taste…not worth trying to convince him after a run in the dishwasher all would be well again but…
So..to avoid a mess, we made it outside. I got a pan set up with grater for my son. Here’s what I learned….make your soap in the summer (or if you live in a warm climate-this will work anytime for you). The bar soap heats up so fast just from being in the sun….it’s a breeze to grate. Made a big difference in the ease of grating. Hope this helps someone else out!
Jen says
I have been using this receipe for about a year now, and have noticed that my darks have splotchy fade marks all over them. Anyone else notice this? I’ve only used the Fels Naptha, but I read in the comments someone else was experiencing this with the Zote soap. Anyone know why? Maybe the baking soda? It’s pretty noticeable.
Batya says
Is there anyone from the Augusta, Ga area on here that knows where to find the Zote soap? I’ve looked at Home Depot, Walmart, Dollar General, and Kroger and cannot find it. I found the Fels soap, but I too like my clothes to smell really good and I saw others say the pink Zote smells good.
Ashley says
I made my first batch of this in Feb. 2012. It’s been 6 mo. I AM JUST BARELY HALF WAY THROUGH IT!! I used the fells naptha soap and food processor and did not add the fabric softner to it but the next batch i definitely will. My husband is a farmer (corn AND cattle) so we get pretty dirty! It cleans REALLY well! This is my forever laudry detergent and i can’t wait to try the fabric softner crystals in it next time!
Thanks! :o)
julieann says
Since you are using OxiClean, is this good on dark clothes? Not familiary with Purex Crystals, is that a liquid and if it is, how do you stir it in?
Leah says
I absolutely love this detergent!! I have an HE machine and it makes the washer smell good again! Not to mention my clothes look and smell cleaner than they were with Tide!
Debbie says
Hi Jen – this looks awesome! I am wondering if anyone who has tried this has anyone in their family with sensitive skin or allergies to other laundry detergents? Every once in a while if I change my husband or daughter will have a reaction and we have to go back to the “free & clear” versions of some laundry soaps. Just wondering about this before I go buy all the ingredients and make a HUGE bucket of it! Thanks!
Lindra Hiatt says
Well today is the day! I am making your recipe for dry detergent for the first time. I have been making my own liquid detergent for a while now and make it for my family and friends. But next week my grandaughter is headed off to Indiana University, so this will be much easier for her to use and store. I am excited to try this.
Beth says
Can you use this in front load washers?
Cherie says
Is the amount you put in the washer the same for he and top load washers?
Paige Reed says
I have a food processor with a cheese grating blade.(multi holes for grating) I just run the bar of soap through the processor and out comes grated soap..my processor opening will hold the whole bar… clean up with water..soap is already on the blade..
Lisa says
I love this soap!! I haven’t purchased commercially made laundry soap in almost a year. I grate the soap and then run it through the food processor with the dry ingredients. That seems to really mix things up. Thanks for the idea of adding the Pyrex Crystals. I’m too cheap to add essential oils to this mix, but I think will enjoy having my laundry smell good again!
Olesya says
While shopping for all the things I need to make this amazing detergent, I saw a box of flaked ZOTE soap. 1 box of ZOTE soap flaked equaled 2 regular bars of the soap. So I went ahead and bout the box. Made the detergent, and IT IS AMAZING! So easy to make. No shredding. I bought it at WALMART. Target did not have this boxed soap. I gotta admit that this soap works just as great as TIDE. Oh and these soap flakes do NOT scrum together like shredding the soap would. LOVE IT! oh also the box of flakes are $2.46/box (I used one).
Cj Wheeler says
I have been using a receipe very simular for quite some time! One short cut that I use is to put the bar of soap, we only seem to have Fels Naptha here in my part of Iowa, in a microwave safe dish and mirowave it for a couple of minutes. The bar of soap will get puffy and airy…once this has occured, I take it out of the microwave and let it cool a lil’ bit. Then, using a spoon, I break up the puffy soap and throw it into my Ninja…this awaesome blender/food processor thingy. After it is good and finely greated I add a couple cups of the additional dry ingredients and blend some more. I have found this to save me a ton of time! Plus it doesn’t seem to seperate as much!!
mary says
I have a front-loading HE washer. Is this okay for HE washers? If it is really “sudsy” then I don’t think I can…would love to try this!
Shelley says
sure can. 🙂
Leah says
How do you make it more sudsy?? I get the feeling like it isn’t cleaning good enough! Anyone know if the baking soda fades your clothes?
Jen says
Hi Leah,
It is actually better for your clothes and machine to not have any suds. It should be cleaning them better.
As far as the baking soda goes, I don’t feel like mine have faded, I actually feel like the colors last longer for my clothes.
Jennifer says
Love this recipe! I will try it when my current homemade batch runs out. I use the shredder/slicer attachment on my KitchenAid mixer for the soap. Completely worth the investment!
sue roberts says
I have been using this recipe for a year now. Totally love it!! We live in so. Az. its hot and it gets even hotter in the summer. 😉 My husband works outside and thus sweats. alot. and his clothes are clean and never smell. Love the idea of the cystals, so gonna add some with my next batch for sure!!
Debbie says
OMG — this stuff is great. I have seen many recipes for laundry detergent but kept thinking the store bought stuff was too good to be replaced by something homemade and boy was I wrong. I love how the clothes are clean, soft and smell great. I only use cold water and have no issues with the powder/soap not melting away. I am hooked and will never go back to that over priced store bought laundry detergent again. Thank you for this recipe. I will be sharing it with all my friends.
Stephanie S says
is it high efficiency washer friendly?
Chriss says
I made a batch the other night. Had to use the Fels Naptha, as our walmart didn’t have the Zote. I am in LOVE with this stuff!! My daughter and I picked out the Lavender scented Purex Crystals, used 2 bottles…may add another one just for stronger smell coming out to of the dryer. I haven’t used any dryer sheet or softener and I do not have an issue with static cling, either. I, too, put a tiny bit into a tea light holder on my coffee table and YUM my house smells clean and fresh!!
I am having an issue with the “no suds” thing. I feel like there should be some, but if you say it’s not needed I’m good with that. I will be using this for a long time!!
Thank you for the recipe!!!!!
Maggie says
I’m so excited to try the recipe for homemade laundry detergent, but have an important question, Can you use this in a front loader washing machine??????
Julie S8 says
I live in Baton Rouge, LA and had been searching for Zote soap, even on vacation. I could only find the Fels Naptha, but wanted the pink Zote. I found it yesterday at my local Big Lots for only $.96 each! (Unfortunately, they carried none of the other ingredients) I can’t wait to make my own laundry detergent!
Sally says
Hello
Thanks So Much For The Great Soap Recipe..”Love It”….Cleans Great….But, doesn’t leave hardly any smell on my clothes…I included 2-58oz bottles of Purex crystals…Smells awesome in the container..But not so good after the clothes come out of the dryer…Am I doing something wrong…Why do yours smell So Good! Please Help So My Clothes Can Smell As Good As Yours 🙂
Thanks So Much
“Life Is Good”
Stephanie says
Hi! I am having a hard time finding borax, what else could I use instead?
Thanks!
