How to Make a homemade powder Laundry Detergent recipe using only 3 ingredients! An easy DIY craft tutorial idea that works great!
There are some things that I do not like buying and laundry detergent is one of them. I see why we need it, clean clothes are a good thing, but it is so stinking expensive! About a year ago I started researching homemade laundry detergents and there are quite a few of them out there. Powdered detergents have always been my favorite because I think they are easier to store. I have tried a couple of variations and finally settled on this concoction and it is my favorite.
Supplies Used: Some links may be too similar items when exact items couldn't be found online.
- Borax - 65 oz Box
- Washing Soda - 55 oz Box
- Pink Zote Soap - 14 oz Bar
How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent
A food processor is the easiest way to grate the Pink Zote Soap but you can go the old-fashioned way and use your muscles and a steel grater. Instead of grating the entire bar at once, I found it easier to cut the soap into 4 pieces. The smaller pieces make it easier to handle, plus it is also the perfect size to guide into the food possessor.
It grates very nicely. Pink Zote Soap is a pretty soft soap so it grates pretty easily.
Isn't it pretty! It reminds me of cotton candy. BUT DON'T EAT IT, IT IS STILL SOAP!!
To combine, put the chop-chop (technical term) tool in the food processor and combine 1 Cup of each the Borax, Washing Soda and the grated Zote soap and mix and chop. It will look like this when it is done. Isn't it pretty? If you don't have a food processor you can simply stir by hand.
Pour into your storage container and you are good to go. I used an Utz Cheese Balls plastic container with a screw on lid and I think it works perfectly. Plus, I love that I can see the pretty detergent inside the container.
The scoop I use is from an old oxy clean bucket, I would say it is about a ⅛ of a cup. I have a front loading HE Washing Machine and it works great. In my experience, it does not produce a lot of suds so I feel completely comfortable using it. I have tried putting it right into the laundry and using the detergent tray and I don't think it really matters.
This batch of laundry soap will last me about 3-4 months and that is about 4-6 loads a week. A $15 box of Tide would only last me about a month. So win-win for me!
What is your experience with homemade laundry detergent?
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~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!
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.