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| I had been wanting to make my own laundry detergent for a while….but being busy with Annie and other things kept me from it. However, when a reader asked me to write about the process, it was the shove that I needed – but in a good way, not like a shove off a cliff. The verdict? I really, really like it. It gets everything super clean and at a fraction of the cost of store-bought detergent. My mom and I have been using it and we’re both fans. I think when I empty out the last of my stash, I’ll only be using homemade detergent. From what I can tell with my mad math skills and reading on the internet, this soap costs about $.05-10 per load, give or take. Most laundry detergents from the store cost around $.20+ per load. That’s a winner for me! Let’s get clean, y’all. |
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| To make this powder detergent, you’ll need Washing Soda, Fels Naptha Bar Soap, and Borax. That’s it. You know how I feel about Borax. So, all this stuff can be bought at Kroger. Strangely, the Fels Naptha Soap isn’t with the regular soap at my Kroger…..it’s with the mops. Tell me how THAT makes sense? The Arm and Hammer Washing Soda was on the top shelf near the Borax. A good source (thanks Rebecca!) tells me that these items can also be found at Food City. If you can’t find them at either store, you might be able to find them at a hardware store. Ivory soap can also be used, but Fels Naptha is really great for getting clothes clean. You can also use it as a pre-treater and just rub the soap right on the stain. Nice! |
 Now, you need to grate your soap. I used my microplane. Somehow when I bought it, I never thought I’d be using it to grate soap. Cheese, yes; soap, no. But it worked great! If you don’t have a microplane grater, you can use any regular type of grater. I won’t judge you because you don’t have the most awesome grater of all time in your kitchen. I’m not here to point fingers. Oh, and this soap smells really good so when you’re done grating you’ll smell like you just had a shower. You’ll need to grate the whole bar – your arms will get tired. You’ve worked out today, baby! |
 Add 1 cup Borax. Borax is going to give your detergent that little extra stain fighting power. It can be used interchangeably with Oxy-Clean but at a fraction of the cost. Have I mentioned that I just love Borax? |
 Add 1 cup of washing soda. I read on several forums that some people just use baking soda, but then I also read that it doesn’t work quite as well. We don’t want to bake our laundry. Cakes, yes; socks, no. |
 Time to mix it up. This isn’t a time to sit down on the job. Unless you want to sit down while you stir – that’s cool. You really need to stir this puppy. |
 You’re supposed to stir it until it’s well incorporated and looks like powder. This is what I had after what felt like an eternity of stirring – or maybe it was only like two minutes. Don’t judge me. |
 I wasn’t happy with it because you can see all the white powder on the bottom. Hmmmmmm. I’m a perfectionist. So, I broke out……. |
 the food processor. Yes, I use mine daily. It’s up in my top five kitchen tools. I poured my soap in there and let it mix away. So much for my workout. You know, I never thought I’d use my kitchen tools to make soap – but I like to adapt. Wonder if Barry would mind if I used his workshop tools in my kitchen. Survival of the fittest. |
 This is more like it! Powder! Isn’t it pretty? And it smells so nice and fresh. But here’s the funny part – it won’t make your laundry smell like the soap. Your clothes will come out smelling just non-dirty. They’ll be clean, but they won’t smell like Tide. If you NEED your clothes to smell pretty, then just sock a dryer sheet in the dryer with them. Me, I can just settle for not smelling like sour milk.***IF you use your food processor to make this detergent, please make sure to wash it thoroughly with HOT water and soap. You need to rid the processor of all traces of Borax.***
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 I stored mine in a Tupperware container. You’ll use two tablespoons per load. That’s it. Don’t overdo it! I actually put a tablespoon measure in mine to help. Next time I think I’ll just use my food processor to make the whole batch. |
 When you’re ready to wash, add your powdered detergent to the water before you put the clothes in. That will assure that it will dissolve. And don’t expect bubbles. This stuff doesn’t bubble, but it does clean. |
| So, a few handy things to know:1. This will also work in High Effiency Washers
2. I use it on Annie’s laundry without any sensitive skin problems….and I read online that other people do this successfully as well. 3. It’s so FAST! I made my batch in like 5 minutes. I love fast, frugal things! So, I’ve tackled that for you. If you’ve been too scared to do it now you don’t need to be! I’m a good source for trying things first to make all the mistakes. You’re welcome. Here is the link for the liquid version of homemade laundry detergent. UPDATE: Click here for an update on powdered laundry detergent. |
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About Stacy
Hi, I'm Stacy! Welcome to Stacy Makes Cents! I'm a naturally-minded, frugal living mama, who likes to blog about living debt free in everyday life. Delicious (and healthy) recipes, money tips, and frugal living posts abound here! Enjoy your stay. Romans 13:8 
My mother in law makes her own detergent too, using similar ingredients, but hers is liquid
Liquid is coming tomorrow.
