🧺 Homemade Laundry Detergent
Cleaner, Brighter, Softer Clothes for Pennies!
📌 In This Article
🧺 The Laundry Story
"I don't remember the original poster and of course, I can't find the post, BUT to whoever posted the recipe for homemade laundry detergent, THANK YOU!"
I've been using regular laundry detergent forever. Then I saw a post with a recipe for homemade laundry detergent — and I decided to give it a try. Best decision ever.
Not only do the clothes smell so nice, they have NEVER come out cleaner, brighter, or softer!! I'm never going back to regular detergent again!
💬 The verdict: "Not only do the clothes smell so nice, they have NEVER come out cleaner, brighter or softer!! Never going back to regular detergent again!"
💰 The Savings – Pennies Per Load!
📊 Cost Per Load Comparison
| Store-Bought | Homemade | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per load | $0.15 – $0.25 | ~$0.05 – $0.10 |
| Cost per year (5 loads/week) | $39.00 – $65.00 | $13.00 – $26.00 |
| Annual Savings | — | $26.00 – $39.00 |
| Ingredients | Chemicals, fragrances, dyes | Natural, simple ingredients |
💵 Total savings per year: $30+ 🎉
📦 Ingredients
🧼 For the Detergent
- 🧼 1 bar Foca laundry soap – Grated (70.5 oz size)
- 🧂 1 cup Borax – 20 Mule Team
- 🧂 1 cup Washing Soda – (Sodium Carbonate)
- 🧂 1/4 cup Epsom Salt – Unscented
- 💧 1/4 cup OxiClean – Stain remover (optional)
- 🧂 1/4 cup Baking Soda – For freshness
💡 Pro tip: "Foca laundry soap is biodegradable and works great for homemade detergent!"
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Grate the Soap
- Using a cheese grater or food processor, grate the Foca soap bar.
- The finer the grate, the better it dissolves in water.
💡 Pro tip: "A food processor makes quick work of grating the soap!"
Step 2 – Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl or bucket, combine:
- Grated Foca soap
- 1 cup Borax
- 1 cup Washing Soda
- 1/4 cup Epsom Salt
- 1/4 cup OxiClean (optional)
- 1/4 cup Baking Soda
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
💡 Pro tip: "Mix well to ensure the soap is evenly distributed."
Step 3 – Store
- Transfer the detergent to an airtight container.
- A Mason jar or plastic container with a lid works great.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
💡 Pro tip: "Keep it sealed to prevent moisture from getting in."
Step 4 – Use
- Use 1-2 tablespoons per load of laundry.
- For heavily soiled loads, use 2-3 tablespoons.
💡 Pro tip: "Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle for even softer clothes!"
🧼 How to Use Your Homemade Detergent
🧺 For Standard Washers
- Add 1-2 tablespoons directly to the washer drum.
- Or add to the detergent dispenser if your machine has one.
💪 For Heavy Loads
- Use 2-3 tablespoons for heavily soiled items.
- Add 1/4 cup OxiClean for stubborn stains.
🧴 For HE Machines
- Use 1 tablespoon for HE washers.
- This detergent is low-sudsing and safe for HE machines.
💡 Pro tip: "A little goes a long way — don't overuse!"
🥫 How to Store
- 🏠 Pantry: Up to 6 months in an airtight container
- 🧊 Keep dry: Moisture can cause clumping
- 📦 Mason jars: Perfect for storing
💡 Pro tip: "Add a silica gel packet to the container to absorb moisture!"
💡 Pro Tips
- 🧼 Grate soap finely: It dissolves better in cold water.
- 🧂 Use washing soda: Not baking soda — they're different!
- 💧 Add vinegar to rinse: Softens clothes and removes residue.
- 🌿 Add essential oils: Lavender, lemon, or tea tree for fragrance.
- 🧺 Don't overuse: 1-2 tablespoons is plenty.
- 🔒 Keep it sealed: Moisture is the enemy.
- 🏷️ Label your container: So you know what it is!
💡 Pro tip: "Clothes smell so nice and have NEVER come out cleaner, brighter or softer!"
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use a different soap?
Yes! Foca, Zote, or any laundry soap bar works.
❓ Is this safe for HE machines?
Yes! Use 1 tablespoon per load — it's low-sudsing.
❓ Why do I need washing soda?
It helps soften water and boost cleaning power.
❓ Can I add essential oils?
Yes! Add 10-15 drops for fragrance.
❓ How much do I use per load?
1-2 tablespoons for regular loads, 2-3 for heavy loads.
❓ Does this work in cold water?
Yes, but hot water dissolves the soap better.
❓ Can I use this for cloth diapers?
Yes, but use a cloth diaper-safe detergent.
❓ How long does this last?
About 40-60 loads per batch.
❓ Is this better than store-bought?
YES! Clothes come out cleaner, brighter, and softer!
❓ Will I ever buy regular detergent again?
Probably not! Homemade is so much better!
📄 Printable Recipe Card
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║ HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT ║
║ Cleaner, Brighter, Softer Clothes for Pennies! ║
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YIELD: ~5 cups | COST: ~$0.05-0.10 per load
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INGREDIENTS
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- 1 bar Foca laundry soap (grated)
- 1 cup Borax
- 1 cup Washing Soda
- 1/4 cup Epsom Salt
- 1/4 cup OxiClean (optional)
- 1/4 cup Baking Soda
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INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Grate the Foca soap bar finely.
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
3. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4. Store in an airtight container.
5. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load of laundry.
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HOW TO USE
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✓ Standard washers: 1-2 tbsp
✓ HE washers: 1 tbsp
✓ Heavy loads: 2-3 tbsp
✓ Add vinegar to rinse for softer clothes
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CLEAN & SOFT! 🧺
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"Not only do the clothes smell so nice, they have
NEVER come out cleaner, brighter or softer!!
Never going back to regular detergent again!" ❤️
© CanningRebels — Homemade Laundry Detergent
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