Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent

In this post and video I’ll show you how to make your own liquid laundry soap with non-toxic ingredients.

There are two main reasons why I make my own DIY laundry detergent:

It’s super duper affordable. Like, $0.92 per gallon kinda affordable.
It’s truly non-toxic. I know exactly what’s in it, and as a mom whose child has sensitive skin, this is so important to me.

Here in Ontario, Canada, a “clean” laundry detergent can easily cost $22/gallon if not more. It’s borderline outrageous, especially once you realize all it takes is 3 ingredients and a bit of time.

I wash toddler clothes (think muddy knees in the spring), workout clothes, cleaning rags and dish towels, and all our clothing with this homemade laundry detergent. And it really works.

Some tips for using this homemade non-toxic liquid laundry soap in your washer:

Pin this image! Photo of Julia holding a jar of homemade liquid laundry soap

I use this formula in our HE front loading washer and have never had an issue. Plus, the inside of the washing basin seems cleaner and less musty than ever before. Double win!
I haven’t used fabric softener in years. I just pour some white vinegar in the softener cubby before each load and it works well to remove any potential residue as well as to soften our fabrics.
To whiten, I use peroxide in the bleach cubby of our washer (I show this in the video as well).
You only need 1/4 cup of this homemade laundry soap per load. If it’s a BIG load, increase that to 1/2 cup.

Okay, let’s get into the recipe!

Supplies:

Close up photo of ingredients - Borax, Kirk's Castille Soap and Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

How to Make Your Own Liquid Laundry Soap:

Heat up 4 cups water on stovetop over medium heat.
Grate 6 oz. of your bar castile soap.
Add the grated castile soap to the hot water and stir until melted.
Fill the 5 gallon bucket halfway with hot water (no need to measure specifically).
Add 1 cup Borax and 1 cup washing soda to bucket and stir until dissolved into the hot water.
Pour the melted castile soap mixture into the bucket of hot water, and stir well. Secure the lid onto the bucket and let it sit for at least 24 hours.
After 24 hours, it is ready to use! Decant into your preferred containers. It should look cloudy and just slightly thicker, but still maintain a thin consistency.
Be sure to shake well before each use. Use 1/4 cup - 1/2 cup per load.