The DIY Laundry Detergent ‘Secret’ That’s Been Hiding in Your Kitchen
Ever feel like laundry detergent is way more expensive than it should be? Those big jugs promise “extra strength” and “deep cleaning power,” but half the time, they’re just watered-down chemicals with a fancy label.
Here’s the thing—you probably already have everything you need to make a powerful, money-saving detergent sitting in your kitchen. Yep, the secret’s been hiding in plain sight this whole time.
🧴 While you’re raiding the pantry, why not double up?
👉 Grab this free Make-Your-Own Spice Blend Guide and take another step toward ditching overpriced, over processed store-bought staples.
Let’s talk about what it is, why it works, and how you can ditch overpriced detergents for good.
Why Store-Bought Detergent Costs More Than It’s Worth
Most commercial detergents aren’t as magical as they claim to be.
💰 You’re mostly paying for water. Many liquid detergents are diluted, which means you need more to get the job done.
🌿 They’re packed with unnecessary additives. Artificial fragrances, dyes, and brighteners don’t actually clean your clothes—they just make them look or smell fresher.
👎 They leave behind residue. That “clean laundry smell”? A lot of the time, it’s just chemicals sticking to your clothes (which can also irritate skin).
So, what’s the alternative? A simple, effective DIY laundry detergent that’s been hiding in your kitchen this whole time.
The Secret Ingredient: Baking Soda & Washing Soda
Yep, that’s it. Baking soda (which you probably already have) and washing soda (which is just baking soda that’s been heated) can replace commercial detergents entirely.
🧼 Baking soda naturally softens water, fights odors, and boosts cleaning power.
🛑 Washing soda (aka soda ash) lifts stains, breaks down grease, and removes buildup.
Together, they cut through dirt, neutralize odors, and leave clothes fresh—without any unnecessary chemicals.
How to Make DIY Laundry Detergent (That Actually Works)
This simple 3-ingredient recipe makes enough detergent to last for weeks—for just a few pennies per load.
What You’ll Need:
✔ 1 cup baking soda
✔ 1 cup washing soda (Make this by baking baking soda at 400°F for an hour!)
✔ 1 bar of natural soap (grated) (Like Castile soap or Fels-Naptha)
(Amazon even sells it as a set for just $0.20 an ounce <–)
How to Make It:
1️⃣ Mix baking soda, washing soda, and grated soap in a large bowl.
2️⃣ Store in an airtight container.
3️⃣ Use 1–2 tablespoons per load (yes, that’s all you need!).
💡 Want liquid detergent instead? Dissolve the mixture in warm water, and you’ve got a powerful homemade liquid detergent—no chemicals, no fillers, no nonsense.
Want to make your own DIY laundry tablets?
Start by mixing equal parts grated soap, washing soda, and Borax. Once that’s blended, add about ½ to ¾ cup of white vinegar. If you want them to smell amazing, toss in 20-ish drops of your favorite essential oil (Lavender is my go-to).
Stir it all together until the texture feels like damp sand—moist enough to hold its shape but not wet and goopy.
Then just press the mixture into ice cube trays (or silicone molds if you want to get fancy). Let them dry out for a full 24 hours. After that, pop them out and store them in an airtight container somewhere cool and dark.
They’ll last for a few months—though if your house is anything like mine, they probably won’t sit around that long. 😉
Why This DIY Laundry Detergent Works So Well
✅ Cuts through dirt & grease (thanks to washing soda)
✅ Neutralizes odors (baking soda is a natural deodorizer)
✅ Leaves clothes feeling soft & fresh (no weird residue)
✅ Safe for sensitive skin (no harsh fragrances or dyes)
✅ Costs pennies per load (seriously—store-bought detergent can’t compete)
Plus, it’s septic-safe, eco-friendly, and ridiculously easy to make.
How Much Does It Actually Save?
Let’s do some quick math.
💰 Store-bought detergent: ~$15 for a 100-load bottle
💰 DIY detergent: ~$3 for 100 loads
That’s a savings of over 80%! And no more last-minute trips to the store when you run out.
🎯 Ready to take the next step toward a simpler, cleaner home?
The DIY Spice Blend Kitchen Kit helps you ditch store-bought seasoning packets and start mixing your own with confidence. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and pantry-powered—just like this detergent.
Final Thoughts: The Simple Swap That Saves Big
If you’re looking for an easy, no-fuss way to cut costs, DIY laundry detergent is one of the simplest swaps to make.
- It’s cheap.
- It’s effective.
- It’s made with ingredients you already have.
The only question left: Why keep paying for overpriced detergent when the real cleaning power is already in your kitchen?
📌 Have you tried making your own detergent? Drop a comment with your favorite DIY cleaning hack!
