How to Make Laundry Detergent With Castile Soap

You can make laundry detergent using a combination of castile soap and common household ingredients. Homemade laundry detergent is fast and easy to make, and you can create a large batch in advance. Making your own laundry detergent allows you to control all of the ingredients, so if you want a particular scent, you can use it. Need scent-free for sensitive skin? Simply use unscented soap and don't add any essential oils to the mixture.

Things You'll Need

• 1 bar castile soap
• Cheese grater
• 1 cup borax
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• Canister with lid for storing finished detergent
• 8 drops tea tree or lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions

Directions

1. Use the cheese grater to grate the bar of castile soap into fine shreds. The smallest "holes" on a multisided cheese grater are best for this project.

2. Measure out the washing soda, baking soda and borax, and pour into the lidded canister. Add the essential oil if desired. Put the lid on the canister and shake to combine.

3. Add the grated soap to the canister, replace the lid, and shake to combine. Measure out 1/8 cup per load of laundry and use in place of commercial detergent.

Tips & Warnings

• Washing soda and borax (also called sodium borate or sodium tetraborate) can be found in the laundry section of most grocery stores.

• Double or triple this recipe to create a larger batch of detergent.

• If you make your own hot or cold processed soap, you can use it for this recipe.

• Make sure you use real castile soap. Don't substitute "regular" bath soap from a commercial manufacturer; these do not perform well in the washing machine.

References

• "Soapmakers Companion;" Susan Miller Cavitch; 1997

Resources

• Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Inc.