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Looking for the best laundry detergent recipe to make at home?
This illustrated guide walks you through a traditional powder made with bar soap, washing soda, and borax, using familiar products you can look for in the laundry aisle.
You will see how to prepare the ingredients, mix the powder, and package it in clearly labeled containers.
Before you begin, check whether a homemade soap mixture fits your washer’s requirements.
The best choice for your laundry depends on your machine, your fabrics, and your water, rather than how attractive a finished container looks.
Set Up Your Ingredients and Workspace
The ingredients used are Ivory Original bar soap, ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda, and 20 Mule Team Borax.
Keep the original packages so you can refer to their directions and warnings. Washing soda is different from baking soda, and borax is different from boric acid.
Work on a clean, dry utility surface away from food preparation. Have a stainless steel bowl, a stable box grater, a US measuring cup, a mixing spoon, a level tablespoon measure, and a dedicated cleaning-product container ready.
Keep these tools separate from cooking equipment. Use gloves and eye protection according to the ingredient labels, work without raising dust, and keep children and pets away from the work area.
20 Mule Team’s safety guidance says to avoid eye contact and ingestion and to keep borax away from children and pets.
Treat both the ingredients and the finished mixture as cleaning products. After preparing the batch, clean the work surface and put all supplies away.
How to Make and Package the Laundry Soap Powder
1. Plan Your Finished Storage Container
Start with the storage plan before opening the ingredients. The finished look uses a cream-colored canister with a wide opening and a ribbed screw lid.
Choose one designed to store household cleaning products, rather than repurposing a food or drink container.
Check that its closure fits securely and that there is enough room for the batch.
The counter arrangement is for the illustration; after use, put the container in a secure storage location.
2. Measure Out the Three Ingredients
- 1 bar of Ivory Original soap
- 1 level US cup of Washing Soda
- 1 level US cup of Borax
Record the weight printed on your chosen bar so you can repeat the same batch later.
Set the three ingredients together before starting.
This version contains no added water, baking soda, essential oils, or fragrance beads.
3. Finely Grate the Soap Bar
Finely grate the soap into a clean, dry bowl. Break apart any clumped shavings so the soap mixes evenly with the borax and washing soda.
4. Add One Level Cup of Washing Soda
Add one level US cup of washing soda to the grated soap.
Use washing soda, not baking soda, they are different ingredients.
5. Add One Level Cup of Borax
Add one level US cup of borax to the grated soap and washing soda.
6. Gently Combine the Dry Ingredients
Stir gently until the grated soap, washing soda, and borax are evenly combined.
Break apart any clumps so each scoop contains a consistent mix of ingredients.
7. Transfer the Powder Into the Main Canister
Transfer the mixture to a clean, dry, airtight container.
Leave a little room at the top for scooping, then seal the lid to keep moisture out and prevent clumping.
8. Add a Complete Label and Close the Lid
Label the container “Laundry Soap” and add the ingredients and preparation date.
Store it tightly sealed in a cool, dry place, safely out of reach of children and pets and away from food.
9. Measure the Amount Instead of Eyeballing It
Use 1–2 level tablespoons per load.
10. Use a Smaller Matching Container for a Divided Batch
For convenience, transfer a portion to a smaller airtight container and keep the rest sealed in the main canister.
Label both with the contents and ingredients, and store them out of reach of children and pets.
Storage and Everyday Use Tips
Keep the mixture dry, use a dry measuring utensil, and close the container promptly.
Do not top up an old batch indefinitely; keeping batches separate makes the preparation date and ingredients easier to track.
If the powder becomes damp or contaminated, do not try to restore it by adding other cleaning chemicals.
Any separately used laundry product needs its own label directions and washer compatibility check.
Do not treat this powder as a disinfectant or a stain-removal treatment for every fabric. If you notice residue or a change in how your laundry feels, stop using the mixture and consult your washer’s care guidance rather than repeatedly increasing the amount.
For a more organized utility space, explore these laundry room organization ideas. A dedicated place for measuring tools and a secure cabinet for cleaning supplies can make your routine easier to manage. Keep attractive countertop styling separate from the storage precautions required in a household with children or pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does This Laundry Soap Have a Scent?
It is not fragrance-free simply because no extra scent is added. Ivory Original is a scented bar, so the mixture can retain some of that bar’s fragrance. Check the soap ingredient list if fragrance is a concern, and do not describe this version as hypoallergenic or suitable for every person with sensitive skin.
Can I Substitute Baking Soda for Washing Soda?
No. Use the washing soda named in this formula rather than swapping in baking soda. They are different products, and a substitution would create a different recipe. Likewise, do not replace borax with boric acid.
Is It Cheaper Than Store-Bought Detergent?
That depends on local prices, your bar size, the usable batch quantity, and the amount used per load. Compare the cost of the ingredients actually used, rather than the full purchase price of each box. Include any containers or dedicated tools you buy.
Can I Use It in an HE Washer?
This mixture has not been validated for HE use. If your machine calls for HE detergent, use a formulated product with the appropriate HE labeling and follow the manual. A homemade soap powder should not be described as HE-approved because its recipe appears on an appliance website.
Final Thoughts
A carefully measured batch and clearly labeled packaging make this traditional laundry soap project easier to follow. The step-by-step images show the tools and actions involved. Choosing the best laundry detergent recipe for your household still starts with your washer’s requirements. If those requirements rule out a homemade mixture, a suitable commercial detergent is the better choice for your routine.
