25 DIY Laundry Detergent Ideas: Save Money and Clean Smarter
Let’s face it—laundry detergent can get expensive, and honestly, some of those fancy bottles make it feel like we’re paying for unicorn tears.
But here’s a little secret: you can make your own laundry detergent at home, and it works just as well (sometimes better).
Over the years, I’ve tried everything from powdered blends to liquid concoctions, and trust me, experimenting in the laundry lab is way more satisfying than it sounds.
Whether you’re trying to save money, reduce chemicals, or just love DIY projects, I’ve compiled 25 tried-and-true DIY laundry detergent ideas that actually work.
Let’s make laundry day a little less painful—and maybe even fun.
1. Classic Powdered Soap Mix
The OG of DIY detergents. All you need is a bar of soap, washing soda, and borax.
- Ingredients: 1 bar of soap (grated), 1 cup washing soda, 1 cup borax
- Mix and store in an airtight container
- Use 2 tablespoons per load
It’s simple, cheap, and honestly, smells amazing. Plus, it lasts forever if you store it properly.
2. Liquid Castile Soap Detergent
Prefer liquids? Castile soap is your best friend.
- Ingredients: 1 cup liquid castile soap, 1 cup water, 1 cup washing soda
- Mix in a large jar and shake before each use
- Gentle on fabrics and perfect for sensitive skin
I personally love this for delicates—it’s like a spa day for my clothes.
3. Baking Soda Boost
Baking soda isn’t just for cupcakes. Add it to any detergent mix to boost cleaning power.
- Use ½ cup per load
- Helps neutralize odors and softens water
- Works with powdered or liquid DIY detergents
Ever notice how laundry smells fresher with baking soda? That’s science, my friend.
4. Vinegar Rinse Add-On
Not technically a detergent, but vinegar is a game-changer.
- Add ½ cup to the rinse cycle
- Softens clothes and removes soap residue
- Natural and chemical-free
Pro tip: Don’t mix with bleach—unless you want a science experiment in your washer.
5. Soap Flakes Blend
Grate your favorite soap bar into fine flakes and mix with washing soda.
- Easy to adjust quantities
- Works well for both cold and hot water
- Makes the laundry room smell like a soap shop
I tried this with an old lavender soap bar, and my towels smelled heavenly for weeks.
6. Borax-Free Option
Some of us are sensitive to borax. No worries.
- Ingredients: 1 cup washing soda, 1 cup soap flakes, ½ cup baking soda
- Works just as well for general laundry
- Perfect for families with kids or sensitive skin
IMO, this is a lifesaver if you’re avoiding chemicals but still want clean clothes.
7. Citrus-Infused Detergent
Love a fresh citrus scent? Make your DIY detergent smell like a fruit orchard.
- Grate lemon or orange peel into soap flakes
- Mix with washing soda
- Optional: add a few drops of essential oil
I once made a batch with grapefruit peel—it was like laundry day therapy.
8. Oxi-Clean DIY
Stains are inevitable. DIY oxy-clean is easy.
- Ingredients: 1 part hydrogen peroxide, 2 parts washing soda
- Apply directly to stains or mix into detergent
- Works best on whites and light fabrics
FYI, test on colors first—you don’t want accidental tie-dye.
9. Liquid Detergent with Essential Oils
Make your laundry smell amazing naturally.
- Ingredients: 1 cup grated soap, 4 cups water, 10–15 drops essential oil
- Heat water and soap until melted, then mix
- Pour into a container and shake before use
I love lavender or eucalyptus. Bonus: it doubles as a room refresher.
10. Single-Ingredient Magic: Washing Soda
Sometimes, less is more. Just use washing soda alone for heavily soiled loads.
- Add ½ cup per load
- Cheap, effective, and eco-friendly
- Great for towels, jeans, and work clothes
Honestly, sometimes I just throw this in and call it a day—it’s that effective.
11. Laundry Pods DIY
Want a store-bought vibe? Make your own pods.
- Mix powdered soap, washing soda, and water into small gel capsules
- Freeze or air-dry to solidify
- Toss one in per load
I tried this for convenience—it feels fancy but is shockingly simple.
12. Soap Nut Liquid
Soap nuts are nature’s detergent.
