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Save money and go natural with DIY laundry detergent! Follow these easy steps to make your own cost-effective detergent right at home.

There are some things that I do not like buying, and laundry detergent is one of them.
I understand we need it, clean clothes are a good thing, but they are so expensive!
About a year ago, I started researching homemade laundry detergents, and there are quite a few out there.
I have tried a couple of variations and finally settled on this concoction. It is my favorite, so I will share it with you!
Jump to:
Grate the Soap
Grating the Pink Zote soap using a food processor is the easiest method, but you can also use your muscles and a cheese grater.
I found cutting the soap into four pieces easier than grating the entire bar at once.
The smaller pieces make it easier to handle and the perfect size to push into the food possessor.
The Pink Zote Soap is a soft soap that grates pretty quickly.
Isn't it pretty! It reminds me of cotton candy, but don't eat it. It is still soap. 😂
Combine the Mixture
The ingredients can be put in a large bowl and stir to combine.
I combined the ingredients using my food processor since it was already on my counter.
I removed the grating disk and inserted the chopping blade.
Add 1 cup of each Borax, Washing Soda, and the grated Zote soap. Chop to mix.
It will look like this when it is done. Isn't it pretty?
Storage
Store the homemade laundry soap powder powder in an air-tight container.
I used a Utz Cheese Balls plastic container, and it works perfectly. I love that I can see the pretty detergent inside the container.
To Use
The scoop I use is from an old oxy-clean bucket. It is about ⅛ of a cup.
If a load is especially dirty or stinky, I'll add two scoops of detergent to my washing machine.
This homemade laundry detergent is safe for HE machines. It works great in my front-loading HE Washer.
In my experience, it does not produce a lot of suds, so I feel entirely comfortable using it.
I have put the detergent directly into the washing drum and the tray, and I don't think your method matters.
This batch of laundry soap will last me about 3-4 months, with 4-6 loads of laundry a week. A $20 box of Tide would only last me about a month, so this is a win-win for me!
Substitutions
I have substituted Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar in this detergent recipe when I couldn't find Zote Soap at my local grocery store.
Fels-Naptha also works great. However, I prefer Zote because I like the scent better.
What is your experience with homemade laundry detergent?
Disclaimer
I am not guaranteeing that this is the laundry detergent for you, nor am I guaranteeing the results. I am only sharing how I made it and that I am satisfied with the results.
More Cleaning Ideas
Want more ways to clean? Probably not, but I'll share them anyway. 😂
~Iffy~
I've always wanted to try this! I'm gonna have to make some =D Stopping by from Tip me Tuesday. I would love for you to link your post to My Favorite Things Party going on all week. Hope to see you there!
~Iffy~
http://www.stayathomenation.blogspot.com
AmieAnn
Wow! I am sooo going to have to make some of this as we run the washing machine atleast 2 times a day! I am sure I would save a ton! Thanks so much for sharing with the Pink Hippo Party.. can't wait to see what you share next!
Karen Schneider
I have used this method for years. I just ran out from the batch I had made. The date was 2020 so it lasted me 5 years. It works for me and my clothes are fine. Imagine never having to buy laundry soap for that many years.great tip.
Katie Adams
That is awesome that it has lasted you that long!!
Rose and Heather
Awesome! I (heather) just mixed up the liquid kind and Rose wants to try the powder! I am sending this here way. Love how you grated the soap. Better than sitting there and grating a whole bar on a cheese grater. 😉
We would love to have you come link up to our Crafty Lassie Tuesday Link Party. http://sewstylishboutique.blogspot.com/
We are also having a giveaway! Hope to see you there.
Thanks!
Rose & Heather
~ Sarah ~
I just made a batch of the liquid kind yesterday. I wonder which cleans better or if they are the same? Thanks for posting this!!
Michelle
I have been doing this for several months and love it I give it as a gift whenever I can.
Anonymous
This is great but those of us who have septic tanks can only use liquid detergent, so any suqqtions would be helpful.
Hele
to anon: i have a septic system and have been using this recipe for about 6 months, no issues whatsoever! hope that helps
Kadie
I make a similar version of powdered laundry soap. I use Zote and FelsNaptha in mine. (My kiddos are very dirty:)). LOVE it, I've never tried the pink Zote though very cute. Oh and I have a septic tank too and I have been making my own powdered laundry soap for almost a year now and I have never had a problems either.
Thanks so much for sharing with us at Link It Up Thursday.
Michelles Tasty Creations
Awesome! Love all the homemade detergents and cleaners 🙂 Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.
Jay @ Learning to play and playing to learn
Looks like a good idea. The one we buy from the supermarket is super cheap but I am not sure if it is as good for the environment as this one. Thanks for linking up for Flashback Friday Blogshare
Mindy
I've been using homemade liquid detergent and never really did the powder. but i tried it and i love it MORE than the liquid. And yes, you save a LOAD!!! (no pun intended...lol)I haven't bought store detergent in about a year and i'd rather make my own. i feel like i actually accomplish something in the process.
Britt
Does anyone know how much water to add to make this into a liquid soap??
Lindsay
Today is laundry day. I will do 10 loads of laundry and that still won't last me through the week. I can't wait to try this.
Jaz
So my question is for the update at the end of the blog.
Why did you stop making this homemade laundry detergent?
Was it due to a particular reason?
Katie
I made this homemade laundry detergent to save mone when I was a stay at home mom. I now work full time so the convenience of buying it outways making my own.
leedy
hello i live in Tasmania and have never seen nor heard of the soaps your using
can you suggest some other soap please
Leeda
Katie
I am sorry but I am not in Tasmania and am not sure what is available in your country. I would recommend doing a google search for similar type of products available to you.
T
I've been making this for 20 years! It really works!! I Love it!
I'm glad it works for your daughter!
Carrie
This might be a dumb question, but did you get a food processor just for this or can you wash it and still use it for food?
Katie Adams
Hi Carrie, not a dumb question at all. I still use mine for food. I just wash it well, and put it back in my pantry. I hope that helps!