Homemade Laundry Detergent
Have you tried Homemade Laundry Detergent? Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe is an awesome DIY laundry detergent recipe from our guest poster Blissful 55. If you haven’t tried this, you probably should join the thousands that have discovered how wonderful it is. This homemade recipe is cheaper and BETTER than the store bought stuff. It’s basically the best stuff ever. I really REALLY wish this picture was “scratch and sniff”.
I wanted to a cute way to gift this detergent to friends and family so they could experience it too. 
Our talented graphic designer, Heather from Chickabug, created an adorable Laundry Soap gift giving printable. And of course, it’s available to our readers for FREE.
Etching Your Jars
I etched the jars to make them a bit more custom. All you need for this project is
1. Vinyl (use your silhouette or order precut vinyl off Etsy).
2. Etching Cream (you can find this at almost any craft store).
3. Glass Jars I purchased these little glass jars from Hobby Lobby, but any glass container would work. Even small mason jars (or big mason jars if you want to be really nice).
If you have never etched glass, it is surprisingly simple. All you do is take the negative part of the vinyl, not the part you would usually use, then place it directly on the glass you want to etch. 
Then simply use a cloth and dab a little glass etching cream over the vinyl.
Wait about 20 minutes and then wash it off. I did multiple jars at once so I could have these Laundry Soap gifts on hand for friends birthdays.
Custom Homemade Laundry Detergent Container
I decided I definitely needed one too, but I needed mine large enough to hold all my homemade laundry detergent in my Laundry room! Using a large glass container, I used the same techniques to create a custom statement piece. Do I dare say my laundry room looks pretty with this added jar?!
Homemade Laundry Soap
I slightly adapted the original Blissful 55 recipe to include Scentsy Washer whiffs. They are out-of-this-world amazing.
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
- 2 (14.1 oz) Bars of Zote Soap- Found in the detergent aisle (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)
- 4 Bottles of Scentsy Washer Whiffs- found online or through a Scentsy Representative (you can also use 2 Bottles of Purex Crystals Fabric Enhancer- Found in the detergent aisle)
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.
I’m telling you, the Scentsy Washer Whiffs makes this detergent the best smelling laundry detergent EVER. My favorite scent is Quiver, but they are all incredible. You can use 3-4 of the smaller bottles (shown in pictures below), but they recently came out with a more cost effective TUB, in which case, just use ONE TUB.
I like to grate my Zote soap with a zester to make it really really fine. You can also use a cheese grater, a food processor, or melt it in the microwave and crumble it. 
This recipe is definitely easiest to mix in a big ole 5-gallon bucket. 
Blissful 55 taught us to layer each ingredient and then mix together.
You’ll have laundry detergent for MONTHS. Plus some to share with your friends.
It really is the best, and least expensive detergent option out there. Hop on over to the original post and read over 1,500 comments from readers who have tried this recipe. They have several helpful tips they’ve learned along the way.
I promise this gift will make someone’s day. It’s unique, it’s useful, and it smells amazing.
DIY Laundry Detergent Printable
You’ll need your LAUNDRY SOAP GIFT GIVING printable for all the gifts you are about to create. Chickabug created them exclusively for HowDoesShe readers for FREE. This Homemade Laundry Detergent is awesome.
With a recipe as fabulous as this, I know you must be dying to know what else Blissful 55 has up their sleeve. Maybe, if we are lucky, we can talk them into doing another guest post for us soon. Until then, head on over to their blog and take a peek around.
Make sure to remember Chickabug for all your party printable needs. Her designs are over the top adorable and she has over 50 themes to choose from. She is one incredibly talented designer and we are lucky to have her on our team. Extra special thanks to her for designing this free Laundry gift giving printable for HowDoesShe readers.
Since we’re on the subject of laundry, here are 25 Laundry Hacks to make the whole process easier!
And for even MORE laundry help – check out this great way to turn your laundry into a SYSTEM, not an ASYLUM 🙂 While you’re at it, you may want to check out our top 3 favorite cleaning products!
Aubrey Deru says
You can also add essential oils. Like lavender or lemon, etc.
Jen says
I agree about the essential oil.
If you’re giving this to someone with a baby or anybody who has sensitive skin, skip the fragrance. The clothes will have no scent. I mix up 2 parts distilled water to 1 part fabric softener, and either put it in a closed container with sponges cut in half, or spray a dedicated washcloth directly, and then put the cloth/sponge into the dryer. It works just as effectively as a dryer sheet, but lasts forever!
The only other change in my case – and I have to say, the picture here is so much prettier than mine – is that I also use a food processor so that it is mixed very well. Before doing this, I’d sometimes find a tiny clump of soap on my finished laundry; this step avoided that. (And yes, it works great in my HE.)
I know this sounds like I’m shooting myself in the foot, but sometimes when I’m really missing my old laundry detergent, I’ll buy ONE. By the time I add this recipe to it, the recipe works better than store-bought, but I’m happy to be smelling my old brand. (This is also a good transition to someone who is stuck on brand names.)
Two more things (sorry). One is, if Oxyclean bothers you, leave it out! There are so many other laundry boosters in this already! Also, if you felt like saving even more money, substitute the washing soda with baking soda that you’ve cooked in the oven (350 for an hour).
Noel says
This recipe by HowDoesShe? sounds so great! Just for anyone wondering approximately how much money this recipe may save you, I did some looking around on Amazon. This is what I got. Please correct me if I’m wrong because accuracy is not my thing!
