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I like doing laundry. I mean, isn’t it fun to throw in dirty clothes, add a little soap, and then see how clean and good smelling they come out? It’s actually kind of satisfying! Now, I didn’t say I like the folding and putting away part, I just like the “doing” part. Who’s with me?
While I love the smell of my fresh clean clothes, I really dislike knowing that a ton of harsh and “icky” chemicals went into cleaning them. Don’t believe me? Visit the Environmental Working Group’s site and check it out. I dare you to type in your favorite laundry detergent that you’re using right now and see the grade it gets. My favorite that I used to use a few years ago received a big fat F. Yikes! I was shocked when I started typing in other known brands and seeing more and more “F’s.” No good, folks! There are known chemicals in store bought laundry detergent that have developmental and reproductive effects, cause respiratory problems, skin irritations, and allergies. To name just a few!
Yeah, I’ll just go the “no-chem” route myself.
I’ve been making this borax-free liquid laundry detergent from The Hippy Home for the last 2 years, and I gotta say, I love it. I much prefer liquid over powder. But, if I’m being honest, it’s because I don’t want to take the time to grate the soap. Ha! Call me lazy; but really, who has time for that?!
So, as stated above, this recipe is borax-free. I know there are several DIY laundry detergent recipes out there that use borax, but type “borax” into the EWG’s cleaning list, and see the grade it received. You got it; another F. Boo. It got an F because there’s “high concern” for developmental, endocrine, and reproductive effects. Wowza. Since I’d love to have another baby someday, I’ll go ahead and skip that ingredient. I definitely prefer this recipe to all others I’ve seen out there. AND, I have an HE machine and have had zero problems to date! I even add just a tad extra detergent to my loads, too (because, let’s be real; who really measures out the exact amount needed for each load?). That’s just how I roll.
First, I’ll share with you how to make this chemical-free liquid laundry detergent. Then I’ll go into more detail about each ingredient and what it does.
Supplies:
- 2 gallon bucket
- 2 gallons water
- 1/2 cup Super Washing Soda
- 1/2 cup Baking Soda
- 3/4 cup castile soap (I use Dr. Bronner’s in lavender)
- 30 drops of your favorite essential oils (I used lavender and “joy” blend) (more info HERE!)
- Large wooden/plastic spoon to stir (not pictured)
- 2 1-gallon glass containers
STEP 1
First, measure out 1/2 cup of the Super Washing Soda and pour into a 2 gallon bucket. I use this bucket for making this detergent only; I store my supplies in it and just grab it when I need to make more! That way it stays nice and clean and doesn’t get used and dirty with other things.
STEP 2
Add just enough hot tap water to cover the washing soda, and stir well to dissolve.
STEP 3
Measure out and pour 1/2 cup of Baking Soda into the water/washing soda mixture, and stir well to dissolve.
STEP 4
Fill up your bucket all the way to the top with hot tap water, only leaving about 1/2 inch of room on top. Make sure you do this BEFORE adding in your castile soap, or you’ll have a bubbly mess!
STEP 5
Measure and pour into the bucket 3/4 cup of castile soap. My favorite is Dr. Bronner’s, and they have a few different scents. I used lavender because I love how fresh it smells. But, you can also buy unscented and use your favorite essential oils to give it a yummy fresh smell!
STEP 6
Pour in 30 drops of your favorite essential oils! I used 20 drops of lavender, and 10 drops of “joy.” They smell SO good.
STEP 7
Carefully stir everything together until well mixed.
STEP 8
Pour the detergent into jars or bottles. I used a soup ladle to transfer into my big jars, but if your bottle is thinner you can use a funnel.
TO USE:
Pour 1/3 cup of the detergent in with your dirty clothes and wash as normal. Contents might settle to bottom or clump, but just give the bottle a good shake before you use it every time and it’ll be fine. The clumps will break up in the wash. I noticed mine gets clumpier when it’s cold, so I try to keep it in a warmer spot, like under my kitchen sink during the winter.
Your clothes will come out clean, chemical free, and smelling fresh! Woohoo!
So, want to know what all this stuff does in your laundry? First, if you type in any of the ingredients from this recipe in the EWG’s cleaning guide, every single item will get an “A.” Now THAT is the kind of detergent I want to use for my family!
Super Washing Soda: Or, “soda crystals,” are a highly alkaline substance, which means it can boost the effectiveness of laundry detergent especially in areas with hard water (which we totally have!).
Baking Soda: Sodium Bicarbonate is also a detergent booster. It soften clothes, helps keep them bright, and keeps odors at bay!
Castile Soap: This natural soap is made from plant oils. It’s sensitive on skin, biodegradable, and earth friendly. It has SO many more uses than just laundry detergent!
Essential Oils: These not only provide your laundry with delicious smelling scents, but also can have calming properties as well. I used lavender and “Joy” blend in my detergent, and both these oils help to relax and improve moods. Some other lovely essential oils to add that have relaxing properties: orange, tangerine, grapefruit, jasmine, rose, and ylang ylang. What’s your favorite scent?
Did I mention how inexpensive making this detergent actually is? Washing soda and baking soda are INCREDIBLY cheap. As in, a couple of bucks or less. Both my Dr. Bronner’s castile soap and my essential oils last a really long time. Like, my big Dr. Bronner’s bottle has lasted through 4 laundry detergent batches. With 2 gallons each batch, that’s 8 gallons of laundry detergent! I’m not sure exactly how many loads each gallon gives, but it’s a LOT. One gallon lasts me a couple of months at least. My essential oil bottle has also lasted me through all that, and then some! Together the castile soap and EO’s might run you $30, but that’ll last you a LONG time.
So, what’s holding you back from making your own liquid laundry detergent? Here are 5 key reasons to help you ditch your current detergent:
- In the long run, it’s cheaper!
- It’s chemical-free
- You can choose your own scents with you favorite essential oils
- Made with all natural ingredients
- You don’t have to grate any soap!
Convinced yet? 🙂
If you need some essential oils for your own laundry detergent (and want to know how I get mine at wholesale prices), come find out more info HERE! We’d love to have you join our community!
Hope you all have a fabulous weekend my friends!
(I link up at these fun parties!)
Thanks for sharing this recipe, Amanda! I am going to try it! Wishing you a beautiful day, friend!
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Thank you, friend! It really does work great! Hope your weekend is lovely and relaxing! 🙂
Hi, just curious if this detergent is tough on stains? I have three kids and need something that is! Looking forward to trying your recipe soon.
Hi Lourin! I’ll be honest; it’s not the BEST detergent for tough stains. But then again, I only have one little one and we don’t have a ton of stained clothes to wash. It gets our laundry clean and it works for us. Let me know if you do try it and how it works for your family! 🙂
Does it HAVE to be in glass containers?
Hi Britney, it doesn’t HAVE to be glass containers since you’re not doing a ton of essential oils in the detergent. When using essential oils, and a lot of them, they tend to break down plastic. However, I have not had that problem in this detergent. I also store my detergent in a dark place, which also is better for essential oils. If you omit the oils altogether, you definitely don’t have to use glass at all! 🙂
I have used this exact recipe from the hippy home for several years and find that if you use spray and wash or a dab of dawn dish soap on stains, they will come out. I have three kiddos who love to play in the mud and seem to spill anything red on their clothes. Yes, I know spray n wash is not chemical free. But it beats having to throw away stained clothing and using harsher commercial brand detergent. My girls have ultra sensitive skin, as do I, and we no longer have rashes from our laundry soap! I add kosher salt too …it helps keep colors brighter! Love love love this stuff!!
Hi Jesse! I love hearing this! This is the best recipe I’ve ever tried, and I love it still a few years later! I’ve never heard that tip about the dish soap on stains, I’ll have to try that! And the kosher salt idea too, I’ll get that for my next batch! Thanks!! 🙂
I don’t use essential oils…as they are toxic for pets. Is that necessary for the recipe, or is there a natural substitute that you know of? Thanks. I’m excited to try this, though!
Hi Stefani! Great question! There are lots of essentials that are safe for pets, but certainly a handful that are not. If you use 100% PURE essential oils, then “safe” oils will not harm them, such as lavender. However, this recipe definitely does not NEED essential oils in it, and you can absolutely make it without! Let me know when you think of it! 🙂
Does adding salt really help with brightening clothes? How much do I add to the recipe above?
Thanks for your help!
Hi Esperanza! I’ve read that it does help with brightening of the clothes, but I haven’t actually used it before to be honest! But, I’ve read that just adding a tablespoon to your load before starting it can help! 🙂
How much do you normally spend for this recipe?
Hi Ashley! Honestly, I haven’t broken it down exactly. I know, I really need to!! I’ll say though that the Castile soap lasts me about 6 or 7 batches of this, and I’m STILL on the my first large box of washing soda and baking soda and I’ve been making this detergent for 3+ years! So, it really is cost effective. 🙂
Lorin, I’ve made a DIY stain remover that uses peroxide, baking soda, Dawn detergent & water. It gets syrupy. I spray the stain with water, apply the stain remover with a toothbrush and set it aside to penetrate while loading the rest of the clothes.
Could I use bar soap and cook/melt it down instead of the liquid soap?
Hi Kara! I’m not totally sure how well that’d work to be honest, but it’s worth a try! As long as it measures the same amount as using the liquid soap it might work! 🙂 Let me know if you do try it!
I can tell you right now that bar soap has chemicals in it so you’re getting that chemical free soap. The Castile soap is pure and organic.
Dr. Bronner’s makes a pure-castile bar soap in all the same scents. You can use that if you’re concerned about chemicals.
I grate the bar soap and melt it. It works fine!
Thanks for letting me know, Jeanette! I know there have been others who have wondered the same! 🙂
Is it ok to use regular tap water or do you need to use distilled water when making this detergent. I’m so excited to whip up a batch and start using it!!! Many thanks!!
Hi Kaarin, sorry for the delayed response! I use regular tap water in mine and it’s been great. If this was a detergent you were going to use very rarely and it would sit for a long time (couple years I’m thinking),, then I’d be tempted to use distilled water just in case. Otherwise if you go through it quick enough you’ll be fine with tap! 🙂
Honey, you rinse with tap water so why bother buying special water!
I too was wondering about the distilled water because I have a lot of hard water in my area? Stick with distilled or tap is still fine even with the hard water?
Hi Krystal! I’m not totally sure which is best, but if you’re concerned, I’d use distilled water. Hope that helps!
And this is safe for babies? Having my first November 🙂 been looking for better ways to do laundry and save money and one we can all use.
Absolutely, Brianna! I’ve used this on my daughter’s clothes and now on my 4 month old’s clothes since he was born. 🙂 I think it’s much gentler than other detergents! Congratulations on the new baby soon!
Hi Amanda,
I’m making your detergent as I type! Is this supposed to turn out like a watery soap consistency or thicker like syrup? I’m only making a gallon of it and halved the ingredients. Let me know. Thanks for your help!
