Homemade laundry detergent (powder & liquid): what works and what doesn’t
Learn how to make homemade laundry detergent using classic soap-based recipes in both powder and liquid form. Plus, what I’ve learned over time about their limitations and better alternatives that work more effectively in all water types.
Over time, though, I started to understand how soap behaves differently in laundry, especially in hard water. Soap can react with minerals like calcium and magnesium, leaving behind residue on fabrics. That buildup can trap dirt, dull colors, and make clothes feel less clean over time.
Because of that, I no longer recommend soap-based laundry detergents for most people.
Instead, I now prefer using surfactant-based detergents, which clean more effectively and work well in all water types.
That said, I know many of you are still curious about these recipes or have seen them shared elsewhere. So I’ve kept them here for reference, along with updated notes to help you understand when they might work and when they don’t.
If you’re looking for a more reliable option, you can check out my surfactant-based liquid laundry detergent here.
Soap-based homemade laundry detergent (what to know first)
Most homemade laundry detergent recipes you’ll find online are based on soap. They usually combine grated bar soap with ingredients like washing soda, baking soda, or borax. The idea is to boost cleaning and help with odors, but the main cleaning still comes from the soap.
This type of detergent can seem to work well at first, especially in soft water. Clothes may smell clean and look fine right after washing.
The issue is that soap doesn’t stay fully dissolved in all conditions. In hard water, it can react with minerals like calcium and magnesium and leave behind a residue on fabrics over time. That buildup can trap dirt and make clothes look dull or feel less clean.
When this type of detergent might work
These can work if you have soft water and are washing lightly soiled clothes. Some people use them occasionally without noticing problems, especially if they’re not dealing with buildup.
I just don’t find them as reliable for regular use.
When it doesn’t work well
This is where these recipes can be hit or miss, especially with hard water or dirtier laundry.
At first everything seems fine, but over time clothes can start to look dull or feel a bit stiff, like they’re not getting fully clean anymore.
What I use now
These days, I use a surfactant-based detergent instead of soap. It’s just been more consistent for me, especially with our water.
I’ve also shared some other laundry options here, like a homemade fabric softener and wool dryer balls, if you’re interested.
If you still want to try a soap-based version, I’ve kept the original recipes below.
Powdered soap-based laundry detergent
Materials
- 4 cups borax
- 4 cups washing soda
- 2 cups baking soda
- 4 cups grated castile soap (or other bar soap; you can also make your own laundry soap)
- Essential oils optional
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together and store in a jar or container.
Notes
Liquid soap-based laundry detergent
Materials
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup washing soda
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 cup grated bar soap (or homemade)
- Essential oils optional
Instructions
- Grate the soap and add it to a pot with water. Heat and stir until the soap has dissolved.
- Add the soap mixture to a large bucket along with the washing soda, baking soda, borax, and optional essential oils. Stir to combine.
- Add more hot water, stirring until everything is fully dissolved.
- Cover and let the mixture cool and thicken overnight.
- Transfer to a container with a lid for storage.
Notes
This post was originally published on February 5, 2016. I updated it in April 2026 based on what I’ve learned since.
my manual says not to use soaps because it gums up the internal plumbing and voids the warranty. I just leave out the soap and allow time for soaking. the soak time allows the dirt and grime to break down and let go. you can see the difference in the water! I also find most people overload their machines which is why they have to buy a machine every time you turn around and your clothes won’t be as fresh. freshness is huge for me because I work outside in the Southern United States. I need to at least start the day smelling fresh!
Hi Brittany,
You make a good point about overloading machines. I think that’s a huge part of why people end up disappointed with both homemade and commercial detergents. Giving clothes enough room and enough soak time can make a surprisingly big difference.
And yes, climate and lifestyle matter too. When you work outside in heat and humidity, “fresh” becomes a much bigger priority than it is for someone doing light indoor work all day.
Hi Tracy … thank you for all your amazing information. As far as the laundry detergent goes, I do prefer powdered even if I was to buy in the store, much more eco-friendly especially in the packaging. I also don’t use borax, the EWG – Environmental Working Group rates borax as a grade D, with concerns being the highest for developmental and reproductive issues.
My question is actually regarding the use of grated soap, my research says that grated bar soap, no matter what kind can cause residue and buildup on the clothing. Is there any way to use your liquid castile soap in the powdered detergent recipe? Thank you again.
Susan
Hi Susan,
I personally now use a non-soap detergent that I make with surfactants these days for that very reason! I would think it would be easy enough to make a powdered version with powdered SLS combined with another powdered surfactant like SCI. I think the buildup occurs mostly with harder water, and, while I never had issues when using soaps, I decided to make the switch just in case. I’d assume that a liquid soap would have the same issues as a grated bar soap.