Homemade Powder Laundry Soap Recipe: Natural and Effective

Exciting Homemade Powder Laundry Soap Recipe!

After years of trial and error, I am thrilled to finally share my homemade powder laundry soap recipe with you! In the past, I struggled to create an effective DIY laundry detergent that delivered the results I desired. Many attempts left me disappointed, as they either contained harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes or simply didn’t clean my clothes properly. It was frustrating to see my “clean” clothes turn a murky brown when soaked in water, revealing that they weren’t as clean as I thought. For a long time, I relied on my homemade liquid laundry detergent, which has proven to be effective in removing stains, reducing static cling, and being gentle on both fabrics and skin. However, I needed a powdered alternative for travel and convenience, so my journey continued. After several years of experimentation, I have finally cracked the code! I can’t wait to share this with all of you.

Why You Should Make This Homemade Laundry Soap

Simple and easy to create
Made from natural ingredients
Free from harmful chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes
Harnesses the cleaning power of essential oils
Delightfully fragrant!
Softens your laundry
Reduces static cling
Keeps whites dazzling and colors vibrant
Eliminates odors
Effectively removes stains
Thoroughly cleans clothes!
No residue left behind
Gentle on both fabrics and skin
Compatible with high-efficiency (HE) front-loading washers as well as traditional top-loading machines
One batch yields enough for 63 loads (ideal for a month if you do two loads daily!)

Ingredients for Homemade Laundry Soap

Please note that this website contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on certain links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Earthborn Elements Soap Flakes (find here)

My previous attempts at homemade laundry soaps often failed due to harsh chemicals or poor cleaning performance. However, Earthborn Elements Soap Flakes are a game-changer. Made from sodium tallowate, these flakes do not contain any harmful ingredients, artificial fragrances, or dyes. They are gentle on both clothes and skin, making them perfect for my family, especially for my daughter who has sensitive skin. Unlike other soaps, like Castile soap, that can leave residues, these soap flakes actually clean clothes effectively and rinse out completely.

Super Washing Soda (find here)

Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate or sodium ash, softens water, enhancing the cleaning process. It helps eliminate stubborn stains and boosts the cleaning power of the soap flakes. If you’re dealing with hard water, add an extra cup of washing soda to improve performance. If you can’t find washing soda, you can easily make it by baking baking soda in a 400°F oven for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

Borax (find here)

Borax is a natural mineral that brightens colors and whitens whites. While it significantly enhances cleaning, you can omit it if you prefer, although I recommend adding a bit of hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice during the wash cycle to help brighten whites.

Epsom Salt (find here)

Epsom salt, commonly used in bath products, is another excellent addition to your laundry soap. It softens fabrics and reduces static cling.

Lemon Essential Oil

Citrus essential oils, like lemon, orange, or grapefruit, are fantastic for fighting dirt and grime, while also adding a fresh, uplifting scent to your laundry. If lemon isn’t your favorite, there are several alternative essential oil blends listed below!

Steps to Create Your Homemade Laundry Soap

Step 1: Add 1.5 cups of Earthborn Elements Soap Flakes to your container

Tip: Choose a container that holds at least 1/2 gallon (2 quarts) or larger. Opt for a glass or a plastic container made of safe plastics like #1 (PET) or #2 (HDPE) to ensure compatibility with essential oils.

Earthborn Elements Soap Flakes are my favorite, but you can use others like Fels Naptha or Zote if you prefer. Just remember those contain dyes and fragrances. I advise against using Castile soap, as it often leaves residues.

Step 2: Add 3 cups of Super Washing Soda

Tip: If you have hard water, consider adding an extra cup of washing soda to enhance cleaning efficiency.

Step 3: Add 3 cups of Borax

Tip: If you choose to skip borax, consider adding 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice to your wash cycle for an added boost in brightness.

Step 4: Add 6 tablespoons of Epsom Salt

Tip: If you have hard water, you might want to increase the amount of Epsom salt for better results.

Step 5: Add 50 drops of Lemon Essential Oil

Tip: If lemon isn’t your preferred scent, feel free to experiment with these alternative essential oil combinations:

50 drops of lavender essential oil
10 drops lime + 10 drops grapefruit + 10 drops sweet orange + 10 drops lavender + 5 drops basil
15 drops sweet orange + 10 drops grapefruit + 10 drops lemon + 10 drops tangerine + 5 drops wintergreen
30 drops lemon + 15 drops lavender
20 drops lavender + 20 drops lime + 8 drops spearmint
20 drops cypress + 15 drops tangerine + 10 drops lime + 5 drops bergamot
15 drops lemon + 20 drops lavender + 15 drops bergamot
30 drops lemon + 7 drops basil + 10 drops spearmint
25 drops eucalyptus + 25 drops spearmint
17 drops sweet orange + 17 drops bergamot + 17 drops lemon

Step 6: Mix Thoroughly

Tip: Ensure you stir well, reaching the bottom of the container to evenly distribute all ingredients, allowing for consistent cleaning in each load.

Step 7 (Optional): Label Your Homemade Laundry Soap

Tip: You can get a free printable label here. I prefer to print it on regular printer paper and attach it using packing tape for durability and waterproofing. Alternatively, full-sheet label paper is also an option.

Tip: Before applying the label, wipe the jar with rubbing alcohol to ensure a clean surface for better adhesion.

How to Use Your Homemade Laundry Soap

Use 2 tablespoons for HE (high-efficiency) front-loading machines or 1/4 cup for traditional top-loading machines.
IMPORTANT: Use in a hot water cycle to ensure the soap flakes dissolve completely. If washing in cold or warm water, dissolve the soap in hot water separately before adding it to the machine.
Yields: 63 loads for HE machines, 31 loads for top-loading machines.
Tip: Adjust the amount based on your load size—use less for small loads and more for larger ones.

Where to Source Your Ingredients

This website contains affiliate links. If you click on specific links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

1/2 gallon glass jar: Available at Target and Walmart in their kitchen and home décor sections, or online here.
Earthborn Elements Soap Flakes: Find online here.
Super Washing Soda: Usually found in the laundry aisle at Target, Walmart, or some grocery stores. Shop online here.
Borax: Available in the laundry aisle at Target, Walmart, or grocery stores. Order online here.
Epsom Salt: Located in both the pharmacy and bath sections of Target, Walmart, or drug stores. Purchase online here.
Free Printable Label: Get your free printable label here.

Join Our Community!

Please note that the products mentioned on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is not a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult your medical doctor regarding your health and well-being. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it due to something you have read on this website.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that this website contains affiliate links. Clicking on certain links and making a purchase may result in a small commission for me, but the price remains the same for you.