How to Make Natural Laundry Detergent at Home (With Essential Oils!)

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." – William Morris

DIY Laundry Soap: Natural, Effective, and Easy to Make

I've made my own laundry soap on and off for years. It started when I was looking at really cutting laundry costs, and then as I learned to detox all my cleaning products, I dug in deeper. Making your own laundry soap is a simple yet powerful way to reduce chemicals, save money, and take control of what goes on your clothes and skin. Whether you want a gentle detergent for sensitive skin, a powerful cleaner for extra dirty laundry, or just a fresh-smelling alternative to store-bought brands, this guide has you covered with my 3 favorite recipes.

Why Make Your Own Laundry Soap?

Many commercial detergents contain harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and artificial dyes that can cause skin irritation, allergies, and environmental harm. By making your own, you:

• Save Money – DIY laundry soap costs a fraction of store-bought detergent.

• Reduce Toxins – Avoid artificial fragrances, sulfates, and preservatives.

• Customize Your Scent – Choose natural essential oils for a refreshing, chemical-free aroma.

• Eco-Friendly – Less waste and fewer pollutants going down the drain.

• Powerful Cleaning – Natural ingredients like washing soda and borax effectively tackle stains and odors.

DIY Laundry Soap Recipes

1. Liquid Laundry Soap (Gentle & Effective)

This recipe creates a concentrated liquid detergent that is gentle yet effective at breaking down dirt and grime.

Ingredients:

• 1 bar Castile soap (grated)

• 1 cup washing soda

• 1/2 cup borax (optional for extra cleaning power)

• 4 cups hot water (for dissolving soap)

• 10-15 drops essential oil (see suggestions below)

• 2 gallons warm water (to dilute)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat 4 cups of water. Add the grated Castile soap and stir until fully melted.

2. Pour in the washing soda and borax, stirring until dissolved.

3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add essential oils for fragrance and extra cleaning power.

4. Transfer mixture to a large bucket and add 2 gallons of warm water, stirring well (I use a pain mixer that I hook to my drill to get the job done lickety-split).

5. Store in a sealed container or repurposed detergent jug.

6. Use ½ cup per load in a standard washing machine.

2. Dry Laundry Soap (Simple & Long-Lasting)

Perfect for those who prefer a powdered detergent with a longer shelf life.

Ingredients:

• 1 bar Castile soap (grated or finely blended into powder)

• 1 cup washing soda

• 1 cup borax

• 10-15 drops essential oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.

2. Add essential oils and stir well to evenly distribute.

3. Store in an airtight container.

4. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load depending on size and soil level.

3. Bright Whites & Extra Dirty Laundry Soap

This version includes baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for a natural whitening and deep-cleaning boost.

Ingredients:

• 1 bar Castile or Fels-Naptha soap (grated)

• 1 cup washing soda

• 1 cup borax

• 1/2 cup baking soda

• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide (add per load, not in storage)

• 10-15 drops lemon or tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Store in an airtight container.

3. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load, adding 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide to the washer drum for whitening power.

Essential Oils for Laundry Soap

Essential oils not only add a pleasant scent but also boost the cleansing power of your homemade detergent. Here are a few great options:

• Lavender – Gentle, calming, and naturally antibacterial.

  

• Lemon – Bright, refreshing, and excellent for cutting grease and stains.

• Tea Tree – A natural disinfectant that helps with musty smells and bacteria.

• Eucalyptus – Invigorating and great for fighting germs.

• Peppermint – Refreshing and known for its deodorizing properties.

• Orange – Uplifting, fights grease, and leaves a fresh citrus scent.

• OnGuard Blend – Antibacterial - we use this during germ seasons

  

• Purify Blend – This is the bomb-diggity for foul smells, like when I forget to put the wash in the dryer for 3 days in the summer.  🙄

The Bottom Line

Making your own laundry soap is an easy and rewarding way to take a step toward a cleaner, greener home. Whether you choose a liquid, powder, or boosted formula, you’ll enjoy the benefits of natural ingredients, customizable scents, and powerful cleaning without the harsh chemicals. Give it a try, and let us know in the comments which recipe works best for you!