One thing I’ve really started focusing on during our homesteading journey is learning how to make more of the everyday products we use in our home.
Laundry detergent was one of the first household items I experimented with because we use it constantly, and honestly, store-bought detergents can get expensive fast.
After trying different recipes, I found a simple homemade version that works well for our family using basic ingredients and no unnecessary extras.
It’s affordable, easy to make, lasts a long time, and only takes a small amount per load.
And honestly… I think simple really is better sometimes.
Why I Started Making Homemade Laundry Detergent
As I began learning more about ingredients and trying to reduce unnecessary additives in our home, I started paying attention to the products we used daily — not just food, but cleaning products too.
Many commercial detergents contain:
- heavy fragrances
- dyes
- fillers
- and ingredients I personally wanted to avoid when possible
So I started looking for simpler alternatives that still cleaned well without overcomplicating things.
That’s how homemade laundry detergent became part of our routine.
My Simple Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is.
I use equal parts of:
- Borax
- Washing Soda
- Castile Soap (either grated Zote or homemade soap)
That’s it.
Simple pantry-style ingredients mixed together into a detergent that lasts for quite a while.
How I Make It
I simply combine equal parts of all ingredients into a large container and stir well.
If using bar soap:
- grate the soap finely first
- then mix thoroughly throughout the powder
You can use:
- Zote soap
- homemade lye soap
- homemade scented soap
- or other natural castile-style soaps
If using homemade soap, I usually grate the amount needed and stir it into the mixture really well.
Optional Essential Oils
This detergent works perfectly fine unscented, which is honestly how I usually prefer it.
But if you enjoy a little scent boost, you can add:
15–20 drops of essential oils
Some popular choices are:
- lavender
- lemon
- orange
- eucalyptus
- peppermint
Just stir the oils well into the detergent mixture after combining everything.
How Much Do I Use?
A little goes a long way.
I only use:
2 tablespoons per regular laundry load
And that’s usually plenty for everyday washing.
Why I Like Homemade Detergent
For me, homemade laundry detergent fits perfectly into the homesteading lifestyle because it helps us:
- simplify ingredients
- save money
- reduce waste
- rely less on store-bought products
- learn practical homemaking skills
It’s not about being perfect.
It’s simply about learning what works best for your home and family.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Like many homemade products, everyone’s preferences and washing machines can be different.
Some families may choose to:
- adjust ingredient ratios
- add stronger scents
- use different soaps
- or experiment with recipes until they find what works best
That’s one thing I’ve learned with homesteading:
there’s rarely just one “right” way to do something.
Homemade Living Starts Small
I think a lot of people believe homesteading means doing everything at once.
But honestly, it usually starts with small changes like:
- baking bread
- preserving food
- raising chickens
- making soap
- or learning how to make your own laundry detergent
Little by little, those small skills begin adding up.
And over time, your home slowly becomes more intentional, more self-sufficient, and more connected to simpler living.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Homemade laundry detergent may seem like a small thing, but for me it represents something bigger.
Learning.
Trying new skills.
Simplifying our home.
And becoming a little more self-reliant one step at a time.
Nothing perfect.
Just progress
Hey y’all — I’m Whitney, the heart behind Dirt Under My Nails Homesteading.
I’m a wife, grandmother, and beginner homesteader learning to grow food, raise animals, cook more from scratch, and build a simpler life right here in Alabama. Around here you’ll find real-life homesteading, pantry building, chickens, gardening, homemade food, and honest lessons from the very beginning.
Nothing perfect — just progress.
I’m so glad you’re here.
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