My Homemade Laundry Soap
My Homemade Laundry Soap
I started making my own laundry soap because my husband breaks out easily from most store‑bought detergents and fabric softeners. Switching to this homemade version has been a complete game changer for his skin, and it saves us money every single month. 😎
For fabric softener, I use white vinegar in the rinse cycle.
For drying, I use unscented dryer sheets and wool balls for my laundry and my daughter’s, but for my husband’s clothes I use only wool dryer balls to avoid irritation.
This routine has been a life saver for his allergies and gentle enough for the whole family.
This homemade detergent costs about $0.09 per load, where the store bought stuff was costing me about $0.21 per loads.
I also get about 80 loads out of this full batch, where the store bought pods I was using, was only 42 pods to the pack.
Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe and Instructions for Use
2 cups each Borax, Super Washing Soda, and Oxy clean
1 bar Zote soap (pink or white — I’ve even mixed half and half)
1. Grate or chop the Zote bar.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Pulse in a food processor until fine and well‑mixed.
4. Store in an airtight container.
2 tablespoons per regular sized load.
4 tbsp for large or heavily soiled loads.
Dealing with sensitive skin in our household was a constant battle, especially when it came to laundry. It wasn't just about rashes; sometimes it was itchy skin, or even breathing issues from strong fragrances. That's why diving into DIY laundry detergent was such a relief! This specific recipe, featuring ingredients like Zote and the dye-free Oxiclean, has been a true game-changer for us. Many store-bought detergents contain harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and dyes that are notorious irritants. By making it yourself, you control exactly what goes into each load, ensuring a truly hypoallergenic wash. Let me tell you a bit more about why these specific ingredients work wonders. The recipe calls for '1 bar of pink Zote', and this soap is fantastic! It's a traditional Mexican laundry bar, often used for handwashing, and it's known for being gentle yet effective at lifting stains without harsh additives. The '2 cups each' of Borax and Super Washing Soda are powerful natural cleaning boosters. Borax helps to soften water and boost cleaning power, while Super Washing Soda (sodium carbonate) tackles grease and grime. But the real star for sensitive skin? It's crucial to use the unscented, dye-free version of something like Oxiclean. This ensures you're getting the stain-fighting power without the irritants that often come with colored or heavily fragranced stain removers. Now, about that 'smells good' query – since this recipe is designed for sensitive skin, it’s intentionally unscented. Many of those lovely 'fresh laundry' scents come from synthetic fragrances, which are common allergens. If you miss a fresh scent, I’ve found adding a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or tea tree) to your wool dryer balls after the wash, or using a natural linen spray, can give a subtle, non-irritating freshness. But honestly, the smell of truly clean, fragrance-free clothes is its own kind of wonderful, especially when you know it won't cause any discomfort. Beyond the health benefits, the cost savings are genuinely surprising. When I broke it down, I realized how much I was overspending on commercial detergents. This homemade batch not only lasts longer but drastically cuts down on our monthly expenses. For heavily soiled clothes, don't be afraid to pre-treat stains with a paste of some of this powder and water, or simply increase the 2 tablespoons recommendation to 4 tablespoons. Storing it in an airtight container keeps it fresh and potent. And for fabric softening, as mentioned, white vinegar is fantastic – it helps rinse out any residual soap and leaves clothes soft without any residue. It really is a complete routine that works wonders for both our budget and my family's sensitive skin!
You can also get this soap already graded