Simple, affordable, and surprisingly effective
One of my favorite ways to save money (and skip the wasteful plastic jugs) is by making my own laundry soap. It takes less than 3 minutes, uses just a handful of ingredients, and honestly, it works better than store-bought. Bonus, you can customize the scent so your clothes smell exactly the way you want them to.
This batch yields around 80 loads, so once you make it, you’re set for a while.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Clothes feel lighter and cleaner (no film left behind)
- Works better than the store-bought stuff
- No plastic jug waste to deal with
- No chemicals, no fillers, no extra junk
- Almost half the cost of store-bought detergent when buying at non-volume prices, such as WalMart. Save even more by buying the ingredients in bulk!
Ingredients
- 1 bar laundry soap (Fels-Naptha)
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax
- ¼ cup baking soda (for extra deodorizing)
- 10–20 drops essential oil (lavender, lemon, or frankincense are my favorites. Mountain Rose Herbs is my trusted brand)
Except for the essential oils, the ingredients can be found on the laundry isle of your local grocery or box stores such as WalMart.
Directions
- Grate the bar of Fels-Naptha until it’s fine and crumbly.
- In a large bowl, combine grated soap, washing soda, borax, and baking soda.
- Add essential oils and mix well.
- Store in an airtight jar or container.
How to Use
- Add 1–2 tablespoons per load.
- For extra softness, add ½ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
Tips
- A cheese grater or food processor makes the soap step quick and easy.
- Store it in a jar with a scoop—it keeps things simple.
- Baking soda helps keep clothes smelling fresh, especially after hikes, workouts, or camping trips.
She is Wild & Free 