DIY HE Laundry Soap | How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent for under $30 Per Year!

Making homemade laundry detergent can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to keep your clothes clean. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your own homemade laundry detergent:

Ingredients:

1. Bar Soap: You can use any type of bar soap, but Castile soap is a popular choice for its natural ingredients. Unscented is recommended if you plan to add your own scent later.
2. Borax: Borax is a natural mineral often used in cleaning products. It helps to boost the cleaning power of your detergent.
3. Washing Soda: Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is another natural mineral that aids in cleaning and stain removal.
4. Baking Soda: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) helps to neutralize odors and brighten whites.
5. Method Fragrance Boosters: These are optional but can add a pleasant scent to your laundry detergent.

Instructions:

1. Grate the Bar Soap:
   • Begin by grating the three bars of Castile soap. You can use a food processor with a grating attachment for faster results.
2. Process the Method Fragrance Boosters:
   • If you’re using Method fragrance boosters, add them to the food processor along with the grated soap and process until finely chopped.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large container or jar, combine the following dry ingredients:
     • 4 pounds of Borax
     • 3 pounds of Arm & Hammer super washing soda
     • 3.5 pounds of Arm & Hammer pure baking soda
     • The finely chopped soap and fragrance boosters mixture
4. Mix Thoroughly:
   • Mix all the dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
5. Store the Detergent:
   • Transfer your homemade laundry detergent to a suitable storage container or jar. A clear glass container works well.
6. Usage Instructions:
   • If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washing machine, use 1 tablespoon of detergent per load.
   • For top-loading machines, you can use up to two heaping tablespoons.
   • If you prefer to add scent, you can do so by adding a few drops of essential oil or using scented Method fragrance boosters in each load.