Easy Homemade Laundry Detergent
This Easy Homemade Laundry Detergent is a powerful, budget-friendly alternative to store-bought brands—made with just a few simple ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes! Formulated with a base of finely grated Zote soap, washing soda, borax, and baking soda, this detergent is tough on dirt, gentle on sensitive skin, and free of unnecessary chemicals. You can even add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for a fresh, clean scent.
DIY
Household Products
Cost-effective and gentle on sensitive skin!
168 Loads on Average
10 mins
10 mins
Equipment
Large Mixing Bowl
Cheese Grater
Airtight Container
Ingredients
Detergent
1 Bar of Zote
6 Cups of Washing Soda, (NOT baking soda – it’s a stronger cleaner)
6 Cups of Borax, (boosts cleaning power)
6 Cups of Baking Soda, (boosts odor removal and softens water)
10-15 Drops of Essential Oils, (lavender, lemon, tea tree, etc.) for fragrance
Instructions
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1. Grate the soapUsing a cheese grater or food processor until it’s finely shredded.
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2. Mix the dry ingredientsIn a large bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, and borax.
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3. Add fragrance (optional)If you want a scented detergent, add 10-15 drops of essential oil and mix well.
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4. StoreTransfer the detergent to an airtight container.
Notes
Usage:
- Use 1-2 tablespoons per load for regular washing machines.
- For HE (high-efficiency) machines, use 1 tablespoon.
Tips:
- If you have hard water, add ½ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle to prevent soap buildup.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
Usage Per Load:
- 1 tablespoon for HE machines → 336 loads (21 cups × 16 tbsp per cup)
- 2 tablespoons for regular machines → 168 loads
On average:
- If you’re using a mix of HE and regular loads, you can expect around 200–250 loads from this batch.
- For a family doing 5 loads per week, this would last roughly 9–12 months.