Yeah, laundry detergent prices are outta control lately. Plus, half the ingredients sound like they belong in a chemistry lab, not a washing machine. That’s why more people are switching to DIY versions. You save money and know exactly what’s touching your clothes and skin.
I have a homemade liquid laundry detergent recipe that’s incredibly easy and inexpensive. If you’ve wondered how to make homemade washing liquid, this guide is for you. I’ll share the basics, a few tweaks, and the details on how eco-friendly it is, what it costs per load (spoiler: it’s pocket change), and what to consider before trying your own DIY liquid laundry detergent recipe.
Benefits of DIY Liquid Detergent
Before jumping into the actual DIY liquid laundry detergent recipe, let’s examine why more households are making the switch.
Eco-Friendly
Store-bought detergents pack phosphates, which are terrible for aquatic life (Wikipedia backs this up). Switching to a DIY liquid laundry soap recipe is better for the planet no phosphates, no guilt, and no giant plastic bottles piling up at home
Cost Savings
This is where DIY detergent really shines. Store-bought brands like Tide or Persil can cost $0.25–$0.35 per load. A gallon of the homemade liquid laundry soap recipe works out to less than $0.10 per load. That’s real savings over hundreds of wash cycles.
Gentle on Skin
Store-bought detergents often contain dyes, fake scents, and preservatives no wonder your skin reacts. A homemade liquid laundry detergent recipe puts you in control: keep it non-toxic, skip fragrance, or add essential oils to make laundry day less boring.
Tip: Some DIYers (like lifestyle blogger Lauren) swap Epsom salt for kosher salt in their detergent mix because Epsom can react with hard water and leave residue. Small tweaks like this make your formula more customized.
Read More: How to Clean Microwave with Baking Soda
Ingredients & Why They Work
Here are the basic ingredients for a homemade liquid laundry soap recipe and what each does:
- Castile soap (liquid or bar) – A natural, plant-based soap that provides the main cleaning action.
- Washing soda (sodium carbonate) – A laundry booster that helps break down grease and stains.
- Borax (optional) – Improves whitening power and deodorizes.
- Water – Forms the liquid base.
- Optional additives – Essential oils for scent, kosher salt for softening, or baking soda for deodorizing.
In my experience, dump in enough washing soda so it actually blasts through those greasy stains. Don’t be shy about it. And if your skin freaks out at, like, everything, just ditch the borax. Keeps your laundry soap way less harsh, which is a total win for the sensitive-skin crew.
Tip: If grating bar soap makes you want to scream, just grab some liquid Castile soap instead. Way easier, zero fuss, and honestly? Still gets the job done like a champ.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Now let’s get into the practical part: how to make homemade liquid laundry detergent recipe step by step.
4.1 The Classic Liquid Laundry Detergent
This is the tried-and-true base version.
You’ll need:
- 1 bar of Castile soap (grated) or 1 cup liquid Castile soap
- 1 cup washing soda
- ½ cup borax (optional)
- 4 quarts of water
Steps:
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add grated soap and stir until dissolved.
- Mix in washing soda and borax until completely blended.
- Pour into a large container, then add the remaining water.
- Stir well and let cool.
This liquid laundry detergent recipe will thicken slightly as it sits. Shake before each use.
4.2 Quick, No-Grate Option (Liquid Castile Only)
If you’re short on time, this version is perfect.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup liquid Castile soap
- 1 cup washing soda
- 3 quarts warm water
Mix everything together in a large jug and shake. That’s it. This homemade laundry liquid detergent recipe is mess-free and ideal for busy families.
4.3 Super-Concentrated Batch
Want a smaller but stronger version? Reduce the water by half. This concentrated homemade liquid laundry soap recipe saves storage space and works well for large households.
Tip: Toss your detergent in a glass jar or, you know, one of those heavy-duty plastic jugs. Slap a date on it so you don’t end up cleaning with ancient goo. Homemade stuff usually hangs in there for, what, half a year to a year? Not forever, but not bad either.
Cost & Performance Comparison
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Product | Cost per Gallon | Cost per Load |
| Tide Liquid (store-bought) | $12–15 | $0.25–0.35 |
| Homemade Liquid Detergent | $2–3 | $0.05–0.08 |
That’s up to 70% savings. A Reddit user even mentioned, “I make a gallon at a time, and it lasts my family of four nearly two months.”
Disadvantages of DIY Recipes
To keep things honest, here are a few considerations before you switch:
- Some manufacturers claim DIY detergents can void washing machine warranties.
- If stored improperly, liquid detergent may grow bacteria or mold (use smaller batches if concerned).
- Results can vary depending on your water hardness and washing habits.
That said, thousands of households use homemade liquid laundry detergent recipes safely without issues.
Insights from Forums & Community
One of the best parts of researching this guide was seeing what real people said about their experiences. On a frugal living forum, a user shared:
“I store smaller portions in zip-lock bags to simplify making batches as needed.”
A bunch of people swear by tossing in different essential oils lavender, citrus, whatever smells good just to spice things up.
It sorta turns laundry day from a boring chore into something you almost look forward to. It’s not just about cleaning clothes anymore; it’s like you’re curating a whole vibe for your place.
FAQs
How much detergent should I use for HE vs. standard washers?
Use about 2 tablespoons per load in HE machines, and ¼ cup for standard washers.
Can I substitute bar soap for liquid Castile?
Yes. Just dissolve grated bar soap into hot water first.
Will this recipe damage my washer or void the warranty?
Some manufacturers warn against DIY detergents, but thousands of users report no problems. If worried, stick to smaller, diluted batches.
How long does homemade detergent last, and how should it?
When stored in airtight containers, it lasts 6–12 months. Shake or stir before use if it separates.
Is this truly non-toxic and safe for sensitive skin?
Yes especially if you leave out borax and fragrances. Use unscented Castile soap for ultra-sensitive needs.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Whipping up your own homemade laundry liquid detergent recipe is a total game-changer. You’ll save cash, skip the sketchy chemicals, and cut down on plastic bottles. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, nothing fancy is required.
After one round with this homemade liquid laundry detergent recipe, you’ll probably side-eye store brands and their high price tags. The classic recipe works great, but you can always add a few drops of essential oils for a personal touch.
So why not mix up a batch today? Worst case, you end up with laundry soap that works and feels surprisingly satisfying to use
