Easy DIY Liquid Laundry Detergent
Learn how to make your own DIY liquid laundry detergent with just a few simple ingredients! It’s perfect for keeping clothes clean, fresh, and free of harsh chemicals, all while being gentle on your skin and the environment.
Homemade laundry detergent is a game-changer for anyone looking to save money, reduce waste, and take control of what goes into their cleaning products.
I started making my own when I got tired of the endless parade of pricey, overly-perfumed detergents at the store. Now, it’s a staple in my household that works just as well (if not better) than the big-name brands.
My favorite is a soap nut laundry detergent, but this one is great when I don’t have those on hand. I even made a powder version too!
This DIY liquid laundry detergent recipe is easy to follow, budget-friendly, and completely customizable. Whether you’re washing a load of delicates or tackling stubborn stains, this detergent will leave your clothes fresh, clean, and smelling amazing without toxins.
So, if you’re ready to ditch the store-bought options and give your laundry routine a sustainable upgrade, this recipe has you covered!
What Is Liquid Laundry Detergent?
Liquid laundry detergent is a concentrated cleaning solution that dissolves easily in water, making it ideal for tackling stubborn stains and dirt.
Unlike powder detergent, it works well in cold water and won’t leave residue behind!
Homemade versions take this a step further by ditching harsh chemicals and using natural ingredients like washing soda, borax, and liquid castile soap.
These elements combine to create a powerful cleaner that’s gentle on sensitive skin and better for the environment.
Plus, I love that I can easily change up my scents with a new batch!
Benefits of Making Your Own Liquid Laundry Detergent
Here are some of the benefits of making your own detergent:
- Eco-Friendly: Store-bought detergents often come in bulky plastic containers. A DIY recipe reduces waste and is biodegradable.
- Cost-Effective: With just a few pantry staples, you can make gallons of detergent for a fraction of the cost of commercial brands. It turns out to be SO cheap!!
- Customizable: Add your favorite essential oils for a scent you love, or skip them altogether for a fragrance-free option.
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How to Make Liquid Laundry Detergent
This guide breaks down the steps you need to make this DIY liquid laundry soap!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ¼ cup washing soda
- 1/4 cup borax
- ¼ cup liquid castile soap
- 3 ¼ cups water
- 30 drops essential oils (optional, I like orange or citronella)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by heating 3 ¼ cups of water. It doesn’t need to boil, but it should be hot enough to dissolve the ingredients easily.
If you’re using essential oils, add them to the liquid castile soap. This step helps the fragrance blend seamlessly into the detergent.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the washing soda and borax. Stir them together to ensure an even mixture.
Slowly pour the hot water into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring continuously.
Add the castile soap mixture and keep stirring until everything is fully dissolved.
Be sure there are no clumps, your detergent should be smooth and liquid.
Transfer the mixture to a storage container and let it sit for 24 hours. During this time, it will thicken into a gel-like consistency.
How to Use Your Liquid Laundry Detergent
Using your homemade detergent is a breeze! Add ¼ cup of the detergent to your washing machine for a standard load.
This works for both regular and high-efficiency (HE) machines. For heavily soiled clothes, you can bump it up to ½ cup.
If you notice clumping over time, give the container a good shake or stir before each use.
Liquid Laundry Detergent
Materials
- ¼ cup washing soda
- 1/4 cup borax
- ¼ cup liquid castile soap
- 3 ¼ cups water
- 30 drops essential oils (optional)
Instructions
- Heat up the water. You need it to be hot.
- Add in the essential oils to the castile soap.
- Mix castile soap, washing soda, and borax together.
- Then, add in the hot water and stir until it is all mixed. Make sure there are not any clumps, it needs to be complete liquid.
- Wait 24 hours. It will slowly get more thick like a gel.
Notes
To Use: Add ¼ cup to your washing machine.
Final Thoughts
Switching to DIY liquid laundry detergent is a win-win. Not only do you get cleaner, fresher clothes, but you’re also making a choice that’s better for your wallet and the planet.
With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a detergent that outshines store-bought alternatives.
Ready to try it out? Gather your supplies, follow the steps, and let me know how it works for you in a review!
Want more DIY cleaners? Check out these:
