BlogHomemade laundry detergent gets a mixed reputation. Some recipes clean brilliantly. Others leave clothes dull, cause residue in the machine, or don’t touch stains.
The difference usually comes down to two things:
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Using the right cleaning “base” (surfactants) instead of relying only on baking soda, and
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Using the correct amount, especially in HE/front-loader machines.
Below are homemade laundry detergent recipes that genuinely work, plus practical tips to keep clothes fresh, avoid build-up, and improve stain removal—without spending a fortune.
Internal link idea: If you’re transitioning your whole home, read: How to Switch to Green Cleaning Without Breaking the Bank
Before You Start: Two Rules for DIY Detergent That Works
Rule #1: Soap isn’t the same as detergent
A lot of “DIY detergent” recipes are actually soap-based (like grated laundry soap). Soap can clean, but in hard water it can form residue (soap scum), making fabrics feel stiff and leaving a film in your machine over time.
If you want the most reliable performance, especially in hard water, use a surfactant-based ingredient (like an unscented liquid soap/detergent concentrate or a true laundry concentrate).
Rule #2: Less is more
DIY mixes are often overused. Most loads only need 1–2 tablespoons of concentrated DIY powder or 30–60 ml liquid mix, depending on soil level and machine size.
Recipe 1: The Best All-Purpose Homemade Powder Detergent (Simple + Strong)
This is a reliable “everyday” powder that cleans well and stores easily.
Ingredients
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1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
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1 cup oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate)
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1/2 cup baking soda (optional for odour control)
Why it works:
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Washing soda boosts cleaning and cuts grease
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Oxygen bleach handles odours and lifts stains (especially whites and towels)
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Baking soda helps freshen (but don’t rely on it alone)
How to make
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Mix everything in a dry bowl.
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Store in an airtight container.
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Label clearly.
How to use
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HE/front loader: 1 tablespoon
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Top loader: 2 tablespoons
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For heavy soil: add +1 tablespoon oxygen bleach
Best for: everyday loads, towels, activewear (especially with odour)
Recipe 2: Fragrance-Free Liquid Laundry Detergent (Good for Sensitive Skin)
If powders irritate your skin or you prefer liquids, this is a gentle, practical option.
Ingredients
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4 cups warm water
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1/4 cup washing soda
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1–2 tablespoons unscented liquid laundry concentrate or a mild, plant-based liquid detergent (used as the surfactant)
How to make
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Dissolve washing soda in warm water.
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Stir in the unscented liquid concentrate.
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Pour into a bottle or jug.
How to use
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HE machine: 30–45 ml (2–3 tbsp)
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Top loader: 60 ml (1/4 cup)
Best for: sensitive skin, baby clothes, everyday wear
Tip: Shake before use if it separates slightly.
Recipe 3: “Gym Gear & Towels” Odour-Fighting Boost Mix
This isn’t a standalone detergent—it’s an add-on that makes a big difference for musty towels and workout gear.
Ingredients
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1 cup oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate)
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1 cup washing soda
How to use
Add 1 tablespoon to the wash alongside your normal detergent (DIY or store-bought).
Best for:
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sweaty activewear
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towels that smell clean until they get wet
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sheets and heavily used household linens
Recipe 4: Stain Pre-Treat Spray (DIY, Effective, Cheap)
A good pre-treat does more for stains than doubling your detergent.
Ingredients
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2 cups warm water
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1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid (mild, grease-cutting)
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1 tablespoon oxygen bleach (optional, for whites/colourfast fabrics)
How to use
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Spray directly on stains
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Leave 10–20 minutes
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Wash as normal
Best for: food, collar grime, makeup, oily marks
Note: Patch test on delicate fabrics.
How to Make DIY Detergent Work Better (Without Extra Cost)
1) Use warm water for oily loads
Even slightly warm water helps lift body oils from sheets, towels, and work uniforms.
2) Don’t overfill the machine
Overfilling reduces agitation, which reduces cleaning.
3) Add a rinse boost in hard water
Hard water reduces cleaning efficiency. If your clothes feel stiff or dull:
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Add 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse compartment occasionally (not every single wash)
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Or use a commercial laundry booster designed for hard water
(Avoid vinegar on natural rubber seals too frequently—occasional use is fine for most machines.)
4) Do a monthly machine clean
DIY mixes can leave residue if overused.
Run a hot cycle monthly with:
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machine cleaner or oxygen bleach + hot water
Internal link idea: Add a maintenance post: How to Clean Your Washing Machine Naturally
Common DIY Detergent Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: Using only baking soda and vinegar
These can help deodorise, but they are not complete detergents. You need surfactants to lift oils and soil.
Mistake 2: Using too much grated soap
Soap-heavy recipes can leave a waxy film, especially in hard water and HE machines. If you love soap-based formulas, use them sparingly and clean your machine regularly.
Mistake 3: Skipping pre-treating
DIY detergent works best when stains are treated early. A quick pre-spray saves you money and rewashes.
FAQs
Is homemade laundry detergent cheaper than store-bought?
Often yes—especially powder mixes using washing soda and oxygen bleach. The biggest savings come from using small amounts and treating stains correctly.
Is DIY detergent safe for HE/front-loader machines?
Yes, if you use low amounts and avoid heavy soap-based mixes that can build up. Powders with washing soda + oxygen bleach are usually a safer DIY route.
Can I add essential oils?
You can, but it’s optional. Oils don’t improve cleaning and may irritate sensitive skin. For a truly low-tox option, keep it fragrance-free.
Final Thoughts: The “Actually Works” Formula
If you want homemade laundry detergent that truly performs, keep it simple:
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Use washing soda as your cleaning booster
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Use oxygen bleach for stains/odours
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Use a small amount of real detergent/surfactant if you’re making liquid
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Don’t overload the wash or the dose
You’ll get clean, fresh laundry—without the price tag.