Valerie says
My Tom Thumbs’ have all recently started carrying Borax. They are owned by Safeway. I say it in plural becuz I’m a vendor, every month I’m in Tom Thumbs, Albertson’s, Kroger, Brookshire’s, Dollar General, Family Dollar, CVS and Walgreens and occasionally Walmart. I cannot find A&E Washing soap at any of them here in Dallas/Rockwall Tx.
angie fonseca says
just to save you time i heard you can microwave the soap instead of grating it to help save time and it cleans the microwave at the same time.
Rachel says
Hi there!! Just curious and couldn’t find the answer while browsing the other comments…can this detergent be made into a liquid detergent?? Our family really prefers liquid, but I like this “recipe” more than some of the others I have found. Thanks in advance 🙂
Shredder's wife says
This stuff works my hubby is in a band that means sweaty dirty and works in a factory that means oily greasy and we have a kennel that means muddy poopy peeed on every thing comes out smellin good but put one extra bottle of fab softener pellets in mine and I don’t know how long it will last but I got a half of a garbage bag full and it’s been a month and I’ve used maybe a half gallon amount of it and all together mine cost less than 30$ but that’s two bottles of tide at my wal mart so I’m doin good and another hint those soap nubbies save them in jar ad aliitle water they melt into the best stuff ever stain remover mixed with sugar an amazing face scrub a nice cleaner put on a spray bottle of water this is a winner most of my stuff was bought at a dollor store and I used fels soap and grated by hand no separating mixed it all in a garbage bag
Christina says
Can this be used in he washers? In the tub or put it where the detergent goes?
Nancy says
Can someone PLEASE tell me, if all I can find is Fels naptha soap (which is 5.5oz), do I need to use more bars to replace the Zote (14.1oz)? Or is it that Zote is just more dense than Fels?
Susie says
I was wondering where u get the Zote from? I can not find it anywhere i dont like the smell of the Fels-naptha. And I was wondering what does the Zote smell like?
stacy says
I used the Felz Naptha because I couldn’t find the Zote soap. You can not smell the zote soap on your clothes, all I can smell are the Purex Crysals scent.
Lauren says
Use a Salad Shooter to avoid a food procesor or hand grating soap. Works like it was made for the job with the grating blade. I found my Salad shooter at Goodwill. I buy everyone I can find because I use one for food and one for soap making. Really takes the work out of soap grinding!
JenMarie Taylor says
Making this for the first time right now!
Amanda says
What would the measurements be if I only wanted to make a small batch?
Dawn says
I made a smaller batch- I just halved everything in the recipe above. It turned out awesome.
1/2 of a 4lb box of Borax
1/2 of a 4lb box of washing soda
1- bar Zote soap
1- 2lb box of baking soda
1- 28 oz bottle of Purex Crystals (I felt like any more crystals and it would have been an overwhelming scent)
1- 1.3lb container OxiClean
Sherri says
I am getting ready to try this recipe, and was wondering if anyone can tell me how much of it to use in a front-loading HE washer (because of the larger loads). And also, is it better to put it in the dispenser, or directly in the drum of front-loading washers? Thanks!
Amber Mullins says
Wow!!! You are AMMAZZZINGG!! Really what a wonderfull idea and its great because our wastefull family of four does about 6 or more loads per week! Thank’s so much for helping me with this money saving tip!! Great Job!!!
Dottie says
I aabsolutely love the detergent. It smells wonderful and goes a long way. My only problem is that it gets hard in the container and I have to scrape it out. Don’t know if I have packed too much in the container or what but it is hard to get out of the container.
Jessica G. says
I just made my first batch and it was SO easy! And it smells awesome! It took me a few places to find the borax, but it wasn’t too bad. I did find out that a lot of places aren’t going to carry i anymore, but ACE Hardware said they always will (in case anyone else has a hard time finding it).
Paula Marshall says
Hey Jen. My daughter made your laundry soap and LOVES IT!!! I am trying it next. My question is “Do you use the same amount for a High Efficiency Washer?” Am anxious to start making if this is right for my washer. Thanks so much for this.
PS I use to watch the funniest show about your area Saskat..what ever (!) in Canada. The guy owned a gas station. Can’t remember the name but it was hilarious I thought.
Thanks for you help, Paula Marshall
Jayme says
I make my own fabric softener using vinegar, water and conditioner if I add the Purex crystals would that be too much fabric softener?
jenn says
HELP!!! I’m from Canada and really want to make this laundry soap, and cannot find Zote Soap anywhere, not even Home Depot! I’ve tried Amazon but they won’t ship to Canada. Where can I find this soap???
Ange says
I found a Zote equivalent called Old Fashioned Laundry Bar at Bulk Barn (I live in Ontario Canada). It has the same ingredients like coconut oil, tallow and it’s no colour added, no scent added
April says
But can I use it in my high efficiency washer?
April
Rachael says
I just made my batch of DIY Laundry Detergent! I had to go to two different stores and my boyfriend went to three different stores to get the ingredients, but we finally got what we needed. Two cuts and 1/2 of a 5 gallon bucket later I find myself VERY motivated to clean my curtains and my house! I am glad I found this recipe and will post the results of my curtain cleanliness later! I also have a friend who is willing to test this on her fella, who has sensitive skin, to see how he reacts.
Joyce says
Would this work for the high e, washers? Or would it clog them? I am buying only the HE detergent. Let me know please
Jennifer says
Is this safe for a High Efficiency Washer
Gina Smith says
I made the detergent and I have a HE washer. Does the powder go in the dispenser, or before you put clothes in or on top of clothes before starting machine?
Mikaela S says
I made your laundry detergent and I loved the smell that came from the bucket but when I put only 2tablespoons in the washer I didnt get hardly any smell on my clothes. Granted I didnt use the zote I used the other suggested brand because I couldnt find it at my walmart. is there something I can do to boost the scent in the washer?
Lisa M says
I just made a batch of this and it SMELLS awesome!!! Can’t wait to use it in my laundry tomorrow.
Stacy says
Thought the bucket you used looks like it has a lid, if so put your stuff in, put the lid on, and roll around on the floor to mix.
Lindsey says
If you purchase the chese grater like they use at olive garden it works excellent the soap is fine and it only takes a min to grate a bar of soap.
Ashley Young says
I want to know how you manage to only wash 4 loads a week. 🙂 Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Jen says
LOL! It’s just the hubs and I so we really only do about 3-4 loads a week. I have 4 laundry baskets in the closet for white, light colors, darks, and towels. Sometimes I don’t even need to do 4 a week, depending on how full the baskets get.
Rayna says
Can this be used in HE machines?
Kirsten says
How come in your picture it looks like its all clumped together do you have to break it apart after you mix it all up.? why would it clump together like that. im very interested in making my own laundry detergent 🙂 a little nervous
Stacy says
I made this over the weekend. I couldn’t find the Zote soap so I used Felz Naptha. It’s orange so my son thought I was grating cheese and wanted some. I let him know it was soap and he gave me a funny look. I used it the other day and it seems to get out more stains then store bought detergent. My mom is going to make it too.
Sonya says
Can you substitute sunlight bar for zote? I have not been able to find zote
Krystal says
Can you use this with a front loading HE washing machine? If so, I will be making this.
Jackie says
Was wondering for a front loading HE washer where do you put the soap? In the liquid soap compartment or directly in the washer drum at the beginning of the cycle?
Wendy says
Quick question…my daughter has eczema is this ok for people with sensitive skin. I would love to do this but I need to be careful with my DD skin!
