DIY Natural Laundry Powder: A Toxin-Free, Budget-Friendly Alternative
If you’ve never thought about what’s in your laundry detergent, now’s the time. Most conventional detergents are filled with hormone-disrupting chemicals like artificial fragrances, optical brighteners, and sulfates that don’t fully rinse out of your clothes. That means you’re absorbing them all day through your skin—affecting everything from estrogen balance to thyroid function.
The good news? You can ditch the toxins and make your own powerful, all-natural laundry powder at home. It’s safe, effective, and gives you full control over what touches your body. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly compared to store-bought options.
Why Make Your Own Laundry Powder?
Toxin-Free: No artificial fragrances, dyes, or endocrine disruptors.
Cost-Effective: A year’s supply costs a fraction of store-bought natural detergents.
Eco-Friendly: No plastic waste, and it’s septic-safe.
Gentle Yet Powerful: Works in both hot and cold water, safe for HE machines.
Homemade Laundry Powder Recipe
This recipe makes a full 1-gallon (4L) batch to last you months.
Ingredients
4 cups (1L) washing soda (sodium carbonate) – Cleans, softens water, and removes stains.
4 cups (1L) baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) – Deodorizes and boosts cleaning power.
2 cups (500mL) fine sea salt or kosher salt – Helps break down grime and soften water.
2 cups (500mL) borax (optional) – Whitens, removes stains, and deodorizes.
For bar soap version: 2 bars of finely grated castile or coconut oil soap.
For liquid castile soap version: ½ cup (125mL) liquid castile soap (adjusted recipe below).
Optional: 20-30 drops essential oil (like lemon, lavender, or tea tree) for fragrance.
Optional: 1 cup (250mL) citric acid for hard water & extra stain removal.
Instructions (Using Bar Soap)
Grate the soap using a cheese grater or food processor.
In a large bowl or bucket, mix washing soda, baking soda, salt, and borax (if using).
Add the grated soap and mix thoroughly.
If using essential oils, add them now and stir well.
Transfer to a 1-gallon (4L) jar with an airtight lid.
Instructions (Using Liquid Castile Soap)
In a large bowl, mix washing soda, baking soda, salt, and borax.
Slowly drizzle the liquid castile soap over the dry mixture while stirring constantly.
If adding essential oils, mix them in now.
Let the mixture air dry for a few hours (or overnight), stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
Once dry, store in an airtight 1-gallon (4L) jar.
How to Use
Regular loads: 2 tablespoons per load.
Large or heavily soiled loads: 3 tablespoons.
For extra cleaning power: Dissolve in warm water before adding to a cold wash.
Best Tips for Success
If you have hard water: Add 1 cup citric acid to your mix or use white vinegar as a fabric softener.
If you’re washing whites: Instead of adding oxygen brightener to the whole batch, I prefer adding it separately when needed.
For extra freshness: Store in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping, and give it a shake every now and then.
HE machine safe? Yes! It’s low-sudsing and works great in high-efficiency washers.
Cost Breakdown: How Much Are You Saving?
Let’s do a little math. A year’s supply of homemade laundry powder costs roughly $20-$25, depending on the ingredients you use. Compare that to most natural detergents, which can cost $100-$150 per year—and that’s a conservative estimate. Making your own saves money and keeps toxins out of your home.
Final Thoughts
Switching to homemade laundry powder is one of those simple, low-effort changes that make a huge difference. It’s safe, effective, and gives you peace of mind knowing exactly what’s in it.
Would you try making your own? Let me know in the comments!
Download The Hormone Safe Home Guide with 30+ natural natural, toxin-free cleaning recipes and practical ways to make the switch to a healthier home!
