Cheaper AND Better! DIY Laundry Detergent
February 9, 2012 by Bobbi
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; or more importantly, how we get that dirty laundry clean.
It took me a while to come around to the idea of making my own laundry soap. 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. 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 husbands 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 laundry soap 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 and then determined what I thought would be best. I tried one smaller batch, 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 laundry detergent. So what do I have to do to entice you to run to the store and get these ingredients? How about I share how much it cost….are you ready? Try approximately $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.
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 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- or use 3-4 bottles 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 cheese soap. The hubs thinks it looks like pink cheese….has anyone ever seen pink cheese? Ya didn’t think so! 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, 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 side of the grater.
Another option is to microwave the soap before hand. 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! Now for probably the best part…you only need 1-2 Tablespoons per load 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?
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.
Hope this motivates you all to run out and make our own batch. We would love to hear from you whether it be your questions, concerns, or reviews of the soap after you have made it. And don’t forget to stop by and check out Blissful 55′s other projects!
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If you love natural products like this, make sure to snag your FREE $10 in credit over at Vitacost while their offer lasts! {I LOVE their Blue Eucalyptus and Lavender Fabric Softener, and all of their Burts Bees products}.
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BLISSFUL 55‘s HOMEMADE 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 3-4 bottles of Scentsy Washer Whiffs found HERE. (my favorite scent is Quiver)
Directions
1. Grate zote soap with cheese grater or food processor.
2. Mix all ingredients together in a large bucket.
3. 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 recipe, you can here is an adorable idea on how to gift it. Perfect for birthdays, Christmas, of 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 LAUNDRY DETERGENT.
Other posts not to miss:
The Toilet BOmB and other all natural cleaning recipes!
DIY All Natural Lip Balm and Hard Lotion
10 Tips to Save $ Around the House
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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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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!
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!
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!)
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.
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.
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?
I put the powdered soap in the same spot as the liquid and it went through just fine
Do you put the vinegar in with each load? How much?
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!!!
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.
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!!
Instead of using the purex crystals , Do you think liquid downy would work ? BF cant use purex products ( makes him itch for some reason )
Downy Unstopables would be the same, I assume!
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.
I found the 4 lb box of baking soda in the laundry aisle right next to the Washing Soda and Borax at Walmart.
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!!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
Tami, I have an HE washer also could you send me the Recipe for the detergent that you use please.
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!
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!
You can use a coffee scoop as a measure. It’s 2 tablespoons.
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
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.
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
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! =)
I have been using for my son with super sensitive skin for about 5 years with no problems
HTH
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!
Just made a batch of your laundry detergent .. excited to see how well it works
thank you for your great post !
Can this be used with the HE front loaders?
Yep!
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.
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!!
The recipe includes both the Washing Soda AND the baking soda.
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
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
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.
Ok, so do you grate then let it dry out before putting it into the food processer?
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.
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?
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.
I was wondering if you could use the Downy Crystals in place of Purex, or if they have different purposes?
Thanks,
Wendy
You can use Downy Unstopables in place of Purex Crystals
Will this work in a HE machine? I’m a little leery of trying stuff in my new HE machine.
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
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.
Sorry,correction,the purex is a softener but they downey is not.
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.
The package says its ok because its only a scent booster, not a softener.
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!
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?
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
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.
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.
What if I can’t use Borax? Is there a substitute?
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?
Hi. Would this recipe work in the HE washers? Thanks. Great post!
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…
Yes, I have used it in both. No problems in cold at all. Our clothes are super clean and smell great =)
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
Amazon.com carries it.
If you have an Albertsons, they’re pretty good about keeping it in stock..
Supposedly you can make washing soda from baking soda by baking it. I don’t know the exact directions but you can google it.
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
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
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!!
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.
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!
Right on the bottle of Purex crystals it says – Purex Complete Crystals Softener.
mine does really look like yellow cheese not pink cheese because i used fels naptha.
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
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.
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.
I found Zote shreds at Walmart
No grating here 
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
Many comments above say yes…
2 Tbsp
I was wondering how well this does on greasy clothes and stains?
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!!!
I use an old salad shooter to grate soap.
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.
Just wondering, What is Zote soap?? Is it possible if I use regular bathing soap?
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.
also Sunlight bar laundry soap.
Also Kirk’s Castile soap works too.
I love this idea but will it disolve in cold water washes………..I only use hot water in whites………
Hi Sharon,
I do the majority of my laundry in cold water and it dissolves just fine.
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
I have well, and septic. It is fine. Everything being used is the same Brand Name laundry makers use
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
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!