The Best Homemade Laundry Detergent – HE Washer Safe
6 Loads of Laundry for the Price of 1. It is possible and simple with the Best Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe. Safe for High-Efficiency Machines too!
The last time I went to the grocery store and needed to buy laundry detergent, the cost blew me away. There are five people in our family, and an adorable dog. Laundry is a beast that I must tackle daily, or it just gets out of hand. The amount of money I was spending on a quality laundry detergent that would clean our clothes was astronomical! Not to mention the fact that we had to find one that was gentle enough on my children’s skin because they would get a rash from the chemicals. That is when I discovered how to make the best homemade laundry detergent, and I never turned back.
Updated August 2026: I originally shared this homemade laundry detergent years ago, and it’s still a recipe I come back to. I recently made it again, updated the photos and video, and repriced the ingredients. The good news? It still takes me less than 10 minutes to make and costs about 8¢ per load based on the prices I paid locally.
Why Make Homemade Laundry Detergent
Some people wonder why on Earth I would make my homemade laundry detergent. Well, my answer is simple.
- About 8¢ per load based August 2026 ingredient costs
- Less than 10 minutes to make
- Make the full 18-lb batch or a smaller batch
- Control whether you add fragrance or leave it unscented
- Ingredients are easy to keep on hand
- I’ve personally made/used this recipe for years
- It works better for our family than the store-bought detergents I’ve tried.
- I know what is in it!
What You Need
The ingredients are simple. I have found that typically the most affordable place to get everything is Walmart, but you can find it on amazon or at other retailers as well.
- Super Washing Soda
- Borax
- Baking Soda
- Fels-Naptha or similar bar soap
- OxiClean
- Optional fragrance/essential oil
Helpful Supplies:
- Box grater
- Large mixing container/bowl
- Storage container
- 2 Tbsp scoop (equivalent to 1/8 cup)
How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent
It really is this quick: I timed myself while remaking a small batch in August 2026. Even while stopping to record video, I finished in under 10 minutes.
Step 1 — Grate the soap
Step 2 — Combine the dry ingredients
Step 3 — Mix thoroughly
Step 4 — Store it
Just 2 tbsp needed per load which is the equivalent to a 1/8 cup. I just got a cheap measuring cup to keep in the jar.
How Much Detergent Per Load
So generally a Normal load is 2 tablespoons or 1/8 Cup.
Follow the washer manufacturer’s directions regarding where powdered detergent should be placed. Works in HE machines too
More isn’t necessarily better, as with any detergent too much can cause machine issues and issues with your laundry not coming clean enough.
Small Batch Laundry Detergent
Don’t need 18 pounds of laundry detergent? Neither did I when I remade it this time. 😂 Here’s the smaller version I use when I don’t need a giant batch.
While this recipe is for a large 18 lb batch of Laundry Detergent I have scaled it down to a more manageable 6 lb batch if you are a smaller family or just trying to make a quick amount to test.
Small Batch Homemade Laundry Detergent
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Box Grater
- 1 Storage Jar
- 1 1/8 cup Scoop
- 1 set of measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 bar Fels Naphtha Soap
- 2 1/2 cups Super Washing Soda
- 2 1/2 cups Baking Soda
- 1 Cup Borax
- 2 Cups Oxi Clean powder
- 4-5 drops Essential Oil Optional
Instructions
- Grate the soap into a large bowl
- Measure and add the dry ingredients to the bowl.
- Stir well to combine.
- If desired add in the essential oils for scent. (optional)
- Pour the laundry detergent mix into a storage container or jar.
- Use 2 tbsp or 1/8 cup per load
How Much Does Homemade Laundry Detergent Cost in 2026?
UPDATED 2026 Cost
While I would love to say it was still that cheap to make the cost has gone up some. However, so has the cost of everything. This Homemade Laundry Detergent is still the most economical and functional version I have found and love.
August 2026 Cost at Walmart/Sam’s
- 1 Box of Super Washing Soda 3 lb. 7 oz. ($5.38)
- 1 Box of Borax 4 lbs 12 oz. size ($6.98)
- 1 Box of Pure Baking Soda 4 lb. ($2.63)
- 3 bars of Fels-Naptha or Zote 5.5 oz. ($5.61 total)
- OxiClean — 1.3 lbs used from a 3 lb container: (approximately $4.02)
- 1 bottle of lavender essential oil Or your choice (optional)
Grand Total is $24.62 for the 18 lbs batch (or 288 oz.) Divide that into 300 loads (Conservative use) and you are looking at $0.08 a load. An amazing price!
Original Cost Breakdown (2017)
This is the best part. I get giddy when I get to share this. Here is the cost rundown if you were to purchase all of these items from Walmart.
- 1 Box of Super Washing Soda 3 lb. 7 oz. ($3.97)
- 1 Box of Borax 4 lbs 12 oz. size ($3.97)
- 1 Box of Pure Baking Soda 4 lb. ($1.98)
- 3 bars of Fels-Naptha or Zote 5.5 oz. ($0.97 each)
- 1 container of Oxy-Clean 3 lb ($7.56) You will only use half of this.