Amazon:
$11 for 4lbs of Borax ($22 for 9lbs)
$4 for 4lbs or washing soda
$6 for 3lbs of oxyclean ($13 for 7lbs)
$5 for 2 Zote Bars ($11 for 4 bars)
$4 for 4lbs of baking soda
$45 for 48oz (3 non bulk containers) of Scentsy Washer Whiffs (couldn’t find Quiver)
This all adds up to about $80. The total amount of product is about 20lbs, which equals about 640 Tbsp. Using only 2 Tbsp per load, that’s about 213 loads, so doing one load every two days would last you about a year… right? This sounds too good to be true. Did I do something wrong? Anyone? From experience? Thanks for the recipe though!!! 🙂
Jamie says
Mine came out cheaper by going to my Walmart
magpieandcake says
Love this! Sometimes I wish I didn’t have front-loader machine just so I could use homemade powdered detergent!
Robbie Ann Owenby says
I have a front load washer and the powder laundry soap works fine as I add it
directly into the washer tub then add clothes and wash .
Robin says
I also add directly to the tub of my front loader. This stuff is amazing and cheap!
shawna says
I put it in the soap drawer and have never had an issue. I love this soap. My kids have sensitive skin and it does not bother them.
Kpotter says
I’ve experienced allergic reaction to OxyClean, an ingredient in your homemade laundry detergent. What would you recommend as an alternative ingredient?
The Real Person!
There are many comments about alternative ingredients in the original recipe posted here: https://howdoesshe.com/cheaper-and-better-diy-laundry-detergent/ There might be some suggestions on the Oxyclean for people that have similar reactions. Hope this helps! 🙂
SouthernBelleShell says
KPotter:
I would suggest trying Free & Clear Natural Oxy Stain Remover by Seventh Generation. I think it works great and it doesn’t contain Chlorine. Hope this works for you. 🙂
The Real Person!
Thanks for the suggestion!!!
Joanie says
Oxyclean makes a sensitive version that’s free of dyes and perfumes. Also Purex makes scent crystals that can be used in baby clothes.
Kris says
I personally just use more baking soda and omit the oxyclean.
Faith says
Check out Earth Friendly “Oxo Brite” for Laundry and Stain Removal. I got mine thru Vitacost.
Mrs. C says
I have an HE washer, is this safe for it? On the bottle of oxyclean it states to put directly in washer drum? Really want to try this, but don’t want to break my washer lol.
The Real Person!
It is HE safe. Put it directly in the washer drum for best results in a front load. 🙂
Angela says
I know this thread is a bit aged. I’ve been making liquid laundry soap but haven’t had the same wonderful results of cleaning better than commercial soaps. Some stuff still smells bad,so I looked up the best and found this Site. Years ago I switched to liquid soap in commercial kind cause when using powder the powder would get clumped to the clothes. I’d remedy this by putting in powder and then filling with water letting it swish then add clothes. However now I have a front loader. It has a dispenser for liquid or powder but you say it works best added to drum. That concerns me about the clumping powder getting stuck to my clothes. Has this been an issue for anybody and if so how is that remedied with a front loader. Seeing how it can’t be filled with water and then add clothes. Thank you! 🙂
Gina says
I have a top loader and I have not had any clumping issues. I do just add it to the drum on top of the laundry when I throw in a load……
Jenny says
Does this work in front loading HE machines?
The Real Person!
Yes. Just put it directly in the drum. 🙂
Michelle says
I would try this but my oldest daughter will break out in a rash if I use arm & hammer detergent on her clothes. So i’m not sure what would happen with baking soda and arm & hammer washing soda. 🙁
D V says
I too react to Arm and Hammer Laundry Soap. However, I have had no reactions to Arm and Hammer Washing Soda that is included in the recipe
becki says
I too have known several people that are allergic to arm and hammer soap BUT have been able to use my homemade soap which is similar to this recipe with no problems.
Jessica says
Scentsy washer whiffs are amazing! Thanks for the plug 🙂
Amanda Reyes says
Love this recipe even more since I saw Scentsy washer whiffs is included!! As a consultant and big fan of Scentsy glad to see that people know this is the best soap ever especially being that it brings out the fragrance!!
Amanda
Julie V says
This sounds wonderful. I love stuff like this. What a great gift idea..it’s hard to find great stuff that is not food (haha). So you find that this works as well as Tide?
Ashley g says
Love this idea so much. Such a great gift!! I love all your pictures. Ash
Jackie says
Does anyone have experience using this with cloth diapers? I’ve been wanting to switch diaper soaps for a while but the specific “cloth diaper” soaps are so expensive!
Sally says
I wouldn’t. Oxyclean for sure is a no no on cloth. Also, anything with fragrance or optical brighteners. I am sure that some of the ingredients are ok, but definitely not all. Have you tried Nellie’s? I use 1/4 – 1/2 scoop per load and so a $20 tin lasts me up to 400 loads of diapers. I doubt this recipe beats 5-10 cents per load!
Jen says
You can simply use Borax for cloth diapers you do not need any fancy soaps to get them clean.
Karoline says
I know this is a super old comment but I make my own cloth detergent… 2 cup washing soda, 2 cup borax, and 1 cup OxiClean Free (make sure the oxi clean is the free variety – it has no perfumes or anything like that)
This fits perfectly in a 32 oz jar.
My wash routine is: 1-2 tbsp on cold wash then 1-2 tbsp HOT wash, and then an extra rinse or wash without detergent. Never had any leak or stink issues with this detergent and wash routine. Plus, it’s great for a tight budget.
Robin says
I wouldn’t use this on cloth diapers, the soap will build up, it’s not detergent. I personally wouldn’t use it on my clothes either as there’s no detergent at all in this stuff, only boosters, water softeners and soap. I used to use home made stuff that was similar to this without the whiffs, and my diapers got stinky and needed to be stripped every month or so. Since switching to a main stream detergent I have had no issues at all with my diapers, or my clothes.
