I have found in my discussions with others regarding this subject that people seem to have strong feelings about their laundry detergent. There are those that swear if they don't buy one specific kind, the one they are loyal to, their clothes just don't get clean. There are those that buy what's on sale, but have specifics that they won't buy because they feel their clothes won't get clean. And then there's those, I am in this last group, that initially felt similar to those mentioned above but got tired of paying the ridiculous prices and, on a whim, finally made their own detergent one day.
These detergent "recipes" are found all over the web and are extremely similar, with the exception of the amount of water in the liquid version. It seems to vary depending on preference.
I have an HE/Front-load machine and have been told time and again that liquid is the best to use in it. So, because of that, for a period of time I was making the liquid version. But, as I researched more and more with a lot of information showing you can use powdered or liquid, I have since switched to using the powdered version. It's easier to mix up and I can mix a huge batch and leave it in a bucket.
Both recipes are below.
Three ingredients {plus water} are all that's needed to make detergent. These ingredients cost me a total of $5.56 at the grocery store. I found all 3 in the laundry detergent section on the top shelf.
I figure that the homemade liquid detergent costs me 92 cents for 2 gallons which should clean approximately 128 loads of laundry {64 if using 1/2 cup}. 92 cents!! The homemade powder detergent costs me $2.78 for 1 quart and 1 pint which should clean approximately 63 loads of laundry. The savings, compared to store bought detergent, is truly amazing.
Borax and Washing soda both work as laundry boosters and the Fels Naptha bar works as a stain remover. You can use different soap, just make sure it's low sudsing (coconut oil soap or castile/olive oil soap are usually low sudsing). All report to be septic safe {I have a septic tank}.
You can add essential oils to the finished product, but it's my understanding they are slightly hard on clothing. I use no added fragrance and instead add 1/4 c. white vinegar to the fabric softener slot on my washing machine and my clothes smell "clean" and are super soft. I use this detergent in cold water and have had no issues.
Homemade Laundry Detergent - Liquid Version
makes just under 2 gallons {approx. 64 -128 loads of wash}
what you'll need:
a large bucket that holds at least 3 gallons {to mix the ingredients in}
2 - gallon containers {to store the detergent in}
a grater
liquid measuring cup
something to mix it together with {I use my immersion blender to ensure it's mixed well - alternatively, you could use a spoon or whisk and shake the final product}
a large pot/stockpot
a funnel {if needed to pour liquid into the gallon containers}
1/2 c. borax
1/2 c. Washing soda
1/3 bar Fels Naptha or Zote soap (or 1 whole bar of another soap)
Add 4 cups water to the stockpot {tap water is fine but you can use bottled}. With a grater {or food processor}, grate the Fels Naptha bar over the stockpot. Turn the stockpot on medium heat and stirring, allow the soap bar to melt into the water. *Large chunks will not melt so if a piece falls off while grating, try to chop it up smaller.*
Being careful not to allow to boil, continue stirring until all grated soap is melted {no chunks or small pieces}. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the borax and washing soda, stirring until thoroughly dissolved, about 4-6 minutes.
Put 1 gallon and 8 cups of hot water into the large bucket. Carefully pour in the soap mixture. With an immersion blender, blend until fully incorporated, about 2 minutes.
Allow to cool to room temperature. Stir again, either with a large spoon or the immersion blender, and pour into the 2 - gallon containers, using a funnel if necessary. This should leave enough room in the container to shake prior to each use.
Use 1/4 - 1/2c. per load of laundry. {typically 1/2 c. with top load and 1/4 c. with front loading machines}
**The detergent may be watery, it depends on the water you use {hard or soft}. Within the next 24 hours it will separate and part of it will begin to gel. Shake each container well. Give the container a quick shake prior to each use and it will separate again {see photo below}.**
Related: Homemade Laundry Detergent Update
Homemade Laundry Detergent - Powder Version
makes 1 quart and 1 pint (approx. 63 loads of wash}
what you'll need:
a grater {or food processor}
a large bowl {to mix the ingredients}
1 Fels Naptha bar (can be substituted with Zote, Ivory or Castile bar soap)
1 1/2 c. borax
1 1/2 c. washing soda
1 quart and 1 pint container with lid or 3 pint containers
Pour the borax and washing soda into the large bowl. Stir together. Grate the Fels Naptha bar and add to the bowl. With a spoon, mix until fully incorporated.
Pour the detergent into containers. Use 1 T. - 1 1/2 T. per wash load, either sprinkling on the wash or putting in the detergent tray.
**Since writing this post I've written a follow-up that can be found here.**