Easy Homemade Laundry Detergent

Description

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.

Ingredients

Detergent

• 1 Bar of Zote
• 6 Cups of Washing Soda
• 6 Cups of Borax
• 6 Cups of Baking Soda
• 10-15 Drops of Essential Oils

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Cheese Grater
• Airtight Container

Instructions

• 1. Grate the soap

  Using a cheese grater or food processor until it’s finely shredded.
• 2. Mix the dry ingredients

  In a large bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, and borax.
• 3. Add fragrance (optional)

  If you want a scented detergent, add 10-15 drops of essential oil and mix well.
• 4. Store

  Transfer 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.