Easy Homemade Laundry Detergent Without Borax (All Natural)

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This homemade borax-free powdered laundry soap takes only a few minutes to make. Best of all, it will get your clothes perfectly clean using only natural ingredients!

Making your own homemade laundry detergent without borax is a great way to ensure you’re using natural products while keeping your laundry room eco-friendly. You combine basic ingredients like washing soda with dry ingredients to create an effective DIY laundry detergent that handles even the toughest loads of laundry. 

Whether you’re using it with cold water or hot water, this all-natural laundry detergent is perfect for those looking to avoid store-bought detergents and fabric softeners. No more commercial detergents! 

Over the years, as I’ve become more aware of the chemicals and toxins in our home, I’ve gradually replaced store-bought products with healthier homemade alternatives. With a household of nine, we do a ton of laundry! 

For these reasons, mastering homemade laundry detergent has always been a goal of mine. I’m excited to have finally found a recipe that meets all my requirements—it’s super simple to make, contains no unsafe ingredients, and it works! 

And the best part? I will be sharing everything I know about it here. I’d like to help you make your own safe laundry soap at home so you can stop using store-bought soaps. You’ll even save some money, although it’s not a whole load of cash. 

Why Homemade Laundry Detergent? 

When I created this recipe, there were plenty of homemade liquid laundry detergents available, but no powder versions that didn’t contain borax. I specifically wanted a powdered version for two reasons: it seemed easier than cooking and melting a bunch of ingredients, and I had just learned that powdered laundry soap is better for cloth diapers.

Liquid soaps are often plant-based, and from what I understand, these oils can build up on fabrics over time. This buildup can lead to unpleasant odors, which is a common issue for cloth diaper users.

I’ve been using this easy and effective powdered laundry soap recipe for over 10 years, and it hasn’t let me down. As a family of 10 who frequently deals with manure-covered clothes and cloth diapers, that’s saying a lot!

Yes, it’s safe for cloth diapers and front-loader machines. Borax isn’t safe for cloth diapers, which is why I don’t include it in this recipe. I’ve used this detergent in my front-loader for years without any issues, and it’s just as safe for your septic system as any other soap or laundry additive.

In case you’re on the fence about whether making your own laundry detergent is worth it or not, here are some facts that every laundry-washing, health-conscious parent should know:

What toxins are in store-bought laundry detergents?

Synthetic fragrances:

known to often be carcinogens and endocrine disrupters

Acetone:

a known irritant and the active ingredient in paint thinner and nail polish remover. Studies on animals have shown reproductive and kidney problems as well.

Sodium lauryl sulfate:

a skin, eye, and lung irritant and toxic to aquatic life

1,4-dioxane:

a known carcinogen and declared by the CDC to be potentially toxic to the brain, central nervous system, kidneys, liver, and respiratory system.

Nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE):

mimics the hormone estrogen and disrupts endocrine function. According to the Sierra Club, fish exposed to NPE have actually gone from being male to being both male and female. NPE is banned in many other countries!

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA):

possibly carcinogenic and environmental accumulation can lead to toxicity in plants and animals since it doesn’t easily biodegrade

Petroleum distillates:

often carcinogenic and may cause mucous membrane damage, lung damage, and asthma.

Phenols:

toxins that are especially dangerous to those who are hypersensitive; they can cause serious side effects or even death at very low exposures. These can cause damage to the central nervous system, heart, blood vessels, lungs, and kidneys. 

Anionic surfactants:

during their production, carcinogens and reproductive toxins are released. They are also slow to biodegrade. 

Optical brighteners:

these are designed to remain in your clothes to make them reflect more light and appear brighter.

These toxic chemicals often irritate the skin, making it more sensitive to the sun. They are also toxic to fish and can cause bacterial mutations.

Did some of these blow you away? These are just some of the toxins found in common laundry detergents, but one thing to keep in mind is that there is no law requiring manufacturers to list the ingredients on their packaging. 

In a study done by Washington State University, however, all 6 of the common laundry detergents that they studied “gave off at least one chemical regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws, but none of those chemicals was listed on the product labels.”

Steinemann goes on to say in her report that, “five of the six products emitted one or more carcinogenic ‘hazardous air pollutants,’ which are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency to have no safe exposure level.” 

As toxins become more well-known, they are often voluntarily removed from products. However, you can bet that as those toxins are removed, others are added.

All of this information was enough to have me completely convinced that homemade was the way to go so that I could know for sure what was in the soap I was cleaning my family’s clothes, bedding, and laundry in!

Want to watch me make this recipe at home? Here’s a video I put together for you! 

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap Vs. Powdered

I used to make a liquid laundry soap that worked great, but there were a few things I didn’t like about it. First of all, it contained Borax, which is no longer an ingredient I feel comfortable using in our home. Also, it was quite the process to make, plus it required shaking before use, as it would separate. The tipping point for me was realizing that little laundry helpers and liquid laundry soap together created a hot mess! I knew there had to be a better option.

The Best Powdered Homemade Laundry Soap

Here it is! The recipe contains only safe ingredients, is quick to make, inexpensive, and most importantly, IT WORKS!