Joy Joy says
Robin:
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5744305_soap-vs_-detergent.html
Why I don’t want to use detergents. Very scientific answer as to what the differences are and why so many detergents cause me to have an allergic reaction.
Michelle says
Not sure why someone said oxy is wrong for cloth, I have used this recipe and one just like it for 2 years worth of cloth diapering (and 2 kids) and mine I can say I have never had to strip or even had a smell like when I used commercial detergent and I am still using the same diapers. . All of my boys and myself have extremely sensitive skin and I have never had a problem with that either. it truly is amazing.
Matti G. says
Amazing Stuff!…I used the Purex crystals that I had never heard of before making my detergent, but they are actually fabric softener, which just adds to the savings!
Andie says
You can also find Zote already grated for you. A container with the amount of 2 bars grated. Zote Laundry Flakes…in the detergent isle. Works great! 🙂
Cathy Little says
I have made this soap from the first time I saw it on your web site. Great stuff. I usually make a 2 gallon drum of it so it will last longer. I also have an HE washer. It works fine. I do have a suggestion or two. Instead of using Armor-All Etching cream, why not use an etching cream that isn’t so toxic. Like “Etch-All.com”. This I have used for several years with out any issues. You can rinse the Etch-All off in the kitchen sink. It won’t hurt you if you get some on your hands. Great stuff for etching. It comes in cream & liquid. Only problem I found with it,is it won’t etch on leaded glass. The other is why not use your electric mixer attachment for grating up the soap bar. I have used my Kitchen Aid to do this. It saves a lot of time plus you don’t run the risk of skinned knuckle/fingers if you get too close to the hand held graters. 🙂
katie girl says
I have been using this detergent since last May. I’m glad that I found it as it is cost effective and works great in cleaning.
Kyleene says
I have been using this product since last May. It is one of the best ideas I have found on pinterest. I have shared it with my mother and it worked so well for her that one of her granddaughters took it when she moved to her new apartment.
Christine Schulte says
Has anyone tried to convert this to a liquid detergent? I’m going to attempt it. I have a similar laundry detergent recipe that is liquid. I’ll let you know if it works.
The Real Person!
Let me know how it goes!! We have had several requests for a liquid version. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! THank you!
Tammy F says
Does it work to liquify this recipe?
Nancy Fleck says
I have a HE washer and was concerned about clogging up my machine since I always use cold water. I have an emulsifer, so I add the load amount of detergent in my emulsifier and add boiled water to it and emulsify for a minute. When I look at it, it is completely liquid, then I add to the dispenser in my machine and wash clothes on cold. Works great!
S Lake says
I’ve used a similar recipe for years. I use the Fels Naptha soap and have not had a baby stain problem since switching to this great solution. I have saved so much money by not having to replace stained clothing for my 4 kiddos. I have used it on baby clothes once they reach 6 mo old. Just to be extra cautions for their delicate skin.
I have also made this in liquid form. It is FABULOUS in ‘he’ front load washers. Never had a problem with the liquid formula.
Enjoy! It is such a money saver all around!
Ali says
What is the recipe for the liquid form?
Jessica says
I’m not 100% posotive but I have read that you just add water and simmer it? Again, just what I have read.
Bonnie Gingerich says
Being I wash in cold water, all I do is simmer the detergent in a little water on the stove then add to the washer.
Holly says
I’d never heard of the Scentsy Whiffs, but man…they’re expensive! I’m willing to give it a try and mix a couple in with my soap recipe, but $48 in smelly stuff kind of defeats the purpose of making your own, doesn’t it?
And I’ve used this soap recipe for almost a year now and love it, by the way! This last time I made it, I forgot the smelly stuff (I usually buy the crystal stuff at the grocery store), so I’m anxious to get some Scentsy to mix in!
The Real Person!
The washer whiffs are amazing, but a fabulous alternative is the purex crystals found at the grocery store. 🙂
Rachel M. says
I have to agree with you! $48 for adding scent to what is supposed to be a savings alternative doesn’t make sense (ha, ha, pun intended) to me! 🙂 Usually those MLM/host-a-party products are very overpriced.
I LOVE the Purex crystals! They work great and have a nice variety of scents.
Jackie Sherrill says
THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!
It is the best thing I have ever made that was worth my time.
The smell is w o n d e r f u l !!
I just followed the steps and Ta Daa!
“The Best Laundry detergent EVER!”
I must say, I was a little leary at first.
I was thinking it would be some old fashion type of detergent.
No WAY!
I put some in jars and gave a few gifts to my nice neighbors.
I am ready to sell the stuff, I believe in it!
Thanks so much for sharing and doing what you do!
Brenda says
I bleach whites…..can this soap be used with bleach?
Mickle says
I’ve been using homemade laundry soap for some time now – I find that when I wash a load of DARKS – black sweatshirts etc. there are one streaks left on the clothes. Drying them in the dryer, most of it seems to disappear – perhaps just the rubbing against these streaks…. sometime the items have to be rewashed. I think it might be my new washer that I don’t like at all…. it is a top loader without an agitator. It is supposed to be cleaned every 35 loads and I have done that… it is done on the “clean washer” cycle with bleach. It hasn’t helped at all.OR is it this homemade soap? My soap is made with just the Borax, 1 bar of Zote or 3 bars of Fels, washing soda and baking soda. No Oxiclean or fabric softener. Any suggestions?
Mary says
How much soap are you using? I would hazard to guess you’re using too much. Or if you have hard water sometimes that can cause an issue with getting the soap off (which honestly I don’t understand because I always have a harder time getting soap off my hands with soft water). You can throw a tablespoon of salt into your load and it is supposed to help with getting the soap off your clothes. I haven’t tried it yet, so this is not from personal experience, Worth a try, though.
