I’m sharing my two hands down best DIY Laundry Detergent recipes. Why would I say these are the best? I’ve tried quite a few recipes, powdered and liquid alike over the years. I have used both of these formulas in my home for extended periods. Both are thrifty, effective and very low suds.
DIY Laundry Detergent Gel
I used to sell this first recipe on Ebay back in the late 90’s when I was using it constantly. It is made with a laundry bar called ‘Fels Naptha’ which you can find in the detergent aisle at the grocery store. My mom used to use Fels Naptha for her laundry soap (with borax and washing soda) and I can remember grating it up for her out in the garage as part of Saturday morning chores. She instructed me to keep a little piece out to use as a stain stick. How’s that for old-fashioned?
Many people say they like the old-fashioned powder recipe, but when I tried it, it did not fully dissolve in the washer for me and I ended up with powdery/soapy/gritty residue on my clothes.
The difference between the popular powdered recipe and the recipe below is that I stir all the ingredients in a large pot with water and turn the whole thing into a liquid gel. Someone clued me in to this technique and I was so glad because the gel dissolves beautifully even in a cold water batch of clothes.
There are 3 things you should know before making the gel:. 1. It takes about 30-40 minutes to make. 2. It should be used in a regular washer. (I have never used it in my HE) 3. It works best in soft water. Your clothes may become dingy in hard water. This may be fixed by using vinegar in the rinse, instead of bottled softener.
DIY Laundry Detergent – Gel Recipe
Makes 2 gallons –32 batches
Ingredients:
1/2 bar Fels Naptha Soap
2 cups hot water
1/2 cup Borax
1/2 cup washing soda
Need:
2 gallon bucket for stirring
2 – 1 gallon lidded containers (wide mouth) for storing.
Directions:
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Grate 1/2 a bar of Fels Naptha Soap into a saucepan with 2 cups hot water and heat until melted.
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Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup Borax and 1/2 cup Washing Soda.
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Stir and mix well until powders are dissolved.
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Pour detergent mixture into a large 2 gallon bucket and add enough cool water to make two gallons.
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Pour detergent into 2 wide-mouth gallon containers with lids. (Lidded ice cream buckets work well for this.)
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Allow the mixture to set up overnight.
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It has a gel consistency and doesn’t bubble much
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Use 1 cup for a regular load and up to 2 cups for heavily soiled clothes.
Liquid DIY Laundry Detergent
The recipe I use in my new HE washer is below. I’ve been using for about 4 months now and I really like it. It takes very little time to make and it gets my clothes very clean and bright.
Have confidence! It’s laundry soap — not rocket science. The water measurements can go up or down a few ounces in the larger batches of soap without making much difference. Also if you like using an Oxi-clean-type powder booster, just stir it into the liquid before pouring into the washer. And again, it is best to use some white vinegar as softener on occasion to remove any soap build-up in the cloth.
If you like thrifty lifestyle tips ands hacks you might also enjoy:
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Quick DIY Laundry Detergent – Liquid Recipe
Makes 64 oz.–32 batches
Ingredients
1/3 cup Dawn dish-washing liquid (any kind – I use Ultra)
1/3 cup washing soda
1/3 Cup borax
4 cups hot tap water
Additional water
Need:
1 small bucket for stirring (or make in jug)
64 oz. container with lid (I used a 64 oz upcycled plastic jug)
Directions:
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Pour hot water into a large bowl or measuring cup and add washing soda and borax.
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Stir until the powders are dissolved.
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Pour mixture into large 64 oz. jar or container
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Add Dawn to jar and fill up the container with water.
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Tightly screw on lid and gently shake to mix dawn into the mixture.
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Detergent is ready for use.
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Some powder may settle on the bottom and detergent will separate while sitting. Gently swirl detergent to mix before pouring into measuring cup.
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Use 1/4 cup per batch.
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You might be asking this question:
What if I don’t have a 64 oz container?
Here’s how to customize the size of a batch of the Liquid Detergent:
For every 12 Ounces of water detergent use 1 tablespoon each of the powders and Dawn. See example below.)
Example:
Batch Sample Size: Using a 24 oz water bottle pour in 2 Tablespoons each of the the washing soda and borax. Fill the bottle half way with hot tap water. Shake until dissolved. Add 2 tablespoons Dawn and gently pour in cool water. Gently shake to mix. —
This little charmer insisted on helping me. As you can see this recipe is so easy, it’s practically child’s play. Enjoy! — Laura
More DIy cleaning inspirations: