Making your own laundry detergent doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re short on time but still want a natural and effective option, this homemade laundry powder detergent is a great choice. Unlike my liquid detergent recipe, this version is quicker to prepare and easier to store, with no cooking or blending required.
With just four basic ingredients, you can mix up a jar of powder in minutes. While it’s not quite as cost-effective as the liquid version, the convenience and simplicity make it a favourite for busy households.
Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s going into your wash… no hidden chemicals or unnecessary additives.
One of my favourite things about this recipe (and most of my homemade cleaners) is that they rely on the same few ingredients. By keeping just a handful of basics in your pantry, you can mix up a wide variety of cleaners whenever you need them. It makes natural cleaning so simple.
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Why Make Laundry Powder Detergent?
Many commercial laundry powders come loaded with fillers, unnecessary chemicals, and strong scents that don’t always agree with sensitive skin. By mixing up your own, you’re choosing a simpler and cleaner option with just four everyday ingredients that get the job done without the extras.
What makes this recipe stand out is the convenience. There’s no cooking, melting, or waiting around; just measure, stir, and store. In less than 5 minutes, you’ll have a jar of natural detergent ready to go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the best results, choose products with a similar fine texture. Using ingredients that are close in grain size helps them blend evenly, preventing clumping and ensuring the powder mixes smoothly.
- Pure Soap Flakes or a pure soap bar – the cleaning agent, such as Sunlight soap, Castile soap, or Fels-Naptha. If you want to speed up the process, purchase soap flakes instead of a bar of soap.
- Washing soda – softens water and removes grime.
- Borax – boosts cleaning power and helps with odour control. If you don’t want to use borax, replace it with baking soda in a 1:1 ratio.
- Baking soda – deodorises and brightens clothes.
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Buy Now → Laundry Powder Detergent Cost Breakdown
Keep in mind that this cost breakdown is for me. It may be even cheaper for you!
Ingredient Costs (Full Packages)
- Borax (1kg/2.2lb) – $9.99
- Washing crystals (1kg/2.2lb) – $6.00
- Soap flakes (700g/24.7oz) – $9.00
- Baking soda (1kg/2.2lb) – $3.50
Ingredients Used
- 1 cup borax (240g/8.5oz) = 24% of 1kg (2.2lb)
$9.99 × 0.24 = $2.40 - 2 cups washing soda (480g/17oz) = 48% of 1kg (2.2lb)
$6.00 × 0.48 = $2.88 - 1 cup baking soda (220g/7.7oz) = 22% of 1kg (2.2lb)
$3.50 × 0.22 = $0.77 - 2 cups soap flakes (180g/6.3oz) = 26% of 700 g (24.7oz)
$9.00 × 0.26 = $2.34
Total Cost for 6 cups of laundry powder (1.4L/1.5 quarts)
$2.40 + $2.88 + $0.77 + $2.34 = $8.39
This recipe made 6 cups of powder detergent (96 tablespoons), and I only use 2 tablespoons per load, which gives me approximately 48 loads in total.
Cost Per Load
$8.39 ÷ 48 = $0.17 per load
That’s still much cheaper than many natural store-bought laundry detergents, with the bonus of being quick to mix up and free from unnecessary chemicals.
How To Make Homemade Laundry Powder Detergent
Step 1: If using bar soap, grate it finely using a cheese grater. A food processor can also be used to speed up this step.
Tip: Purchase soap flakes to skip this step!
Step 2: In a large bowl, add the grated soap or soap flakes, borax, washing soda, and baking soda.
Optional: Add in 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oil. I love lavender and eucalyptus.
Step 3: Mix thoroughly to combine everything. Transfer it to an airtight container or jar and label it (so you don’t forget what it is later!).
How To Use Laundry Powder Detergent
For top-loading machines, add the powder directly to the drum before adding clothes. For front-loading (HE) machines, add the powder to the drum or the detergent drawer, but adding it to the drum ensures it dissolves fully and prevents residue.