Hi Danielle, so sorry for the delayed response! It’s more like a watery soap consistency, not like syrup. Hope you like the recipe! 🙂
I just made 12 huge jars of this and it smells amazing and posted it online and one of my friends said it’s not good, doesn’t work bc it made their clothes gross and that it’s just soap not actual detergent. Is this what happens? I’m so sad if so, haha!
Hi Hannah! Hm, well, I’ve been using it for 4+ years and I can say I’ve never ever had a problem with my clothes being gross! I’m not sure exactly what your friend meant, but it of course isn’t like “normal” store bought detergents, because it’s made with no harsh chemicals They don’t smell like perfume or anything because of that, too. But I’ve never had a problem! 🙂 Let me know how you like it or if you have any other questions!
Hi Amanda! I have made this recipe and it is great! Just wanted to see if there is anything I can do to prevent it from thickening. It thickens quite a bit for me a few weeks after making it. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Laura! I’m so glad you like the recipe!! Hm, I’m not sure if there’s a way to prevent thickening, though mine doesn’t thicken up too much. You could always add a little more water to help thin it out? Let me know if that works for you! 🙂
Hi Amanda…..thank you for sharing this diy laundry detergent. Anxious to try it. My question is….do you use any diy dryer sheets or dryer balls or do you just put your clothes in the dryer and with diy detergent, there no need for fabric softener? I have added 1/2 cup of white vinegar in the wash and my clothes do not have any static?
Hi! I use homemade dryer sheets but soaking pieces of fabric in vinegar, but adding vinegar to the end of the wash could also work too! Let me know how you’re liking this detergent! 🙂
Do I put the detergent in the washer part w/the clothes or in the detergent hole? I tried the recipie today but it didn’t wash my clothes very well. I’m afraid that the recipe isn’t thick enough for my washer.
Hi Sam, I usually put the detergent in the detergent spot but you could always try just putting in with the clothes too. What kind of washer do you have? I’ve been using it for several years now and haven’t had any issues with the thickness!
I had no idea that Borax is bad bad bad!! I may have to try your recipe soon since I’m running out of Borax anyway. I’m assuming the recipe cleans well since you’ve used it for 2 years. That’s always my concern when trying homemade laundry detergents. Thanks for sharing!
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Me neither, Selene! I had found a recipe awhile ago and was all set to make it, but I didn’t know what borax was. So, I researched it and found it’s actually banned in some parts of Europe! I had no idea! This detergent does clean well, and my clothes always smell fresh. I hear you though, I was skeptical too when I first tried it. I won’t ever go back to anything else! 🙂 Enjoy your weekend!
We use borax in Texas to keep away scorpions and spiders, even snakes…essentially it is used as a pesticide. Also can mix with a little sugar and baking soda or light corn syrup if you have roaches or ants and it kills them…so in my opinion I don’t use it in my laundry lol
Eeek, Becca! That’s crazy, which is why I definitely don’t like using borax in my detergent as well! Hope you like this recipe! 🙂
Its SO scary to think what is in some of the stuff we use!! This looks great and I bet its super cheap to make, too!
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I know, right?! I never was this conscious about chemicals, but now that I’ve been doing some research, it’s amazing what’s in the everyday stuff we don’t even think about! it definitely super cheap, too. I just love how long it lasts! 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend!
I have been wanting to make my own laundry detergent for so long, but honestly was not thrilled about grating soup. I also really like the liquid detergent and didn’t know if I could switch to powered. This is the perfect solution!
Adding this to my to-do list!
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Woohoo! This stuff is really great, I think you’ll love it, Melanie! I definitely hated the grating soap step; it was what put me off to making my own detergent, until I found this recipe! Let me know what you think of it! 🙂 Happy Sunday!
Well, I am definitely trying that! I’ve suddenly developed all kinds of sensitivity to various chemicals, so going natural with the laundry and other cleaners has been a must. It’s hard finding just the right recipes for our family. Here’s hoping this one is a hit. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Suzanne! I’m so sorry to hear your allergies to chemicals, that’s awful! I’ve been loving going the more natural route, because it’s so nice to know I’m doing my daughter (and us, too!) a great service! I hope you enjoy this recipe, I think it works great! Let me know if you do make it! 🙂
Can you use this detergent in an HE machine?
Hi Lori! I have an HE machine and use it with no problem. I even put a little extra soap, and have never had any issues. But, I don’t recommend putting extra, just in case! 😉 Hope that helps! 🙂
How much do you use in you HE front loader per load? 1/8 cup, 1/4 cup??? Thanks
Hi Kacey, I have a top load but I’ve always used 1/4 cup with no problems! If you have a smaller load you can adjust accordingly. 🙂 Hope that helps!
Do you put it in the little dispenser on the washer, or pour it into the drum directly?
Hi Janeen! I put the detergent right into the dispenser, but you could also probably put it in the drum directly, too! Whichever you feel more comfortable with! 🙂
This is exactly what I need! Thanks for sharing the recipe — pinned! 🙂
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Thanks, Dee! I hope you love it as much as I do! 🙂 Have a fab week!
My mother in law has an LG HE washer and dryer. She’s concerned that this detergent is not HE washer and dryer friendly. Is there a website I could go to and prove this to her?
Hi Kendra, there’s not a website that I know of to prove it to her, but you could google the different ingredients and see if something comes up? I have an HE washer and dryer and have had no problems whatsoever, and I’ve been using this detergent for 3 years now! Hope that helps a little!
I use regular laundry detergent in them and i have not had a problem since I bought the machine in 2007
Going to try this forsure! Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you! Let me know what you think if you do. 🙂 Hope your week is great!
Thanks so much for posting this, it’s EXACTLY what I’ve been waiting for! I’ve been wanting to try making my own liquid detergent for months now, but could never find one that didn’t have Borax in it! I’ll definitely be whipping up a batch of this!
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Thank you!! Yay! I looked long and hard for a good recipe too, and I’m so glad I found this one! It’s been working really great for us! Hope you like it, too! Hope you have a great week. 🙂
Hi Amanda! I made the detergent and love it! I wrote a little review and how-to and wanted to share it with ya! 🙂 Thanks again so much for sharing this!!
Draven recently posted…5 Minute All-Natural Laundry Detergent {Borax Free!}
Thank you SO much for the review and for mentioning me in your post!! I’m so glad you like the detergent. It really is wonderful stuff! 🙂 Hope you’re having a great week!
Another Dee here! I’ve recently started using Young Living, and now I can’t stand artificial fragrances. I made some powdered detergent (grated the soap in my food processor), but will try this next. My question is, what do you use for your dryer sheets?
Hi Dee! Ha, that’s awesome! Funny how the real deal is SO much better, right?! For my dryer sheets, I use pieces of fabric in a vinegar/lavender oil solution. I use this recipe from Katie at View from the Fridge: http://viewfromthefridge.com/homemade-dryer-sheets/ Let me know what you think! 🙂
Hi Dee!
Just food for thought. I used wool dryer balls.
I find that they work amazing as long as you don’t over fill the dryer (wink, wink)
I use the wool balls too!!! I also put my EOs on them as well… a couple drops per ball & your good to go!,,
I love this! I have my homemade laundry soap that is dry and with borax and though I love it, I never did the research into the borax and now you have me freaking out. 🙂 Grating the soap by hand would be tedious but I put mine into the food processors. Wam Bam thank you mam!.
I will be trying your recipe when I run out of my current supply.
Thanks for sharing. Coming to you from: http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2015/03/one-project-at-a-time-31715.html
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Thank you, Jen! Ha, good idea, I never thought of a food processor!! Duh! THAT wouldn’t be near as bad as grating by hand. 😉 I had no idea about borax, either! I’m glad I did a little research. Now it makes me wonder what ELSE is bad for me that I don’t even know about! Hope you have an awesome day!
I’ve always wanted to try to make my own detergent. Thanks!
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You’re welcome, Alyssa! Hope you like this recipe as much as I do. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
This is a really great idea, and I am going to try it out. Just a pet peeve, this says chemical free over and over again. It is absolutely not chemical free. Water is a chemical (HO2). Oxygen is a chemical (O). Washing soda is a chemical (Na2CO3), and so on. Using the “chemical free” term is so misleading.
I think you’ll like this recipe, it works great! Thanks for pointing that out! However, when I say “chemical-free,” I’m referring to it being free of harsh chemicals that that can be harmful to us. The phrase “chemical-free” is a widely used marketing term to show that a product is safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly, such as this liquid laundry detergent. Thanks for visiting!
I love the idea of natural cleaning products! I assume since this is natural it would be safe for washing baby clothes? Would there be any oils to avoid for little ones clothes?
Absolutely, Carolyn! I use this on my toddler’s clothes too, and have for the last year or so. It’s pretty gentle, and you can even use the Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild version which is unscented to make it even more gentle. I think most oils are good for the little ones, but that’s a great question! I might stay away from ones like peppermint and wintergreen just in case, those can be pretty strong. I’d assume all others are safe. 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
I always think I don’t have time to make my own cleaners, but you make it look pretty easy! Thanks for linking up at The Creative Circle!
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Thank you! They really are easy, and less expensive! 🙂 Hope your day is great!
This is the first DIY liquid detergent I’ve seen. Thank you for sharing your post with us at Totally Terrific Tuesday Link Party. If you haven’t linked up this week, be sure to stop by. The party is still going on! Enjoy the rest of your week!
Christie ~ Sparkles of Sunshine
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Thank you, Christie! Thanks for hosting a great party, too! 🙂
I’ve gotta get on the essential oil bandwagon! I love homemade laundry detergent, I make a powdered version.
Thanks for sharing at Talented Tuesday! Hope to see you again this week 🙂
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You totally do! They are so amazing and have some really great benefits. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Have you ever tried this using thieves household cleaner ?
Hi Nicole, I have not tried the Thieves household cleaner for laundry, I don’t think it’d work too well! Young Living does have a Thieves laundry detergent, and it works very nicely!
Hi Amanda !
Just made my own liquid laundry detergent using your recipe and it seems very… Liquid. Water kind of liquid. Way more than yours.
I’m worried it won’t “work”. :/
Hi! Don’t worry!! It is super watery, and that’s ok. All you’ll need to do is just shake it up real good before you use it! Let me know how it works for you! 🙂
Hi ! So I’ve been using your recipe of liquid laundry detergent for about 3 months now and I LOVE IT
Extra cheap, super easy to make, and (most important) actually wash. I don’t add any EO so my laundry just smells clean and this is really what I was aiming for. Perfect. Thank you very much !
Hi Jaalie!! Yay!! That makes my heart happy to you love it and that it’s working so great for you! It’s totally cheap and easy, which I love, too! And it works really well! Thank you for your experience with me, I’m so glad! 🙂
I made this recipe and it seems to keep breaking apart. As in the water on top and the baking soda on the bottom…… Do u stir yours every time you use it? I followed your directions, but maybe I did something wrong
Hi DeSarae, don’t worry, you did everything right! It does separate as it sits longer, but just give it a little shake or stir before you use it, and it’ll still work just as great! 🙂
Am I able to make the detergent in the jar directly? I do not have a gallon bucket, thanks!
