Recipe for Powdered Laundry Detergent
If you’re trying to live a more resourceful, budget-friendly, and intentional lifestyle, one easy switch is making your own laundry detergent. This recipe for powdered laundry detergent is fragrance-free, effective, simple to make, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Not only does making your own laundry detergent cut down on cost, but it also gives you full control over the ingredients you’re using on your clothes and near your skin. Many commercial detergents—even those marketed as “natural”—contain mystery fragrances and unnecessary additives. This recipe has straight forward ingredients and it comes together in under a minute!
I also love that this recipe cuts down on waste. Laundry detergent bottles are frequently packaged in plastic and can be difficult to recycle. The ingredients in this recipe are often found in cardboard containers or even at bulk stores. Even if your oxygen booster comes in a plastic container, one plastic container is better than several plastic laundry detergent bottles.
Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?
Knowing exactly what goes into your laundry detergent is a powerful shift. If you or your family have sensitive skin, eliminating artificial fragrances and dyes can make a big difference. This recipe for powdered laundry detergent includes just four ingredients: baking soda, washing soda, Epsom salt, and oxygen booster (like OxiClean Free). All are easy to find and affordable.
While some DIY recipes use grated bar soap, many people find that soap-based detergents can leave residue on clothes or build up in high-efficiency machines. This no-soap formula dissolves easily and rinses clean, making it ideal for any washer.
I also love that this recipe for laundry detergent makes a powdered laundry detergent, instead of liquid. If you ever look up liquid laundry detergent you will find the main ingredient is water. I personally don’t want to store a large container of mainly water, so that’s why I prefer powdered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe for powdered laundry detergent, gather the following:
- 1 cup of washing soda
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1/3 cup of Epsom salt
- 1/3 cup of fragrance-free oxygen booster (like OxiClean Free)
Make it Scented?: I find that if I want to add a scent to my laundry, instead of putting it into detergent, which is supposed to break down oils, that it is better to put a few drops of essential oil onto a wool dryer ball. Be careful, you don’t want the oils to stain your clothes.
How to Make It
- Measure & mix your ingredients
- Easiest Option: I like to pour everything into a mason jar since there are measurements on the side. Then simply add the lid and shake to mix.
- Easy Option: Pour them into a large mixing bowl and mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Store your finished detergent in a sealed container with a spare tablespoon measuring spoon.
That’s it! This recipe for powdered laundry detergent takes only minutes to make.
How to Use
Use 1–2 tablespoons per load, depending on the size and soil level. It works well in both top-load and front-load washers. For most laundry machines they require you to place powdered laundry detergent into the drum and not the soap dispenser. This is something you should double check for your model of washing machine.
Why This Recipe Works
- Baking Soda helps neutralize odors and gently cleans.
- Washing Soda is a powerful degreaser and water softener.
- Epsom Salt helps balance the pH and softens water.
- Oxygen Booster (like OxiClean Free) lifts stains and brightens.
This recipe for powdered laundry detergent is simple, affordable, and free from unnecessary chemicals. Best of all, it costs a fraction of what you’d pay for store-bought natural brands—and you know exactly what’s in it.
Try this Recipe for Powdered Laundry Detergent
If you’re looking to be more intentional with your household products, this recipe for powdered laundry detergent is a great place to start. It’s effective, gentle, low-cost, and fits seamlessly into a more resourceful and sustainable lifestyle. Try it for yourself and see how simple it is to keep your laundry clean and your values intact—all with just a few ingredients.
Check out my other blog posts on how to resourcefully keep up with your home.