Thanks 🙂
Michelle Baumann says
Help! I used my food prosessor for the soap, however, since I haven’t used it much I think I used the wrong blade and instead of grated it’s little balls of soap. Do you think it will dissolve the same?
Suzy says
Hey! I just used your recipe to make some detergent for myself!! Posted about it on my blog! http://beunruffled.blogspot.com/2012/08/adventures-in-pinterest.html
Thanks so much for sharing it, glad I found you via pinterest!
Tiffany, Mo says
I started making my laundry soap about 2 months ago, and will probably never go back. I just wanted to put a quick tip up about grating the soap. I saw somewhere to put it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes (not too long because it will burn) and it is easier to use. I tried it and sure enough, simple as pie! It blows up like marshmallows would and once it cools (please let it cool and don’t burn your hands) you can crumble it up so easy with just your hands. Now I also like to have it all the same consistency so I pop mine in the ‘bullet’ for a minute and it comes out like a fine powder.
I haven’t tried this recipe yet but it looks and sounds amazing. I used the Purex Crystals before I ‘made the switch’ and loved them so I love that they are incorporated. Thanks for the awesome soap and I can’t wait to try it!
Mary Jane says
I really want to try this! I’ve never done something like this before. I just have a question. How does it do with stains? With a toddler and a messy husband I get some nasty stains. Would I need to pretreat or just use a little extra?
sgprice says
Make this and was really excited. I don’t feel like it got my clothes as clean or got rid of the odors as well as my regular store bought brand. I didn’t feel like this was a good deal considering my clothes still looked a little dingy and had a slight smell. You get what you pay for.
Micah says
Hi I made the soap and so far I am realy likeing it .I of course was telling a friend about it but she has an HE washer and was wondering if the soap was safe to use with this type of mashine ?
Kristy Richard says
Is there an alternative to the Purex? When I was younger I had an allergic reaction to Purex and really don’t know if I want to risk it again lol I also like to have amazing smelling laundry.. my favorite is also apple mango tango gain!
Dawn says
Dear Jen,
I was really excited about this concoction you have come up with. couldn’t wait to try it. so I got to my onlines stores and no one website had all the ingrediants. but I got all the ingrediants I could and put them in my shopping basket and it totaled almost $50 and that was missing some things!!! where do you shop for your products, because I’m not coming anywhere near the $28 you said it would be!
Sincerely,
Desperate for a price reduction!
JessicaWall11 says
Bought everything yesterday and used Ivory soap instead because my daughter and I have sensitive skin. Mixed it up last night and have it separated into 3 (16 oz) oxy clean containers, purex crystals bottle, downy unstoppables bottle, and a large cat food container. Use one container at a time. Using it for the first time today, and hoping all goes well. Thank you for this recipe. Finances got really tight in the last two weeks, and with one adult child a 1 yr old and a new arrival in 4 wks, this was very helpful.
Hoodie says
I am not 100% convinced I will be making this homemade laundry soap in the future. I made a batch last night which turned into a Griswold fiasco. My son and I inhaled some of the powders as we were dumping them in the bucket. We did this in the garage and a white plum of dust overtook us. We started coughing and laughing uncontrollably. My son kept questioning me if this was worth all the effort! While I sat there feeling like a pioneer woman over my bucket grating soap, I was asking myself that same question. Lol! The soap does smell wonderful once all made and I had high hopes for this soap. Well, I did laundry today and I can tell you the clothes did not come out smelling wonderful. There was no smell. I even added fabric softener to the loads. I have a font loader HE machine. I put the soap in the compartment for powder. The whites along with my colored items may be brighter but I am still not sold on this home made soap. I think that borax or clorox safe for all colors could be added to regular detergent. I am a tide girl. I found all the supplies at Walmart. They carried the Fels Naptha soap. I even bought my multipurpose 6 gallon storage container there $4.00. I did find pink Zote soap at Kmart which I used because it was only 2 bars I needed to grate vs 6 of the Fels Naptha. In conclusion I think convience outweighs the small amount of money I would save on laundry detergent in my busy household that sees at least 2 loads of laundry a day. If any of my friends would like to give this soap a try just let me know. I have a batch I can give you.
Linda Walcutt says
I used the reps naphtha Cu’s I couldn’t find the other. Thought it was a bit strong when I was mixing it together but my laundry is fantastic. I am folding clothes right now and smelling each piece as I fold it. Mmmmmmmm! I am a believer. Thanks for sharing!
Cristie says
I just mixed up half of a batch of your soap and can’t wait to try it! Question~do I need to use fabric softener? (I have liquid homemade kind)
G says
is this safe for HE washers?
Danielle says
I am very interested in making this, I have made a liquid detergent and like it, but want to try a dry one. My only question is does the pink zote tint white clothes. I have seen on a few differnt blogs of people who use pink zote that it staines whites so im woundering if yours does.
Michele says
I was wondering if the DIY detergent is compatible with high efficiency washing machines? I would love to spend only $30 a year on laundry soap and I like your added ingredient of the fabric crystals for making it smell good.
Sara says
I was just wondering how well this cleans whites and where do you store the soap that is in the bucket??
Bridgett says
I made a quarter of the recipe and used it to wash a load of sheets. It seemed to have lightened my sheets by about one shade (compared to a pillow case that wasn’t washed) has anyone else experienced this? I’m scared to wash anything good in it now!
Amy says
I made this a few weeks ago and it smells great! I’ve noticed though that it isn’t getting the stains out of our clothes. I’m really disappointed because my first few loads were washed and dried before I realized the stains weren’t washed out so now they are set in. I have two small children and a husband who works outside a lot. I thought maybe I just needed to spray shout on the stains beforehand but that didn’t get out every stain either. Has anyone else had this issue? My husband is running to the store now to buy detergent and I guess I’ll just be using the homemade powder detergent on towels…
Sadie Calamaco says
Wow!!! I’m out on a store run!!
Missy says
What about front loading HE washers
Jacki Smiley says
Can you use this on HE machines? (Front load)
Chelsea says
Does this work in H.E. washers?
Shelley says
yes
Becky says
But I read somewhere that Borax can cause infertility in young boys. Is there a way to make this soap without it?
Kelli says
Borax has been proven to cause issues in large amounts in INGESTION studies with animals. Don’t let your little boys eat your laundry detergent and you shouldn’t have any issues.
Christina says
I have done this before, I used it for a whole summer. But I wasn’t pleased with it. I didn’t think it got our clothes very clean. I had heard once that powdered detergent is hard on your washing machine. By the end of the summer, my washing machine broke. Now I make homemade liquid laudry detergent.
Debbie says
Can you use this in a high efficiency front load washer?
Shelley says
yep 🙂
Amy says
You mentioned that you can put this in a HE washer, but do you still put it in the soap spot or pour it over your clothes? Thank you
G says
Do the basic math:
All 2X Ultra with Stainlifter Free & Clear – 225 ozs. – 146 loads
Sam’s Club for $14.98
16 oz per pound. All above ingredient are close to 16 pounds. So, 16 X 16 = 256 ounces at a cost of around $30.
2 tablespoons = 1 ounce. 256 loads at a cost of $30 or
128 ounces for $15 for homemade soap.
Homemade = $15 for 128 loads or
All Free & Clear = $15 for 146 loads
All is liquid with no grating or work.
Thought about doing this before I did the math.
Feel free to disagree and post please.
Diana says
Makes me not want to make it. Thanks for the math.
