The Best Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe (around 13 Cents per Gallon!)

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make your own homemade liquid laundry detergent using just three ingredients, plus water. This simple recipe is cost-effective, allowing you to create detergent for approximately 13 cents per gallon. You'll also personalize your detergent with essential oils, saving you hundreds of dollars annually.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

To make your laundry detergent, you will need the following ingredients:

• Zote Soap: 1 bar (can be found at local stores or online)
• Washing Soda: 1 cup (you can make your own if desired)
• Borax: 1 cup
• Water: Enough to fill your container to the desired amount

Tips for Sourcing Ingredients

• Check local stores for better prices on Zote soap, washing soda, and borax.
• Consider making your own washing soda for further savings.

Step 2: Prepare the Soap

1. Grate the Zote Soap: Use a cheese grater to shred the bar of Zote soap into small pieces. This will help it dissolve more easily.
2. Dissolve the Soap:
   • In a large pot, bring about 4 cups of water to a boil.
   • Add the grated Zote soap to the boiling water and stir until fully dissolved.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Mix the Soap Solution:
   • Once the soap is dissolved, remove it from heat.
   • In a separate bucket (5-gallon size), add the dissolved soap solution.
2. Add Washing Soda and Borax:
   • Stir in 1 cup of washing soda and 1 cup of borax into the bucket. Mix thoroughly until both powders are fully dissolved.

Step 4: Dilute the Mixture

1. Add Water: Fill the bucket with warm water until you reach the 5-gallon mark.
2. Mix Well: Stir the mixture using a wooden spoon to ensure everything is combined evenly.

Step 5: Bottle the Detergent

1. Distribute into Jugs:
   • Use a funnel to pour the mixture into 10 one-gallon jugs.
   • Fill each jug halfway, then top off with warm water.
2. Shake to Combine: Secure the lid on each jug and shake well to mix the detergent thoroughly.

Step 6: Personalize Your Detergent

• Add Essential Oils: To give each gallon a unique fragrance, incorporate 20-40 drops of your favorite essential oil into each jug before sealing and shaking.

Step 7: Use Your Detergent

1. Application: For an average load in a high-efficiency (HE) washer, use 1 cup of your homemade detergent.
2. Storage: Keep the jugs in a cool, dry place. Shake before each use as the mixture may separate over time.

Conclusion

You've successfully created your own liquid laundry detergent! This DIY detergent is not only economical but also customizable to your scent preferences. Enjoy the savings and satisfaction of making your own cleaning products. As a next step, consider exploring homemade fabric softeners or other cleaning supplies to further enhance your DIY home care routine.