We live on a farm. We are messy. Things get seriously dirty and smelly around here, and I’m here to tell you that this laundry detergent is up for the job. 

How to make homemade powdered laundry soap:

1. Add the washing soda and oxygen-powered bleach to the mixing bowl.
2. Roughly chop the bar soap, and then add to the food processor. If you don’t have one, finely grate the soap with a cheese grater instead. 
3. Pulse in the food processor until the soap turns into tiny balls.
4. Add the soap to the powdered mixture, and stir well.
5. (This step is optional, but I think makes all the difference!) Add 2 cups at a time of the detergent to the food processor and run on high until the powder is fine and the soap pieces don’t stand out. This finer texture ensures that when you grab a scoop, you are getting an even mix of the ingredients!
6. As I do this process, I then add the finished detergent to my storage container. 

That’s it! The whole process only takes a few minutes. Give this recipe a shot and you will be wondering why you have been buying this stuff all along!

How to Store

Store homemade laundry detergent in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally in a cool, dry place like a glass jar or a gallon bucket. Refrigeration can extend shelf life; use an airtight container and let it return to room temperature before use. Freezing is possible for long-term storage. Store in a freezer-safe container, thaw completely before use, and stir to restore consistency. Powdered detergent does not require refrigeration or freezing. Simply keep it in a dry place to prevent clumping.

Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have washing soda, you can use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as an alternative. While baking soda doesn’t have the same cleaning power, it helps with odors and softens water. Another option is oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate), which can be used in place of washing soda for similar benefits.

To substitute for oxygen powdered bleach, you can use regular bleach in small quantities to boost cleaning power. However, be cautious with its use on colored fabrics. Alternatively, you can create a homemade oxygen bleach by combining equal parts washing soda and citric acid.

If you prefer not to use bars of soap, liquid Castile soap is a good option. Just reduce the amount of washing soda to adjust for the liquid form. Dr. Bronner’s soap is another effective alternative; use the liquid form and adjust the other ingredients accordingly. And If a food processor isn’t available, use a coarse cheese grater to shred the bar soap before mixing. A high-powered blender can also finely blend the soap and other ingredients if a food processor isn’t an option.

To add fragrance, incorporate a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender essential oil, lemon, or eucalyptus, into the mixture. Alternatively, infuse the soap with dried herbs like lavender or rosemary for a natural scent. 

For extra stain-fighting power, add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. If you’re dealing with really tough stains or need some extra whitening, a small amount of hydrogen peroxide in the detergent will do the trick.

Save this recipe for later by pinning it!

FAQs

Is homemade laundry soap safe for HE washers

Yes, this recipe is safe for high-efficiency washers and HE machines.

Is homemade laundry detergent safe for cloth diapers?

Yes, this particular recipe is safe for washing cloth diapers. But borax isn’t safe for cloth diapers, and that’s why it’s not included in this recipe.

Does making homemade laundry soap save money?

Yes! The total cost of the above recipe was $4.80 and will last about 64 loads. That’s just about 7.5 cents/load, which is almost exactly half the price I was paying with store-bought laundry soap. 

Not bad for a safer, healthier alternative!

What are some substitutes for washing soda?

Soda ash and sodium carbonate can be used as substitutes for washing soda. If these aren’t available, baking soda can help with odors and soften water, though it’s not as effective as washing soda.

 Best Allergy-Free Laundry Detergent?

The best allergy-free laundry detergents are those labeled “Free and Clear,” meaning they are free from fragrances, dyes, and other common irritants. These detergents are formulated to minimize allergic reactions and are often recommended for sensitive skin or allergies. Look for products specifically designed to be gentle on the skin while avoiding harsh chemicals

Best laundry detergent for acne-prone skin?

Look for a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dye-free laundry detergent specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Detergents that are gentle on the skin, such as those with fewer harsh chemicals, are ideal for acne-prone skin. 

Is borax safe to use in homemade laundry soap?

The safety of borax in homemade laundry soap is debated. While it is effective in cleaning, some prefer to avoid it due to potential health risks. For cloth diapers or sensitive skin, it’s better to use alternatives. Always check if the safety of borax is a concern for your household.

How can laundry washed with homemade detergent be dried most effectively?

To dry laundry washed with homemade detergent, use medium heat in your dryer. If air drying, hang the clothes in a well-ventilated area to avoid musty smells.

How does hard water affect homemade laundry detergent?

Hard water can reduce the effectiveness of homemade laundry detergent, causing residue buildup and less effective cleaning. Using washing soda or a water softener can help improve the detergent’s performance in hard water areas.

Can homemade laundry soap work well on greasy stains?

Homemade laundry soap can be effective on greasy stains, but pre-treating the stains with a bit of soap or adding a stain remover to the wash can enhance results. Soap bars specifically formulated for stain removal can also be useful.

Are Purex Crystals a good choice as a scent booster for homemade laundry soap?

Purex Crystals can be used as a scent booster with homemade laundry soap to add fragrance. However, if you prefer natural options, you can use essential oils or herbal infusions instead.