I love this! Thanks, Stacy!
I too make my detergent…sooo much cheaper!Anyway,I like mine smely so I add a few drops of lavender.(I make the liquid form)It doesn’t bother us, but you might want to consider not doing it if you have really sensitive skin.
Would it be cheaper to buy online (maybe Amazon.com) or in the store? I get free shipping on Amazon.com because I’m a student.
I’m uncertain what you mean Rebecca. Are you referring to the Fels Naptha soap?
YEAH!!!! Thank you Stacey! I am so crazy busy learning my new job and trying to finish this last semester.On top of that, I agreed to teach a college class for one of my former professors on disaster preparedness and global health. What was I thinking???? I am dying here! But, when I saw you had taken the time to do the laundry detergent thing, I felt like singing!! I didn’t cause Caleb always asked me “Please stop, Mom” so I just hummed under my breath. Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!! You are the best!
I aim to please.
My good friend Amanda and I made this today. We’re excited!!
P.S. I had to buy my Fels Naptha at True Value because they did not have it at my Kroger. It was $1.39 + tax
I just got a bar of Fels Naptha at Food City today. It was $1.25 (3/$5), but I only wanted one today
Can you use the powder laundry soap in a front loader machine? If so how much do you use.
Yes, you can……at least that’s what I read on the internet. I would imagine the same amount: 1-2 tablespoons.
So, I’m curious… Are you going to use your food processor for food again? From everything that I’ve read, borax is toxic (natural, too, but so is snake venom). I don’t have a problem using it for laundry, but I’m not sure I would put it in something I would put food in again….
Amy, thanks for your comment. The answer to your question is yes, I do still use my food processor for food. Before I started using Borax, I did a lot of research. I would never put my family in danger.
Each time I use it to make detergent, the food processor is thoroughly washed with hot water and soap.
You’re right, Borax is natural – found in plants, soil, and water. In SMALL amounts it is harmless. It is only considered toxic if ingested in LARGE amounts (via the EPA). I am not going to set down a bowl of Borax for dinner.
Small amounts of Borax are even used as homeopathic medicine.
There are warnings galore on the side of a bleach container and none on my Borax box.
Do you buy all three of these items when they are on sale?
They don’t go on sale very often, but I find that even full price the cost is cheaper than buying detergent. Hope that helps! But, if they WERE on sale I would buy several.
It does help! Thank you! I can’t wait to try to make some detergent
This is the exact recipe I use and I love it. I use the food processor as well but make up several batches @ once. A month ago I ran out of fels naptha n used tide, I can’t stand how it smells now. I like my homemade so much better. I usually buy my fels naptha @ Ace, n its much more expensive than Food City. I hadn’t found it in any grocery stores, but then I never go to F.C. either. I’m more of a Kroger, Earth Fare, Fresh Market, Whole Foods girl. Have u ever tried making bar soap with a cold process method…..its loads of fun n I make mine completely organic, no coloring n just a bit of lavender.
Sandra, I’ve started using Ivory instead of Fels Naptha. We like it better.
I would be more of an Earth Fare shopper if we had one close. The closest one is almost 1 hour away.
Check out this post:
http://www.stacymakescents.com/laundry-detergent-notes
I’ve heard of it, but never tried it. Kinda thought it might leave a film bc its not a laundry bar like fels. Ill have to try it
I’ve never heard anyone mention a film. Everyone who uses it seems to like it a lot. I love it. I’ve switched to Ivory though. Check this post:
http://www.stacymakescents.com/laundry-detergent-notes
Stacey, I use the same recipe but with Ivory soap bars…smells divine and is cheaper than Fels Naptha. Works great! Also sometimes add Awesome Oxygen (2 TBS per batch of laundry soap) to boost the power a bit. Awesome Oxygen is the Dollar Tree version of Oxyclean ($1 per box!) Thanks for the post-
I use Awesome Oxygen too. I tell everyone at each workshop to buy it instead of the name brand, and I send them to Dollar Tree.
Thanks for the great comment!
Sounds great. I intend to make it (already have ingredients) for myself and my daughter in law who has 4 children, 5 and under.
Have you ever tryed useing the ivory and fels soap both to get the smell from ivory and the stain fighting from the fels?
No, but that’s a good idea.
I just use a bar of Fels Naptha to rub directly on stains that need it. I keep it right by the washer just for that purpose. If you try it and it works out, please let me know!
Just made some with the Fels Naptha. THanks for all the research!
Enjoy!
Do you have to use warm water with this detergent? One of my DIY cleaning books says you can only use the homemade detergent with warm or hot water. That seems a bit more costly to me…
Marie, I wash all my clothes in warm water with a cold rinse – except towels and I wash those on hot. We’ve not seen an increase in our bill since starting to do that – but some of that might be because I try to line dry clothes when I can instead of using the dryer.
