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homemade powdered laundry soap

DIY Powdered Laundry Detergent

By Staci Drovdahl
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!
4.48 from 21 votes
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Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Add the washing soda and oxygen-powered bleach to the mixing bowl.
  • 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. 
  • Pulse in the food processor until the soap turns into tiny balls.
  • Add the soap to the powdered mixture, and stir well.
  • (This step is optional, but I think it 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're getting an even mix of the ingredients!
  • As I go through this process, I add the finished detergent to my storage container.
  • To use this detergent, simply measure 2 tablespoons into your normal detergent dispenser. Feel free to double or triple this recipe!

Video

Notes

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 
  5. 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.
Keyword diy laundry soap, homemade powdered laundry detergent
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