Mary says
Oh I just happened upon all this cool info:
“Hard water does not clean as effectively as soft water. It is caused by minerals like manganese, calcium and iron and easily recognized by bathtub rings or scaling tea pots. These minerals prevent laundry detergents from working and form a detergent curd that sticks to fabrics. They cause gray and dingy looking clothing and give soft fabrics a stiff and harsh texture.
To determine whether you have hard water, call your city water department and ascertain the number of grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm) contained in the water for your area. Hard water contains 7.1-10.5 gpg and 121-180 ppm; very hard water contains more than 10.5 gpg and more than 180 ppm.
Hard water can be dealt with in a number of ways:
Use adequate amounts of detergent and water. It is not uncommon to have to use slightly more detergent than directed when washing with hard water.
Hard water can be eliminated or softened by mechanical home water softeners. However, some only soften hot water and therefore don’t solve the problem when laundering with cold water. If your water hardness is higher than 15-16 grains, a home water conditioner system should be considered.
Packaged water conditioners can be used in the wash. These products prevent minerals from inhibiting the detergent. They should be added to both the wash water and the rinse water. Follow instructions on the Product Label. In general, you can control up to about 15-16 grains of water hardness with packaged water conditioners.
If you are having a problem with curds produced by your powdered detergent reacting with your hard water, try switching to a liquid detergent. To remove curding stains, soak in solution of 1 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of water for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, then launder.
Iron Mineral
Laundry problems caused by high concentrates of iron (more than .2 or .3 parts per million) in water include yellow, orange or brown stains or spots or overall discoloration. Oxygen-type bleaches may be substituted for chlorine bleaches as they do not react with dissolved iron to form stain-causing precipitates. Their bleaching action is milder and stain removal ability may be more limited, however if used consistently can help prevent iron staining.”
http://mrsstewart.com/water-hardness/
Jennifer says
Would Downy Unstopables work as a substitution for the Scentsy or Purex?
Tracy says
I would also like to know if the Downy Unstopables would work?
Stacy says
I use almost this exact recipe, except I use 2 containers of the Downy Unstoppables. I also use Fels instead of Zote. HE Washer. Smells LOVELY!! 🙂
Jackie says
I looked in four different stores for the A&H Super Washing Soda and couldn’t find it. I ended up deciding it was the same as their detergent (which I don’t think it is now that I’ve researched it some more) and ended up using it anyway. Will this be OK? I’d hate to have to scratch this whole batch. I also found that microwaving the Zote took waaaay longer than indicated.
Brenna says
Just wondering how many loads of laundry does your recipe wash?
Laurice says
Will this soap dissolve easily when using the “warm” or “cool” water cycles on an HE top load washer? Thanks for your help!!
Sharla R. says
Just a tip for the fells naptha bar, microwave it for a minute and a half on a glass plate. It will bubble all up and look like its going to expkode but it doesnt. Let it cool. When u shred it it will be fine like sand and shreds really dry so it only takes a minute or two and you’re done! We make a five fallon bucket of liquid detergent, same ingredients but leave out the oxyclean and double the borax. Use the whole naptha bar. Double everything else. We use the purex crystals. In a saucepan melt your fells naptha gratings. Shuld b frothy on top but no chunks. Nice and smooth. We used six cups of water for the sauce pan. Add your other soaps. Fill the bucket half full with hot water. Add two cups of scented cryatals and stir with a wire wisk until its fully disolved. Then add your soap mixture. Stir again and slowly fill the rest of the bucket with more hot water. It will be a soapy feeling watery consistency, not really a gel. May have an egg drop soup consistency. Stir well then let it sit over nite. In the mor ing stir it again and pour it in an old laundry jug half way. Fill the rest with cold water. Shake. Now u r ready! U will have a five month supply of laundry detergent.
Jess says
Works with ivory soap, too! The grating was killing me until I learned that when you microwave Ivory soap, it foams up. Once it cools, you can smash it with your bare hands!
Trish Gerber says
Alittle confused. Please send in measurement form. I like the idea of a liquid especially in my HE washer.. I am using a homemade liquid now and it works very good. But always will to try something new. Thanks
Julie Calderwood says
so, my husband freaks out when it’s time to buy MORE laundry detergent at sams club. I am a scentsy consultant and want to try the washer wiffs and think MAYBE this would be an awesome thing to do. About how long does a batch of this last? I do probably 10 loads a week.. sometimes less. I constantly have to go through each shirt and treat it with stain treatment with two small children and half the time it doesn’t get the stain out anyway. I’m just wanting to go to my husband and say hey, this will be cheaper!!! also, my husband has sorta sensitive skin and he says that normal dry detergents at the store make him have a reaction. since i’ve known him we have used liquid. do you think it’s an ingreedient in powder that effects him, or is it all the fillers they use in laundry soap? My dad, an appliance repair man, said that laundry soaps use crushed glass and stuff as fillers and over time ruin your machines and wear out your clothes. could this be the perfect solution??
Meg says
Does anyone know how many loads this particualr recipe will wash? Thanks! 🙂
Jesssica says
This stuff is amazing! I use a 5 gal bucket to mix it and store it (Lowes,Home Depot,Walmart) I purchased everything except the Zote soap at Walmart. I live in Vancouver, Wa. I found the Zote at Home Depot in Janzten Beach, OR ( for all you that live in the area) Also, I think another commenter reccomended that if you use the Purex Crystals keep the container and lid and use to keep your laundry soap in. I WILL NEVER EVER NEVER USE TIDE AGAIN!!! THIS IS THE REAL DEAL!!!
Brenda Horrocks says
Jessica, did it make enough to fill a 5 gallon bucket? I am just trying to figure out how much this recipe makes. Thanks! Brenda
paulette says
Can i omit the borax, because here in Puerto Rico i cant find it. Anything else i can use to replace it?