- 1 bottle of lavender essential oil Or your choice (optional)
TOTAL $16.61 for a full Large Batch totaling 18 lbs (or 288 oz.)
18 lbs will wash between 300 – 500 loads depending on the amount of detergent you use per load and the load size. Final price is just $0.04 per load!
That makes the average price per load between $0.03 – $0.06 per load again dependent on the amount of detergent you use.
Compare that to Tide. For the Tide Detergent, it averages $0.18 – $0.19 per load
Scented vs. Unscented Laundry Detergent
Fragrance is completely optional in this homemade laundry detergent. If you prefer fragrance-free laundry, simply leave it out. The detergent works just fine without any added scent.
If you prefer scented laundry, you can add your favorite essential oil or a fragrance product specifically made for laundry. Start with a small amount and add more if needed until you reach the level of fragrance you prefer.
Keep in mind that everyone has different sensitivities to fragrance, so if you have sensitive skin or are making this for your whole family, unscented is always an easy option.
Tip: You can also keep the entire batch unscented and add a laundry fragrance separately only to the loads where you want it.
What I’ve Learned After Years of Making It
I’ve been making and using this homemade laundry detergent for years, and I’ve learned a few things along the way.
You really don’t need much. About 2 tablespoons is plenty for a normal load. Using more detergent doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner clothes, so resist the temptation to add an extra scoop.
It works well for me in cold water. I wash most of our laundry in cold water and haven’t had an issue with the detergent doing its job.
Scent is completely optional. I’ve made it scented and unscented over the years. If you have sensitive skin or just don’t care about scented laundry, there’s no reason you have to add fragrance.
A small batch is sometimes all you need. The original recipe makes a huge 18-pound batch, which is fantastic if you want to make detergent once and forget about it for a long time. These days, I don’t always need that much at once, so I’ve included the smaller batch measurements too.
It really is quick to make. I timed myself while remaking a batch for this update, and it took less than 10 minutes: even while I was stopping to record video along the way.
I’ve noticed a difference in my washing machine, too. This is purely my personal experience, but when I consistently use this homemade detergent, I don’t seem to get the same detergent residue and musty smell in my washer that I’ve sometimes noticed with store-bought detergent. Your experience may vary, but it’s one of the reasons I keep coming back to this recipe.
Most importantly, after all these years, I still make it because it’s simple, inexpensive, and it works for our family. Sometimes the old shortcuts really are the good ones.
Homemade Laundry Detergent FAQ
I use this homemade detergent in an HE washer. Because washing machines vary, always follow your machine manufacturer’s instructions for using powdered detergent, including where it should be added.
Use about 2 tablespoons for a normal load. More isn’t necessarily better! Using too much detergent can make it harder for your washer to rinse everything away completely.
I wash most of our laundry in cold water and have had good results with this recipe. Make sure the ingredients are thoroughly combined when you make the detergent and follow your washing machine’s instructions for powdered detergent.
Absolutely. Fragrance is completely optional. Simply leave out the essential oils or laundry fragrance for an unscented version. This is also the simplest option if someone in your household is sensitive to added fragrance.
Store it in a dry, airtight container and keep a scoop with it for easy measuring. Moisture can cause powdered ingredients to clump, so keep the container closed when you’re not using it.
Less than 10 minutes! I timed myself while remaking a small batch for this 2026 update, and I finished in under 10 minutes; even while stopping to record video. The large batch takes a little longer simply because there’s more to mix, but it’s still a very quick project.
The Best Homemade Laundry Detergent
The big batch is the best in my opinion because once you have made it chances are you won’t need to make detergent again for MONTHS!!
The Best Homemade Laundry Detergent
Equipment
- 1 Box Grater
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 set of measuring cups
- 1 Storage Container
- 1 1/8 cup Scoop
Ingredients
- 1 box Super Washing Soda 3.7 lb
- 1 box Borax 4 lb 12 oz. size
- 1 box Pure Baking Soda 4 lbs
- 3 bars Fels-Naptha Laundry Soap 5.5 oz each
- 1 container Oxy-Clean – 1.3 lb
- 15 – 20 drops favorite essential oil I used lavender
Instructions
- Finely grate the Fels-Naptha using a box grater or a food processor.
- Mix the grated soap with all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl or container.
- Add essential oil or fragrance if desired (optional)
- When doing laundry use 2 tablespoons (1/8 cup equivalent) for a normal size load. You may increase by 1 – 2 tablespoons for an extra large load as needed.
- Store in a airtight container
Notes
Homemade Laundry Detergent Tips
- You are not stuck using Fels Naptha or Zote. You can use any bar soap. If your family has sensitive skin try using Ivory Soap instead.
- If you love the smell of store-bought detergent, you can purchase a scent booster and mix it into your detergent instead of essential oils. You will get the benefits of homemade with the scent you love!