- Boil soap nuts in water to release saponins
- Strain and store in a bottle
- Use ½ cup per load
Great for sensitive skin or eco-conscious laundry lovers. Plus, it’s zero-waste.
13. Oxygen Powder Combo
DIY oxygen powder brightens whites and colors.
- Mix washing soda, hydrogen peroxide, and borax
- Pre-soak laundry or add directly to detergent
- Works on tough stains without harsh chemicals
IMO, it’s like giving your clothes a spa day.
14. Coconut Soap Detergent
Coconut soap bars aren’t just for bathing—they clean laundry like a dream.
- Grate coconut soap and mix with washing soda
- Optional: add essential oils for fragrance
- Gentle on skin and fabrics
I personally love this for baby clothes. Soft, fresh, and chemical-free.
15. Castile Powder Mix
Don’t want liquid castile? Go powdered.
- Grate castile soap bars, mix with baking soda
- Use 2 tablespoons per load
- Works well for everyday laundry
It’s a minimalist approach—I like simple, effective solutions.
16. Lemon Juice Whitening Boost
Lemon juice isn’t just tasty; it’s a natural whitener.
- Add ½ cup lemon juice to whites during the wash
- Works like a charm on yellowed fabrics
- Safe and chemical-free
Fun fact: your whites may actually look brighter after a few washes.
17. Powdered Baby Detergent DIY
Need gentle detergent for infants?
- Grate gentle baby soap, mix with washing soda and baking soda
- Avoid borax for sensitive skin
- Works wonders for tiny clothes
My niece’s clothes have never been softer—seriously.
18. Eco-Friendly Liquid Mix
For the environmentally conscious, a no-chemical liquid detergent is perfect.
- Mix castile soap, washing soda, water, and a splash of vinegar
- Biodegradable, safe, and smells clean
- Works for both top-loading and front-loading machines
You’re basically doing laundry and saving the planet simultaneously.
19. Powder with Fabric Softener Twist
Combine cleaning with softness.
- Mix soap flakes, washing soda, borax, and a sprinkle of baking soda
- Optional: add a few drops of essential oil for soft, scented clothes
- Works for both towels and regular laundry
I personally do this with lavender oil—it makes laundry day a little more pleasant.
20. Grapefruit Peel Powder
Recycle citrus peels into detergent power.
- Dry and grind peels into powder
- Mix with grated soap or washing soda
- Adds a fresh scent and extra cleaning boost
Bonus: eco-friendly and zero waste.
21. Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide Paste
Spot stains are no match.
- Mix into a paste for tough stains
- Apply directly before washing
- Works like a professional stain remover
I use this on white shirts after BBQ season—it’s magic.
22. Essential Oil Powder
Mix your DIY powder with essential oils before storing.
- Keeps clothes smelling amazing
- Works with borax-free mixes
- Lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon are favorites
Honestly, laundry smells like a spa day—FYI, it makes folding less painful.
23. DIY Laundry Detergent Bars
Make bars instead of powders or liquids.
- Melt soap with water, add washing soda
- Pour into molds and let harden
- Use like a small bar for each load
I tried this for camping trips—super convenient and no spills.
24. Multi-Purpose Detergent
Make a detergent that cleans laundry and surfaces.
- Mix soap flakes, washing soda, and a little vinegar
- Use for laundry and household cleaning
- Saves space and money
I personally love this when I run out of regular cleaner—works surprisingly well.
25. Detergent Crystals
For heavy-duty loads, try crystals.
- Mix washing soda and grated soap, let dry into crystals
- Add 2–3 crystals per load
- Ideal for heavily soiled items
It’s a no-nonsense, powerful solution for tough laundry days.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it—25 DIY laundry detergent ideas to save money, reduce chemicals, and make laundry day more manageable. Whether you love powders, liquids, pods, or bars, there’s a recipe for every lifestyle and preference.
The key takeaway? DIY doesn’t mean sacrificing effectiveness. With simple ingredients like soap, washing soda, and baking soda, you can create detergents that clean just as well—sometimes even better—than store-bought options. Plus, you get the satisfaction of saying, “Yeah, I made this myself.”
So grab your soap, start experimenting, and maybe make laundry day a little more enjoyable. Who knows? You might even find a favorite formula you stick with for years. And remember, if nothing else, at least your laundry smells amazing.