Hi Kimberly! You could make it in the jar, although you’d probably need to have two jars that are exactly a gallon each, and you’d have to split the ingredients exactly in half into each jar, if that makes sense! The gallon bucket is just really helpful for measuring. I think you can even pick one up for a couple bucks at any hardware store! But, it’s not a complete necessity. 🙂 Let me know if that helps!
Hi! Do you have to use glass jars/bottles to store it in or would plastic be okay?
Thank you!
Hi Gina!! Glass would be the best option as sometimes the essential oils can eat through plastic. However, I have yet to find great glass jars that make it easy to scoop out, so I’ve been storing mine in old plastic laundry containers. A slight no-no, but I haven’t had any issues yet! Let me know if you find any great glass jars that work well! 🙂
Where do you get the jars?
Hi Jess, I got this jar at Walmart actually! Hobby Lobby also has a great selection of jars, too. 🙂
Thank you for this recipe, so easy. My only question is in the HE washer can you put in the soap compartment or do you have to put right with clothes. Passing this on to family and friends. Thanks again.
Patty
Hi Patty! I’m not sure, to be honest! In my washer, there is no soap compartment, I just put it right with the clothes. If your washer has a soap compartment, I don’t see why you couldn’t put it in there instead. I’m sorry that’s not much help! Let me know how the recipe works for you if you try it! Have a great week. 🙂
Hi,
I just made this laundry soap on Father’s Day. I just got around to washing clothes today. A few of the clothes don’t seem “clean” enough. What can I add to help get them cleaner, either more washing soda or Castile soap? Let me know if you can thanks!
Hi Sheila! I’m so glad you tried it out! Hmm, that’s a great question. Don’t be afraid to try a little more than the 1/3 cup, too. I always put more in with each load! You might try a tad more washing soda perhaps? I’m not totally for sure if that would help, but it’s worth a shot! Let me know how it works! 🙂
Where did you get your jars? I’m hoping to make some next week but don’t know where to get them. Last round of homemade laundry detergent I just used old plastic milk jugs. Would that work?
Hi Chandler, I got my jars at Hobby Lobby, but I’ve seen them at Walmart as well. I used to use old vinegar jugs too, and actually after using the glass, I prefer them! Normally essential oils need to be in glass because they can break down the plastic and lose their properties, but because there’s not a lot of essential oils in the detergent, the plastic jugs should be ok! 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
Hi there, I was wondering if you could tell me where you get the Castile soap. I’ve only ever seen the bar kind. I apologize if this question is already been answered in the comments I didn’t take the time to look through. I really like the idea of using this laundry detergent and I’m planning to make some. Thank you!
Hi Lindsay! I don’t think anyone has asked that, so you’re right to ask! 🙂 I find mine at our Fred Meyer in the organic section (it’s also Kroger in other states). I’ve also seen it at Whole Foods. If you don’t have those near you, you can also get it on Amazon! Let me know if you get to make some and home you like it! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Target also carries dr bronners
You can also buy the castile soap bar, grate it with a cheese grater and dissolve it in water to make a liquid version. There are several tutorials online.
Thank you, Jamie! That’s a great tip! I wanted to make it easier without having to take the extra step to grate the soap, so I used liquid, however if if you aren’t able to find the liquid then grating is a great solution! I bet it’s even cheaper, too. 🙂
Great article! I use mixture of lavender and orange oil usually. It is amazing combination. You should try. I hope I was useful. Best regards!
Thank you, Lindsey! lavender and orange are both great choices to add to this recipe! Thanks for stopping by!
I am loving this recipe to split with my sister but she has really bad allergies to smells like lavendaer. Does the recipe still work if you omit the essential oils? Thanks!!
Hi Dawn! The recipe will still work perfectly without the oil! You can use unscented castile soap too, just in case the smell in that gets to her, too!
Planning on making this tonight, do you see any problems with re-using the liquid laundry detergent jugs. (like the gallon jugs of Tide)?
Hi Rose! I don’t see any problem with that at all, in fact I just did that for my last batch, too! Just make sure you have enough jugs, as this detergent makes two gallons. You might need two to fill them up! Let me know how it goes or if you have any more questions! 🙂
Hi! Thanks for the post. I have done this and it works great for my clothes but my husband works in construction and the detergent is not strong enough to get rid of the smell. Do you have any tips for it? More Castile with smell or more Essencial oil?
If I put too much will it ruin the clothes?
Thanks!
Hi Bianca! So glad to hear you use this detergent! You can absolutely use scented castile soap to help, or, definitely use more essential oil. There’s one oil Young Living sells that is called Purification, and it is SO great to getting smells out! You can also just add extra of whichever you use too, and hopefully that will help! It shouldn’t ruin the clothes. Let me know how it works! 🙂
Hi! I’m just trying y make this now but have run into a problem…not sure d anyone else had experienced this. I mixed the washing soda and water, then added the baking soda and it set completely solid almost instantly, it looks like it might dissolve slowly. Any idea what I did wrong?
Hi Sarah! Did you use warm water to mix the washing soda and baking soda into? I think the warmer the water the quicker it will dissolve. Keep stirring (maybe even use a whisk?) and it should eventually dissolve!! Let me know if you have any more questions!
Just tried and this happened twice to me. What did you end up doing different so it didn’t solidify?
Hi Stacy, to keep my detergent from solidifying I keep it in a warmer room or in a cupboard. Our laundry room gets chilly, and it tends to chunk up more when cold. I also give it a really good shake before each use. Hope that helps!
Just tried making this! I cut the recipe in half to try just 1 gallon at a time. I don’t see any suds in my washer…? Is yours usually like this? I just want to make sure my clothes are getting clean!
Hi Liz! Great idea to cut it in half, especially if you’re just trying it out! Yep, it’s not crazy sudsy, but you should probably see SOME suds in the washer. How much did you put in with the load? My washer is a low-water one, and maybe I see more suds because of that. Let me know, we can figure it out! 🙂
Hi! I just came across this article on Pinterest ???? question: are any of these ingredients used as fabric softner? If not, is there something I could add? Or what do you recommend??
Hi Caitleigh! I don’t think any of the ingredients in this detergent act as a fabric softener, however vinegar actually works as one! I’ve read you can put in like 1/4 to 1/2 cup into the fabric softener compartment, and it works great. You can even add in a couple drops of essential oils to the vinegar too, however your clothes won’t come out smelling like vinegar at all. Hope that helps! 🙂
This may have been asked but can this be put in a he laundry soap compartment or do you just pour in the machine on clothes?
Hi Jennifer! I used this detergent for two years in my older HE washer, and I just put the laundry soap right in with my clothes (there wasn’t a compartment). We just moved and our new washer is a new HE one, and I just put it right into the laundry soap compartment. Haven’t had an issue! 🙂 I say just try whatever your machine accepts best! 🙂
I want to sign up for essential oils but when I put in your ID # it says it’s not valid.
Hi Jolie! I’ll e-mail you right now to help figure it out! 🙂
I just saw your site listed on my stats. Thanks for linking to me. I am still making this detergent. I started out with grating the bars of soap, but not for me! This recipe is easy and cost effective.
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Hi Gina!! Absolutely!! This detergent is my favorite, and I’ve been making it for a couple of years now. It’s all we use! SO much cheaper, and I love knowing exactly what’s in it. I felt safe using it on my little one’s clothing when she was born. So happy I found it! 🙂
I see you write that it is HE friendly… Is it front loader friendly, too? Has anyone tried it over a long period with a front loader?
My fear is that the soap will get clogged or jam up in the tubes within the machine. Hoping to avoid that, but VERY interested in this recipe. I’ve been searching for a Borax free DIY liquid recipe for some time now!
Thanks,
Heidi
Hi Heidi! I’m not completely sure if it is front loader friendly too. My HE washer is top loading, so I can’t say for sure. I’ll do some research and let you know if I can find any answers! 🙂
Has anyone tried the bar Castile Soap with this recipe?
Hi Mary Beth! I’m not sure to be honest. It might not work as well with this recipe, but I’m not totally for sure! If you give it a try, let me know how it works! 🙂
Did you ever find a definitive answer in front loading HE?
Hi Wendy, I have not found a definitive answer unfortunately. I have an HE washer and have had no problems, although mine is top loading and I don’t know if that’s a huge difference or not! I’ll keep researching!
I use this in my front loading HE was he. The only problem I’ve ever had was when the detergent solidified, iet too big a chunk sit in the detergent cup and it didn’t dissolve. So I scooped it out and washed again. Smaller chunks have not been an issue. I use peppermint Dr. Bronners and skip the essential oils, and I add maybe a teaspoon or so of vinegar to the fabric softener compartment. The funny thing is that since I’ve been using this, that mildew smell the front loading machines tend to get has disappeared.
Hi Liana! So glad you love this detergent!! I’ve had the same problem once or twice, so I just have to make sure I give my jug a big shake before pouring into my machine so it doesn’t clump up too much. So glad your machines are even cleaner! I find the same in my own, but I have top loading. Yay for no more mildew smells. 🙂
the only thing I don’t like about this recipe is that arm and hammer products test on animals… do you recommend an animal friendly recipe or subsitution you can use that doesn’t test on animals?
Hi Danielle, I had no idea about that, thanks for sharing that info! I don’t know of another animal friendly recipe or substitution, but my only suggestion would be to Google it. I’ll research it, too!
Hi. I’m wondering if you think this detergent would “pour” through a spout on a beverage dispenser? I’m thinking of the glass ones with the lever at the bottom that you pull to pour a drink?. How thick does it actually get compared to store bought detergents? Thanks!!
Hi Stephanie! Unfortunately, I don’t think it would. If the lever at the bottom was quite large it might be ok, but it would be hard to shake the detergent for every use, and it does have some clumping that might get stuck. I wish it would work, I’d much rather use a dispenser like that for mine! It does stay thin, just chunky. I just give it a good shake every time I use it! Hope that helps!
I thought from the picture that a levered container is what you’re using so I bought one. It does work, but before use I stir the container with a big ladle or give it a big shake. I store mine on top of the dryer so warm enough! 😉
So glad to know it does work, I need a different glass container! The one I had used for a while in my pictures is just too difficult to shake every time. Thanks for the tip! 🙂
I made this receipe and found it to be easy to make and cost effective. My question is that both my husband and son complain about static electricity when they wear certainfabrics. Have you had this issue? Any suggestions on how to correct this?
Hi Rachel, so glad you love this recipe! I haven’t had a problem with static electricity that I’ve noticed. I do use reusable homemade dryer sheets (these ones: http://viewfromthefridge.com/homemade-dryer-sheets/) and that helps. Let me know if that helps you, too! 🙂
Love it! I made some of this as a trial run into using more EO in homemade products (soap, face moisturizer, laundry products, etc). I handed them out as samples for ladies in my mom’s group. The laundry soap was a big hit! Especially for baby poop stains (and smelly man clothes). I make it in small enough half batches that last me about 2 weeks. Thanks!
