This natural, homemade liquid laundry detergent is so easy and cheap to make, containing only four ingredients. It is a wonderful non-toxic addition to your homemade list of cleaning supplies.

Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent

I’ve been making washing powder with and without borax for a while now. It works great on our clothes, sheets and towels and is so much cheaper than commercial products.

I thought it was time to give a liquid laundry detergent and try to see how it went.

One of the advantages of this laundry detergent is that is doesn’t require any grating of soap bars. On the downside, it is a slightly more costly than washing powder, but it’s not that bad.

Using liquid Castile soap in this recipe offers a bit of variety, depending on whether you choose a scented or unscented soap.

If you are one for essential oils, you can add up to 30 drops to the liquid Castile soap before adding it to the mixture.

Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this soap is being used on your clothing that goes on your body, you will need to use essential oils that are gentle enough to be applied to your skin – and use in the correct quantities. Be careful to avoid sensitive areas like your eyes.

Ingredients for Making Liquid Laundry Detergent

To make around 40 ounces or 5 cups, you will need:

6 ½ Cups Water
½ Cup Liquid Castile Soap
½ Cup Borax
½ Cup Washing Soda

Borax – Acts are a cleaning agent, while disinfecting and softening the water. It can also help neutralise odours. Though it is a natural mineral with amazing cleaning properties, you may want to wear a mask when using and mixing this powder. Also, if you have a septic system or use the washing machine grey water on the garden, then omit borax from this powder.
Washing Soda – Also known as sodium carbonate. This helps soften hard water and acts as a solvent to help remove stains.

Making Liquid Laundry Detergent

Place the water in a large saucepan and heat it up until it is hot.

In your bucket or jar, add the Castile soap, washing soda and borax and mix together.

Slowly add in the hot water and stir until all mixed with no clumps.

Let sit for 24 hours, until it gels before using.

Storing Liquid Laundry Detergent

I prefer to store some in a glass bottle with a dispenser as it is easier to measure the amount needed for each load of washing.

Store the extra in a large bucket with an airtight lid or in glass jars with lids.

Using Liquid Laundry Detergent

To use this homemade liquid laundry detergent, add ¼ cup to your washing machine for each load of washing.

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