How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent – DIY It Today!

Tired of spending a fortune on store-bought laundry detergent? Say hello to homemade laundry detergent with Oxiclean! Save money and create your own laundry soap using this recipe with customizable scents and non-toxic ingredients. It’s also great for people with sensitive skin.

Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipes

Adding Oxiclean to your own homemade laundry detergent enhances its cleaning power, ensuring that your clothes come out fresh and spotless every time. The secret to the best homemade laundry soap/detergent lies in grating Fels-Naptha soap and mixing it with other essential ingredients in a large plastic bucket. With just two tablespoons per load, your clothes will be clean and bright without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive store-bought detergents.

Incorporating Oxiclean into your recipe is a game-changer. If you would like to make your own Oxiclean, look here, for an easy homemade Oxiclean recipe.  Not only does it boost the cleaning power of your detergent, but it also works as a versatile stain remover, tackling even the toughest stains. So if you’re tired of shelling out for overpriced store-bought detergent, give this recipe a try – your wallet and the environment will thank you!

Necessary Ingredients

Let’s get started, you’ll need Borax, Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, Baking Soda, Fels Naptha soap, and OxiClean. Each ingredient plays an important role in the cleaning process: Borax softens the water, washing soda removes dirt and grease, baking soda neutralizes odors, Fels Naptha soap tackles stains, and OxiClean brightens and whitens your clothes.

If you’re looking for a touch of fragrance, consider adding Purex Crystals, which will give your detergent a pleasant scent.

Mixing Process

To start, break down the bars of Fels-Naptha into fine pellets of laundry soap using a food processor or cheese grater. Once you’ve grated the soap, combine it with Borax, washing soda, baking soda, OxiClean, and Purex Crystals (if using) in a large trash bag and mix well.

When selecting a container to store your homemade laundry detergent, opt for an airtight container if you live in a humid area to prevent clumping. By following this mixing process, you’ll create a powerful and effective natural laundry detergent that incorporates the stain-fighting power of Oxiclean.

Not only will it save you money compared to store-bought alternatives, but it’s also a more eco-friendly option that’s gentle on sensitive skin.

Customizable Scents and Fabric Softeners

One of the joys of making your own is the ability to personalize it to your liking. Whether you prefer a mild fragrance or a strong, invigorating scent, essential oils offer a natural way to add a pleasant aroma to your homemade detergent.

Additionally, natural fabric softeners like white distilled vinegar can be added to the rinse cycle, softening your clothes without leaving a scent and removing detergent residue.

Essential Oils for Fragrance

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that can be added to your recipe to give it a delightful scent. Some popular options include lemon, lemongrass, tea tree oil, peppermint, and eucalyptus, which will leave your laundry smelling fresh and clean.

There are some lovely essential oil blends that come in a variety of scents, such as citrus, floral, herbal, and woodsy, allowing you to choose the perfect fragrance for you and your family.

In addition to their beautiful scents, essential oils also provide natural disinfecting and deodorizing properties. To use essential oils in your laundry detergent, simply add them before washing, either directly into the washing machine or in a pre-soak solution.

To learn more on how to dilute essential oils, take a look at our complete guide.  Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite scent and enjoy the added benefits of using essential oils .

Natural Fabric Softeners

For a natural fabric softener, try our DIY fabric softener recipe.  You’ll be surprised how easy it is.  White distilled vinegar is an excellent natural fabric softener that can be easily incorporated into your homemade laundry detergent recipe.

To use vinegar as a fabric softener, simply add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle. Not only will it soften your clothes, but it also removes detergent and liquid fabric softener residue, leaving your laundry feeling soft and fresh.

Using natural fabric softeners like vinegar is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. However, be cautious when using vinegar in your washing machine, as it can cause damage to rubber seals and hoses in some models.

By incorporating natural fabric softeners into your recipe such as Purex, you can reduce chemical use and plastic waste while enjoying softer, fresher clothes.

Liquid vs. Powdered Homemade Laundry Detergents

When it comes to different types of laundry detergent, you may be wondering whether to opt for a liquid or powdered formula. Liquid detergents dissolve more quickly in water, making them simpler to use and more efficient at cleaning. On the other hand, powdered detergents are more economical and have a longer shelf life.

While liquid detergent is generally the best option for Oxiclean, powdered detergent can also be effective. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and your specific cleaning needs.

Liquid Detergent Advantages

Using liquid homemade laundry detergent with Oxiclean offers several benefits, including better stain removal capabilities. Liquid detergent dissolves more quickly in colder water, making it an ideal choice for pre-treatment and tackling tough stains.

To pre-treat stains, simply apply the liquid detergent directly to the stain before washing, allowing it to penetrate deep into the fabric and break down the stain more effectively.