Thanks so much for sharing this with me, Laurie! Such a smart idea to give out samples to your ladies group, and I’m so glad to hear they loved it! 🙂
Good post.
Thank you, Lara!
Hi Amanda! This is a wonderful post and just what I was looking for 🙂 How has it fared with your delicates? Is it safe for delicate fabrics? Can’t wait to try it!
Hi Christina! I haven’t had any issues whatsoever on my delicates using this detergent. 🙂 I’d say it’s pretty safe for most delicate fabrics! Hope it works as well for you as it does for us! 🙂
I just started using your laundry detergent recipe and love it. I am finding the glass jars hard to work with–heavy to move, hard to shake and one just cracked (which I can’t figure out why.!) I didn’t use EO so would it be okay to store in a plastic container?
Hi Jennifer! I’m so glad you love this recipe! I totally agree, the glass jars are definitely hard to use for detergent in general. You can absolutely put it in plastic, and since you omitted the essential oils, you should have no problem at all! In the past I’ve just saved old Tide detergent bottles because they’re big enough to hold it all! 🙂
If you use BPA free plastic then there is no problem with using EO. All my cleaning products which include EO are in BPA free plastic with no problems at all. Now if you only were use EO in plastic then you would have a problem.
Kat, I think it depends on the brand of EO’s. I use Young Living’s EO’s in a cleaning product as well and after about a month of it being in a plastic bottle, it ate through the bottom and was leaking in my cupboard. Sometimes different brands are more “potent” and pure than others.
This is the BEST laundry detergent I’ve ever used! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Yay Alissa! That makes me so happy to hear that!! Glad you love it as much as I do. 🙂
I loved your recipe so much that I featured it in my blog!
https://paintingarrows.wordpress.com/2016/01/15/15-super-easy-castile-soap-recipes-for-a-chemical-free-home/
Yay! Thanks Deja, I’m so glad you loved it so!! 🙂
Hello Amanda. I was wondering if you use EO do u have to use glass jars. I have a Gain jug that has a spigot on it and was wondering if I could use that instead. I have been considering about making my own laundry detergent and i am trying to be more chemical-free due to me and my husband thinking about starting a family.
Hi Cheyenne! Essential oils can break down plastic if stored in it, however, since there isn’t a large concentrated amount of oils in this recipe, I sometimes cheat and put mine in an old detergent bottle, too. I shouldn’t, but I haven’t had any problems and sometimes it’s just easier for pouring! I will say that since this detergent can get clumpy, a spigot might not work as well. 🙂
Not if the EO are diluted which they would be. Ten drops to 1 gallon is not going to break down the plastic.
I have been making this detergent for a few months now and I love it! It gets my husbands stinky work cloths clean with no problem. I use lavender and lemon eo in mine, is there some reason why it should not be stored in a plastic container?
That’s so awesome, Karrie!! We love it too, and I love how well it cleans our clothes minus all the nasty chemicals! Because essential oils are so pure, they can actually break down the plastic it’s stored in. However, I admit I get lazy and put mine in plastic sometimes and haven’t had any issues! 🙂
Does this work well in high efficiency washers where you use less detergent?
Hi Margie! I have a HE washer and have had no problems with it! 🙂
I was wondering if store bought liquid laundry detergent could be used in place of Castile soap… I know, I know, kind of defeats the purpose of it being chemical free and all, but since I have yet to find a place around me with good Castile soap that isn’t real expensive, and my mother has a large thing of Tide, I was thinking of trying it out, just to see if I could ‘extend’ the premade stuff with this recipe.
Hi Sarah! Hmm, that’s a really good question!! I’m not sure to be honest. You could certainly make a super small batch with it and see how it works out. I use Dr. Bronner’s castile soap, and Amazon actually sells it in a 32oz bottle for a really great price!! Here’s the link: http://amzn.to/1SLlZaR (affiliate link). Hope that helps!
Amazon carries Castile soap and it is not that expensive since you are only using 3/4 of a cup. And you get it organic. Seems kind of silly to make the soap if it isn’t going to be chemical free.
Is there a printable version of the article, perhaps without photos to save toner?
Hi Lisa! I don’t have a printable option (though that’s a great idea!), but what you can do is copy and paste the whole page into a Word document, and then delete all the pictures so you just have the words. Hope that helps! 🙂
Mine came out cloudy? Did I do something wrong… Like it looks like white clouds floating around?
Hi Leslie, mine is cloudy too. Mine also gets a little clumpy, but shaking it up before each use should fix that problem, as well as storing it someplace that doesn’t get too cold! It still works great. 🙂
arm and hammer soda small box has alumunum in which is a heavy metal can cause breast cancer but if you buy a big amount box at Sams Club it states on front of box no aluminum organic would be a good choice too
Thanks for that info Diane, I didn’t know that!! I’ll make sure to get the aluminum free next time I make this!! 🙂
Do you think this is not much of an issue after its run through the dryer though? I’m sure if wearing the clothes while wet will cause you to absorb aluminum in the product but what about once the clothes are completely dried?
Hi Alyson, I’m not exactly sure what you’re referring to?
How much do you have to use to get breast cancer? one oz.? one gallon? 20 gallons? Do we really know? If I’m not mistaken, most testing of chemicals are done in very large quantities, so large that the average person would never use the amount in their lifetime.
Good afternoon, I tried to make the soap twice, but each time I did after I put in the baking soda it formed solid chunks. I think it was the baking soda because the washing soda was dissolved already. I couldn’t break the chunks up either. I was mixing in 2 cup glass measuring cup. I wasn’t sure if more water really would change the chunk issues. Any help would be great.
Hi Rebekah, when I make mine I make sure to use really hot water in the bottom to dissolve both the washing soda and the baking soda. You can even go as far as boiling a little water and dissolving the sodas in there first, but hot tap water should do the trick. It MAY get chunky after you make it and it sits for a bit, but that’s normal! Let me know if you have any more trouble! 🙂
I made this in a huge 2 gallon glass jar and it looked awesome and I store it underneath my sink in my kitchen. Today however I opened up my sink and there is like white flakes in it. And it looked like a jellyfish tentacles in some of them….. Is that ok? Any suggestions on how to fix it? Thanks.
Hi Danielle! Mine separates like that too and has “floaties,” but once you give it a real good shake it’ll be just fine! Sometimes storing it under a sink can make it clump more, depending on how cold it is! It should still work great though. 🙂
Just wondering about using plain tap water. Everything I’ve read about making things with water, the subject of germs, and germs growing in things made with plain water. Shouldn’t one use distilled water, or perhaps boil water when making water based substances?? Help, because it really concerns me about the possibility of germy anything including laundry detergent. Thanks.
Hi Diane! To be honest, I’m not really sure on tap water vs distilled. I’ve always used tap water and have never had a problem with germs or anything happening to the detergent, but you could absolutely use distilled water if you’re concerned! Hope that helps! 🙂
Thanks for the recipe. LOVE it.
Yay! Thanks Linda, so glad you love it too! 🙂 Have a great week!
Ah! I am all over this! I found a bunch of DIY detergents too, but many people were still putting a bunch of chemicals in there. For me, if I’m DIY’ing it, I’m going au natural!
Question: any ideas for fabric softener sheets or anti-static stuffs in the dryer/post laundering? We have a lot of clothes in our house that need this.
Thanks so much for posting!
Hi Ukti! Yay! I’m with you, I’d rather do without the harsh chemicals and go more natural. The fabric softener that I used is literally just pieces of fabric soaked in vinegar with essential oils. This is what I make: http://viewfromthefridge.com/homemade-dryer-sheets/.
Hope that helps! 🙂 Have a great week!
I have a front loader HE washer and like to use the economy wash (cold water wash) to save money wherever possible. Does this work on cold watch washes? I’ve already made a batch and it works great on normal warm water. It’s also helping keep my washer clean. I’ve never seen my washer so clean with no waxy build up! It’s awesome love it!
Hi Alina! I use it on all my clothes and in all water temps and have always had great results! I’m so glad you love it!! 🙂
Do you have one for powdered? Also how long does this last ?
Hi Friedrice, I don’t have a recipe like this for powder, I personally prefer liquid. I’ll keep an eye out for one! This recipe lasts me a few months. I need to keep better track of that! 🙂
Found your laundry soap recipe on Pinterest about a month ago. Made it as directed and scented it with lavender and bergamot. I also used lavender castle soap. I love the fresh smell my laundry has when I use it! I probably won’t go back to “commercial” laundry soap. Thanks for the great recipe!
I meant castille soap. My auto spell keeps changing the spelling!
🙂 🙂
Yay!! I’m so happy to hear that, Jane!! I’ll never go back to the “commercial” detergent either, this is a winner in my book. I’ve been using it for a few years now! So glad you love it! 🙂
does anyone know exactly how much this cost make and how many loads its for? how long does this last? i make the powder kind with the borax and it last me almost 9 months and cost around 20.00. and i have a family of 4
Hi Kristy! I haven’t had the chance to take the inventory of cost and how many loads, but when I do make another batch I will keep a closer eye so I can add in that info to the recipe! I can say it does last us several months for sure, but I don’t know exact. Hope that helps a little! 🙂
I know that this comment is late from the post, but I have seen some people say that using Castile soap as laundry detergent causes grease stains on clothing. Has this happened to anyone? I’m thinking that maybe the water, baking soda, and super washing soda dilute the soap. I’m super excited to try this recipe, but don’t want to ruin my clothes in the process!
Hi Lilee! I’ve used this detergent for a few years now and haven’t had any problems at all with grease stains. It works great and gets our clothes clean! Hope you love the recipe, too! 🙂
Hi! I just made this and mine seems kind of liquidy? Like not a gel consistency at all like I see in the pictures. Does it have to cool for some time or is there a trick? Thank you!
Hi Olivia! Don’t worry at all, mine is totally liquidy too. It doesn’t really congeal and become like a gel like most store bought detergents. I just shake it up real well before each use and it works great! 🙂
THANK YOU for this! I have been searching and searching for a laundry detergent recipe that doesn’t involve grating bar soap or using borax. I am SO pumped to try this!!
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Yay Kiersten! So happy to hear that! I think you’ll love this recipe. 🙂 I was with you, there was no way I was going to grate any soap, so this recipe has been my total favorite. Let me know what you think! 🙂
Hi,
I just made this detergent and i am supper excited to use it!! I used the lavender castiles soap and lavender essential oils so it smells amazing! But mine is very watery, I was curious if it was supposed to be thicker or if it thickes up after awhile ?
Thanks!
Hi Kelsey! Don’t worry, it’s supposed to be pretty watery. 🙂 It definitely won’t gel up like store-bought detergents. Just give it a good shake before each use and it’ll work great! Let me know what you think of it! 🙂
LOVE this detergent! I made a half batch if this recipe about 7 weeks ago. I just now had to make a second “half batch”. This lasted me through 35 loads of laundry and cost me about $2.90 to make which ends up being about $.08 per load. I would compare this to norwex detergent. There is no smell (unless you use EO) and your clothes come out clean. This is not for stain removing. I always pre-treat stains before washing.
