How to Make Laundry Detergent / Soap Powder

Make your own laundry detergent with a few simple steps.

Making your own laundry detergent is an alternative to store-bought laundry detergents. Some find that store-bought detergents are too harsh for their sensitive skin or that they are too expensive for daily or heavy use. With a few simple steps, a large amount of detergent can be quickly made, and the solution can be stored for long-term use. Be sure to keep the solution on a high shelf to keep small children or pets from ingesting it.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Borax
• Washing Soda
• Bar Soap
• Grater
• Bucket
• Spoon

Instructions

Liquid Detergent

1. Boil one quart of water.

2. Grate 2 cups of bar soap. Consider using dye-free or natural soap if your skin is sensitive.

3. Add the finely grated soap to the boiling water until the soap is melted. Lower the heat on the water during this process.

4. Pour the mixture into a bucket. Add 2 cups of Borax and 2 cups of washing soda.

5. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are completely dissolved.

6. Add 2 gallons of water to the mixture. Stir until the mixture is mixed well.

Powder Detergent

1. Grate 2 cups of bar soap.

2. Measure 1 cup of washing soda and 1 cup of Borax.

3. Mix all three ingredients together until evenly mixed.

Tips & Warnings

• Use 1/4 cup of the liquid detergent for each load of laundry. Use 2 tablespoons of the powder mixture per load. Make one or the other, depending upon your laundry detergent preference.

• Stir the liquid mix prior to each use to avoid gelling of the mixture.

References

• Planet Green; Make Your Own Laundry Soap; Collin Dunn; February 2008