Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap Recipe – Easy, Natural & Long-Lasting
Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap Recipe
This homemade liquid laundry soap recipe is simple, effective, and perfect for anyone who wants clean clothes without the chemicals.
Store-bought detergents often contain dyes, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances that irritate sensitive skin and harm the environment.
With this homemade laundry soap recipe liquid, you can make a gallon of detergent for pennies — using natural, safe ingredients you already have at home.
It’s powerful enough for tough stains yet gentle for babies, delicates, and sensitive skin.
🧺 Why Make Homemade Laundry Soap?
- 🌿 Non-toxic – No harsh chemicals or synthetic scents
- 💰 Budget-friendly – Costs less than 5¢ per load
- 🌎 Eco-conscious – Reduces plastic waste
- 🧴 Customizable – Add your favorite essential oils
- 👕 Gentle & effective – Perfect for HE and standard washers
So let’s make your best homemade liquid laundry soap recipe that works better than commercial brands!
🧂 Ingredients (Makes About 3 Gallons)
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Borax | 1 cup | Natural cleaner & deodorizer |
| Washing soda (sodium carbonate) | 1 cup | Boosts cleaning power |
| Bar soap (Fels-Naptha, Castile, or Ivory) | 1 bar, grated | Base detergent |
| Water | 14–16 cups (3.5–4 liters) | Solvent |
| Essential oils (optional) | 15–20 drops | Scent & antibacterial power |
How to Make Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap Recipe
-
Step 1. Grate the Bar Soap
Use a cheese grater or food processor to finely grate the soap. The smaller the pieces, the faster they melt.
-
Step 2. Melt the Soap
In a large pot, add 4 cups (1 liter) of water. Heat on medium and stir until the soap is completely melted.
-
Step 3. Add Borax & Washing Soda
Once the soap is melted, stir in 1 cup borax and 1 cup washing soda.
Stir until fully dissolved — this mixture will start to thicken slightly. -
Step 4. Add Water
Remove from heat and pour into a large 3-gallon bucket.
Add 10–12 cups (2.5–3 liters) of warm water and stir thoroughly. -
Step 5. Cool and Store
Let sit overnight — it will gel as it cools.
The next day, stir well and pour into empty detergent jugs or mason jars.
💡 Optional: Add 15–20 drops of essential oils (like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus) for a natural scent boost.
🧴 How to Use Your Homemade Laundry Soap
| Load Type | Amount to Use |
|---|---|
| Small Load | ¼ cup (60 ml) |
| Medium Load | ⅓ cup (80 ml) |
| Large/Heavily Soiled Load | ½ cup (120 ml) |
👉 Shake or stir before each use — natural soaps separate slightly over time.
This homemade laundry soap recipe liquid works in both HE (high-efficiency) and top-loading machines.
🌿 Best Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap Recipe Tips
- Add baking soda for odor removal – ¼ cup per load.
- Add vinegar in the rinse cycle – acts as a natural fabric softener.
- Avoid cold water only cycles – soap dissolves better in warm water.
- Store in a cool, dark place – keeps consistency longer.
- Skip bright dyes and fragrances – keep it safe and simple.
🌸 Variations of Homemade Laundry Soap
| Version | Main Change | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Castile Soap Version | Replace bar soap with liquid Castile | Vegan & biodegradable |
| Sensitive Skin Formula | Skip essential oils | Hypoallergenic |
| Coconut Oil Soap Version | Use coconut oil soap base | Extra stain-fighting power |
| Powder-to-Liquid Mix | Blend 2:1 powder + water | Quicker prep |
💧 Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker detergent, use slightly less water when mixing.
💰 Cost Comparison
| Product | Cost per Load | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Brand | $0.25–0.35 | — |
| DIY Laundry Soap | $0.04–0.06 | $75–120/year |
That’s real savings for families — and you control every ingredient.
⚗️ Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Biodegradable ingredients
- No phosphates or bleach
- Safe for septic systems
- Reduces packaging waste
This is why the best homemade liquid laundry soap recipe has become a favorite in zero-waste and green living communities.
Does homemade laundry soap really clean clothes?
Yes! Borax, washing soda, and soap together break down dirt and neutralize odors naturally.
Is homemade laundry soap safe for HE washers?
Absolutely — it’s low-sudsing and safe for both HE and standard machines.
How long does it last?
A 3-gallon batch lasts 3–4 months for a family of four.
Can I use baking soda instead of washing soda?
Not quite — washing soda is stronger. You can make it by baking baking soda at 400°F for 1 hour.
Can I skip Borax?
Yes — replace with ½ cup baking soda for a gentler, Borax-free version.
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