- Give it as a gift. YES, this makes an excellent gift for a new college student or a house warming gift. Give a huge container of this Homemade Laundry Detergent with the recipe in a fun jar or container with a scoop. They will love it!
Have you tried the best Homemade Laundry Detergent yet? How did it work for you? Come back and leave a comment letting us know how you liked it!
More Homemade Cleaners
Post updated August 2026 to reflect new cost and photos.
Can this be used in a septic system? some detergents such as Tide create too many suds and are not recommended.
thanks!
Yes, you can Aileen. We also have a septic system and it is safe! 🙂
Love this, you might want to update prices. It’s about doubled. Still cheaper than buying tide, but it came to almost $30 for a batch buying at Walmart! Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️❤️
I have an he washer. is the fels napatha and zotee soap he friendly??
Yes it is.
Love this recipe! This is my 2nd batch!! To go a year without having to buy laundry soap is fantastic! 👍💖
How well does it dissolve in cold water?
Very well. I actually use cold water most of the time.
I lost my job and husbands having to work doubles because of the pandemic. With two kids to feed, as well as the two adults I was looking for a way to save money and stumbled upon this article.. omg! Talk about life changing. Save me so much money and the clothes feel and look amazing.
I have used this very same receipe for several years. Very satisfied with how my laundry turns out and I am very picky. One member of the family was allergic to a lot of detergents at the store, but not this one. Can’t believe how much money you save in a year.
I’m from Australia so I have limited knowledge about oxiclean, are there any alternatives to it?
After a quick google search it looks like In Australia White King fabric stain remover is a great equivalent product. 🙂
Australians: Oxiclean is the same as Napisan.
The homemade laundry soap I make now has an off smell when clothes have sat for awhile. No I do not use too much.
Does this recipe do the same thing or is it the essential oil that changes the smell?
Hi Melissa, I have never had a problem with an “off smell” so I don’t know what to tell you. My clothes come out fresh and clean smelling. Sorry I am not more help.
It’s probably your washer creating the “off smell”, not the soap.
Try cleaning your washer with washing machine cleaner & leave the door open afterwards.
Does this go in the tub or in the detergent drawer?
Depends on the machine Bree. Mine has a drawer with a cup for liquid that can be removed for powder. Put it wherever your machine accepts powdered detergent.
We’ve been using this recipe for years – without the soap since we had cloth diapers until recently. When we get smelly clothes (who hasn’t left wet laundry in the machine for a weekend…) Re-run the load with a few tablespoons of white vinegar. Smell gone!
Works great! For my skeptical husband, I added a small box of Gain detergent to make him feel better.
For best results, sprinkle 1/4 c. on top of extra large load of laundry. It easily gets those nasty smells out!
I may have resolved the issue myself. I was using 4 TBSP of detergent per load & after I reduced to 2 TBSP, I don’t see ant hardened detergent in my dispenser & my clothes are still clean! Maybe this will help someone else.
Hi Ramani. The dispenser tray is typically only for liquid detergent. Since this is a powdered detergent it gets added directly to the wash tub. That will help it dissolve into the wash better. Hope that helps.
Is the Oxy-Clean & baking soda really necessary? The recipe I originally got had 1/2 cup borax, 1/2 cup washing soda, 1 bar Fels Naptha, Any comments/ suggestions on this would be helpful
I also have a family of 5 and laundry is an almost impossible task and very costly. I decided to try your recipe. What size container do you store it in once made? Also what size scent booster should I get. My husband doesn’t like essential oils. Thank you.
I’ve used this recipe on and off for years. Sometimes I add purex crystals, right now I’m not adding any smell boosters and mine are coming out very clean and smelling amazing!
I did the same recipe. I skipped the lavender and pink soap bar. Just didn’t have them with me when I made the batch. My issue is now months later because I made two batches, is it is beginning to solidify. Is there an anti caking agent that can be added?
For anyone stumbling across this recipe in 2025, I’ve been using it for years. Absolutely love this detergent. It works well in cold water. Everything comes out of the dryer smelling like fresh linen. And best of all, it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin like most commercial detergents do. With over 7 years of inflation it costs me about $30 to make a batch now, but that lasts our household of 3 almost a year. Whenever friends do laundry at our house they always ask if they can have a jar of detergent to take home.
TLDR: This recipe is a huge hit in my house and lasts us almost a year.
I’ve never heard of the bar soap you list in recipe & would like to know if using castile soap is possible?
Also, Thanks for sharing your recipe!
HI Dani, it’s found on the laundry aisle. Yes, you can use a bar of Castile soap if you choose.
I found this laundry recipe probably going on 3 years ago. My husband is extremely sensitive to perfume scents. I was concerned about the bar soap scent (I use Lynda) but there is no scent after the wash and dry.
I will not use any other laundry soap, this one cleans great, is economical with no scent. I don’t use any essential oils.
Thank you for this recipe!
I love hearing this! I am glad it has worked so well for you!