How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent in Minutes With a Blender
You'll save over $15 per gallon by making natural laundry detergent at home with a blender and three simple ingredients. Start by grating a Fels Naptha bar and blending it into powder. Mix the powder with boiling water, then combine with Borax and Washing Soda in a 5-gallon bucket. Add hot water and stir thoroughly. For extra freshness, try adding essential oils like lavender or citrus. With just a few minutes of prep time, you'll access the secret to months of affordable, effective cleaning.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
Three basic ingredients and a few essential tools are all you'll need to make your own laundry detergent at home. Head to the laundry detergent aisle to pick up a Fels Naptha bar, then grab Borax and Washing Soda from either the laundry or cleaning aisle. You'll also need a 5-gallon bucket and a blender for preparation.
The blender plays a vital role in grinding half of the Fels Naptha bar into a fine powder, which helps it dissolve more effectively in hot water. When you combine these ingredients in your bucket filled with super hot water, you'll create a mixture that thickens overnight. Use a blender with stainless steel blades for optimal grinding performance and durability.
Don't worry if the initial consistency seems thin - you can always adjust it by adding more or less water to achieve your desired thickness.
Step-by-Step Blending Process
Now that you've gathered your ingredients and tools, let's start the blending process. Creating your own homemade laundry detergent is super simple with this recipe. The key to success lies in properly blending your ingredients to achieve the perfect consistency.
Start by grating your Fels Naptha soap bar and blending it into a fine powder. Dissolve the soap powder in boiling water, stirring continuously. Transfer the hot soap mixture to your 5-gallon bucket.
Mix in Borax and Hammer® Super Washing Soda, one cup each. Top off with hot water and stir until thoroughly combined.
Your detergent will initially appear thin, but don't worry - it'll thicken overnight. If it becomes too thick, you can easily adjust the consistency by adding more hot water until it reaches your desired thickness. Using the pulse function on your blender will help break down any remaining clumps and ensure a smooth mixture.
Cost Analysis and Savings
Making your own laundry detergent delivers impressive savings compared to store-bought alternatives. While commercial detergents cost around $15.36 per gallon, DIY laundry detergent costs just $1.50 to make 5 gallons, saving you $15.06 per gallon. Your initial batch using a food processor to create homemade laundry soap will cost about $6.95, but subsequent batches are even cheaper.
If you use a 5-gallon bucket of homemade laundry detergent every two weeks, you'll save over $150 monthly. During heavy wash months, your savings can reach $200. By using just one Tablespoon per load of this natural alternative, you'll maximize the value of your Bar soap-based mixture. The math is clear - making your own detergent is a smart way to save money while keeping clothes clean. Using a blender to mix ingredients thoroughly ensures proper dissolution of powders and granules for the most effective cleaning solution.
Natural Fragrance Options
Looking to add a pleasant scent to your homemade laundry detergent? Essential oils offer a natural fragrance solution that's both cost-effective and customizable. You'll need just 1/2 to 1 ounce per 5-gallon batch to achieve the perfect scent.
Choose from these aromatherapy options to enhance your detergent:
- Lavender for a calming, floral aroma
- Lemon or eucalyptus for an invigorating clean scent
- Orange or grapefruit for a bright, citrusy freshness
- Tea tree oil for its powerful antimicrobial properties
- Any combination of these oils for your unique blend
Storage and Usage Guidelines
Properly stored and used, your homemade laundry detergent can last for months while maintaining its effectiveness. Store your liquid laundry detergent in clean gallons or a soap dispenser, and don't worry if it thickens overnight - you can easily thin it by adding cups of water as needed.
For each load, you'll only need 0.5-1 cup of your mixture containing borax and washing soda, baking soda, and Bronners liquid castile soap.
If you notice any undissolved crystals forming in your liquid soap, don't fret - they'll dissolve during the wash cycle. The best part? Your homemade castile soap-based detergent costs just $0.30 per gallon compared to store-bought options at $15.36 per gallon. This smart switch can save you over $150 monthly during heavy washing periods.
Tips for HE Washer Compatibility
Beyond saving money, another advantage of homemade laundry detergent is its compatibility with high-efficiency (HE) washing machines. When you make detergent in your blender or food processor, you'll want to adjust the consistency for ideal performance in your front loader. Mix soap shreds with cups of boiling water until completely melted, then customize the thickness by adding tap water and stir to your desired consistency.
Add less water for a concentrated formula, but guarantee it's still thin enough to flow through dispenser openings. Use cold water for final dilution to prevent clumping. Mix in a few drops of essential oil for fragrance without creating excess suds. Test a small amount first to verify proper dispensing. Start with 1/4 cup per load, adjusting as needed for your specific HE washer.