Laura says
OK. I have been miss bargain basement on buying laundry detergent for many years. I finally got tired of clothes not smelling clean without doctoring them up with laundry fresheners and dryer sheets($$$). I bit the bullet and started buying the Tide Pods and admittedly was immediately addicted…Until I tried this recipe. I am totally and finally hooked. I have a HE washer, no problems, it actually cleans the funky HE washer residue smell along with cleaning my clothes! I user the Purex Crystals (they were on sale) and some grating and mixing and done! Even after a week my 13 year old son commented that his sheets still smell good! Again, nothing short of amazing! I previously would use commercial liquids but got tired of the drips when people would miss the pour area. I just add powder to tub before adding laundry. Sorry Tide Pods but I am moving on! P.S. We have a farm and have a variety of smells and stains which have been no problem! Best Wishes!
Ashley says
How much did this all cost you? Also compared to regular laundry detergent?
Thanks, Ashley
Jenn says
I crunched the numbers ladies…
I spent a total of $27.17 for all the ingredients used to make this recipe…(I shop at Fry’s)
I mixed this in a 5 Gallon bucket which was almost half full, so it made approximately 2.5 Gallons.
There are 256 Tablespoons in one gallon so this makes approximately 640 Tablespoons or 320 Loads (using the 2 Tablespoon scoop per load!)
I estimate that our 4 person family washes about 6 loads per week, (320 Loads divided by 6 loads per week will last me 53 weeks)…
so that is about a years worth of Laundry Detergent for only $27!! Good deal to me : )
Kara Leedy says
I can not find the zote soap in my local store. I purchased 2 bars of fels-naptha but I was not sure the amount, in the recipe it says the zote soap is a 14.1 oz bar and the fels-naptha is only a 5.5 oz bar. DO I buy 2 bars of soap or enough bars to equal about 28.2 oz like the zote soap?
Jennie says
How many bars of Fels Naptha do you use? I wasnt sure since they are half the size of Zote.
Rhonda Jones says
Can you use Zote Flakes? If so how many boxes?
Danielle Nichols says
Just made my first batch & sure enough getting the Zote grated/crumbled was the most time consuming. The rest of the recipe was easy breezy. I was excited to see that gain is making their own version of the purex crystals, but no apple mango tango version, so I went ahead and bought the Purex Tropical sent. Anyways, all the ingredients cost me 23.16 🙂
I am also a huge fan of the Gain Apple Mango Tango, so I am excited to see how this works. I just got done washing my first load. They smell great, but the real test comes after they are dried to see if they feel clean. I am very hopeful. I have 7 people doing laundry in my house so, if this works and saves money I will be super excited 🙂
Anjela Renee says
How can I reduce the recpe to make a smaller batch??
kristi says
Love this idea so much! I have just one question: Is it okay to use on the new washing machines that require a special kind of detergent? Thanks for sharing this great idea!
Holly says
Is there a smaller batch version of the same recipe? I have already partially used boxes of washing soda and Borax. Looking forward to making this!
Melissa says
I found on another site that you can do 1 bar of the fels naptha grated, 1 to 2 cup borax, 1 to 2 cup washing soda, 1/4 to 1/2 cup oxiclean, and of course you can then add a little of the pruex crystals if you want.
Jenny says
So you say this is the best ever, how much does it cost per load??? How many loads per batch??
Kimbee555 says
Jenn Says answers that above. It is much cheaper than store bought
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Lannon says
This stuff is AMAZING!! The grating and mixing was sort of cathartic. I did do an experiment and let 1 bar of grated ZOTE (using a microplane) sit out overnight on a baking sheet to dry out. The next morning I grated the second bar. The dried out stuff was much easier to mix, as it didn’t want to clump together like the fresh stuff did.
Leslie says
I have read that OxyClean (or other oxygen-based cleaner) is bad for silks and woolens. I make this recipe – adding more baking soda – and leave out the OxyClean, adding it to a loads when needed. I also use vinegar as a fabric softener.
Mary says
I used to use Oxyclean on my clothes with every wash. I only did it for a couple of months and then I noticed the fibers in my clothes were wearing out quickly, especially where I had spot treated with Oxyclean. The majority of my wardrobe is made up of cotton. Needless to say I would recommend omitting the Oxyclean altogether.
Elisha Willmore says
I have made my own laundry detergent for a bout 3 years now and have done lots of experimenting! I found that if you microwave your bar soap (in a large bowl, one bar at a time, it expands and gets nice and fluffy like marshmallows) and then put it in the food processer it turns into dry powder!! I was so excited when this happened because when I just grated the soap it would sometimes not disolve in the washing machine so I would have little white specs on some of my clothes.
Melanie says
I found this recipe and I’ve been very excited to try it. I’ve been doing some research though and the Purex crystals no longer contain fabric softener. Do I still use fabric softener? Is there a substitute that would contain fabric softener? Are these being added for scent only?
Meredith says
I LOVE this stuff. I made a batch April 2012 and we still have at least another month’s worth left! One discovery I’ve made recently is that some walmarts are now selling Zote flakes. One box of flakes I believe is the same as two bars of soap. It’s a little more expensive but still cheaper than brand name detergent and definitely worth not having to grate soap bars!
ceady says
Can this be used with cold water washing? We wash everything in cold water.
The Real Person!
Yes mam. 🙂
Maria dobles says
I made this over the summer and absolutely love it. It smells lovely and works really well. People say they need the suds, but I don’t even miss it. I will never buy laundry detergent again.
Emily says
So I splurged and bought a tub of the Scentsy washer whiffs (cheaper than buying 4 individual bottles) and the detergent itself smells very strong, however my finished laundry doesn’t smell at all unless I use 2 or 3x’s the amount required!!!!!! I love the detergent it works better than anything I have ever bought commercially. I am disappointed that I wasted $40 for nothing. I can’t be the only person who has had this happen.