Yay Amy!! I’m so glad you love it, and thanks for the breakdown of what it cost you!! I have yet to figure that all out. 😉 It really is cheap to make though and lasts quite a while. 🙂
Have you ever added bleach to the laundry also while using this??
Hi Laura! I don’t really use a lot of bleach with my laundry, but I’d say it wouldn’t hurt anything if you did use bleach! Let me know if you do and how it works! 🙂
Is this safe for baby clothes?
Any idea if this would be safe for cloth diapers/wipes?
Absolutely, Heather! In fact with my first baby I washed all her clothes in the special “Dreft” detergent, but then did research and found I didn’t want that on my baby’s skin. For this second baby, I’ve washed all his clothes in this homemade detergent and I feel better about him wearing them knowing exactly what’s in the detergent. 🙂
Is this safe for cloth diapers and wipes? Also does it need to be used in warm water? I have used some in the past that if you wash in cold it leaves a film.
Hi Michelle! I use cloth diapers as well and to be honest, I don’t use this on them and I haven’t tried. I’m so worried about the diapers losing their “absorbency” since we invested quite a lot into them and we wash them so often that I stick to the detergent the brand recommends (an all-natural one). However, since this detergent is pretty mild I’d say it would be fine, I just haven’t tried it yet! When I do I’ll check back and let you know. 🙂
Hi again! Thanks so much for your link to dryer sheets as well. We are having fun laundering up over here in chemical-free style! I’m wondering if anyone has tried this with cloth diapers? We have a little one on the way and I keep seeing only chemical homemade options to wash cloth diapers. Thought I would refer back to you again, laundry guru!
Do you know if this is safe for babies? I’m pregnant and want to wash all my babies clothes and if I’m able to use this that would be great.
Nevermind! Just read above my comment and got my answer ????. I’ll blame the pregnancy brain while I still can!
Haha! Girl, no worries, I’m RIGHT there with you on the preggo brain!! 🙂 Hope you love this recipe!
Can I use vinegar in the rinse cycle or will it cause the soap to break down and ruin my clothes or clog the drain? The castile bottle says use vinegar in the rinse cycle. I made this last night and really loved the recipe!
Hi Tina, you can totally use vinegar as the rinse! I just put vinegar right into my fabric softener spot in the washer and it works great. So glad you loved the recipe! 🙂
Hi, first of all thank you for your liquid recipe. It is one of the simplest I have seen on Pinterest as it does not involve any “melting” of bar soaps. It only took me ten minutes to stir and make. I wanted to ask if you have ever used any other brand of essential oils to make your soap? I used the “Now” brand lavender pure from Sprouts Market but it appears to have stained my clothes. I will probably make it without the essential oils next time but just want to know if anyone has had this issue. I may have put too many drops in also.
Hi Salena! So glad you like this detergent! I agree, it’s super easy to make rather than melting any bars of soap. I’ve only ever used Young Living brand, and have never had a problem with any stains on our clothes from them. The detergent will work perfectly well without the oils though, too! 🙂
IF you use Dr. Bronner’s scented soap do you still need to use the oils?
Hi Anesia, using essential oils is totally up to you! I use lavender Dr. Bronner’s sometimes and still use lavender essential oil too, but it’s totally optional. 🙂 Just depends on how much scent you’d like!
I made this yesterday, but I’m not sure if I did it right because the consistency is like water…Is that how it’s supposed to be, or is it supposed to be gel-like? Help! lol
I attempted making this, but is seems too watery. Is it supposed to be more gel-like? Help! Lol
Hi Glenna! It will definitely be watery, so yours is just fine! 🙂 Mine is watery too, but rest assured it works just wonderfully. 🙂
I really like this recipe. We have a family of 4 total, so we don’t go through this super fast and don’t have a huge amount of space to store the extra. I changed it to make 1/2 gallon at a time and use one of the pitchers from Pampered Chef which has the mixer/plunger in it. Since I don’t use the EOs in mine I don’t worry about it being in the plastic. I can mix it before every use and since it is clear I always know when I need to make the next batch.
Thanks for sharing your experience with this detergent, Nancy! I love the idea of putting it into a pitcher like that, that’s so smart! And great idea cutting it in half, too. So glad it works well for you! 🙂
Does this detergent suffice for a fabric softener as well or is there a recipe for that? I’m really excited to try this out!!
Hi Emma! This doesn’t work well as a fabric softener, however I’ve used just plain vinegar as fabric softener in the past and it works great! It doesn’t leave the vinegar smell, either! Hope you love this detergent as much as I do! 🙂
Making my second batch! I was the only one using it as the rest of the family figured it was just a hippy thing. They ran out of the chemicals they were using and tried mine. They fell in love! Thanks for sharing this. It’s really inexpensive and works greatk
Haha! I love hearing that, Kat! It’s totally not just a “hippy thing.” 😉 I’m so glad you love it as much as we do! 🙂
So I tried making this and it took the color out of my clothes…. looks likeI added bleach but I didnt…. any one else have this problem? My husbands work clothes are ruined now ????????
Ack! I’m so sorry, Kristen! I haven’t had that problem before, I’m not sure why that would have happened! I hope it didn’t ruin your clothes!
I made this recipe – it was so easy! But in my container, it has separated and it looks nasty whatever is on the top. I have tried shaking it. Nothing seems to work. What do you think went wrong? Or is this normal?
Hi Val! Glad you liked the recipe! It’s definitely not a clear liquid, it will have some clumps. I just give mine a really good shake before each use and it helps. It’s not perfect and is still a little clumpy, but it works like a charm! Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂
I’m trying to figure out how to prevent all the clumping. I’m wondering if I could add the Dr. Bronner’s soap to the wash separately instead of mixing it with the other ingredients. It looks like it comes out to less than a teaspoon of Dr. Bronner’s soap per load. Am I doing the math correctly? That’s not much at all.
Hi Nancy! Unfortunately there isn’t much of a way to prevent the clumping. If you can give it a really good shake before you pour and use, it does help. I also make sure all my powder is dissolved in hot water when I make the detergent. I don’t know exactly how well it’d work to add the castile soap separately, but you could certainly try! Let me know how it works!
Hi! I am interested in making this! Is it ok to use in HE washers?
Hi Angela! While I can’t guarantee it’s totally safe, I can say that I have used it in my HE washer for the past few years with no problems! 🙂
Hi! Just a quick question! Do I pour the detergent into the detergent compartment of my washing machine or straight into the washing machine together with the clothes? Thank you!
Hi Xenia, I just pour it into my detergent compartment, but I’d say do what you would do with normal detergent! 🙂
And one more question.. If I were to grate soap into this (since liquid soap is not available to me) would you happen to know how much soap/water I would need for this detergent to still work? I make my own Castile soap and then grate it to make liquid soap but I’m not sure the analogy of my homemade liquid soap would do the same trick as the ready liquid Castile soap you are using!
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Hi Xenia! That’s a great question… and I’m not sure, to be honest! If you melt the grated soap, you could try to just use the same amount of the liquid as the liquid castile soap I use, however I’m not sure if it’s more or less concentrated. If you can’t find it in any stores, you can also find it on Amazon! Hope that helps!
Hi I made this and used it in my HE machine. It doesn’t seem to dissolve and leaves globs in the dispenser. What might I be doing wrong? This is the second homemade laundry detergent I have tried and don’t like.
Hi Carrie! I’m sorry it left globs in the machine. When I make mine, I use really hot water to dissolve all the powders, and then when I go to use the detergent, I give it a really good shake before I measure it out so make sure the globs break apart. I put mine in the detergent dispenser and haven’t had a problem, however you could try putting the detergent right in with the clothes? Let me know how it goes!
Hi! I made a half batch of this about two weeks ago and have been using it since. It didn’t give me the ‘clean feel’ I get when using store bought natural laundry detergent but it was good enough. I add vinegar and EO to the fabric softener compartment.
Now I just did a load of very dirty laundry that had wet towels and clothes in it from a certain kid related accident… Even though I used a hot cycle and twice the amount of detergent the entire load came out smelling really bad like pee.. 🙁
Do you have any idea what I might have been doing wrong or any advice on how to fix this? Thanks a bunch!
Oh no, I’m so sorry!! (and I’m sorry this response is months slow!!) First, I hope you were able to correct the smell. Second, I’m not totally sure what happened, to be honest! I use extra/double the amount on some super large or soiled loads as well, and haven’t had a problem. Let me know if you have other questions!
Hi Amanda, I am new to making my own laundry detergent and dish washer detergent. I have a couple quick questions on the laundry detergent. One: is it supposed to be watery (nothing thick about it like tide detergent)? Two: When I use it, do I just pour it on the clothes or does it go into the “detergent” compartment in the washer? I feel like it is too liquidy to go there. Just want to make sure I am doing this right!
Hi Sheena! I apologize this reply is SO overdue. In response to your questions, yes, this detergent is very watery/liquidy. It’s not thick at all, and will definitely need to be shaken before each use. And as for where to put it, I usually just put it in my detergent compartment. However, my old HE machine I just put it in with the clothes. Either might work fine, but it might depend on your machine! 🙂 Let me know if you have any other questions!
Wanting to make sure this is HE safe before I bother making. My apologize if you have stated in in the comments, but there is a lot to scan through 😉
Hi Pam! No problem at all. 🙂 While I can’t promise it’s totally HE safe, I can say I’ve been using this detergent for the past few years and have had no problems in my HE machine. 🙂 Hope that helps a bit!
This is NOT chemical free. Literally EVERYTHING IN THE UNIVERSE IS MADE OF CHEMICALS!
CHEMICAL is NOT a bad word.
SCIENCE IS NOT OUT TO KILL YOU.
Please stop being so paranoid.
Thank you, Bridget. When I say “chemical free,” I mean free of HARSH chemicals, which I stated in the beginning of this post.
accidentally adding bleach or using the detergent after a white load with bleach will leave bleach residue in a machine and can possible ruin darks. If i use bleach, i do a white load, then a lightly colored bright load, then the dark loads – so bleach is gone by then
That’s a great tip, Robin! I wouldn’t have thought of doing that! 🙂
Hello! I made this recipe a couple months ago and I’m still going strong with the same batch! I have one question though… mine isn’t fully clear like yours. It has some of the clumps from the Powdered stuff in it. How do you get it to fully go clear?
Hi Sara! Yay! I’m so happy to hear you love it! The pictures I took for this post were taken RIGHT after I made the batch, so the detergent was literally still warm in the jar and everything was thoroughly mixed and dissolved. As it sits and cools, it does settle and clump some. So while it looks clear in the photos, it’s definitely not after awhile. 🙂 I just give it a good shake before each use!
I made this recipe and found that it separated like crazy – there are tons of white flecks all throughout the container. When I shake it up, the flecks aren’t all in a clump, but they aren’t dissolved either – did I do something wrong? Is that what yours looks like? Thanks!! I appreciate the recipe!
