DIY Liquid Laundry Detergent

Doing laundry is a constant in life, but paying high prices for detergent doesn’t have to be. Here’s a simple DIY recipe for a liquid laundry detergent that works effectively, is gentle on clothes, and costs significantly less than store-bought brands. I use this detergent in my Samsung top-load washing machine.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8+ cups of boiling water
• 1/2 cup Borax
• 1/2 cup Washing Soda
• 3/4 cup Natural Castile Liquid Soap (I use Dr. Natural from Walmart.)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Water: Bring 8+ cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the Borax and Washing Soda.
3. Dissolve the Powders: Slowly add the Borax and Washing Soda mixture to the boiling water, stirring constantly until fully dissolved.
4. Add the Castile Soap: Remove the pot from heat. Let it cool slightly, then stir in the Castile soap.
5. Cool and Store: Allow the mixture to cool before transferring it to a storage container, such as a repurposed laundry detergent bottle, a plastic gallon container, or a glass dispenser with a spigot. Use an old measuring cup with lines for precise measurements per load.

How Much to Use

• Standard Load: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of detergent.
• High-Efficiency Mode: Use 2-3 tablespoons since these washers use less water.

Note: If you have a Samsung top-load washer model WA50R5200AW like I do, where the detergent reservoir advises using high-efficiency detergent for best results, this homemade laundry detergent works well! Use 2-3 Tablespoons per load to minimize suds and maintain optimal performance.

Cost Breakdown

Let’s compare the cost of making this detergent with buying a popular store brand, such as Gain Aroma Boost Original Scent Liquid Laundry Detergent (46 fl oz for 32 loads).

Ingredients Cost (Actual):

• Borax (65 oz box for $6.00): $0.37 per batch
• Washing Soda (55 oz box for $5.38): $0.39 per batch
• Castile Soap (32 oz bottle for $6.00): $1.13 per batch

Total Cost per Batch: $1.89

Volume and Loads Per Recipe:

• This recipe makes about 8 cups (64 oz) of detergent, enough for:
  • 32 loads (using 1/4 cup per load)
  • 64 loads (using 2 tablespoons per load, suitable for high-efficiency machines)

Store-Bought Comparison:

• Gain Aroma Boost Original Scent Liquid Detergent: $6.99 for 46 fl oz (32 loads, $0.22/load)

Cost per Load of DIY Detergent:

• Using 1/4 cup per load: $0.06/load
• Using 2 tablespoons per load (HE use): $0.03/load

By using a high-efficiency dose (2 tablespoons), the DIY detergent becomes incredibly cost-effective, offering double the loads per batch compared to standard use, and far surpassing the value of store-bought options.

Storage Tips

• Container Recommendations: Use a repurposed liquid detergent bottle, a gallon jug, or a glass dispenser with a spigot. Ensure it’s easy to pour or pump.
• Shake Before Use: Homemade detergents can separate over time. Shake or stir the container before each use to recombine the ingredients.

Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?

• Cost Savings: Even with slightly higher costs in some cases, you can save by making bulk quantities and customizing to your needs.
• Ingredient Control: Know exactly what’s in your detergent.
• Environmental Impact: Reduce packaging waste by reusing containers and choosing biodegradable ingredients like Castile soap.

Making your own liquid laundry detergent is a fantastic way to embrace sustainable living and add a personal touch to household chores. Try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below! Have your own tips for customizing this recipe? I’d love to hear them!

Warm stitches and kind vibes,

Marni