Kristine says
The ounces for the homemade, going by the suggested items to buy, comes to 312 ounces. So half would be 156 loads for approximately $15. (I’m a little bit of a math nerd) Personally, I always put almost a full cup. I havn’t wrapped my head around the ‘higher concentration’ fact yet so the 146 loads is probably closer to around 100 for me.
So overall it could still be seen as almost the same price. But that’s if you have a Sams membership. At WalMart the All that does 96 loads is $12.
Homemade=9 cents per load
All (Sams price)=10 cents per load
All (WalMart price)=12.5 cents per load
Sorry if that was TMI guys!
mindy says
You can find Zote at the Mexican stores in my area of Michigan. Not anywhere else. It works great. I have been using it for years and no non hispanic person I know even knew it existed. It’s cheaper too. When I grate mine in the food processor, I first grate it and then add some of the borax or washing soda/baking soda to the mix and spin it again using the other attatchment. It turns it into tiny tiny balls of soap that dissolve very easily. This way, you don’t have to remember to air it out and get it hard. It saves time. I put mine in the regular powder detergent section of my HE machine and have had no problems with it. Works great and saves an absolute fortune.
Clowderkat says
Hi – i tried the liquid homemade laundry detergent first, but since i’ve tried this one – LOVE it! Just one silly question: does it require adding liquid fabric softener as well as this in the load?
Namastemama says
I tried this and sadly it does not work for hard water laundry, nothing came clean and whites were super dingy. Bummer!
Elaine says
Have seen several posts about not being able to find Zote soap and a couple about Zote flakes. Someone posted they used Ivory bars and grated those instead. My question is could you use a box of Ivory soap flakes instead???
Ange says
I bought a Zote equivalent called Old Fashioned Laundry Bar at Bulk Barn (Ontario Canada) which has coconut oil and tallow just like Zote and is scent and colour free so you can add whatever scent you wish or leave your detergent scent free for sensitive skin
Gloria Crowther says
I just had to let you know that the last 2 days have been so fun. I mixed up a huge glass jar of the laundry detergent, the fabric softener, body butter 12. 4 oz. Containers, 1 gal. of DIY version of Clorox Spray & Clean, the DIY version of Tile & Trout cleaner, & DIY Dishwasher Detergent. That is just So Far.
My laundry is softer, leaner, & Super Clean! And it is just 1 Tbsp. Detergent & 2 Tbsp. Softener!!! It is SO EXCITING!!!
The total cost of supplies for us is $25.00. I am amazed I did it — it is fun — & it’s going to save us SO MUCH MONEY! THAT MAKES MY HUSBAND HAPPY!!! All the recipes for this great stuff is right here on Pinterest. THANK YOU.
Melissa says
Just FYI All these ingredients can be purchased on Amazon and if you have a Prime membership or Mom membership the shipping is free. Going to be mixing up my first batch today!
Erin Rice says
How does this work in a HE front loader?
Do I put the detergent in the soap disspenser of right into the washer it’s self?
What can I use if I can’t find the Zote Soap bars??
Terri says
yes this works in HE washers…use the powder compartment, or just put in the tub. People do it both ways. Fels naptha or Ivory plain white bars can be used also.
Stephanie says
I just mixed this up and my first load is in the washer! I can’t wait to see how it turns out :)))
Shelby says
I heard this wears clothes out faster. Have you experienced it?
Natalie H says
Made this tonight, been meaning to after I originally found it but decided to wait until I ran out of tide.
Took about a hour after I had to grate the soap. I couldn’t wait to do laundry so I gave it a go. I was extremely happy and have told several people about my wonderful discovery. This has changed my way of life and I’ll never be returning to the chain brand of laundry detergent ever again. It’s also a nice way to save on my cleaning expenses.
I think several of my friends and family will be getting a small bucket of laundry detergent for gifts this Christmas!! Lol
Thanks again for everything!
Cindy says
Do you use a fabric softener with this at all? Thank you for the crystals idea! I wanted to make dry detergent for less mess than the liquid – but wanted some fragrance too! I look forward to trying it out once I buy the crystals!
Kelli says
Hi, I was just wondering if you have gotten any reviews or know if it is okay with sensitive skin or babies. My daughter and I have sensitive skin and I have a baby on the way and was wondering if you have heard anything positive or negative on the subject as far as babies or sensitive skin. Thanks! Looking forward to trying this out!
Pam says
Just curious if you know whether your recipe can be safely used in the new front load machines.
Thanks,
Pam
cathy says
I love the soap, haven’t had such soft laundry in I dont know when. Smells great too! I did however have a problem with my Samsung HE frontload Machine getting clogged from the soap in the detergent drawer feed line to the washer basin. My husband ran hot water down through it and that fixed it. I now just put the detergent in the basin directly on the laundry. Just wanted to share this in case anyone else has this problem. My daughter has the same kind of machine (different brand) and has not had this problem after a month of using the detergent. But to be on the safe side she is going to start adding it like I am. I love this detergent though! Thanks
Jenie says
Is this safe for a HE Washer?
Becky says
Hi, I have been making dry laundry soao for a couple of years I like the idea of the softener crystals instead of essient oils but why are you adding washing soda and baking soda? My family has senstive skin I may have to leave the OXY Clean out but can’t wait to try it, Thanks
Krymsen says
I love it cause it is septic safe! and smells great ($$$ doesn’t hurt either)
Dusty says
I just put my mix together and I can’t wait to try it! Just wanted to let you know that Zote makes already grated laundry soap. Not sure how easy it is to find where you are, but they have it here in AZ. It was $2.64 for a 17 oz box, where the 14 oz bar was $.97, so it’s not as cheap, but for my hands (which are already bad from cake decorating) it was a lot easier to use.
My laundry soap smells great and I’m so excited to give this a whirl and hopefully save us a lot of money!
Stef says
How well does this work when it comes to preventing color fading? I use Woolite on all of my clothes for that very reason.
Joan says
how does this work in cold water? i made it yesterday but the zote seems wax-like. will it dissolve?
Thanks
Peggy G. says
Does this work with the new he washers?????
Sarah says
Hi there!
I read this and went out to gather the ingredients asap! No where else but Walmart had the Zote and Fels Naptha. Everything else I got at Weis. I also ended up going with two smaller bottles of the Purex crystals and I got the blue kind and I also instead of Zote got Fels Naptha. I was making this for myself as well as my hubby who is living on campus currently so I didn’t want him using girly looking and smelling soap haha! This stuff works amazing and it still looks cool because its just blue and yellow instead of purple and pink. It works great and smells amazing!
Tracy says
I have made this and am about to make my second batch. We are super pleased. It cleans very well and does smell terrific. We are still using dryer sheets, but I would bet you don’t have to.
The only thing I’m wondering is how some of you only spent 20. something dollars. The Purex Crystals alone cost 8. something apiece. Well, come to think of it, maybe you guys are only putting one in- I put two of the 55oz Purex Crystals. I was gonna say, because I spent about 38.00 dollars on everything. I still think it is worth it though. It has lasted quite a while, and like I said, cleans great.
And, I am not usually a commenter, but for this, I felt compelled. Try it!
