Sometimes, the detergent you use can decide on the aspect of your skin. The clothes you wear and the chemicals embedded in the fabric might negatively impact its health. If you’re looking for a way to give your wallet and skin a break, these 10 DIY laundry detergent ideas are for you. They are sure to meet every need with how to videos and links to get the supplies you need!
1. Three Ingredient DIY Laundry Detergent
This 3 ingredient detergent yields about six cups of laundry detergent or about 2-4 tablespoons per load. It’s incredibly easy to make and will not take up too much of your time. In addition, it’s a very cheap laundry detergent option that can be made by anyone.
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 20 minutes
Materials Needed:
- 1 bar Zote soap
- 3 cups borax
- 3 cups washing soda
- cheese grater
- mixing bowl
- tablespoon
- 5lb storage container
2. Whipped Laundry Detergent
Whipped laundry detergent is an excellent option even for the dirtiest of clothes! This detergent makes about 128 loads of laundry at 1 tablespoon per load. However, it is a bit more difficult to make and will be time-consuming. All you need is patience and these easy-to-find ingredients, though. We recommend a handheld mixer, but you are free to use whichever option seems more appropriate for you.
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Duration: 5 hours
Materials Needed:
- 1 bar Fels Naptha soap
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup washing soda
- 5 cups water
- knife
- handheld mixer
- 1/2 gallon storage container
3. Laundry Pods
These laundry pods yield 24 loads of laundry. They are perfect for anyone who is on the go! You can take them with you once they’re ready. It should be noted that they require quite some time and dedication to make. However, it will be well worth it. The eucalyptus and lemongrass oils will offer a refreshing scent that will linger on your freshly washed clothes.
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
Materials Needed:
- 1/2 bar zote soap
- 3 cups washing soda
- 3 cups borax
- 4 oz vinegar
- 4 oz water
- 1 cup Oxi Clean
- 10 drops eucalyptus oil
- 10 drops lemongrass oil
- 2 ice cube trays
- 1 spray bottle
- 1 large mixing bowl
- cheese grater
- 1 large storage container
4. Liquid Laundry Soap
This DIY laundry detergent is probably what is the most similar to a store bought one without all the added chemicals. It’s perfectly natural, therefore, it’s a perfect option if you have sensitive skin. The DIY liquid laundry soap is also very easy to make and it will be ready in a jiff.
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 20 minutes
Materials Needed:
- 1 cup Castille soap
- 1 cup borax
- 1 pinch Xanthan Gum
- 6 cups boiling water
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 4 oz water
- 2 cups ice cubes
- large mixing bowl
- large pot
- whisk
5. All Natural Borax Free Laundry Detergent
Yes, there is such a thing as a DIY laundry detergent without borax. So, it’s perfect for people who want a homemade option without the powdered compound. This is a borax free laundry detergent that yields about 56 loads of laundry if you use 1 tablespoon per load.
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 5 minutes
Materials Needed:
- 1 1/2 cup washing soda
- 1 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- 2 tablespoons salt
- mixing bowl
- whisk or fork
6. Vegan Laundry Detergent
If you are seeking a vegan or cruelty-free DIY laundry detergent idea, this is the best option for you. It’s a simple and easy to make DIY liquid laundry soap that is entirely eco-friendly. It equals about 88 loads of laundry at 2 tablespoons per load.
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 30 minutes
Materials Needed:
- 1 1/2 bars cruelty-free soap
- 5 packets eco-friendly laundry pods
- 10 cups hot water
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 10-20 drops essential oil
- cheese grater
- hand mixer
- airtight storage container
7. Sensitive Skin DIY Laundry Soap
Babies and even some adults have very sensitive skin. It becomes crucial to find an option that doesn’t cause itching or unsightly bumps after wearing freshly washed clothes. Luckily, you have some homemade options available. This tutorial makes about 128 loads or 4 gallons of detergent!
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Duration: 9 hours
Materials Needed:
- 2/3 Fels Naphtha bar soap
- 70 cups water
- 1 1/2 cup borax
- 1 1/2 cup washing soda
- 25 drops lavender essential oil
- 20 drops tea tree oil
- large pot
- 5-gallon bucket
8. Lavender Scented Detergent
This DIY laundry detergent smells great and lasts for a year with just 1 tablespoon per load! It’s easy to make and long-lasting, which means it’s one of the best homemade laundry detergent available. The ingredients seem very precise and do take some careful planning. However, it’s an incredible DIY laundry detergent option that leaves a lingering scent of lavender behind.
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 10 minutes
Materials Needed:
- 2 bars Zote soap
- one 3lb box Oxi Clean
- one 4lb 65oz box of borax
- 55 ounces lavender Purex crystals
- one 3lb 7oz box of washing soda
- one 4lb box of baking soda
- large storage container
9. Pink Laundry Detergent
For an aesthetically pleasing idea that smells fantastic, here is a pink laundry detergent! However, don’t get fooled by its appearance. There’s a lot more to it than adding that bit of color to your bathroom. It’s actually an amazing DIY laundry detergent that gives a lot for only a little effort. This yields about 200 loads of laundry at 2 tablespoons per load.
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 10 minutes
Materials Needed:
- one 55oz box washing soda
- one 76 oz box of borax
- 1 bottle Gain Fireworks
- 1 bar pink Zote soap
- cheese grater
- large mixing bowl
- storage container
10. Concentrated Laundry Soap
If you or someone you know works outside or where they will get dirty often, this concentrated laundry soap is a perfect solution! This DIY laundry concentrate yields about 225 loads of laundry at 1/2 cup per load. It’s very intense, and therefore ideal for nagging stains that are otherwise difficult to get out.
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Duration: 24 hours
Materials Needed:
- 9 quart sized jars
- 2 bars Fels Naptha
- 2 cups washing soda
- 2 cups borax
- 1 gallon boiling water
- 10-20 drops essential oils
- hand mixer
- 2-gallon bucket
- measuring cup
- cheese grater
- mixing bowl with pour spout
- mixing spoon
- stove
- large pot
- wide mouthed funnel
- 1/2 cup measuring scoop
There are so many options for DIY laundry detergent ideas out there. Thus, we hope you found one here that will suit your needs on our list. Let us know below which idea you’re going to try or any other recommendations that you might have! While you’re at it, you can check out some DIY bath bombs that will further relax your body and improve the health of your skin.
