Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent

Keep your laundry fresh and clean the natural way with this gentle, non-toxic homemade liquid laundry detergent. Made with simple ingredients like washing soda, baking soda, and Castile soap, it’s tough on dirt yet kind to skin and clothes.

Why Natural Laundry Detergent?

This simple homemade detergent recipe uses natural ingredients like washing soda, baking soda, and pure Castile soap to cut through dirt and odors—without any of the harsh chemicals found in store-bought brands. A touch of vegetable glycerin keeps it silky smooth, prevent separation, while eucalyptus lemon essential oil adds a fresh, clean scent straight from nature.

Why switch to natural laundry detergent?
Conventional detergents often contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh surfactants that can irritate skin, trigger allergies, and pollute the environment. A natural, biodegradable detergent is safer for your family, gentler on clothes, and better for the planet. With this DIY natural recipe, you can enjoy a clean wash, clean clothes, and clean ingredients!

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Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Ingredients (1 gallon)

• ½ cup washing soda (sodium carbonate) – natural cleaner & deodorizer
• ½ cup baking soda – softens water and boosts cleaning power
• ½ cup liquid Castile soap – gentle cleanser
• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin – keeps the mixture smooth and helps prevent separation
• 10–15 drops eucalyptus lemon essential oil (or your preferred scent (optional) – I personally add scents to my dryer balls instead)
• 1 gallon warm distilled water

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat 4 cups of warm water (does not need to boil). Stir in washing soda and baking soda until completely dissolved.
   • 1/2 cup washing soda, 1/2 cup baking soda
2. Slowly stir in liquid castile soap, gently mixing to avoid foaming.
   • 1/2 cup liquid Castile soap
3. Add vegetable glycerin and mix well — this helps the detergent stay uniform and silky, without separating.
   • 1 tablespoon
4. Stir in 10–15 drops of eucalyptus lemon essential oil (or your favorite scent blend). Here are a few of my favorites:
   • Lavender (8 drops) + Geranium (4 drops) + Bergamot (2 drops) (CALMING)
   • Lemon (5) + Orange (5) (CITRUS)
   • Tea Tree (6) + Lemon Eucalyptus (10) (CLEAN)
   • Rosemary (5) + Peppermint (5) + Lemon (3) (HERBAL MINT)
   • Lavender (8) + Roman Chamomile (4) + Bergamot (2) (FLORAL)
5. Pour the mixture into a gallon jug and fill the rest of the way with warm distilled water. Shake gently to combine.
6. Let it cool completely before sealing. Shake lightly before each use (though it shouldn’t separate noticeably).

How To Use

• HE washers: Use ¼ cup per load
• Standard washers: Use ½ cup per load

Tips

• Store in a sealed jug at room temperature for up to 6 months.
• If your water is very hard, add ¼ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle for softer clothes.
• Avoid adding vinegar directly to the detergent—it can react with the Castile soap and cause curdling.

Other Natural Living Recipes

• Cold & Flu Sickness Tincture
• Homemade Powder Dishwasher Detergent
• Natural Countertop Cleaner