Tracy
Kimberly says
Just made this up yesterday and love it so far. However, I have been having the same issue with the soap shavings separating in the Purex container, so I am just going to work from my bucket. I also did notice that although I put in 2 containers of the Purex Crystals, I really couldn’t smell them very much, which kind of makes sense if you think that you are suppose to add quite a bit to each load by itself if you follow the directions. Next time I think I would omit mixing the crystals when making the batch and just adding it when I do a load. Not as time saving but I think there would be more of a smell benefit or just use it with a regular fabric softener; DIY or store bought, which is what I am going to try as I kind of feel like I’m wasting the Purex Crystals if I by more to use with this batch. Cleans cloths great though and I have a HE washing machine and haven’t experienced any issues. Goes through the dispenser fine.
Linda says
This is my first try at homemade detergent. I love this recipe. It made my dingy socks white again. I used 2 Tbsp. in my front loader for that, but may try just one on my less dirty clothes. Also, I am going to make some to hand out at our food pantry to save people money on buying expensive detergent. Thank you for the recipe. I use vinegar as a softener, and love that too.
Bonnie says
One thing you may want to invest in is a drill and a long paint stirrer. When put together it looks like industrial type hand mixer. Will make mixing this so much easier! 🙂
Nina says
I bought all the stuff for this today at Walmart. $36.48 + tax. I did 2 bottles if Purex softener. 9/3/12 Excited to get started!
Lisa says
Hi there! I recently found your recipe for laundry soap thru Pinterest and yesterday the hubs and I went to Walmart and purchased all the ingredients. Our Walmart doesn’t carry the Zote soap so I substituted the Fels Naptha soap. I’m lucky enough to have a food processor to grate the soap so that part only took a few minutes, but the shreds were really big so i took the advice of one of your commenters who said to pulse it in the food processor with some baking soda and it worked perfectly. This left me with pieces around the same size as the Purex crystals. I layered everything in a 5 gallon bucket in batches and mixed thoroughly after each batch. The hubs came in the kitchen as i was making the concoction and was teasing me by calling me a mad scientist…lol! But he later told me he was really impressed with what i made and he keeps commenting on how nice it smells 🙂 We have a front loader washer, so i’ve been putting the dry mix right in with the clothes and it seems to be working well. The only thing i noticed with my husbands work clothes was they didn’t seem that soft after they were dried. I think this may be due to the hard water we have here so I started putting 1/4 cup vinegar in the liquid soap dispenser and another 1/4 cup vinegar in the softener dispenser with the next couple of loads and they came out perfect. I’m loving this homemade soap and can’t thank you enough for sharing!
Jeni Rose says
I made this tonight using the Tropical Purex Crystals and Fels-Naptha bar soap. LOVE IT! It is also hubby approved since he LOVES the tropical Purex Crystals scent sooo much! I decided to run this mix thru my Ninja smoothie maker and I am SO glad I did! It makes it all the same consistency and the heavier pieces do not float to the top as much now. Did I mention it smells divine? And it cleans better than the previous homemade laundry soap I was using!
Thank you for a great idea!!!
Suzie says
Just wanted to say thank you so much for this. I just tried it and so far the hubby approves .The smell is great and everything seems clean, I do have a question 2 tablespoons is good for a small load med or large. I have 3 girls and a hubby always washing PT gear he asked what is the 2 tablespoons good for? Thanks again for sharing this.
Suzie
Stephanie says
You can get all of this at Soap.com, and the site has lots of discounts too.
Courtney says
I love this recipe! To make it more of a powdery texture, I added borax and the “cheese” to a blender. Perfect!
Katy says
I really want to try this but have one question/concern: my two year old daughter and I both have EXTREMELY sensitive skin ( I think my skin may be even more sensitive). Is this stuff gentle enough to use on our skins? I currently use tide free. Is this somewhat comparable to tide free? I am thinking that I would probably not use the fabric softener part. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!
Katy
patinga says
I found that using a handheld cheese grater – the style they use in Italian restaurants – is a quick and easy way to grate the soap bars. I found one for only $6.00 at BrandsMart. Just cut them into blocks of about 2 inches, put them in the little hopper and turn away. I also use a small 2-cup electric food processor (about $10.00 [or less] at the hardware store) makes getting everything down to more of a “powder” much easier. Just be sure to run the soap WITH the powders or the soap will gum up into a ball. My daughter introduced me to “homemade” soap and we love it. I make it for my Dad now, too!
Krysti says
Can we use this soap in a front loading LE machine? I think thats what it called. I have an old school machine but my friend whom I wanted to give some of this too wanted to know…
Thank you!
Brandi says
As a single mom of a 7 & 17 year old, I get stuck with a wide array of stains and grease on everyone’s clothes and a very limited budget. I tried this out and it was great! I was absolutely amazed with how easily it got out all the stains and how cheap it is!! I actually rewashed a load of laundry the day I made it and after washing in the homemade laundry soap the water looked filthy! I will never use ‘store bought’ laundry detergent again!
Sarah says
If anyone wants to use Ivory soap instead of the bar soap in the recipe, it is much easier to work with! You pop it in the microwave on a paper towel and turn it on. It swells up and turns into a huge foam looking clump. Then my son and I just crumbled it into a fine powder. You can watch YouTube videos on it. There is no grating and is a fun project for your child if you have one. Plus, I couldn’t find fels naptha or zote where I am at, so I read online that you can substitue ivory, especially for sensitive skin (which me and my son both have).
Sarah says
You said 2- 14.1 oz bars of Zote or Fels naphtha. The Feels naphtha is only available in 5.5 oz bars. Should I use almost 5 bars of the fels naptha to make same amount of grayed soap as Zote or is it a different soap concentration in feels and less is required?
Becky says
Where do you get the laundry soda? I have looked everywhere for it. Well, everywhere near where I live. Walmart, Target, Saveway, little country stores, etc., No one even know what I am talking about. I wound up getting a super sized package of plain soda and just doubled the amount. Does that work as well?
Kelli says
Washing soda and baking soda are not the same thing and do not work the same way. Amazon sells washing soda if you can’t find it at your local stores http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=washing+soda
kayla fontaine says
can this be used in a high efficient washer ? i havent used powder in mine yet so i wasnt sure!!
SageEyes 73 says
I made this. I couldn’t fine zote, so I used fels naptha. I also added the downey unstoppables scent booster, and used a 5 lb tub of oxyclean powder. (My family gets dirty!!) The scent is amazing and it works great!
Karol says
Just made this, except I couldn’t find zote, or a naptha soap in my little Canadian town. I used 15oz. of classic Ivory soap bars instead (the purest soapI could get, but I know that sometimes you see a Sunlight laundry bar in the store that might be an option too). I used my food processor to grate the soap, but it was long, cheesy strings (almost got my hubby to have a taste…so close! lol). So then I put the grated soap back in the food processor with the chopper blade and the baking soda. It powdered up beautifully! I also bought the Purex Crystals that are scent only rather than scent + softener by mistake…but I added them anyway. If it needs more softening I figured I’d buy the matching scent softener crystals and add them later. In my northern town the ingredients ran me 48.00CDN…about 12 cents a load. This is the same as buying an off-brand soap at the Walmart in the next town, but hopefully this is nicer stuff!
First load of dirty, stinky camping laundry is in the front loader and it doesn’t seem to be over-sudsing. Hope it works well!
salinamia says
Hi, I have a question, I normally use bleach with my normal laundry detergent when i wash my whites, do i/should still use bleach with this homemade detergent? I just finished making my first batch and was about to start a load of whites and now I’m stuck… not sure what to do. also, sorry if this question was already answered, i tried looking for answer on the previous posts but found nothing. thanks in advance.