I have used this with cold water and had great results. I just add the powder to the washer as it’s filling up and when I see that it’s starting to dissolve, I throw the clothes in.
Hi, Stacey. I have a washer that I don’t think I can run before I put the clothes in (it senses the amount in it then fills with water accordingly). It has a cup at the top for the detergent. What do you think I should do? Put it in the cup, put it in the bottom before the clothes (and water), or just not do it. I saw you have the recipe for the liquid version, but I’m not into that. Thanks!
And I tried my hardest not to spell your name wrong, but I DID! One of my best friends spells it with the -ey, so it’s hard to break the habit. SORRY!
Erin recently posted…Lincoln’s Lunch: Tuesday Jan. 3
That’s okay…it happens all the time.
I’m not entirely sure. I think I’d try it a few different ways and see what works best. You’ll know pretty quickly if it’s not dissolving because it will be all over your clothes and you’ll have to do another rinse.
Keep me posted!
can I use Baking Soda instead of washing soda?
I have never tried it, but I’ve heard that people who do try it don’t get the same great results as with washing soda….I know the washing soda works, so I hate to mess up a batch to just “try.”
But, I’ve never been a risk taker.
Made this detergent yesterday and it took out the stains and smells from my husbands undershirts while washing in cold water! Nothing else has been able to touch it since I can’t use bleach or hot water! LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact that it just smells CLEAN!
I’m so glad to hear that!
I’ve had the very same success!
Stacy,
I made a big batch can’t wait to use it. Ivory soap now has “Aloe” smell. I added it to mine. It smells great. Has any one used the powder with the front washer yet? I would think if you use 2 Tablespoon for the top loading washer/ the front loading washer should only need 1 Tablespoon…
Was wondering if I am right on that or not. Also How much white vinegar in the fabric softner area? Does your clothes smell like white vinegar? After the rinse?
thanks,
DArla
Darla, once white vinegar evaporates it leaves no scent behind. I never even smell it when mine come out of the wash wet. I guess the rinse gets rid of it? I use 1/2 cup in mine.
I have read that those who use it in the HE washer only use 1 tablespoon….but some people caution against using it at all because of the warranty issue. Good luck and enjoy!
Hi Stacy,
I’m trying to find a good “recipe” to use for washing our cloth diapers. Do you have any experience or knowledge if this would work well with diapers? Thanks!
I’ve heard yes and I’ve heard no. Last time around I used All Free and Clear. This next time I plan on using Charlie’s Soap or soap nuts. I’ll do a post very soon about soap nuts.
Some have said the soap still causes build up. I know you can use Borax as a cloth diaper soak…..I guess it’s just personal preference.
Here’s my post about how I wash mine: http://www.stacymakescents.com/its-poop-again
Stacy
Do you use White Vinegar in ‘every’ load of laundry? or do you only use it for stain removal? Thanks for sharing all your trials and successes and research with us!
I use it in almost every load….to kill germs and to soften the laundry. Sometimes I forget.
All 3 ingredients I can find at my local Wal-Mart all in the laundry isle!
This stuff even gets my mechanic husbands work clothes clean!
Only thing………..I use 2 cups of borax and 2 cups washing soda to ONE bar of soap. Then use 2 tablespoons in washer. Works for me!
Thanks for chiming in with that info, Sherry!
Does this soap “brighten” colors? I don’t want to brighten my dark clothes. Thanks!
I haven’t noticed a change in my darks at all.
In fact, if you use vinegar in the rinse it should help – vinegar is used to set colors.
is fels naptha really safe? i read that it was FULL of chemicals?
I feel safe using it – I like products that have been around for over 100 years.
If you don’t want to use it, you could easily substitute a bar of Dr. Bronner’s castile soap.
You might find this interesting: http://www.livestrong.com/article/176905-information-on-fels-naptha-soap/
you definitely have a great point… if it’s been around for that long it can’t be all that bad! thank you so much for the article! i’ll definitely look into the castile soap, my only concern is that it’s made for skin… so would it be too oily for clothes?
I think I just realized that Dr. Bronner’s all-purpose soap only comes in liquid. Mrs. Meyers makes an all-purpose castile soap that should work…it’s like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Meyers-Clean-Day-Purpose/dp/B005LI732Y/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&qid=1342141665&sr=8-34&keywords=all+purpose+castile+soap
i’ll definitely take a look! thank you Stacy! love your blog!
Well Stacy, you did it again! I had to try this. The ingredients were easy to find, the instructions were awesome and the detergent is amazing! My husband drives a concrete mixer truck and comes home dusty and filthy, this detergent is wonderful.
First you spoil me with a mouthwash that is second to none, now you’ve given me this spot on formula for laundry detergent. You are a blessing and a gift! Thanks Stacey…. you’ve made my good life even better.
Could I use a Zote bar?
You sure could!