Hi Jessica! Hm, I’m not sure that mine has flecks in it, but I do definitely need to shake it every time I use it as it does separate and get clumpy. It’s possible the washing soda or baking soda didn’t fully dissolve in the hot water while being made? I’d say it’d probably still work just fine. 🙂 Glad you like the recipe!
Is it possible to make a concentrated batch? Meaning, use the full amount of all ingredients, but just use 1 gallon of water? You would then use 1/2 the recommended amount per load. You would still be getting the same amount of cleaning agents, but it takes up half the space. Do you think this would work?
Hi Julie! I love that idea actually, I don’t see why that wouldn’t work! Let me know if you do try that and how it works!!
Would you recommend this for cloth diapering moms?
Hi Nikita! I’m also a cloth diapering mom and I don’t use this for my diapers. I used ECOS brand for my cloth diapers, which was one of the recommended brands on the Bumgenius website. Unfortunately i don’t think this would get dirty diapers really clean!
I love this recipe! Ive made it a couple times now. Beats buying laundry detergent loaded with chemicals and spending more $$ on that at the store! How much kosher salt should I add in if I want my laundry brighter? Thanks for sharing this recipe!!
Thank you, Britt! SO glad you love it! It’s definitely a lot cheaper. I’m not sure exactly how much salt you should use to brighten your laundry, but you might check ob Google! I’ll have to research that too, that’s a great idea! 🙂
question for you – I want to try this in a small batch first, to see if my family likes it and it works for us. do you think just using a ratio (ie, cutting everything in 1/2 or 1/4) would yield the same product?
thanks!
Hi Charity! That’s a great question! I haven’t personally tried that, but I don’t see why that wouldn’t work since it’s all the same measurements! Let me know if you’ve tried that and how it worked! 🙂
We use 1 gallon glass dispensing jars for our laundry room because if I’m going to spend an hour in there folding it needs to look nice 😉 My question is, will this mixture settle and need to be shaken prior to every use or it is suitable to be used in these kind of dispensers? Also, you mention using vinegar. Would we pour the vinegar into the liquid fabric softener cup at the same time as filling the wash cup and will this work with HE washers? Thanks for sharing by the way!
Ha Joni, I so hear you on spending time in there and wanting it to look nice. 😉 Unfortunately, this detergent DOES need to be mixed/shaken each time you use it because it does settle. I have yet to find pretty glass jars that would allow me to shake it and easily pour it without spilling! As for the vinegar, I’m not 100% sure. I think you can just put it in the fabric softener spot, but I’d definitely research that first!! Hope that helps!
made my first batch boy it is sooo thin not used to thin liquid detergent
Hi Jessica! Yes, it is a very thin liquid detergent, almost water-like. But rest assured, it DOES work! 🙂 Let me know if you have any questions!
Is this okay to use in an HE washer? And I’m assuming since all ingredients receive an ‘A’ this is newborn baby safe?
Hi Kendra, I have an HE washer and use it with no problem, and have been for a few years. However I don’t know for SURE exactly how safe it is, but like I said, I haven’t had any issues! 🙂 Definitely newborn safe, my son is 4 months old and I’ve washed all his clothes with it since he was born. Hope that helps! 🙂
I made this and it started to crystallize, is there any way to avoid that? Do you have this issue?
Hi Liana! Yes, that’s normal for this detergent and unfortunately I haven’t found a way to avoid this issue. I just make sure I give it a really good shake before I use it and that helps! 🙂
I made this and when i pour it out it has become all white chunky stuff that clogs up the spout I use to dispense so it looks like clear liquid but with white wet chunks in? I mixed it well what could I do to prevent this?
Hi Jessica! Yep unfortunately that’s the way it is! Mine is like that too, I just have to give it a big shake before I use, but there are still some chunks in it. Shaking it helps break it up I’ve found. But, it still works great! Hope you love it! 🙂
What do you think about using a beverage dispenser glass container? I’m just thinking about ease of pouring into a cup vs opening the top every time, and we have a shelf over our washer to store it. Will the detergent clog the spout?
Thanks!
Hi Ann! I think a beverage dispenser might get clogged, though I haven’t tried it. I just know since the detergent gets clumps in it and needs to be shaken each use, it might be hard having to shake the dispenser! Let me know if you do make it work, I’d love to use a dispenser, too! 🙂
Hello. I made 2 gallons and split to two jars. The one that I’m using looks completely clear on the bottom half and like a big puffy cloud on the top half I can stir/shake each time bitthen it makes to a of suds. Normal? Are you able to post any pics of this once it has sat for a few days? I have be very happy with it. Oddly my second,unopened gallon looks very different and they were made out of the same batch
Hi Karen! I think that’s totally normal! Mine look different as well, but I think it’s because the jug I use first is being shaken every day whereas the other one is not, so they look different. They’ll work the same! I will see if I can post a picture next time I make a batch. 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions!
I will be making and trying this out tonight. I’m sure this is a very minor detail, but should it be placed in detergent tray or in the actually drum with the dirty clothes? I have an HE washer.
Hi Summer! I’m not sure if there’s a “correct” way, but I put mine right into the detergent tray and it works great! Hope you love the recipe!
Do you use less than 1/3 cup in a HE washer?
Hi Angela! I have an HE washer and I still use 1/3 cup, so I think you’re fine doing the same! 🙂
What do you use for fabric softener? I am excited to try this recipe.
Hi Sonni! I don’t use any fabric softener, but I’ve heard that straight up vinegar works as one! Hope you love this recipe as much as I do! 🙂
Is there any way to thicken it?
Hi Whitney, I’m not sure of a way to thicken this unfortunately! It may be thin, but it works great. 🙂 Hope you like this recipe!
Just to be clear, all of these ingredients are chemicals. There is no such thing as a “chemical free” detergent. Baking soda = sodium bicarbonate, and even naturally occurring oils are still chemicals, they just happen to be isolated from natural sources. I’m not suggesting that this detergent isn’t an alternative to store brands, but to say it is chemical free is preposterous and misleading.
Thank you, Emily! I think most people understand that when I say “chemical-free,” it obviously means free of HARSH chemicals. 🙂
where do you buy castile soap? and super washing soda?
Hi! I buy my castile soap and super washing soda from Fred Meyer, but you can also get it right from Amazon (I linked it up in my post in the ingredients section). 🙂
Great post Amanda! I have been wanting to switch over to natural laundry liquid for a long time, and today I made your recipe! It smells lovely … I added lavender oil into it … might get more adventurous next time! 🙂 Thanks again!
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Hi Sam! Yay! I’m so happy to hear you tried the recipe and loved it. I’ve been adding lavender in mine lately and love it, too! Thank you for sharing this with me! 🙂
This might be a silly question, but would this be okay to use with an old school washer board?
Hi Keely! That’s a great question! I don’t see why not? 🙂 Let me know if you do and how it works!
Hi!
I made my first batch 3 weeks ago. I loved it but wasn’t sure if I would love it long term.
Yesterday, I used the sheets i washed 2 weeks ago. They still smelled fab!!
The only thing I don’t like is, if you don’t store it in a warm place, the soap will clump. I’ve moved it to a different spot.
Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Hi ChristiLynn! I’m so glad you love this recipe as much as I do! It does definitely clump in cold places which is a bummer. I had to keep mine in a cabinet during the winter. Hope it continues to work well for you! 🙂
I tried another recipe today and I wasn’t happy because some baking soda was on my black clothes. I read some posting on this recipe. I can’t wait to try this!! I will let you know how it works…..:) Thank you so much. I love natural things….
I’m SO glad to hear that, Jin Kwon!! I hope it’s still working well for you! We sure love it in our house. 🙂
I have a question! Is it okay use for sweater?
Does it dissolve well with cold water?
Hi JinKwon! I’ve used this detergent for all of my clothes, including sweaters, in both ho and cold waters. 🙂 Hope it works great for you, too!
Any way we can thicken this a bit naturally? Salt or glycerin perhaps? I made this recipe and put into our pretty glass jars with spigots and after a few days it had ran out so much it was nearly half gone. I’m loving that this is all natural though and seems to work nicely! Thanks!
Hi Joni! Unfortunately, I don’t know of a way to make this thicker. That’s a great idea though, I’ll do a little research and play around with it a bit to see if I can figure it out! 🙂
Wondering about salt to brighten clothes? I have heard it does but didn’t know what kind (kosher or table) and how much for this recipie. Any ideas?
Hi Stacey! I don’t have much experience with using salt in the laundry, but I’ve read that kosher salt is good for a fabric softener, but I’m not sure about brightening clothes. I think either would work? Hope that helps a little!
Hello I made this the other day. I used lavender lemon and peppermint oils. I was wondering if I did something wrong because mine is very watery. Should it be thick like a regular good laundry detergent or should it be very watery?
Hi Amanda! Don’t worry, you did nothing wrong! It is watery, but I assure you it still works wonderfully. 🙂
Is it supposed to be like a water consistency, unlike the soap you buy at the store that is thicker?
Hi Bevva! Yes, this detergent is definitely more watery than store-bought detergents. 🙂
Hi! I can’t wait to try this recipe! I typed in my seventh gen detergent into that list and I wasn’t too impressed with the score… I guess I’ll be making my own from now on! but also a HUGE bonus, FYI, many essential oils (including lavender) are antibacterial! I don’t have kids (yet) but I am a nurse working in a hospital, and who knows what gets on my scrubs! I may let my scoop overflow a little bit 😉
Cheers!
Hi Molly! Yay!! Isn’t it amazing how many of the more “natural” products aren’t as good as we think they are?! And you’re totally right about some of the essential oils being antibacterial, and I love that they also help to clean my clothes! This sounds like it’d work perfectly for your scrubs! Hope you’re loving this recipe. 🙂
I am wondering if you have ever tried making this a more concentrated batch, like adding half as much water? I would assume that you would just need to use half as much detergent two gallons seems like a lot of water to use for less than two cups of solvent.
Hi Stephanie, I have not made a more concentrated batch, but I don’t see why you couldn’t! Let me know if you try it and how it works! 🙂
It works! I find that it gets clumpy a little faster, but shaking still breaks it up.
So glad to hear that, Stephanie! Yes, I always give it a good shake before I use it and I’ve had no problems at all! So glad you like it. 🙂
How long does this concoction last?
Hi Feather, we use this detergent almost daily for our family of 4, and it lasts us anywhere from 4-6 months! 🙂
I made this in a 3 gallon bucket, it made for easy pouring, & I didn’t have bit enough glass jars yet so I pored some in what I have & leaving the rest in the bottle with its cap till I can get more glass containers. My son wanted Thieves & I have to say it’s one of my FAVORITES, it smells wonderful in my house right now. Thanks for the awesome recipe!!
Hi Kara! I love Thieves too, it’s one of my favorites!! I’m so glad you like this recipe! I love how easy it is to make and how long it lasts! 🙂
Hi, I made this last week and I noticed that the water, when it hits the soap, does not go ‘foamy or sudsy’. Is that normal? Does a laundry soap need to do this to clean? Our water is a bit on the hard side as it is well water and I have been adding 2/3 per wash but still no lather.