Cami says
You can still use bleach, though if you used OxyClean in your recipe, it may not be needed.
Erin says
If you’re going to use homemade detergent, why not go all the way and use vinegar in place of bleach?? Much less toxic. Try it–it works!
Erin F. says
How much?
Kay says
I use 1 cup of vinegar for fabric softener. Put it in the final rinse. You won’t smell it in your clothes, promise. :o)
Beth says
I use bleach with mine. I’ve been using this since March and am just NOW having to make more! I used the Fels soap last time because I couldn’t find the Zote, but this time I found the pink Zote and am SO LOOKING FORWARD to using it!!
Tammy says
I got lazy and didn’t feel like adding bleach to my whites, and I was shocked at how white they were, even done in a cold water wash. I love this stuff!!!
angie says
i have never seen bar soap in the detergant asile do they carry it at walmarts in Ill?
Raye says
We got ours from Walmart. They only had Fels Naptha at ours but they had TONS of it. It was in the detergent aisle near the Oxy Clean. Hope that helps!
Vickie says
The Walmarts here in VA. don’t carry the “ZOTE” bar soap, or at least the ones in my area don’t, none of the grocery stores and even I tried our local Amish store and they did not carry it either! Ugh! I was getting a bit frustrated, but then Googled it and came up with this site where I then ordered it http://www.thelatinproducts.com …only $1.29 a bar!
Nichole says
We bought ours at kmart for $1.34 each
Kelli says
I’m in VA and found Fels Naptha at Kroger.
Jen W says
I saw Zote bars at Lowe’s this weekend. Worth a shot checking your home improvement stores too.
Cathey says
You can go to Big Lots and get it there, its only 90 cents a bar..
Also I used the food processor but it makes big grate, and when I tried the small hand held grater it would not work, only the larger holes.. Any trick to this? By the way I bought Sun Oxgen which is a generic brand of the Oxy clean and was alot cheaper. Total cost for me to make all of this was 24.75.. I use the scoop that came with the Sun Oxgen as my scoop for the detergent..
Pati Gulat says
Cut the soap in about 6 chunks and put it in the microwave for about 3 minutes then let it cool…it puffs up BIG and then after it’s cool,you just squeeze it a little bit and it’s powder !
Pati Gulat says
I need to be mnore specific…Cut EACH BAR in 6 chunks
Jennifer says
I’m in Northern VA and I found the pink zote soap at the Safeway in Manassas. I was surprised at how inexpensive it was.
Lisa D says
They have this soap at the 99c only store if you have one in your area.
Linda says
this looks awesome, I am going to try it, maybe half a recipe first, but you can buy that Zote soap in flakes also, comes in a box, already in flakes.
Mercedes Shyne says
Amazon.com sells Zote bar soap
Alberto Ramirez says
YOU CAN GET ZOTE SOAP AT YOUR LOCAL MEXICAN STORE. ZOTE IS USED FOR “EVERYTHING” IN MEXICAN HOUSEHOLDS. 🙂
patricia says
you can check on the website to find out what walmarts if any carry it thats what i did you just search the item then check local store and it tells you who has it
kay says
You can also use bath soap, as long as it says “soap” on the label, and not “beauty bar.” A few of my friends use Ivory because they have family members with super sensitive skin and it works great.
candy says
can this be used in h e machines ?
Lydia says
yes…works great! just make sure you put it in the washer itself not in the top soap dispenser…
Kelly says
I put it in the top soap dispenser in my HE. Mine has a tray that pulls out for when you use dry soap.
Kim says
You don’t just put it in the washer itself? And I have NO idea that tray came out! I just buy the pods and put them in the washer. But $20 for 72 pods is a little much for my budget!!
Stefanie Bradford says
Just curious, because I do want to make this – why can’t it go in the dispenser?
Aimee C says
Been making my own detergent for years, and it does fine in the top dispenser.
Carrie says
Hi, where in Canada do you find Zote soap or Fels Naptha?
Dusty says
You can put the cheese soap in your food processor and have it grate it for you. Genius I know.
Rembrandt says
That was discussed as an option in the article.
Chelsea says
Homemade laundry soap. Do you put it in with the clothes or down the soap hole?
Raye says
SO glad we found this post! We have been using the HECK outta this stuff. We are a family of 2 toddlers (one potty training) and 2 adults. This works WONDERFULLY for us! We’ve had no problems with skin irritation, etc.
We’ve been able to use it with bleach just like any other cleaners and I SWEAR my white shirts are coming out whiter!! <3 <3 <3 Thank you SO MUCH!!
kellykae says
I put the soap in a food processor after I put the chopped soap in the oven on the lowest temp for about 30 minutes checking it every 10 minutes for moisture after cooling the soap I put it back in the food processor. This works great, fast and easy.
Deb Breiten says
I used my electric chopper to grind up the Zote. To keep it from sticking I added some of the powdered ingredients to the chopper and it worked great. No sticking Zote.
Hubby likes the smell. Doing laundry today to try it out.
As an aside, my hubby works of farm equipment around our place and he used this to clean his hands. All the grime and diesel came right off and he hands were so soft. This also works well for cleaning your hands after working in the yard. And your hands smell great.
Susan Meyer says
The DIY Detergent, can it be used in a HE front loading washer?
Thanks,
Susan
Peggy says
I have been using this mixture in my HE front load machine with no problems. It is low sudsing so perfect for that type of machine.
Melinda Ferrelll says
can you grate ivory soap instead of zote?
Rach says
I do use Ivory for mine. My hubby is allergic to just about everything–so no Oxyclean, no Pyrex crystals, no Felz-naptha, or Zote. Ivory works great and gives the clothes a mild clean smell. LOVE making my own detergent. I have been doing it for years now.
Amy says
I am interested in using Ivory as well, how much of the ivory soap do you use to the rest of the ingredients?
Rach Merritt says
Yes, I do.
Vicki says
my question is we have to use Tide or we (my son and I) welp up from anything else… I wonder how this would be for allergies… I don’t want to make up a batch and then not be able to use it
brookedrum85 says
My daughter is allergic to almost anything but Tide free adn clear but we havent had any problems with this recipe. We also didnt use the crystals.
Staci says
Yes – my son has allergies to everything and the only thing that worked was tide. I have been making my own laundry detergent for a while now, started with using ivory. Worked great, but there was no smell. So I would add 1 TBSP of softener to every load. But now I found Dr. Bonner’s soap on Amazon – any smell you want!
Rach merritt says
My daughter and hubby are allergic to pretty much everything. So I just have Ivory soap, Borax and washing soda–occasionally add baking soda if it is needed. That is all I can put in mine–but it works great and no allergy problems at all. Considering their sensitivity, I am very glad their is something that I can make as the “free and clear” detergents are pretty expensive!
Ashley says
i was wondering if this works in a front loader?? i guess if all the stuff is “he”?? let me know!! thanks 🙂
Sarah says
Is this safe for HE machines?
Liz says
I love this! I made it for my family of 5. With boys who play sports and oome home from practice with stinky clothes. Their clothes smell good after washed. The batch lasted me 2 months. And I wash everyday.
I can not find the pink Zote. Where do you buy yours.
Shelley says
Love hearing this!!! 🙂 Try Lowes, or amazon for the Zote. 🙂
Hope says
I bought my Zote soap at Family Dollar store
Kimberly says
I bought my Zote Soap at the Hispanic Grocery Store. Turns out they use it all the time for everything!! It was only $1.49 there!!
