If you’ve ever glanced at the ingredient list on your laundry detergent (assuming you could even find it), you probably noticed a lot of words that don’t exactly sound skin-friendly. Commercial detergents are loaded with harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and artificial dyes that can leave a residue on your clothes — and by extension, your skin.
Those invisible leftovers can cause irritation, rashes, and even disrupt your hormones. Some studies have suggested that certain detergent additives may even have carcinogenic properties.
That was enough for my family to make the switch. We started making our own all-natural laundry powder — and honestly, I’ve never looked back. Our skin is the largest, most absorbent organ we have, and it’s in contact with fabric 24 hours a day. Choosing a healthier laundry routine is more than just a cleaning choice — it’s a self-care choice.
🧼 What You’ll Need
Making your own laundry powder is incredibly simple — and everything you need can be found in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores.
Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate):
A powerhouse cleaner that tackles grease, neutralizes odors, and removes stains. It also softens hard water, helping other ingredients work better.
Bar Soap:
Choose a pure, natural soap — something like Lavender Pure Castile Soap or Homestead Laundry Bar Soap works beautifully.
Borax:
A classic laundry booster that deodorizes, brightens, and helps remove stains.
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate):
This multitasker fights odors, lifts stains, and softens water so your detergent can really do its job.
Essential Oils (Optional):
Add a few drops for a naturally fresh scent. Bonus: many oils also have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
🪣 How to Make Homemade Laundry Powder
Here’s the quick and easy method:
- Grate the Bar Soap
Use a cheese grater to finely grate your soap bar into a large container. - Mix It Up
Add 2 cups washing soda, 2 cups baking soda, and 1 cup borax.
If you’re using essential oils, drop in 20–30 drops. - Shake to Combine
Secure the lid and shake until everything’s evenly blended. - Store It Tight
Keep your detergent in an airtight container to prevent clumping and moisture buildup.
🧺 How to Use It
- Use 2–3 tablespoons per regular load.
- For HE machines, just 1 tablespoon is enough.
- If your laundry isn’t coming out as clean as you’d like, increase slightly.
- If you see residue or buildup, use a little less next time.
📅 How Long Does It Last?
This recipe makes about 5 cups, which equals:
- ~40 loads (2 tbsp per load)
- ~80 loads (1 tbsp per load, for HE washers)
For a family that does five loads per week, one batch lasts 8 to 16 weeks. Not bad for something you whipped up yourself!
💡 Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why did my detergent harden?
Moisture got in. Keep it sealed in an airtight container and stir it occasionally if you live in a humid climate.
What does homemade detergent smell like?
That depends on your ingredients! It usually smells mild, fresh, and clean — not like a “Spring Rain Explosion” from a chemical lab.
Will the scent stay on clothes?
Not strongly. You’ll get that clean, natural freshness without the heavy perfume.
Do I have to use essential oils?
Nope! They’re purely optional — but they do add lovely scent and antibacterial benefits.
🌸 Scent Blends to Try
If you love fragrance, try one of these essential oil blends when mixing your detergent:
Fresh Citrus Blend:
🍋 Lemon + 🍊 Grapefruit + 🍊 Orange + 🍊 Tangerine + 🍊 Mandarin + 🌿 Spearmint
or
🍊 Wild Orange + Tangerine + Bergamot
Clean & Fresh Blend:
🌲 Cedarwood + 🍋 Lemongrass + 🍊 Grapefruit
🌿 Rosemary + 🍊 Orange
🌿 Peppermint + 🍊 Orange
🌿 Eucalyptus + 🌿 Spearmint
🍋 Lemon + 🌿 Tea Tree
🌸 Lavender + 🌿 Rosemary
Mix, match, and find your favorite “clean” scent.
🧴 Why It’s Worth the Switch
Switching to homemade laundry powder isn’t just about saving money — it’s about creating a cleaner, greener home. You’ll avoid harsh chemicals, reduce waste, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s touching your skin (and your kids’ skin).
Small steps make a big difference, and this one happens to make your laundry smell amazing too.
💧 Final Spin:
Homemade laundry powder is simple, safe, and sustainable — proof that you don’t need a lab to get your clothes truly clean.
🫧 Support my work: paypal.me/TheLaundryClub
The Laundry Club Blog 
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