Non-toxic laundry detergent can be made by blending grated soap with washing soda and baking soda, using only a few tablespoons per load.
Making your own non-toxic laundry detergent comes down to a simple dry mix: a soap base, washing soda, and baking soda. Optional add-ins like borax or citric acid boost cleaning power, but they also bring mild skin-irritation risks worth knowing about. Store the finished mix in an airtight container and use small, measured amounts per load.
What Goes Into A DIY Non-Toxic Detergent
The base recipe is three ingredients: grated bar soap, washing soda, and baking soda. The soap handles the grease, the washing soda lifts stains, and the baking soda softens water and neutralizes odors.
Beyond that, recipes split into two camps. One camp adds borax for extra stain-fighting power; the other skips it for a simpler, gentler mix. Essential oils are purely optional, for scent only.
The Basic Dry Mix
A widely used dry recipe calls for 3 cups borax, 3 cups washing soda, and one 5-ounce bar of Fels-Naptha soap or 2 cups ZOTE flakes. Grate the bar, mix everything thoroughly in a large bowl or tub, and seal it in an airtight jar or bucket.
Use warm or hot water for best results, and swap in white vinegar as your fabric softener instead of commercial softeners.
A Gentler Castile-Based Option
Prefer fewer synthetic ingredients? A castile-soap version skips borax entirely. Mix 1 bar of grated castile soap with 1 cup washing soda and 1 cup baking soda. Optional add-ins include 1/2 cup citric acid or borax, 1/2 cup Epsom salt or coarse sea salt, and 10–20 drops of essential oils.
If you have hard water, bump it toward the upper end.
Liquid Vs. Powder: Which To Make?
Powder is the simpler of the two, but liquid dissolves faster in cold water and is easier on front-loaders. To make liquid, melt grated soap in hot water, stir in washing soda and borax, then let it cool and sit overnight until it gels.
One thing to know: none of these recipes produce a standardized dose. Start low, check how your clothes come out, and adjust from there.
| Ingredient | What It Does | Skin/Dust Note |
|---|---|---|
| Grated bar soap | Lifts grease and grime | Gentle |
| Washing soda | Breaks down stains | Mild irritant |
| Baking soda | Softens water, fights odors | Mild irritant |
| Borax (optional) | Boosts stain removal | Mild irritant |
| Citric acid (optional) | Brightens whites | Mild irritant |
| Essential oils (optional) | Scent only | Patch-test first |
Safety, Storage, And Smart Use
Household chemicals can be dangerous if swallowed or if they contact skin or eyes, warns Health Canada’s household chemical safety guidance. That matters here because borax and washing soda are mild skin irritants. Wear gloves and a dust mask while mixing the dry ingredients, and keep the finished detergent sealed and out of reach of children and pets.
An airtight jar, bucket, or old detergent container works fine for storage. Label it clearly so nobody mistakes the powder for flour or sugar.
For a sparkling-clean load, try warm or hot water with a vinegar rinse in the softener dispenser. And if you’d rather buy than mix, our tested roundup of top-rated non-toxic laundry detergent options covers the best store-bought picks ready to order.
FAQs
Is homemade laundry detergent safe for HE washers?
Yes, with one caveat: use the low-sudsing soap and keep doses modest. Powder mixes dissolve best in warm or hot water, so run a hot cycle occasionally to prevent residue buildup in high-efficiency machines.
Can I use this detergent on baby clothes?
Yes, but skip the essential oils and borax for the most sensitive skin. A plain castile soap, washing soda, and baking soda mix is the gentlest option. Run an extra rinse cycle to be sure no residue lingers.
How long does homemade detergent stay fresh?
If it clumps, smells off, or grows mold, toss it and mix a fresh batch.
References & Sources
- Health Canada. “Household Chemical Safety.” Offical guidance on handling and storing household chemicals safely.