Hi Lori! That’s a great question! It definitely is not a very “sudsy” detergent, but my clothes always come out clean. I think it’s normal! 🙂
Hello! I just made this recipe this week and am looking forward to using it soon. I just was wondering if you knew if it is safe for septic systems? Thank you!
Hi Gianna! I’m not totally sure, but I would assume it would be safe for a septic system! Hope you’re loving the recipe!
Hi I read through and I didn’t see this anywhere. I made this, minus the essential oils because I don’t actually like a heavy scent. But… my detergent is congealing. Not everywhere but at the top. I shake it before I use it and it is still working but it is congealing. I’ve followed your recipe and I actually have the exact same container. Did I do something wrong? Should it be chunky? Should I make a new batch? It’s only been a week.
Hi Danni! I’m sorry for such a slow reply. I’d say it’s normal! Mine gets chunky too, and I just give it a good shake before I use it and it’s always worked great. When I make it I use super hot water to dissolve the washing and baking sodas, then use warm water to fill up the rest of the bucket. I’m not sure if that really makes a difference or not! Let me know if you’re still having trouble. 🙂
Can you use this for a front loading washing machine?
Hi Katie! Absolutely! 🙂 Hope you love it as much as I do!
Is this safe for HE washers? I really want to make it but we have and HE and Im afraind to ruin it.
Hi Deena! I’m not 100% sure if it’s truly “Safe” for He washers, but I’ve been using it in our He washer for a few years now with no problem! It’s not a super high sudsing detergent. 🙂
In response to the question about something for stains, I would recommend Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds for people to check out. You can pick up a bottle of it where you get your castile soap. I put the Sal’s Suds in a hand soap dispenser and put it full strength on stains. Works on baby stains, grease, blood, food, whatever. Best when applied as soon as stain occurs (especially baby stains), but also works well if applied before put in the washer. You can check ingredient list at drbronner.com to make sure it agrees with your personal comfort zone of purity. It is the “cleanest” stain fighter that I’ve found and works extremely well. I used it for all my baby things and never had a problem with reactions.
As a side note, Dr. Bronner’s products are covered with spiritual advice. The Bible is a better source for knowledge about God.
Thanks for the tip, Dorine! I haven’t used Sal Suds before, but I’ll give it a try! 🙂
Do you use a homemade fabric softener? Or don’t you need one with this formula?
Hi Jessica! I don’t use a fabric softener, but you certainly could. I’ve read that just plain white vinegar is good to use if you’d like something with no harsh chemicals! 🙂
Hi there! I’m interested in trying your recipe but I am concerned about the clumping, could I heat the mixture up to help dissolve the ingredients? Thank you!
Hi Kelly! The ingredients all do dissolve when mixed with hot water as you make it, but unfortunately there isn’t really a way to de-clump it after it’s made before each use. I just give mine a good shake before I use and it works great! Hope that helps. 🙂
Seems silly to call this “chemical free”. Washing Soda is sodium carbonate, (a chemical), as is baking soda, and indeed any soap is made from at least some chemicals. Our world, and indeed our bodies are made up of chemicals. Perhaps ‘low additive’ or something similar would be more accurate. We need not be afraid of ‘chemicals’, only those which have been shown to be harmful.
Hi Susan! I think most people understand when I say “Chemical-free” I mean HARSH chemicals that are unnecessary, as obviously all the ingredients in this are “chemicals.”
Being that God made us out of the earth, we’re actually not made of chemicals. But rather metals such as copper, zinc etc etc. Thats the reason we can easily be electrocuted when we stick our finger into an electric socket.
Hi Sabino! You’re right, thanks for the information! 🙂
Wow about the Borax! I thought I was doing good for my family by making my own powder laundry detergent BUT it DOES have Borax in it. Some people will tell you it is even ok eekkks. I just finished mixing my first batch of your detergent. Forest load is in now. Can’t wait to see how it turns out. I used 10 drops of Purification (we have a child with REALLY stinky armpits. So bad clothes smell even after washed ugh) and 20 drops of Jade Lemon. I will keep everyone posted on the results 😉
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Hi Christy! Yes, I didn’t want to use borax in my detergent so I found this recipe instead! Let me know how you like it! The combo of purification and jade lemon sounds wonderful! I bet that’ll really help with any stink. 🙂
Hi Amanda,
I don’t have the measurements cups…so, can you confirm me the exact quantity in grams? I looked in the internet and it depends on the “thickness” of the powder/grain or if its liquid.
½ = can go from 64 up to 68 grams
¾ = 255 grams (or more).
Another question: I have a 11 Kg machine…how much detergent do you think I should use for a 11 KG loud?
Thanks a lot for this great recipe! 🙂
Hi Mafalda! Unfortunately, I’m unsure of the exact quantity in grams! I only have measuring cups, and don’t know the thickness of the powder. I’m so sorry I’m not of any help!! I will also research online and see if I can find more information for you!
I have been using this detergent for probably a year now. My son has recently started complaining that the clothes smell “off”. I smelled them, it isn’t a mildew or sour smell, they just don’t smell clean. Any ideas as to why the clothes are smelling like this. I thought it was my washing machine needed to be cleaned so I ran a cleaning cycle in it but haven’t washed any clothes again so not sure if it was this or not but the washing machine didn’t smell.
Hi Claire, I haven’t had any issues with my clothes smelling, but every so often I do run a cup or so of vinegar through the loads of clothes to keep them fresher. Hope that helps! 🙂
Claire, If you have a front loading machine try leaving the door open any time you’re not washing a load. Because front loaders are so airtight they need to dry out between washes or they will get smelly and effect your clothes too.
I agree, I have a top loader but I still leave the lid open for a few hours after each load to help with any smells. Works like a charm!
Hi I was wondering if you had ever tried using a vinigar rinse with this liquid detergent? I’m feeling pretty excited to try this the only problem I have is I will only be able to use bicarb as in England most of the stuff Americans use as natural cleaners are banned will it not work without the strong chemicals?
Hi Rebecca! I have tried a vinegar rinse and it works well. Are you thinking of using it in place of a fabric softener? I’m not sure what bicarb is, but I think the ingredients in this detergent should all be safe for you to use in England and aren’t banned! Let me know if you have any more questions! 🙂
Hello Amanda, just a question that comes to my brain every time I read a recipe. What is the object of using baking soda, besides the washing soda. I make my detergent and omit the baking soda.
Hi Rafael! I use the baking soda because it helps to soften clothes, and keeps them bright. It also helps with odors! Hope that helps! 🙂
Hi there! I made this detergent and it seems to work well but I have to stir it every time because the ingredients separate and have kinda clumped together! Any idea why?? I was hoping to make another batch but I hate having to mix it!
Hi Alexandria! Glad you like the detergent! It definitely needs to be shaken/stirred before each use, as it does clump up. I just give the whole bottle a big shake before I use it!
Hi Amanda! Great recipe! Thanks for sharing! After the detergent is made, does it have to sit for any length of time? Or can it be used right away?
Hi Roxanne! I’m so glad you’re trying the recipe! It doesn’t have to sit for any length of time, you can use it right away! 🙂 Hope you enjoy it!
Hi Amanda!
I am wondering, is this detergent good for delicates? I live in a building in NYC with massive washing machine/dryers so I need to hand wash certain items in the sink. I used woolite but looking to go green.
Wondering if this would work for that!
Look forward to hearing from you! THX!
Hi Tracy! To be honest, I haven’t done any hand washing with the detergent, but I do use the detergent on gentle cycle in the washing machine, with no problems! I don’t think there’s any harm in trying, though! Let me know how it goes. 🙂
Hi Amanda! I tried your recipe exactly and it turned out great, at first. Two weeks later the contents got stringy. Even after stirring vigorously, it still stays stringy, like the soda and powder coagulated. Has this ever happened to you?
Hi Cindy! I’m sorry it got so stringy! Mine does that too, even after shaking it up a little but it still works just fine. Hope it’s still working for you, too! 🙂
I made this recipe and it just didn’t perform that well on my kiddos clothes when they had been dirtied with any sort of food or even a little mud. I just whipped up a more concentrated version of this recipe (less water) and I’m giving it a go in the washer right now! I’m hoping for better results as I love the idea of making my own safe laundry detergent and saving money at the same time. 🙂
Hi Sierra! I’m sorry the original didn’t work as well, how is the more concentrated batch working? Great idea to make it more concentrated!
I am so excited to make this next week! I was wondering if you have ever put this in one of those large glass dispensers? I have a shelf above my washer and would be so easy to just dispense the liquid. I know you had said that it was more watery than syrupy so I am curious if that would work! Thank you for not adding Borax!
Hi Haley! I did try it in a glass dispenser once and unfortunately it didn’t work as well. After a week or so the detergent gets a little thicker and clumpy and will need to be shaken before every use. Hope you’r liking the recipe!
I made this detergent a few days and have been using it a lot since then. It’s working very well (I have five kids who get dirty on a regular basis). I read in one of the comments that one should be able to see some suds while it’s washing, but I really don’t. I am using 1/3 cup in my HE front loader. Should I add some more Dr. Bronner’s to the recipe? Also- some of our clothes (i.e. my husband’s workout clothes) have certain stink trouble areas (ie. armpits) that need to be sprayed with something to pre-treat the fabric before it is washed, otherwise the stink doesn’t fully get out. Do you know of a recipe for that? I thought maybe I could just use the detergent, but I was afraid of the clumping issue clogging up a spray bottle. Any thoughts?
Hi Dorothy! I don’t see many suds either in mine, but that’s ok. For HE’s especially, you don’t want too much sudsing. You could try adding a tad bit more castile soap and see if that helps! I don’t know a recipe for a pre-treatment, but you could just dab a little of this detergent on it and see if that helps! It would definitely clog a spray bottle unfortunately. Let me know how it works!
Few questions.
1. Can this be cut in half?
2. Can it last for a while? Like if it takes me a year to use 1 batch (it’s just my husband and I) do I run the risk of it going bad?
3. Instead of tap water (ours is very hard) can I just warm up the water on the stove? Not boiling. Just warm it up.
I meant warm up bottled water in number 3.
Hi April! To answer a few of your questions, yes, you should be able to half the recipe. A batch can last me up to 6 months, but I haven’t had it longer than that. However, if you use distilled water (and heat it up on the stove like you mentioned), that could work well! Hope that helps a little! 🙂
I haven’t read all 300+ of the comments so I don’t know if you already answered this:
Does anyone know if it is safe for septic tanks? I’m moving to a new home with one and I don’t want to kill the little thingys that work to keep it running well. Boy, do I sound like a neophyte! Oh yeah, I am!
Hi Laurie! That’s a great question, and to be honest, I’m not totally sure! I would assume it’d be ok, since the ingredients are a little more natural than a regular laundry detergent but I can’t be certain! Sorry I’m not more help!
Are essential oils safe to put in dryer. I have read they can be flammable. If you are putting this in detergent to you have to wash clothes on hot water to get out the oil before putting in dryer?
