The Best Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe Without Borax

Tired of harsh chemicals and pricey laundry detergents? Discover the best homemade liquid laundry detergent recipe without borax in this post!

This DIY liquid laundry detergent recipe is free of borax and other potentially harmful ingredients, making it perfect for sensitive skin and families who prioritize natural living. It’s incredibly easy to make, highly effective at cleaning clothes, and gentle on the environment.

As a mom dealing with my little one’s eczema, I know the struggle of finding a laundry detergent that’s gentle on sensitive skin and free of harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. That’s why I decided to create my own!

If you’ve ever wished for a safer, gentler, and more eco-friendly laundry detergent, then you have to try this DIY laundry detergent recipe.

So, let’s dive into the best homemade liquid laundry detergent recipe without borax. It’s easier than you might think!

Why You Will Love This Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

I’ve compared this homemade laundry detergent recipe to store-bought brands, and honestly, I can’t tell the difference. It gets my clothes just as clean, but without the harsh chemicals or hefty price tag.

It’s made with simple, natural ingredients, is safe for the whole family, and even scores well on the EWG’s safety scale.

If you’re still on the fence about making your own laundry detergent, let me share why this homemade liquid laundry detergent recipe has been a total game-changer:

• Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Perfect for those with eczema, allergies, or sensitivities, this detergent uses only mild, natural ingredients.
• Safe for the Whole Family: No more worrying about hidden toxins – you control what goes into your laundry!
• Eco-Friendly & Sustainable: Reduce plastic waste and choose biodegradable ingredients that won’t harm the environment.
• Budget-Friendly: Save money by using simple, affordable ingredients you may already have at home.
• Customizable: Add your favorite essential oils for a nice scent or keep it unscented. (My favorite essential oils for laundry are lemon, orange, grapefruit, lavender, chamomile, and rose)

Making your own laundry detergent might sound intimidating, but I promise it’s easier than you think. This recipe is quick, simple, and the results are truly amazing.

Give it a try and see the difference it makes for your clothes!

If DIY isn’t your thing, or you’re looking for convenient alternatives for travel or busy days, there are some fantastic non-toxic laundry detergents available on the market.

Check out my in-depth review of the best non-toxic laundry detergents that actually work.

What You Need for Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent

Ready to create your own gentle, effective, and eco-friendly DIY laundry detergent?

I buy my ingredients at Walmart, which I’ve found to be the cheapest place to buy them, but you can also purchase everything on Amazon or Target.

You might be surprised that you already have some of these ingredients in your home!

Note: This recipe is borax free! While borax is a natural mineral, it can be toxic in some cases and may cause skin irritation for some people. This recipe offers a safe and effective alternative!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your DIY laundry detergent. (Printable version below)

Liquid Castile Soap – 1/2 cup

This vegetable-based soap is the foundation of your detergent. It’s gentle, biodegradable, and available in various scents or unscented.

My go-to brand is Dr. Bronner’s, but any brand will do!

Washing Soda – 1 cup

Also known as soda ash, this natural cleaner is more powerful than baking soda and helps remove stains and odors.

I use the Arm & Hammer washing soda brand. It’s easy to find at any grocery store or online for convenience.

Water – 5 cups, divided

You’ll need 2 cups of hot water and 3 cups of cold water for dissolving and mixing.

Baking Soda – 3 tbsp

This helps to soften water, neutralize odors, and boost the cleaning power of the soap. Available at any grocery store or you can also purchase it online here.

Essential Oils (Optional)

For a natural fragrance, add a 15-20 drops of your favorite scents (lavender, lemon, etc.). See my favorite combinations for detergent below!

This brand offers high-quality, pure essential oils that are safe for skincare use.

For those with sensitive skin or young children, fee free to skip the essential oils.

Materials

• Glass dispenser or jar with a lid for storage
• Whisk or stirring utensil
• Funnel for pouring into the bottle

Instructions to Make the Best Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent

1. In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add the washing soda and whisk until fully dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Whisk in the baking soda and liquid Castile soap until combined.
5. Slowly add the remaining 3 cups of cold water, whisking constantly to prevent clumping.
6. If desired, add 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oils and stir gently to combine.
7. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then pour it into a glass jar or container with a lid.

That’s it! Your homemade, borax free liquid laundry detergent is ready to use.

*This detergent is best used within 6 months.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Homemade Laundry Detergent

• Shake It Up: The detergent may separate a bit over time, which is completely normal. Just give the bottle a good shake before each use to recombine the ingredients.
• Dosage: Start with ½ cup of detergent per load, but you can adjust depending on your water hardness and load size. For heavily soiled clothes or hard water, you may need a bit more.
• Pre-treat Stains: For tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the stain before washing. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash as usual.
• Hard Water Hack: If you have hard water, adding a bit of white vinegar to the rinse cycle can help prevent mineral buildup and keep your clothes soft.
• Experiment with Scents: Don’t be afraid to try different essential oil combinations to find your perfect fragrance. Lavender and lemon are great for a fresh, clean scent, while tea tree oil has antibacterial properties.
• Share the Love: This homemade laundry detergent recipe makes a thoughtful and practical gift for friends and family. Package it in a pretty glass dispenser and add a personalized label.
• Storage: Keep your detergent in a glass jar with a lid.
• Don’t Forget to Label! Make sure to label your detergent container clearly, especially if you have young children in the house. These are my favorite labels for the laundry room.