- Use 2 tablespoons per standard load (3 tablespoons for heavy or extra dirty loads).
- Pre-dissolve the powder in a little hot water if needed.
- For tough stains, sprinkle extra washing soda or a scoop of oxygen-based stain remover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is homemade laundry powder safe for HE washers?
Yes, this recipe is low-sudsing and suitable for HE machines.
Does it work on sensitive skin?
Most people find it gentle, especially if you use a pure, fragrance-free soap. If you’re concerned, test on a few loads first.
How long does it last?
Stored in an airtight container in a dry place, it will keep for several months.
Can I skip the borax?
Yes, but the detergent may be slightly less effective at removing tough stains and odours. Increase the amount of washing soda if you’re leaving it out.
Troubleshooting Tips
Residue on clothes or in the drum
Make sure to measure 2 tablespoons per load—too much powder can leave a film. Adding it directly to the drum helps prevent leftover residue.
Clothes don’t smell fresh
Add 10–15 drops of your favourite essential oil to the powder for a subtle scent, or increase baking soda to 1 1/2 cups to boost deodorising power.
HE washer suds too much
This recipe is low-sudsing, but if you notice extra foam, reduce the amount slightly or try adding the powder directly to the drum.
Stains aren’t coming out
For tough stains, pre-treat garments with a little soap and water, or sprinkle a bit of extra washing soda on the stain before washing. You can also add a small amount of oxygen-based stain remover (like OxiClean or a generic oxy powder) directly to the drum with your laundry powder for extra stain-fighting power.
Conclusion
This homemade laundry powder might not win on cost per load compared to homemade liquid detergent, but it makes up for it in speed, convenience, and storage simplicity. With just four natural ingredients, you’ll have a dependable detergent ready in under 10 minutes—perfect for busy homemakers who still value natural living.
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Homemade Laundry Powder Detergent
This homemade laundry powder detergent can be made in minutes! Gentle on sensitive skin and works in both top and front-loading machines.
Materials
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup baking soda
- 2 cups washing soda
- 2 cups soap flakes or pure soap bar
Tools
- Large jar with airtight lid
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowl
- Label maker
Instructions
- If using bar soap, grate it finely using a cheese grater. A food processor can also be used to speed up this step. Tip: Purchase soap flakes to skip this step!
- In a large bowl, add the grated soap or soap flakes, borax, washing soda, and baking soda. Optional: Add in 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oil. I love lavender and eucalyptus.
- Mix together to thoroughly combine everything. Transfer it to an airtight container or jar and label it (so you don't forget what it is later!).
How To Use Laundry Powder Detergent
For top-loading machines, add the powder directly to the drum before adding clothes. For front-loading (HE) machines, add the powder to the drum or the detergent drawer, but adding it to the drum ensures it dissolves fully and prevents residue.
- Use 2 tablespoons per standard load (3 tablespoons for heavy or extra dirty loads).
- Pre-dissolve the powder in a little hot water if needed.
- For tough stains, sprinkle extra washing soda or a scoop of oxygen-based stain remover.
Notes
- Is homemade laundry powder safe for HE washers? Yes, this recipe is low-sudsing and suitable for HE machines.
- Does it work on sensitive skin? Most people find it gentle, especially if you use a pure, fragrance-free soap. If you’re concerned, test on a few loads first.
- How long does it last? Stored in an airtight container in a dry place, it will keep for several months.
- Can I skip the borax? Yes, but the detergent may be slightly less effective at removing tough stains and odours. Increase washing soda if leaving it out.
Thanks for sharing! I mixed up a first round and loved the results. The mixture did a better job than the “free from” strips we had been using. It even feels luxurious to use a glass jar and metal scoop!
Yay! I’m so pleased to hear that Ashley! I agree it does feel a little bit fancy being in a glass jar. The little things! Take care, Mak x