Hi Donna! I use essential oils on cloths with vinegar as dryer sheets, and I’ve never had a problem. I think you should be fine, no need to wash in hot water before drying. 🙂
Hi, Amanda! I have recently fallen in love with YL essential oils and I have taken on the enormous task of making our home chemical free. I am washing my first load right now and I can’t wait for the results! I used lavender and Lemon EO (I don’t have Joy yet). I will also use my wool dryer balls for the first time on this load. Thank you so much for sharing!
Hi Laura! I’m so happy to hear this! I hope you loved the recipe as much as I do! 🙂
I’m not sure of this has been answered yet but….
I made this but cut it in half. I accidentally put too much Castile soap because I can’t math. I put a 1/2 cup instead of 3/8 (I think that’s what half of 3/4 is?)
I know Castile soap need to be super diluted. Do you think this will be ok?
Hi Erin! Sorry for such a delayed response, I’m sure you’ve used it since then! But I’d say 1/2 cup should be fine! 🙂
Hi, is this recipe meant to be the consistency of water when made?
Hi Sarah, yes, this detergent is very watery, but works great! 🙂 Hope you love it!
This looks great! Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks Stephanie! I think you’ll love it!
Hi Amanda, not sure if you’ve already answered this question but have you considered switching the Castile soap for Sal Suds by Dr. Bronner? I’m curious to find out if you can use the same amount or if you should use less of the Sal Suds if you replace it in this recipe.
Hi Grace! I haven’t considered switching to Sal Suds before, I don’t think I’ve heard much about it! I’m not totally sure how much to use of Sal Suds, but you could always experiment a little! Sorry I’m not more help. 🙂
Hey I was wondering if when you wash your white clothes with this detergent do you use bleach also ??
Hi Rach! I don’t usually add bleach, but occasionally if I notice my whites getting dingy I’ll add just a little bit!
Hi Amanda,
I love the detergent so far!! Great recipe, thank you!! But see here, I can’t seem to get a glass jar that doesn’t throw detergent all over the place!! LMAO! It’s actually quite hilarious. Anywho, I have a similar jar I got from the store. Do you have problems with the specific ones you listed? I have the end this amusing travesty. Thaaaaanks! 😉
Hi Debbie! So sorry for the slow response! So, while glass is best with essential oils, I ended up using an old plastic laundry jug that I can easily shake before each use! That might help better. 🙂
What’s your trick for getting the washing soda to fully dissolve? I used the hottest water setting on my tap and stirred and stirred for over fifteen minutes and found that so much of the washing soda was just not dissolving. I kept going for another ten minutes, but eventually I gave up because it was taking forever and there was still some settling at the bottom when I would stop and check.
So I just called it good and poured it into the container I was using and added the rest of the water. I stirred it all together really well and at first it looked just like your photo, but now I’m noticing it’s totally separating. Now half of the liquid is clear and half is white fluffy pieces floating. Almost looks like the washing soda expanded and is just suspended in there. I tried mixing more but it’s not helping.
Has this happened to you before? Should I try boiling the water on the stove and letting the washing soda try and dissolve that way?
Hi LeAnn! I’m sorry you had a hard time dissolving the washing soda! I haven’t had that problem, mine dissolves pretty quickly with just hot tap water, but the end result is like what you described. It does separate a bit, and that’s ok. I just give mine a shake before each use and it works great! I’ve never had any problems! Hope that helps, let me know if it doesn’t!
Hi Amanda,
I made this detergent this morning…I loved the smell…and I already tried it.However I have a 11 KG capacity wash machine and I used about 180 ml this morning. Everything went ok but I think I should put more. How much do you recommend in order to have a bit more smell in the clothes and to make “foam” 😉
Hi Mafalda! If you have an HE washing machine, be careful not too use too much. I use about 1/4 cup (or a tad more if it’s a large load) per load. And that’s a great idea to use this in a spray bottle on the stains! 🙂
Hi again Amanda,
I also put the detergent in a spray bottle and then used on each stain 😉 and they came out just fine 🙂
Thanks for sharing recipe! It’s harder to find liquid laundry detergent ones. Have you ever used a lower grade essential oil? Was the result as good? Thanks!
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Hi Vanessa! I’ve only ever used Young Living essential oils in this recipe so I can’t attest to how other oils would work in this detergent, but you could certainly try! Let me know if you try it. 🙂
Is this safe for septic system? We are moving in the spring to a house that is on well and septic. I need to find a good alternative. Thanks!
Hi Amanda! I don’t see why it wouldn’t be safe for septics, though I’m not completely sure!
I’m wondering if I could add something like almond extract (from my kitchen supplies), instead of the essential oils. And also, could I also add some vinegar to this recipe? Past homemade laundry soaps I’ve tried, have suggested using it. Thank you for this, as it’s such an easy recipe to make!
Hi Kesh! I don’t know about adding almond extract or something similar, I’m not sure how well that’d work or if it’d color the clothes at all. I haven’t and wouldn’t suggest adding vinegar to this recipe (as it can counteract some of the other ingredients!), but I’ve heard of people putting in vinegar to their fabric softener cup. Hope that helps!
Okay so I made this last night in a half batch, whipped it out and used it on a medium sized almost small load of laundry. My laundry doesn’t smell fresh and in fact had absolutely no smell at all and a couple of the shirts still smell under the arms. What gives?
Hi Ashley! While going more natural with this recipe is great for us, it definitely can’t be compared to the store bought detergents with far harsher and stronger smelling chemicals. You could try adding in more essential oils to help with the smell. While our clothes are clean, they don’t smell super strong of lavender or whatever oil we use. But in the long run, it’s better for our bodies!
My husband and I love this laundry detergent recipe. However, since we’ve been using it the plastic parts on the agitator in my washing machine have broken off. We ordered a new agitator at the end of December and now this one has the same issue and parts started breaking in less than a month. I’m curious if it’s the essential oils in the mixture as I only recently learned that keeping EOs in glass containers is advised. I use the lavender castille soap and I add Doterra Lavender EO.
Has anyone had any trouble with that? We love this detergent so much we are actually considering buying a new washing machine with metal, instead of plastic, insides. The washing machine we currently have came with the house when we bought it, so I’m not all that attached to it anyway.
Hi Julie! Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that!! Is it an old washer? It’s possible that it’s the eo’s, but there isn’t really that much in the whole detergent. I’m not sure what else it could be though! We got a new washer and dryer when we moved into our new house over 2 years ago, and I haven’t had any issues with the inside. We had an older washer and dryer in our old home but I didn’t have any issues then either. Hope you’re able to figure it out or get a new set!!
Thanks for sharing this Amanda! I had bookmarked this recipe a while ago and finally I made it today! I was impressed by how easy to make this was. I’m slowing transitioning to a chemical free life and I think this is a good step! Thanks again 🙂
Hi Astha! It definitely is pretty easy to make, one of the reasons I love it so much! Transitioning to a chemical-free life is a process, but so worth it! Hope this points you in the right direction to start! 🙂
How does this laundry detergent work with those specialty fabrics, like workout gear?
Sherry! I haven’t had any issues using this detergent on our workout gear, I just use it on a gentle cycle for those items. Everything comes out clean! 🙂
I just wanted to say i made a gallon and it is wonderful. It smells so good. I do get a puffy cloud on top but it all goes in the washer just the same and i have no problem. Thank you
Hi Wendy! I’m so happy to hear that! Mine separates too, and I just give it a good shake before I use it and it all works great. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experience!
Hi
I tried making this for the first time today and when I added the baking soda to the washing soda mixture it went rock hard 🙁 what did I do? lol
Hi Charlotte! Oh no, I’m so sorry that happened! That’s a very strange reaction to have happened. Did you use warm or hot water? I use pretty hot water when I make mine and stir like crazy as I’m adding both the washing soda and baking soda. Let me know if you’re still having problems and we can try to troubleshoot further!
Can I use this in my front-load HE washing machine? Thanks!
Hi Jessica! I have a top loader so I’m not 100% sure, but I’d assume yes! 🙂
I love how easy this recipe is and it does a great job washing my clothes. The only problem I’m having so far is after I make it the mixture settles very quickly so that the liquid is on the bottom and the soap forms a white barrier on top. I put it in my blender to break it up more but it just keeps happening. Any suggestions would be helpful.Thanks!
Hi Jamie! Glad you like this recipe! It’s totally normal for it to separate, I just give mine a little shake or stir before each use and it works just the same! Hope that helps. 🙂
Hi I am trying to make this and when I put the baking soda in it clumped up bad. What did I do wrong. I put the super wash in and covered it with water and dissolved it and then put the baking soda in and it went to heck and back.
Hi Kim! Sorry for the slow reply! Hm, that’s strange that the baking soda clumped. Maybe using really hot water instead of warm and sti
rring like crazy to dissolve might help? Let me know if you figured it out!
O my goodness! I can’t wait to make it! I’m thinking of putting it in one of those glasd drink dispensers that way I can simply dispense it into a cup! Thank you for sharing <3
Hi Brooklyn! Let me know how you like it and how it works in the glass dispenser! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I love this recipe! And even without the oils it works great 🙂
Yay, Michelle! So glad you love it!! 🙂
I am excited to try this recipe however I would be careful about using lavender essential oil. It is known to be a hormone disrupter in boys.
Hi Nicole! Thanks for the info! I actually had heard that and did some research, here’s a great article that debunks that actually! http://roberttisserand.com/2013/02/lavender-oil-is-not-estrogenic/
However if you’re concerned, there are definitely other oils that can be used in this soap. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! Let me know how you like the recipe!
Has anyone used the Equate Castile Lavender Soap from Walmart as a substitute for Dr. Bronner’s Brand? It is slightly less expensive, so I’m wondering if it is worth the risk. Here is the link – https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Beauty-Pure-Castile-Soap-Lavender-16-fl-oz/145643929
Hi Erica! I haven’t used Walmart’s brand, but I was in a pinch once and the store I was at was our of Dr. Bronners so I bought their store brand castile soap and it worked great! Hope that helps. 🙂
So, my daughter and I don’t like the smell of the soap, even with 30 drops of Joy, which smells great. It seems like the Baking Soda is just too overpowering? Do you think I just need to do an extra rinse cycle? I also feel like it doesn’t clean, especially whites as well as what I was used to with commercial detergents. Are you still finding this recipe the best for cleaning your clothes? Maybe some other tips I’m not using/doing to make this more effective? Thanks, hope you’re still reachable.
Hi Shane! You could definitely add more essential oils, but this soap just isn’t going to smell like you’re used to with traditional commercial detergent sadly. And you’re right, it isn’t the best to keep our whites very white, but I personally still prefer using this on my family’s clothes since I know what’s in it! 🙂 Hope that helps a little!
Thank you for your helpful feedback
I read in the comments that you are wanting to go more natural. May I suggest looking into soapnuts. I have debated buying some and using for my family but I need to use up my tide pods first.
Hi Morgan! I haven’t tried soapnuts, good to know! Thank you for the info! 🙂
Great Post! Thanks for Sharing..