Karen says
Just wanted to let you know, I put my zote in a Ninja with a little of the baking soda. Came out fine grained, which is better for my front-loader. I love this stuff. Made it in April and shared with SIL. Still have plenty left.
Lexi says
I have searched high and low here (Kansas) for Zote, but I can only find Fels-Naptha. The scent of it doesn’t bother me, so I’m going to use that. Thanks so much for sharing! ^_^
Shelley says
You can also find Zote at home depot, lowes, or on amazon. 🙂
Lisa says
I found my Zote at Big Lots for .90 a bar! I almost fell over when I saw it cause I’ve been looking everywhere with no luck!
Linda says
Do you have a Big Lots? I found it cheaper there in Va
Ana says
My question is what is the mixture to this detergent. I see all the ingredients but no instructions on how much of each product. Could someone let me in on the secret?
Shelley says
You use all of the ingredients listed. Their full amounts. 🙂
amber says
just wondering if you can make this same recipe without using the borax. if so, please let me know or if there is something else i can use in place of the borax. thanks!
Kelli says
Why wouldn’t you want to use the Borax?
Ashley Moman says
I made this yesterday with Fels Naptha (available in my area) and left out the crystals. I use distilled white vinegar as a my fabric softener. I have to say this is my favorite DIY laundry detergent that I’ve made. Previously I made a liquid version because I typically prefer liquid, but I made your powder version because I miss the stain fighting power of oxiclean. I have to say I was happily surprised to see instantly how clean it got my first load of towels. This is my go to recipe now for laundry detergent. And I’m really excited about how little it takes to clean a load of laundry. Well done!
Amanda says
My husband and I make this in smaller batches, minus the fabric softener and we love it! Here are some tips I’ve learned:
1. Coffee grinder! (It only really works with small loads.) I know, I had one sitting around we weren’t using and was like, why not? Here’s the deal, though, if you do just the soap it gets clumpy (heat). Add equal parts mixed powdered ingredients (not the softener) and soap and the powder coats the soap. It comes out super fine and smelling awesome. You could do that with your food processor, too.
2. This is NOT good for cloth diapers. Just a heads up. I use equal parts washing soda, baking soda, and sun oxygen cleaner. 2 tsp. It works great! (borax is too harsh, soap doesn’t come out as well in the rinse and makes them repel)
Veronica Best says
I am about to start using cloth diapers on my 1 month old. Can you explain how you altered this powder recipe without the harsh borax? A list of ingredients/substitutes to existing recipe would be great 🙂
Abby says
I used this dergent with cloth diapers and didn’t have a problem. But, I used tri-fold inserts and the diaper cover had a layer of PUL to keep her clothes dry. I have seen other cloth diaper systems that don’t have the PUL in them, so not sure how those would work.
Melissa says
Expecting a newborn in a couple weeks. Has anyone used this detergent with infants’ clothes? Any skin reaction? Thanks in advance!
Holly says
I have been making something very similar to this and I have used it to was 2 of my babies clothes. No issues at all here.
I don’t use the purex because I can’t find it here in Canada but I use Downey unstopables in its place. LOVE IT!
Suzanne says
What did you use for bar soap? I have never seen Zote here, would sunlight bar soap work?
Amanda says
Infant clothes are fine. I wash my baby’s clothes in it all the time. Just don’t use it for cloth diapers and you’re good.
stephanie says
what if you have a HE washer? will it work the same?
Med School Mom says
I will have to try this soon. I need to cut costs wherever I can!
kathy moore says
absolutely love it !!!! thanks for sharing :}
Stacey says
Can this detergent be used in HE washing machines?
Glennis says
I put Fels Naptha soap in the microwave hoping to melt it; fail. It just puffed up. I took it out and let it cool and grating was a breeze — all I had to do was squeeze the soap bar!
Ashley Bogan says
oooh! Thank you, I was wondering how I could get around using my cheese grater that I use FOR FOOD. 🙂
Kelli says
The Fels Naptha or Zote are just soap…mild soaps at at that. If you use your FOOD cheese grater on them then wash your grater (I have a box grater that just goes in the dish washer), you are going to be fine to use it with food…there really is no safety issue with using your food grater to grate your soap…
Kari says
I love the thought that I don’t have to make the batch and boil it or mix it with hot water, etc. This seems sooo much easier! Thanks for posting, I can’t wait to try it. 🙂
Tammy says
We have a huge 4.7 cubic ft. HE washer. Would i still use 2 tablespoons?
amy says
Just thought i’d let you know that i grate my soap in the food processor & then run it with the blades a few seconds. This makes a very nice & smaller soap crumble. LOVE this recipe! Thanks
Lisa says
Hi, I just wanted to say that I made this soap recently and I LOVE it. I got my oxyclean and baking soda at the dollar store and the rest of the ingredients at WalMart. Everything including the bucket was only $25.99! This stuff works and smells amazing! Thanks for the recipe, Bobbi!
Rebecca says
By adding the fabric softener crystals to the laundry soap, does that mean you don’t need to add dryer sheets to the dryer?
Alissa says
Bump. I need the answer to this question as well. Do I not need to add any softner or dryer sheet if I add the Purex crystals??
Rach says
No, you don’t need an extra fabric softener if you can use the crystals. We can’t so I use vinegar as my fabric softener if I need one. The only time you MIGHT need one is if static electricity happens to be a big problem in the winter. A fabric softener isn’t actually essential in laundry anyway–I use dryer balls in mine. They work great.
Rach Merritt says
No extra softener is required.
Alexa fritzsching says
I use ivory soap. Instead of grating it, I throw it in the microwave until its a big poof. (you’ll see what I mean by poof) then it just crumbles up into a fine powder. MUCH EASIER THAN GRATING!!
Erin says
Does only Ivory soap do this or can you do this with the zote soap. my hubby grated our pink Zote and I’m really nervous because its not fine its really big! I can mix all the other ingredients and then just a some in with the zote into the food processor and it will be ok? I think thats what I have been reading I would just hate to make it and the soap not dissolve right and have to figure out a way to “fix” it. Help bought everything and now scared to try.
Staci says
I have just recently made a liquid laundry detergent. It works great, but would like to go back to the powder. I have an HE front loader, and have not had any problems so far. I found that Dr. Bonner’s Hemp soap (found on amazon) works great and no extra smelly stuff is needed. You can get these with fragrance already added. I love lavender so this is always my top choice. I typically add oxi-clean just to give it that extra boost (as I have a football player in my house, well, all I can say is – his uniforms are clean and the smells are gone!) I hand grate the soap and then move everything to the food processor – this is where I add the oxy clean. It keeps it from clumping. Then I pour it all in a bucket and mix it with a paint stirrer.
Shelly says
Hmm, maybe you can help me here. I made this recipe last night and am using it on my clothes today. Problem is when they are coming out of the washer they STINK! Like dirty clothes stink! My darks also still have food stains on them. I followed the recipe to a T (except I couldn’t find Pink Zote so I got Fels Naptha) with exactly everything listed and their amount. I grated the soap up with the hand grater and took the layering approach and stired after every time. Do you think I need to stir some more? Or maybe my washer needs a good cleaning? They are brand new Whirlpool Cabrios we’ve had a year. I’ve also tried putting the soap in the soap dispenser and putting it right on the clothes with the same effect. Any suggestions? Thanks!!!
