What more could I ask for?
Ingredients I trust with the convenience of saving me time.
Then a coconut allergy entered my life, and all bets were off. No more store-bought laundry detergent!
So after reading the ingredients label of every commercially available laundry detergent known to man, I struck out and was forced to try making my own.
Most recipes for homemade laundry detergent call for Borax, which is a controversial product because it is said that it can disrupt hormones and cause irritation. Certainly not something I was willing to risk. But I did notice that most recipes for homemade laundry detergent contained bar soap and something called Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda. You can get it at Amazon.com for just over $4, and you can even subscribe and save.
I then combine the washing soda with the one bar soap I can find that doesn't contain coconut-derived ingredients (Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Soap).
Bar soap options
The most challenging part of this is actually shredding the bar soap. However, it isn't too difficult with the right tool. I use a box grater and it makes quick work of the soap.
I then mix the washing soda and grated soap together in a glass jar and use a tbsp measuring spoon to measure it out.
Easy homemade laundry detergent
What you need:
How to make:
- Grate entire bar of soap
- Pour washing soda & grated soap into a container and shake vigorously until mixed.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
- For a small or medium load, I use 1-2 tbsp of detergent. Larger loads, depending upon soil level, use 3-4 tbsp. Please consult your washing machine manual for proper usage. I have a HE machine and haven't experienced any problems. Make sure you use the powdered detergent compartment on your laundry machine, not the liquid dispenser.
So far, so good with this stuff. It cost me around $7 to make the ½ gallon jar, and it seems to clean thoroughly. Our laundry doesn't have a smell really because there is no fragrance, but it does smell fresh like it was hanging outside in the fresh air.
kathryn denise
i am allergic to coconut oil too. not fun trying to clear it up, took months, painful too.
i haven't tried make the washing detergent yet, a little nervous.
i found out a number of years(26) ago i was allergic to detergent. the only one i could use without scratching my skin off is Seventh Generation free and clear. it works for me, just a thought for anyone who would like to try it. made with plants, not chemicals.
just one question--if i'm allergic to coconut oil am i allergic to coconuts too? coconut milk?
Melissa
HI! Thanks for great information including the one page guide for shopping. My dear daughter has a coconut allergy too so we have been trying to decipher what she can and can't use. I wondered if you have tried using soap nuts or soap berries for laundry. We have had success with these not exacerbating her skin reactions although the homemade shampoo did not work for her but may work for someone who does not have greasy hair. Thanks again!
Indria Gillespie
Thanks for sharing!
Jestine
I didn’t see any measurements for how much washing soda to use with one bar of soap. Can you clarify that for me?
Kim
Hi Jestine, you use the whole box of washing soda.
Susan
Love this! My son has a coconut allergy which also flares his eczema and I just have super sensitive skin! This has been a life saver! Literally a couple weeks after using this I have seen such a big difference in my son’s skin!! Thank you for sharing this recipe!!
Kim
Oh I am so glad to hear that it is working for you! Thanks for letting me know!
Shirley Posey
Can you safely use essential oils like lavender to add a little fragrance to the homemade detergent?
Kim
You should be able to add essential oils to the detergent although being a powder I'm not sure how the oil will disperse throughout it, it may end up all in one spot. Safety depends upon a number of factors and if you have any sensitivities and such.
Allison
How well does this clean compared to the laundry detergent you buy from the store.
Patricia Steele
Hello Kim. I am going to use your recipe. It will be my first homemade laundry soap. My daughter has an allergy and I think it is a smart idea to make our soap and cleaners from natural ingredients. Best regards!
Rebecca Orr
Love this! I am going to try it this weekend! Thanks Kim! 🙂
Valerie Remy Milora
I'm thrilled you've shared this as I have been looking for an easy, effective, chemical free laundry detergent that works really well. I tried the natural soap nuts and was really happy with the results in the beginning, then my family started complaining that laundry wasn't smelling so great... so I'm eager to try this and see how it works for us! It's so easy my six year old will have fun helping me make it.