Another advantage of liquid detergent is its ease of use. As it dissolves more easily in water, you can use less liquid detergent per load without compromising on cleaning power. This makes liquid homemade laundry detergent with Oxiclean a highly efficient and cost-effective option for keeping your clothes clean and fresh.

Powdered Detergent Advantages

Powdered homemade laundry detergent with Oxiclean also has its advantages. It’s highly versatile, capable of removing stains from a variety of surfaces, not just clothing. Furthermore, powdered detergent tends to be more affordable than its liquid counterpart, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious households.

While powdered detergent may not dissolve as quickly or offer the same level of stain-fighting power as liquid detergent, it’s still an effective cleaning solution, especially when combined with the stain-busting power of Oxiclean. With its versatility and cost-effectiveness, powdered homemade laundry detergent with Oxiclean is definitely worth considering for your laundry routine.

Cost-Effectiveness of Homemade Laundry Detergent

One of the most appealing aspects of making homemade laundry detergent with Oxiclean is the cost savings. By creating your own, you can save a significant amount compared to purchasing store-bought alternatives. Not only will you save money on detergent, but you’ll also reduce plastic waste and lessen your environmental impact.

Let’s take a closer look at the costs involved in making your own with Oxiclean.

Price Breakdown

Creating a year’s worth of homemade laundry detergent with Oxiclean can cost as little as $20. When compared to store-bought alternatives, this is a considerable savings.

By making your own detergent, you can save money while still achieving excellent cleaning results.  These calculations are based at 2 loads per week.  If you do 4 loads of laundry in a week, multiply that times 2 which would be $40.

This will make 4 batches which should last you a year if you do 2 loads per week. The approximate cost for making 4 batches of the homemade laundry detergent is about $20.  Prices can vary based on location, store, and any potential bulk discounts, so the actual cost might be slightly different.  Calculations would be different for more weekly loads so you should adjust accordingly.

At just $.10 per load as it’s a far more cost-effective option than store-bought detergents. Plus, you’ll have the added satisfaction of knowing that you’re making non-toxic laundry detergent which is better for your family.

Troubleshooting Common Homemade Laundry Detergent Issues

While making your own laundry detergent with Oxiclean offers numerous benefits, it’s not without its challenges. Some common issues include difficulty dissolving the detergent, residue left on clothes, and potential damage to washing machines.

In this section, we’ll address these concerns and provide solutions to help you get the most out of your homemade laundry detergent with Oxiclean.

Clumping and Separation

Clumping and separation can be a common issue with homemade laundry detergent, making it difficult to use and affecting its cleaning efficiency. To prevent this problem, let the grated soap dry out overnight before combining it with the powdered ingredients, and store the detergent in a tightly sealed container to prevent moisture from causing clumps.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid clumping and separation issues and ensure that your homemade laundry detergent with Oxiclean remains effective and easy to use. A little extra care and attention can go a long way in maintaining the quality and efficiency of your detergent.

Stain Removal

Improving the stain removal capabilities of your homemade laundry detergent with Oxiclean is best for achieving the best possible results. To tackle tough stains, pre-treat them with a stain remover before washing, use hot water when appropriate, and opt for a longer wash cycle to give the detergent more time to work its magic.

Additionally, you can use Oxiclean as a pre-soak solution by mixing one scoop with one gallon of warm water and soaking the stained item for 30 minutes before washing.

Final Thoughts

Making your own laundry detergent with Oxiclean offers numerous benefits, including cost savings, non-toxic products, overall healthier options.  By following these tips and incorporating Oxiclean into your homemade laundry detergent, you can enjoy cleaner, brighter clothes without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive store-bought detergents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add OxiClean to my homemade laundry detergent?

Yes, you can add OxiClean to your homemade laundry detergent to break down tough stains. Many people have had great success with combining the OxiClean stain remover powder with washing soda and Borax for a more effective laundry detergent.

What is the best DIY laundry detergent?

If you’re looking for an easy laundry detergent to make at home, a simple mix of borax, washing soda, and grated soap is the perfect solution. Not only does it save money and reduce the amount of chemicals used, but it only takes a few minutes to make.

Is baking soda or OxiClean better for laundry?

Baking soda is the gentler option when it comes to laundry detergents, as Oxiclean is a form of peroxide and washing soda once it hits liquid.

So if you’re looking for a more mild choice for your DIY laundry soap / detergent, baking soda is the better option.

Is homemade laundry detergent safe for washers?

Based on the advice given, it’s best to exercise caution when considering using homemade laundry detergent in your washing machine. Too much soap can reduce its lifespan, clog up the dispenser, and cause build up in the water lines.

It’s always a good idea to clean your machine regularly, too.