DIY Laundry Detergent: Why We Make Our Own (And You Can Too, Trust Me!)

If you’ve been around here long, you know I like things that are simple, effective, and don’t cost a fortune. So it’s probably no surprise that we make our own laundry detergent—and no, it’s not complicated or Pinterest-level fancy. It’s just real-life easy.

And the best part? The kids love helping, and I love knowing exactly what we’re using on our clothes and skin.

Everything I need to make a batch of Laundry Detergent.

Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?

Let’s talk benefits for a sec:

• It’s Cheaper. Store-bought detergent can cost $15–$20 a jug. This recipe costs a fraction of that and lasts for weeks (especially if you double it like I do!).

  All the ingredients—besides the essential oils—cost me about $20, and that makes roughly three full batches!

• It’s Cleaner. No dyes, artificial fragrances, or weird chemical fillers. You control exactly what goes into it, and it’s gentle on sensitive skin.

• It’s Better for the Environment. Less packaging, fewer plastic jugs, and minimal waste. (I store ours in a glass container with a wood lid I found at Walmart—bonus: it even came with the perfect-sized scoop. Cute and functional!)

• It’s Family-Friendly. The kids love helping pour and mix, and it’s a fun way to involve them in something practical. Bonus: it smells amazing with essential oils!

  
  

Our Go-To DIY Laundry Detergent Recipe

Here’s what we use:

• ½ cup Epsom salt

• 1½ cups baking soda

• 1½ cups washing soda

• 1 cup borax

• ¼ cup sea salt

• 20 - 25 drops of essential oil (optional)

  
  

How to make it:

1. Mix everything together really well. You can use a large mixing bowl or even toss it all in a gallon-size Ziploc bag and shake it up.

2. Store in a mason jar or a glass container with a lid.

3. Use 1–2 tablespoons per load of laundry.

My favorite oils to add are a mix of Purification and citrus—lemon, lime, orange... whatever I have on hand.

And of course, like most things around here—I double it.

Real Life, Real Laundry

Is it perfect? No. Is it effective, budget-friendly, and simple enough for busy mom life? Absolutely.

If you’ve ever wanted to try making your own detergent, this is your sign. It’s fast, it works, and it’ll save you some serious money (and maybe your skin).

Plus—it’s kind of fun to say, “Yeah, we make our own laundry soap.”