Jessica Gottlieb
Apologize if someone already asked but can you use this in a HE machine?
Kimberly Grabinski
Jess, I do.
I read before doing it that because it doesn't contain a sudsing agent that it is not a problem. Because HE machines use less water, too many suds mean soap can remain on your clothing. Apparently the soap doesn't suds as much as the commercial detergents.
Torie
Any updates on how this is working out for you? I am going to try this as soon as my detergent runs out! Except I am a poor college student (hurray for cheap detergent) but I also have an old old washing machine :(. Hoping it still will work for my stuff! So cheap! I already use Kiss My Face for washing my face so I am excited to try this out.
Kimberly Grabinski
Working great so far, I am a little more than halfway through the jar for a family of 4 after 3 weeks. I do SO MUCH laundry. I love how fresh the clothes smell.
That Tech Chick
I make my own household cleaners but to be honest, im kinda afraid to make laundry soap. I dont know why but I am!
Kimberly Grabinski
I was afraid but I had no choice when I was having reactions to everything else!
Anne
What a great alternative to store-bought detergent! I've always wanted to try this because of my sensitive skin. Thanks for sharing!
Kimberly Grabinski
Better alternative and saves money too!
Sara Phillips
You are so brilliant! We use Free & Clear products, but I think this would be way better!
Kimberly Grabinski
You know, I was surprised that this seems to clean better and smells fresher. At least so far. It will take some time to know for sure I think.
pam
Just got the mason jars to do this and going to Whole Foods for the KMF bar... I've been relying on coconut oil as a moisturizer at night but suddenly my face is breaking out! So.
Thanks for the recipe!
Kimberly Grabinski
Oh boy! yeah I had to remove ALL coconut from my products. My face isn't overly dry yet but as we hit colder weather here it probably will dry out, even with the olive oil soap. I ordered a body balm from here: http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/helpchoose/chcoconut.aspx
Dee
A friend makes her own laundry detergent. She said she found out putting the bar soap in the microwave causes it to sort of explode (puff up and sort of ooze like those homemade volcano's). She can then crumble it with her hands into a powder.
Kimberly Grabinski
Hah I don't have a microwave. The grating really wasn't that bad though.
Chris
What a great idea. My wife makes a great deal of home made food stuff like ketchup, etc.
Chris
Owner Cel Financial Services
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom
I tried doing this with Ivory and it was a great big fail. It broke my skin out and was a mess. This has inspired me to find the Kiss My Face bar and try again!
Kimberly Grabinski
Wow that's crazy! There are a lot of ingredients in Ivory so who knows what the culprit was. We are a sensitive skin family around here and no one has had any problems with this detergent.
Nichol
I bought my Kiss my Face bar tonight for my hair and washed with it tonight. I'm done using shampoos and am going to try making my own laundry soap as well. I have to get crap ingredients out of my home! You inspired me so much Kim!
Kimberly Grabinski
Awesome! I have found I need to rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar maybe once a week or so for conditioning. I also think my skin is a bit dryer than it was before (I use this soap for EVERYTHING) so I ordered some lotion from a company that sells organic, coconut-free stuff. The cooler weather could account for the dryer skin too. But my hair is great and the slightly greasy feel went away after a week.
Torie
Can apple cider vinegar be used for a leave in conditioner? I am on my way to swapping out almost all my beauty products out. So far I have changed out my shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and mascara. My next goals are deodorant, hand soap, laundry soap, and a leave in conditioner for my hair!
Kimberly Grabinski
My mom leaves it in no problem. I rinse it out though. It's very liquidy and I dilute it. it makes our hair really soft!
Kimberly Grabinski
I meant to tell you that I also made liquid hand soap with the Kiss My Face soap. It was supposed to foam but it didn't. It's still GREAT but I have made soap that foamed so I have to play with the amounts.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
Well, aren't you crafty! Good for you - I bet you save tons of money in the long run by making it yourself, too!
Kimberly Grabinski
I hope so! Something good better come out of this LOL. Well I was itchy for weeks before I started using this and I'm not anymore so I guess THAT is good.