Jennifer says
I have used this recipe except with felsnaptha. I do love it. The only thing I now wonder about is the Oxyclean. I was going to make some to gift and got to reading about the Oxyclean and that it is made to target the animal proteins and will break down your wools and silks. My whole family loves to wear merino wool socks. So does the person I was going to gift. Any thoughts?
Nan says
I am so addicted you your posts!!! Thank you so much for all your informative and fun posts!!!
Hope Dalcourt says
Can’t wait to try my DI Y Laundry Detergent tomorrow!!!!!
kathi daunt says
please I want the printable free laundry soap receipe cards!!!!
I cannot figure out how to do this help!!!!
Thanks, Kathi
The Real Person!
Hi Kathi,
You need to subscribe to our email list and the link to our free printable collection will automatically be sent to you. Hope this helps! If you still have issues email [email protected] 🙂
Jenny says
I cant seem to download the printable! I have already subscribed and also tried emailing [email protected] and the postmaster returned it. help!
Katie says
I’ll send instructions soon, check your email thanks!
Michelle says
I have been using the felps soap to make my laundry soap and using it in my he washer for a while now. I have noticed some issues with it. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. I wash in cold water and my drain has gotten plugged up with soap decay. I have a teenage boy that plays in different sports and his shirts are smelling like b o. I do have hard water. Can anyone tell me what I’m doing wrong?
Jamie says
I see that you did not receive any reply to your comment… I unfortunately do not have any suggestions, I just wanted to say that I had the exact same problem with this homemade detergent. The stuff worked well for about a month, then just stopped working. Clothes were coming out of the wash smelling dirty… Maybe it is hard water, because we definitely have that. If anyone has suggestions, it would be helpful. I donated my bucket to a friend who loves the stuff… Now I buy Iiquid detergent on sale with coupons. Not as cheap as the homemade stuff, but I will never go back to overpriced Tide.
Elsie says
I made the detergent the end of December but did not start using it until January….LOVE IT!!!!! I thought I had done something wrong because it didn’t make any suds….?
Danielle says
I am making this soap using Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap. The bars are much smaller than Zote (only 5 oz). I didn’t realize that and only used 3 (15oz total) I’m afraid that I didn’t include enough soap since you used about 28 oz. Do you recommend adding more soap to my recipe?
I have used other recipes for laundry detergent and my whites are just so dingy. Did you find that to be a problem with this recipe? I am hesitant to try it for that simple reason. I understand I can bleach whites, but some of my kids graphic tees are white and I can’t bleach those and, boy, do they get dirty!! I need some help!! 🙂
Niki says
My husband sells appliances with his kitchen design job and he says we are not suppose to use powder in our front loaders. But I have been using homemade powder for years directly in to the laundry cup dispenser and have never had a problem EVER! Shows him who knows best. lol. But seriously I have not had any problems but I have badged Maytags made by kitchenaid. My mother in law has another top brand and she says it doesn’t work for her but I didn’t ask why. So it might just depend on your machine on whether it works for you or not.
Laundry says
It’s very good idea for birthday gifts 🙂 i’l certainly try it!
arlin says
I would like to do recipe for laundry detergent.. but my washer requires (he) detergent only.. is this detergent recipe ok for new washers that requires(he) ?
Peggy Fore says
I’ve been using this for over a year & never had any problems w/my HE washer.
Peggy Fore says
Absolutely LOVE This…..helpful hint … we used a processor but we mixed a little dry powder in w/the soap so it wouldn’t stick….my hubby’s idea! Worked like a charm & was much much easier than the hand grater. Just thought I’d share
Jennifer says
We had a HUGE scare with Borax poisoning and my 3 year old. I think I will try this without it and keep my fingers crossed that it will still work.
PS: My son got hold of less than 1/2 tsp of this stuff and was severely sick for 4 days. 🙁
Terri says
Can you substitute the 2 bars of Zote soap for 1 box of Zote laundry flakes??? The box says 2 bars of Zote=1 box of Zote laundry flakes.. I just saw the Zote laundry flakes for the first time in Wal-Mart today.
I LOVE your recipe! It’s my 2nd time to make it.
Shirley Gambling says
Hi I know that you say the washer whiffs are safe to use in front loaders but has anyone used them long term to know that it will not damage the machine?????
Stephanie says
So I see the recipe calls from 2 -4 tablespoons per load. What does everyone else do? Just made this for the first time today!
Erika says
Just wanted to share that I made this in January 2014 and JUST ran out in July! However, it was only used for my laundry which I did every once in a while. 3 loads ever 1-2 weeks. Either way, it’s a great value and smells amazing! I never really measured how much I put in. I did at first, but I ended up sprinkling more than 2 tbsp for the best results. What I would do is layer the clothes and detergent – I would turn on the water in the washer, put some detergent, put some clothes in, sprinkle some more on top of those clothes, put more clothes, sprinkle more on top, and so on. I also always let my clothes or towels soak in the water for 10-15 minutes and they would come out smelling amazing!
Jocelan says
I was wondering if you could tell me if your best laundry soap could be made into a liquid laundry soap,as I have a front load and liquid seems to work better.
Thanks for your help,Jocelan
Diane says
Which is the correct amount to use per load? 1-2 T or 2-3 T. I have seen both ways on here. Thanks!
calese says
I was wondering if I coud use castile soap instead?
Michaela Hurd says
The Laundry Soap is great. It has a great scent, and works awesome in a front loader washing machine. I just add it to the tub of my washer, before I add the clothes. Now I can send it out as gifts as well, my Family and Friends are going to love it just as much as I do.