I hope these tips help you get the most out of your homemade laundry detergent!

Storing Your Homemade Laundry Detergent

This dispenser is a great option for storing and dispensing your homemade detergent. It’s reusable, stylish, and keeps your detergent fresh.

It’s also made of glass, so you don’t have to worry about any chemicals leeching into your detergent.

Troubleshooting & Tips for the Perfect Homemade Laundry Detergent

Making your own laundry detergent can be a fun and rewarding experience, but sometimes it doesn’t always turn out perfectly on the first try.

Here are some common issues and tips to help you troubleshoot and achieve the perfect consistency.

• The Waiting Game: After mixing, your detergent needs to rest for a full 24 hours to thicken up properly. It will transform into a gel-like consistency, similar to store-bought liquid detergents.
• Separation is Normal: Don’t be alarmed if your detergent looks like “noodle soup” with gel clumps or separates into layers – that’s completely normal! It’s just the nature of homemade detergent. Give it a good shake before each use to recombine the ingredients.
• Adjusting Consistency:
  • Too thick: If your detergent becomes too thick, simply add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, and stir until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Too thin: If your detergent is too thin after 24 hours, you can try adding a bit more washing soda (1-2 tablespoons at a time) to help it thicken up. Be sure to stir well and let it sit for a few more hours. If it’s still too thin, you can use it as is – it will still clean your clothes effectively.
• Temperature & Humidity:
  • Hot weather: During warmer months, your detergent may be more liquidy. Store it in a cool, dark place to help it maintain its consistency.
  • Cold weather: In colder temperatures, your detergent may thicken up more than usual. If it becomes too thick to pour easily, you can warm it up slightly in a pot of warm water before using.

Remember, this is a homemade recipe, so slight variations are to be expected. As long as your detergent is cleaning your clothes effectively and safely, that’s all that matters!

Variations & Additional Recipes for Laundry Detergent

Want to take your homemade laundry game to the next level? Here are a few variations and additional recipes to explore:

Powdered Laundry Detergent

If you prefer a powdered detergent, just omit the water from the recipe and pulse the grated Castile soap, baking soda, and washing soda in a food processor until finely ground.

Store in an airtight container and use 1/4 cup per load.

Extra-Strength Stain Remover

For tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the stain before washing. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash as usual.

Homemade Fabric Softener

Here’s a natural alternative to commercial fabric softeners: Put ¼ to ½ cup of vinegar in the washing machine’s fabric softener dispenser.

DIY Dryer Sheets

Instead of using disposable dryer sheets, try these reusable wool dryer balls. They help reduce drying time, soften fabrics, and can be infused with your favorite essential oils for a natural scent.

Essential Oil Blends for Laundry

Experiment with different essential oil combinations to create your perfect laundry scent. Start by adding 5-10 drops to your detergent mixture and adjust to your preference.

Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Lavender & Chamomile: A relaxing and calming blend for bedtime laundry.
• Citrus Burst: A refreshing and energizing combination of lemon, orange, and grapefruit.
• Sandalwood & Bergamot: A warm and grounding scent for everyday wear.
• Tea Tree & Eucalyptus: A purifying and invigorating blend with natural antibacterial properties.

Remember, a little goes a long way with essential oils! Start with a small amount and adjust as needed to create your own signature scent.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and variations to find what works best for you and your family.

Conclusion

There you have it! Your guide to a cleaner and more affordable laundry routine is complete. Not only will you be saving money, but you’ll also have the peace of mind knowing exactly what’s going into your laundry detergent.

I hope you give this homemade laundry detergent recipe a try and experience the benefits for yourself. If you find this post helpful, be sure to save it to your Pinterest board so you can easily refer back to it (and share it with your friends!).

Let me know in the comments how your homemade detergent turns out! I’m excited to hear about your experience and any variations you create. Happy creating!

Homemade Laundry Detergent FAQ

Does homemade laundry detergent really work?

Absolutely! This homemade laundry detergent recipe is surprisingly effective at cleaning clothes, even in cold water. The combination of Castile soap, baking soda, and washing soda creates a powerful cleaning solution that can clean everyday dirt and grime.

While it may not be as sudsy as commercial detergents, it definitely keeps your clothes fresh and clean.

Is it cheaper to make homemade laundry detergent?

Yes! Making your own laundry detergent can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying commercial brands. The ingredients are relatively inexpensive and readily available, often found at your local grocery store or online.

Plus, one batch of this homemade laundry detergent recipe can last for months, depending on how often you do laundry.

How to make good liquid laundry detergent?

The key to making a good liquid laundry detergent is to use high-quality ingredients and follow the recipe carefully. Here are some tips:

• Dissolve completely: Make sure all of the ingredients are fully dissolved in the hot water before adding the cold water. This will prevent clumps and ensure a smooth, consistent detergent.
• Let it thicken: Allow the detergent to sit for 24 hours to thicken up properly. This will give it a gel-like consistency similar to store-bought detergents.
• Customize it: Feel free to experiment with different essential oils or add a few tablespoons of white vinegar for extra cleaning power. You can tailor the recipe to your own preferences and needs.

This post was about the best homemade liquid laundry detergent recipe without borax.