Homemade DIY Non-toxic Laundry Soap Detergent Recipe

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I’m often asked, “Can you make your own non-toxic laundry soap detergent?” And the answer is always YES, you can make your own non-toxic laundry detergent at home! DIY laundry detergent is one of our favorite ways to avoid harsh chemicals and save money. Plus, it’s a great option if you want to use simple, natural ingredients.

Is DIY Laundry Detergent Safe?

DIY laundry detergent can be very safe when you use non-toxic ingredients and follow a trusted recipe. Homemade natural laundry detergent often includes ingredients like baking soda, washing soda, and castile soap, which are gentle on your skin and effective for cleaning.

non-toxic laundry soap detergent diy homemade

Common Ingredients for Natural Non-Toxic Laundry Soaps

Epsom Salt: Helps to soften water and can act as a mild detergent booster. It also aids in reducing detergent residues on clothes and can be beneficial for overall washing effectiveness.

Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda): Acts as a deodorizer and stain remover. It neutralizes odors, helps to break down stains, and balances pH levels in the wash.

Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda): Helps to boost the detergent’s cleaning power and soften water. It is effective at breaking down grease and grime and can improve the performance of other cleaning agents.

Sea Salt: Adds abrasiveness to help with tough stains and can enhance the cleaning process. It can also help to exfoliate fabrics and improve overall cleaning performance.

Essential Oils: Provide a natural fragrance and can add additional antibacterial properties if desired. Popular essential oils include lavender for its calming scent, tea tree for its antimicrobial benefits, and lemon for its fresh, clean smell.

Borax: (Optional) Enhances cleaning power and boosts the effectiveness of detergents. It helps to remove tough stains and brighten whites but should be used cautiously due to its potential skin irritation.

Castile Soap: (Optional) A gentle, plant-based soap that can be used as a base for liquid detergents. It cleans effectively while being mild on the skin.

Hydrogen Peroxide: (Optional) Adds whitening and brightening effects to laundry, and helps to remove tough stains. It also has antibacterial properties.

Citric Acid: (Optional) Helps to soften water and remove mineral deposits. It can be particularly useful for dealing with hard water and preventing scale buildup in your washing machine.

Soap Nuts: (Optional) A natural alternative to traditional detergents. Soap nuts contain saponins, which act as a natural surfactant to clean clothes.

Is Making Your Own Laundry Detergent Worth It?

Making your own non-toxic laundry soap detergent can be a great way to take control of what you’re using to wash clothes while avoiding some of the toxic chemicals found in store-bought laundry detergents. From my personal experience, crafting your own detergent is worth it, especially if you’re aiming for a more non-toxic home.

Compared to commercial detergent, which often contains harsh chemicals that aren’t friendly to aquatic life, making your own non-toxic laundry soap is much safer.

It’s also a fantastic way to incorporate natural products and even try herbal infusions or essential oils like lemon for a fresh scent.

If you’re using an HE washer, don’t worry—homemade laundry soap is generally safe, especially if you stick to liquid laundry soap recipes or laundry powder recipes that dissolve easily.

You can experiment with different detergent ingredients, like soda ash or castile soap bars, to see what works best for tough stains or delicate fabrics.

Adding a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle can also help soften clothes naturally.

Store-bought laundry detergents are convenient, but with a little time, you can make your own non-toxic laundry soap that’s both budget-friendly and better for your family’s health.

And after that first load of laundry using your homemade soap, you’ll notice how fresh and clean your clothes feel—no need for harsh chemicals.

Plus, it feels good to hang your clothes in the fresh air knowing you’re using something truly safe and simple!

So, is making your own laundry detergent worth it? If you’re aiming for a more natural, non-toxic approach and want to skip the detergent aisle at the grocery store, it might just be the best option for you!

Exposure to Perchloroethylene (PCE) and Trichloroethylene (TCE), commonly used in commercial laundry and dry cleaning, can significantly damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system; furthermore, TCE exposure is particularly linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, cervical cancer, and liver cancer.

How Do You Make Homemade Laundry Detergent?

Making homemade laundry detergent is simple and can be done with a few basic ingredients. Here’s an easy recipe that’s perfect even for the most gentle skin. For tougher stains and dirtier clothes,

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Epsom Salt: Softens water and boosts cleaning power.
  • 1 1/2 cups Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda): Deodorizes and helps remove stains.
  • 1 1/2 cups Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda): Enhances detergent effectiveness and softens water.
  • 1/4 cup Sea Salt: Helps with stain removal and improves cleaning.
  • 20-25 drops Essential Oils (optional): Adds a nice fragrance and antibacterial properties (e.g., lavender, lemon).
  • 1 cup Borax (optional): Boosts stain removal and deodorizing, but can be irritating so use cautiously.
  • 1 cup Oxiclean Free (optional): Adds extra cleaning power for tough stains.
  • 1 bar Castile Soap (about 5 oz) (optional): Grated finely to help break down grease and grime.