Alicia says
So I read 4 zote bars…but luckily I only put 3. Is that going to be too much?
Sue says
As much as I love this recipe for detergent and have been using it for over a year (doctored it a bit and am using the Purex baby washer scents and the white Zote for even a more sensitive allergy recipe). A friend used it for a load of laundry for her baby and the child broke out head to toe. Now I won’t recommend this to people with children. This has worked for me though and I have very sensitive skin and a sensitive nose to scents.
Elizabeth says
Does this also work in cold water?
Glenda Maikell says
I made my first batch of this in March using Fels Naptha bar soap. I loved it!! I especially noticed that my towels came out soooo much softer than with the liquid detergent I had used before. I did try microwaving the bar soap — it took quite a while and still didn’t completely “bubble” the entire bar. Plus, it left my microwave smelling like the soap for weeks! The second batch I made, I used the Zote bar soap and grated it; it wasn’t a big deal — I just sat down and grated it while watching a TV show. I made up several large mason jars full with instructions attached for the auction at my family reunion and have made converts out of several family members.
The only downside is that my adult son complained that he wanted his clothes to “smell good” after washing them (I didn’t use any kind of scent in my recipe), so I bought a bottle of the Purex crystals for him to add to his wash. He is a plumber’s apprentice and can get very sweaty/dirty, but this detergent has handled his clothes with no problem.
I wash everything except my towels in cold water (1 to 2 tbsp per load) and have had no problems with the soap dissolving. It does take some getting used to not having a bunch of suds in your washer, but this stuff works so much better than anything else I’ve used. FYI — I have a large capacity top-loading washing machine and have a water softener because of the extremely hard water we have in central Texas. All of my comments reflect those things.
Emma Shomo says
I microwave my soap & to get the smell out & also clean my microwave out easily I take 1/2 cup vinegar & 1/2 cup of water (I use my liquid measuring cup) & microwave it on high for a couple of minutes then let it set for a couple of minutes. The vinegar will take the smells out of your microwave & this makes it easy to wipe off any mess (my family doesn’t like to cover things they’re heating up no matter how many times I’ve told them to). Works great!
Angela says
Good Morning!
Just made up some of your fabulous laundry detergent – love it :o) But I am trying to do the gift tags. I try and click to see the how to print them out or what avery# I should be using…? Maybe I am doing it all wrong! Please help! :o)
Katie says
Hi, check your email I’ll send you some help soon. Thanks!
christina says
Does this recipe every fade dark clothes or leave white fade spots on dark clothes? I used a similar recipe and it left a build up on clothes after several months…. any one have this trouble? I am excited to try THIS recipe and wonder if the borax it will help with the build up on the clothes. Thank you for the info.
Emma Shomo says
I have been using this laundry detergent for a couple of years. I tried the homemade liquid and it didn’t work out well for me, it just didn’t seem to really clean our clothes. However, this detergent is amazing & I won’t buy commercial detergent EVER again. I used Purex Crystals in mine & used the bottles to keep my detergent in. I tossed about 3/4 of a capful in the tub then added my clothes & washed them in whatever temperature water setting that I would normally use. Initially I just grated the soap & sometimes had a problem with the zote dissolving in cold water. I then began microwaving it and just hand crumbling it into the detergent & I haven’t had a problem since. Every family member or friend that I have given a bottle to to try has since converted. I’ve even had some in other states who have without sampling it after I told them the story about how my nephews ivory shirts ended up in my laundry unbeknownst to me. One had gotten a bloody nose & his shirt was covered in blood & the other was covered in red punch. Not knowing they were in my laundry I, of course, didn’t pretreat them. When I pulled them out to put them in the dryer I thought for sure they would be ruined but there was not one drop of punch or blood in sight. My last batch I used the Downy Unstoppables & though my detergent itself smelled amazing & my clothes initially did as well, the smell didn’t last as long as it did with the Purex crystals so I believe I’ll be returning to using them. I also use the sponge “dryer sheets” for static cling. 1 part fabric softener to 2 parts water in an airtight container, pop in some dollar store sponges cut in half, take one out, squeeze out excess & toss in the dryer add your clothes & bye, bye static cling. Then just pop your dried sponge back in the container to use again. Great money savers!
Julia says
To get a best homemade laundry detergent will feels a lot better to any people and this is a best idea to inspire people to use the homemade products for the safety and to save money too.
Katie says
I’ve made that and love it! BUT not all of the soap dissolves in the wash. I am thinking about putting it all in the blender to chop up the soap? Has anyone else tried this?
Also- I have an front loader. Do you put this in the wash or in the compartment?
Thank you for this recipe!!!
Laura F Simpson says
I think your recipe is very good. I just love it, cleans very good will use nothing else. keep up with the good recipes.
Gail Partsch says
Is this HE as that is what most of the new washer are? Thank you can’t wait to make it. Gail
Katie says
Gail, yes, many people who own HE washers have had good luck with this detergent and say it works great! Thanks!
Andrea O. says
Thank you for this detergent recipe. I just made it today. Best ever! I will never go back to store bought detergent again. I’m doing a load of laundry with it now, and my house smells heavenly! (I used the Purex crystals. I forget what scent. It is the link bottle with the pink crystals. Amazing scent!)
Debra says
Why does it call for both washing soda and baking soda?
Niecey says
When I used Zote soap ONCE in homemade recipe very similar to this one, I had a technician coming to my house to look at my H.e. washer. When he had apart he asked me what soap I had been using. I told him I just switched to this homemade recipe the day before. He said he could see the bubbly residue from the soap left on the inside drum. He told me it would tear up my machine. SO, in my case, it was not H.e. washer friendly.
Sheila Peacock says
great site. Can’t wait to really sit down and see it all.
