My daughter has eczema and I have to be extremely careful about what kind of laundry detergent I use. Even free & clear detergents cause her to break out. Enter this wonderful recipe for easy homemade laundry detergent. It only contains three ingredients and so far it is the only thing I can use to wash my daughter’s clothes. I love to share great cleaning tips with people, and while this homemade powdered laundry detergent recipe isn’t actually detergent, but more of a laundry soap, it’s a great alternative for people who have allergies to store-bought detergents.

What is the best homemade laundry detergent?

Now, I’m not saying this recipe will work for everyone. It works for us, and it is super cheap to make. Plus, the kids and I actually enjoy sitting around and grating the soap bars. They smell nice and, I don’t know, the grating is kind of therapeutic. Plus, there’s nothing better than making something useful with your own hands.

This homemade laundry detergent recipe is almost the same recipe on my FREE Printable Homemade Cleaners Cheat Sheet, but I have a little secret.

I obviously leave out the Purex crystals because they irritate my daughter’s skin, and I leave out the oxygen bleach. This saves me a few dollars and I use oxygen bleach on loads that I feel really need it. If you’d like to add some scent, try some essential oils. Lavender is my favorite essential oil for laundry!

3 Ingredient Laundry Detergent

All you need to make this homemade laundry detergent is a box of Borax, a box of washing soda, and three bars of Fels-Naptha. We like to go outside because the washing soda and borax tend to fly a bit.

Grate the bars of Fels-Naptha on a fine grater and combine all of the ingredients. I use a big mop bucket to mix it all up. Then, I’m super cheap so I store my laundry detergent in old ice cream buckets! Whatever works!

I use 2 tablespoons per load of laundry. I have a regular old top loader, but I am told this recipe works in HE machines. Just use 1 tablespoon.

Let me know if you give this detergent a try and how you like it! 

When should I not use homemade laundry detergent?

Now, there’s been a lot of talk about whether or not it’s a good idea to use homemade laundry detergent or laundry soap. I’m always open to hearing other people’s ideas and experiences.

Here’s a great article on how to properly use a homemade laundry detergent and the science behind it.

Homemade laundry detergent should only be used when you’re washing your clothes in warm or hot water. You’ll also need to keep in mind, you have a soap, not a detergent. I’d do a double rinse. 

Whichever side of the debate you’re on, homemade laundry detergents and soaps have been used for years by many people.

Also check out the best non toxic laundry detergent I’ve found! 

Follow Joanie Boeckman (Simple Living Mama)’s board Homemaking on Pinterest.

Linking to: Thrifty Thursday