Instructions:

  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the Epsom salt, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium carbonate (washing soda), sea salt, optional Borax, and Oxiclean Free.
  • Grate Castile Soap: Using a food processor or hand grater, grate the bar of Castile soap into fine flakes and mix it in with the dry ingredients.
  • Add Essential Oils: If using essential oils, add 20-25 drops of your chosen oils and stir well to distribute them evenly throughout the powder.
  • Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container, such as a mason jar or another sealed container.
  • Use: For each load of laundry, use approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the homemade laundry powder. You can adjust the amount based on the size and soil level of the load.
  • Optional – White Vinegar: For additional fabric softening and deodorizing, add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine.

To enhance this recipe, you might try the following additions:

  • Borax: Adding about 1 cup of borax can increase cleaning power, especially for tough stains. However, borax can be irritating to sensitive skin, so use it cautiously.
  • Castile Soap: For a liquid laundry detergent, you can add 1 cup of liquid castile soap to the mix, which will help in creating a more detergent-like consistency.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide: Adding 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide can help with whitening and brightening clothes.
  • Citric Acid: For added stain-fighting power and to help with hard water issues, you might add 1/4 cup of citric acid.
  • Soap Nuts: If you prefer a more natural approach, you can use soap nuts in place of some of the ingredients, as they are gentle and effective for cleaning.

Additional Non-toxic Laundry Soap Detergent Tips:

For front loader machines, liquid laundry detergent is often recommended to prevent buildup.

Soap nuts are a natural product that can be used as a gentle, eco-friendly alternative to traditional detergents.

Herbal infusions like lavender or chamomile can be added to your liquid soap for added fragrance and soothing properties.

Avoid fabric softener and store-bought products with harmful chemicals; instead, rely on natural substances and homemade laundry powder.

Always measure your detergent carefully. For a load of laundry, use about 2 tablespoons of homemade detergent. For high efficiency washers, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

For Cloth Diapers: Make sure your detergent is free of harsh chemicals and fabric softeners to keep your baby’s skin safe.

Sea salt can be used to help boost cleaning power and deodorize.

For High Efficiency (HE) Washers: Make sure that you’re using the recommended amount of detergent and avoid over-sudsing. HE washers are designed to work with liquid detergents and use less water, so it’s essential to use a low-suds formula.

For Tough Stains: Pre-treat stains with a bit of the homemade detergent or a mixture of baking soda and water.

Use wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets to naturally soften clothes and reduce drying time.

For a fresh scent, you can add drops of essential oils like lavender or lemon to your detergent or directly to the wash load.

If you’re washing farm clothes or other heavily soiled items, pre-treat stains with hydrogen peroxide or homemade stain remover.

Store your homemade laundry soap in a cool, dry place to maintain its effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions on Nontoxic Commercial Laundry Detergents

What Are the 4 Banned Laundry Detergents?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified several laundry detergents with harmful chemicals that are banned or restricted in some regions.

These often include products with high levels of phosphates and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). Always check labels and research products to avoid these.

What Is the Best and Safest Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent?

You may not be ready to make your own diy nontoxic laundry detergent just yet and that’s ok, too!

I’ve found a couple detergents along the way that I’ve really loved. Although, the best nontoxic laundry detergent depends on your specific needs, such as whether you have sensitive skin or deal with hard water.

The safest non-toxic laundry detergent is one that avoids harmful chemicals and uses natural ingredients. Look for detergents that are free from 1,4-dioxane, a common contaminant in many commercial detergents.

Some great options include Seventh Generation, which offers laundry products that are free from harmful chemicals, and Ecos, known for its plant-based ingredients.

I used Seventh Generation with my youngest baby when I wasn’t up for making my own postpartum (I can be a bit of a procrastinator).

What Laundry Detergents Do Not Contain 1,4-Dioxane?

Brands like Seventh Generation, Ecos, and Molly’s Suds are known for their commitment to avoiding 1,4-dioxane in their products. Always check the ingredient list or product certifications to ensure you’re choosing a safe option.

Does Tide Have a Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent?

Tide offers some products that are marketed as being more environmentally friendly, like Tide Purclean. However, even these may not be completely free of all harmful chemicals. For a truly non-toxic option, consider checking out dedicated eco-friendly brands.


Using non-toxic laundry products in your laundry routine not only helps reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals but also supports environmental protection.

Whether you choose to make your own homemade laundry detergent or opt for store-bought non-toxic options, you can create a safer and cleaner laundry environment.

Final Note

We love homemade laundry detergent. It’s gentle on sensitive skin, fights the tough stains when adding in the optional stain-fighting ingredients, and it saves us money! I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe. Share your thoughts below.

Love, Kacie at Her Country Roots

About The Author

Founder at Her Country Roots | Website | + posts

Kacie is a wife, homeschool mom of 4 boys, holistic esthetician, and a sixth-generation homesteader with a passion for natural and sustainable living, creating a home that educates the mind and nurtures the soul, and reclaiming our independence like our ancestors before us.

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