Katie says
Thanks so much! Glad you’re here!
melissa says
I have tried making my own laundry detergent but it doesn’t seem to leave laundry smelling clean. I used to be obsessed with snuggle scent boosters but I’m trying to stay organic. Are the scentsy washer whiffs organic? What are the ingredients? And if they are not truly organic. What can I use or what can I add and when to make it smell like the laundry booster . I have a few loads that I used the boosters on and all day I can smell it. I just wish I could get something organic to make my laundry smell that fresh!! Or even half as much
mary wilkinson says
PLEASE explain to me how you adhered the ‘black rectangle’ before using the armour glass etching creme. I prefer the black down first, rather than just the etching.
I’ve gone through numerous sites with no instructions.
Katie says
The black is vinyl that has one sticky side. It’s a stencil only and meant to be peeled off once the etching creme has set.
mary wilkinson says
it looks great in your photos, as ALOT of times the etching is not clearly visible.
Please explain the purpose of taping the vinyl INSIDE
mary wilkinson says
Please explain to me how the ‘stenciling’ is placed upon the vinyl. I love the vinyl kept on the jar.
is there some way to color the etching creme, so that the finished product is colored etching????
Deecie 9 says
For those of you who have questions about HE washers, this site tells how to get rid of smells, etc. Also, remember that tub ring after bathing with bath soap? That same scrum can accumulate in your washer and cause bad smells. This site tells how to avoid that and how to clean your machine. http://askannamoseley.com/2012/07/remove-high-efficiency-washing-machine-odor/
Eileen says
I made this and have been using it. My whites seem to be turning grey. Any idea why?
Janan Anderson says
I absolutely love this laundry detergent. I use exclusively in my HE washer and have not had any problems at all. Thank you for the very nice printable and goes with the laundry detergent too. I have given this to my friends after first finding this on Pinterest.
I store my dry detergent in a Preem container which I have lined with a plastic garbage bag and have made a couple of moisture absorbing rice bags so the detergent does not clump.
I have saved lots of money by making my own.
Thank you!
Sarah says
Did you make that “laundry soap” stencil that you etched or buy it off etsy? If etsy, would you mind sending me the link? Thank you!!
Katie says
We made it with a vinyl cutter. Thanks!
linda says
I found the ingredients you listed for the laundry soap. However I only find bars of soap at around 4.1 oz and not 14.1 oz. The other issue is the Pures Crystals Fabric Softener. I don’t find 55 oz size, only 48 oz size. Are these the ones you use?
Shirley Watts says
Love your website it is awesome
Alex says
you have a really awesome website and blog i love reading all your blogs, thanks so much for shearing all your experiences
Sarah Hecker says
Looking for someone who has experienced making this a liquid…
I got all of the ingredients, making this TODAY!
Any help appreciated, we just dont like powdered soap 🙁
Kat says
For me, one of the reasons for making my own detergent is that I don’t like those agressive fragrances that linger on clothes for days. You could skip the enhancers and it would work just as well. 🙂
Reva Sutton says
This recipe says fels naptha can be substituted. Do you substitute ounce per ounce for Zote which is 28 ounces? That would be around 5 bars of fels naptha 5.5 ounce each..
Sheryl. Bailey says
This printable is awesome! I like making my own natural cleaners and I am thrilled that I found the recipe for a homemade laundry detergent! Thanks for sharing!
Ashley says
Would this be smart to use on like HE washer
Katie says
I know lots of people use it in their HE washer. Thanks!
home design ideas says
I enjoy what you guts are usually up too.
Such clever work and coverage! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve added you guys to our blogroll.
Libby says
Is this safe for newborns?
Shirley Kataisto says
I just made this today. I’ve used something similar recently and loved it. I saw something about someone making dryer sheets on a reusable washcloth on this thread but I can’t find it now. Can someone please let me know if that post can be recalled? Thanks
Charl Brown says
I would like to make this in my home.BUt i am thinking is it safe ?
Toni Perry says
I make my own detergent too and i was wondering is there anything else i can add to this recipe to make it suds up.? Im fine with no suds but I make I for my elder grandparents and in laws and they don’t like it cause no suds lol regardless of explanation they don’t trust it without suds. Any suggestions? Does anyone know if Sals suds helps with suds better than armor hammer soap suds?
Sue says
I read all the reviews for the soap over so many years.. Many good reviews. Can’t wait to try it!
Susan says
I grate the bar soap using a box grater on a heavy paper plate. I put it on a shelf in the laundry room to dry out…makes a great room freshener. I have also put it on the refrigerator. Toss it everyday with your fingers. When it’s dried out, I run it through my food processor. Perfect for mixing into the dry powders.
Amy says
I notice some people have mentioned there are a lot of H.E. Machines that work with this detergent and some people mentioned that their certain H.E. Machines did not work as well. Can people mention the Brand names and/or models that have no problems and which ones to definitely avoid. I think that might help a lot of people, including me, to calculate which machine to use this detergent in or when it comes time to buy a new machine. Might be getting married in a year and I would like to find a high effeciancy top loader if possible or a h.e. Machine that works well with this product based on people’s longtime experiences. Thanks to everyone that contributes!🙏🏻🙂
PS: I would like to make smaller batches of liquid version with the big batch of powdered I have. If I had a gallon of heated water, how much powder should I had to mix and gel it into a liquid to add to some empty bottles. Thanks so much if someone can answer this question!
Allison says
I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned this but in Walmart they have Zote flakes in a box which are equivalent to two bars of regular Zote soap. This is so much easier then grating the bars because you can just put the flakes into a food processor for a few seconds and they turn into almost a powder, it’s awesome! I highly recommend this. It cuts the time down significantly. I love this laundry detergent, it’s the best!