Shelley says
I’m totally baffled on this one! I’ve never used the Fels Naptha, but I’ve heard it works great too (although I love the Zote). Let me ask the original author if she has any suggestions.
Jen says
Hi Shelly,
I have to say that I am baffled as well! I have never experienced this problem with the soap so my only recommendation would be to stir it really well and give the washer a good clean. I start the water in the machine and immediately put the soap in and then gather my clothes and stick them in. This gives the soap some time to dissolve.
Sorry you are having troubles!
Sarah says
I saw someone else on here said the fels naptha soap was smaller bars, so maybe you need to add more bars of soap. They said they were only 5 oz or so. I would try adding a lot more to equal the same amount of soap as the zote bars.
Brandy says
I had the same thing happen to me the 1st time I tryed it but our water where we are living is soooo hard and makes everything smell so I put more then the 2 table spoon as they said and I love it now I think it works better then the store brought tooo so if u still have it maybe try adding more I used the gain firework stuff insted of the perx and had been using a cap full just a thought
Iva says
Sounds to me like the washer is overloaded…or some related issue rather than the detergent. I’ve put in a large load before and forgot to change the water level setting from small to large, so my clothes came out exactly as you described: still stinky and still stained.
Shelley says
I am getting ready to make this but didn’t see any mention on whether it works in cold water or not. I generally use warm water, but some things I use just cold water. Anyone know how it does in cold water? Thanks.
becky says
I wash all of my loads in cold water, with the exception of my whites. I have been very happy with this detergent, with hot or cold water. Just bought all the stuff to make a second batch earlier this evening. All 5 of my children’s clothes are cleaner, and softer, and the towels even seem to be fluffier. I have really sensitive skin and get hives with almost every other detergent, especially scented stuff, but absolutely none with this detergent!
Shelley says
Thanks!
Theresa P. says
Hi! I love your idea of making your own laundry detergent. However I live over here in Germany were was forbidden by the law to purchase “Borax” as a private person about 3 years ago (it can be used to genetically modify plants. People used it as fertilizer). Do you have any idea what to use instead? I would be grateful if you’d send me an email.
Regards,
T.
Kat says
I haven’t tried this alternative recipe so I don’t know if it works or not, but here is one without Borax.
http://www.ecokaren.com/2012/06/borax-free-laundry-detergent/
Theresa says
Great, thank you … I’ll try 🙂
Lisa says
I have a special needs daughter with bladder control problems. Is this strong enough to combat issues like that?
Deann says
I haven’t tried this recipe yet..but just wanted to let you know I deal with the same issue and just use Borax, hot water, and the pre-wash setting on any clothes/blankets that need treating. I have an HE front loader and just put the Borax in the pre-wash dispenser. I also used Borax with a regular tub washer and hot water before I got the HE front loader. My Great Grandmother told me to use Borax and hot water when my children were still potty training; so has been working for generations ;).
Linda D says
I’d love to try this, bit I’m wondering if the finished product stays light and fluffy. I tried a DIY dishwasher soap from another website that contained Borax and A&H Washing Soda (plus a couple other ingredients), but that became hard as a rock.
Kelli says
If you keep this in a mostly airtight container you shouldn’t have any problems with it. If you live in a moist climate and you don’t use a container that keeps out moisture you are going to end up with a block.
Tina says
Also, the purex crystals have silica in them which helps it to not clump, since it is essentially a form of rock salt and clays. I researched the ingredients to see if i could make homemade. Not quite enough of a chemistry/science geek to figure out what common ingredients to use. 🙂
Linda Durham says
Thanks, ladies. I’ve been using it for a while now with no clumping at all. Love it!
Lynda Glenn says
I use my food processor to grater my soap bars and also mix everything together. But I love making my own
Ramona says
I have been using the homemade laundry soap for about 2 weeeks. I love the way it smells. Made my towels fluffy and soft. But I have sensitive skin and I think it’s starting to make me itch.
Not going to give up on it, but might need to a change the Zote soap fo something else. Has not bothered my husband at all.
Kathy Storrie says
Can this laundry powder soap be used in the new HE washers?
Belita says
Is it possible to make this minus the Fels Naptha (or any kind of) soap? How would that effect the outcome?
Katie says
I bought the Fels Naptha soap bars. But they’re only 5.5 ounces. Do I use 5 bars to equal the 2 bars of Zote (28 oz)??
kdsmith says
I’d love to know the same!
Amanda says
Ounce for ounce, Fels Naptha and Zote are the same concentration so I do recommend using 5 bars of the FN if you cannot find 2 bars of Zote. Hope that helps!
jeanna says
I was wondering if you could use ivory or dial soap for the laundry detergent? Would this make a huge difference? I cannot find zote anywhere. Thanks so much! I can’t wait to (hopefully)try this.
Jeanna
rach says
I use Ivory due to allergy problems–works great.
Rach merritt says
I use Ivory–have for years in my homemade detergent. It works great.
Michele says
Do you know what we can use if we have a high energy washer? I’d love to make my own detergent, but don’t know if what you made would work well in a he washer.
Shelley says
Yes mam. 🙂
Lorna says
I just made this and all I have to say is WOW!!!
My whites are whiter than they have ever been before, my colors are brighter…wow! And it smells soooooo good!
I thought, actually, that it was gonna take way longer…but it didn’t. And when I was done making it my whole downstairs smelled like clean laundry 🙂
Plus I made it with the Fels Naptha and the blue Purex Crystals and it matches the laundry room decor…yes, I’m weird enough that this tickled me pink…lol
Thank you so much for posting this!!!
Laurette Thomas says
Hi,I made a batch of the laundry soap the other day and was happy with the result, but I thought I would mention a few things I thought would be helpful to others. The first is that when I read the ingredients I was wondering how the softener would work when being added directly into the wash cycle, but since I wasn’t familiar with Purex Crystals,I didn’t realize they are actually made to be added directly to the wash cycle. I can’t be the only one that didn’t know…right? Also, if you can, prepare the mix in a well ventilated area. I didn’t even consider needing to do so, and just put it together in the kitchen, but with so many cleaning agents,the smell was pretty overwhelming. In fact,it was so strong that I was still smelling it for two days afterward. I wanted to mention too that since I did have a food processor,I went ahead and used it for shredding the bar soap, but (and maybe I’m just not too bright) I tried using the shredding attachment and THAT doesn’t work. The best way is to just cut the bars into small chunks, and use the regular multipurpose blade that came in the large bowl when you originally opened the box. It works great that way.:) Something else I wanted to bring up is that when I used the detergent I found that four tablespoons (vs. two) was more adequate for a regular load of wash. When the tub was filling with water, I couldn’t even feel the soap between my fingers in the water with two tablespoons, but believe me, four tablespoons is NOT much either, certainly not compared to what is normally used with store bought detergents, at least in my case. Also, there aren’t any suds, which is fine, but could take a little getting used to. Just remember it doesn’t need suds to work, and work it does! It’s 100% cleaning agents. There are no fillers etc., and I found it worked great.
Stephanie says
This make your own laundry detergent sounds awesome, and I would totally love to try it (I have even bought most of the ingredients). But can it be used in a high efficiency washer, and if so how much do I use? Thanks so much for your help!
Shelley says
Yes. 2 Tb. 🙂