I’ve always wanted to make my own homemade laundry detergent powder, not just because laundry detergents are expensive, but also because it’s so hard to find one that’s truly non-toxic. I also love the idea of knowing exactly what’s going into the products I use, and I feel even better when I make them at home, especially for something as personal as the clothes we wear every day.
After several attempts at making liquid laundry detergent (which always ended up clumping into a solid rock!), I turned to this homemade laundry detergent powder recipe. It’s very easy to make, effective, low-sudsing (perfect for high-efficiency washers), and safe for my family.
Let’s Talk About Borax
This recipe does include borax, but it’s not a must, you can make it without it. The internet is full of debates about whether borax is toxic or not. After a lot of reading and research, I’ve decided it’s safe enough for my family. As with most things, it’s all about using it responsibly. If you’re not comfortable with borax, feel free to leave it out or experiment with alternatives.
Soap vs. Detergent
There’s a lot of discussion online about whether homemade laundry detergents are technically detergents or just soap. The main difference is that detergents are specifically formulated to break down dirt and grease in water of any temperature, while soap is a simpler, natural cleaner that can sometimes leave residue, especially in hard water.
While I understand this technical distinction, I prefer this simple, natural homemade laundry detergent formula over commercial detergents filled with chemicals I can’t even pronounce. Plus, this recipe is low-sudsing, making it ideal for high-efficiency washers. Low-sudsing means it creates fewer bubbles or foam during use compared to traditional high-sudsing alternatives.
This is important for high-efficiency (HE) washers, which use less water than traditional washers. Excessive suds can interfere with the washing process, prevent clothes from rinsing properly, and even damage the machine over time. Low-sudsing detergents ensure efficient cleaning and rinsing while protecting your washer.
Ingredients
- 1 Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soap
- 2 cups washing soda
- 1 cup borax (feel free to slightly increase this for extra cleaning power)
- 1 cup baking soda
- 15-20 drops essential oils (optional)
- 1 glass container

Instructions
1. Grate the Soap
Start by grating your bar of castile soap. This step is a bit tedious, but a fine grate ensures the soap mixes evenly with the other ingredients.

2. Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, borax, and baking soda.

3. Blend
To achieve an uniform mixture, I used a hand mixer while wearing a mask to avoid inhaling any borax dust. This step makes all the difference in the final texture of your detergent.

4. Add Essential Oils (optional)
Add 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oils to your laundry detergent recipe. I am very sensitive to smells and try to avoid oils in my laundry, so I opted to use a bar-scented Castile soap and skipped the essential oils.
4. Store in a Dry Container
Transfer the mixture into a glass container. I used a half-gallon jar with a label from Amazon.


How to Use Homemade Laundry Detergent
- For a standard-load washer, use 2-3 tablespoons of the detergent.
- For a high-efficiency top or front-load washer, use 1-2 tablespoons.

Notes
- Keep It Dry: Moisture can cause the detergent to clump, so always ensure your container is tightly sealed.
- Customize the Scent: Experiment with different essential oil blends to create a scent you love. Lavender, lemon, and tea tree are great.
- Boost Cleaning Power: If you’re dealing with extra dirty laundry, you can slightly increase the borax in the recipe.

Homemade Laundry Detergent Powder
Ingredients
- 1 bar castile soap
- 2 cups washing soda
- 1 cup borax Slightly increase this for extra cleaning power
- 1 cup baking soda
- 15-20 drops essential oils optional
Instructions
- Grate your bar of castile soap. A fine grate helps it mix evenly.
- Mix the grated soap, washing soda, borax, and baking soda in a large bowl.
- Use a hand mixer for an even texture. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling any dust.
- Add essential oils if using.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
Notes
- For a standard load, use 2-3 tablespoons.
- For high-efficiency washers, use 1-2 tablespoons.