https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-1387952#toc-what-to-avoid-in-a-laundry-detergent
When supplies run short see 2nd recipe amounts below*
1 Cup Zote or Castile flakes or grated bar.
2 Cups Borax laundry booster
2 Cups washing soda (sodium carbonate) laundry booster
You can add one cup of baking soda to the recipe to increase the cleaning power of your homemade laundry detergent. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the detergent mixture, stirring it thoroughly.
Mix well with a wooden spoon and promptly seal the container. Do not vacuum seal or us oxygen absorbers.
Add the detergent directly to the washer drum before loading the dirty laundry. Do not use it in an automatic dispenser, as the soap flakes may cause clumping that can clog the dispenser.
To soften clothes safely when using homemade laundry powder, add white vinegar to the rinse cycle
Bleach
Avoid adding bleach to homemade laundry detergent. Bleach can unintentionally stain or discolor clothing and cause skin irritation, especially in sensitive people.
When handwashing, add one tablespoon of homemade laundry detergent to one cup of hot water to help the mixture dissolve. Then, add the water and detergent solution to a sink filled with warm or cool water before adding the dirty clothes.
| Washer Type | Load Size | Amount of Detergent |
| Standard Top Loader | Small | 2 tablespoons |
| Standard Top Loader | Medium | 3 tablespoons |
| Standard Top Loader | Large | 1/4 cup |
| Front Loader & HE Washer | Small | 1 tablespoon |
| Front Loader & HE Washer | Medium | 1 tablespoon |
| Front Loader & HE Washer | Large | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Handwashing | Small | 1 tablespoon |
The powdered laundry detergent generally will not expire or lose effectiveness unless exposed to excess moisture.
If the detergent becomes hard or develops clumps due to moisture, discard it. It will not dissolve well in the washer and can leave soap residue on your clothes.
How to Make DIY Laundry Powder
Smaller amounts used for hard to get supplies
How to Use
- Use 1 heaping tablespoon for a regular load of laundry.
- Use 2 tablespoons for large loads, extra-dirty clothing, or if you have hard water.
- For best results in cold water: Dissolve your DIY powder in a cup of hot water before pouring it into the washer drum, or add the powder directly to the empty drum before loading your clothes
Ingredients
- 1 cup Borax (boosts cleaning and brightens whites)
- 1 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (cuts through grease and hard water)
- 1 cup Baking soda (deodorizes and softens fabrics)
- 1 cup Zote
- Optional: 1 cup of Oxygen bleach powder (like OxiClean) for tough stains
- Optional: 10 to 20 drops of essential oils (such as lavender, lemon, or tea tree) for scent
Instructions
- Grate the Soap if using zote bar: Use a fine cheese grater or a food processor to grate your bar of soap until it resembles fine crumbs or coarse powder. Finely processing the soap is essential so it fully dissolves during your wash cycle.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl with a wooden spoon, or a large sealable bag (like a 1-gallon Ziploc), thoroughly mix the borax, washing soda, baking soda, and your grated soap. If you are using oxygen powder or essential oils, add them in at this step and stir until evenly distributed
- Store: Transfer your finished mixture to an airtight glass or plastic container. Store it in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets.
- To soften clothes safely when using homemade laundry powder, add white vinegar to the rinse cycle