Should You Make Your Own Laundry Detergent? What to Know Before DIYing

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably seen it:
a perfect glass jar of snowy white powder, a wooden scoop, maybe a sprig of eucalyptus
leaning casually nearby. Caption: “I haven’t bought laundry detergent in three years!”
Cue the comments: “Goals.” “Teach me.” “Is this even safe??”

Making your own laundry detergent sounds like the ultimate win: it’s frugal, it looks cute,
and you get to feel like a mad scientist in the laundry room. But as more chemists,
appliance manufacturers, and dermatologists weigh in, the picture has gotten a lot more
complicated. DIY laundry detergent can absolutely work in some situationsbut it can
also leave residue, irritate skin, and even shorten the life of your washer if you’re not
careful.

Before you grate a single bar of soap, let’s walk through what homemade laundry detergent
really is, how it compares to store-bought formulas, and the big things you should know
before you commit to DIYing every load.

Why DIY Laundry Detergent Is So Tempting

First, it’s not hard to see why DIY laundry detergent recipes have gone viral.

It feels cheaper

Many popular recipes use inexpensive pantry-style ingredients like washing soda, baking soda,
borax, bar soap, and sometimes oxygen bleach. When you do the math, some frugal bloggers
estimate the cost at just a few cents per load versus the $0.20–$0.50 per load you might pay
for name-brand liquid detergent. Over hundreds of loads, that difference can look huge on paper.

You control the ingredients

People with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies are often drawn to DIY mixes because they
want to avoid dyes, strong perfumes, or certain preservatives. Making your own laundry soap
can feel like taking the ingredient list back into your own hands, especially if you’re trying
to reduce exposure to known irritants.

It feels eco-friendly (and a little bit charming)

Homemade detergent also taps into the “old-fashioned, low-waste” lifestyle. You can reuse jars,
skip plastic jugs, and brag that you’re washing clothes more “naturally.” Plus, there’s just
something satisfying about scooping soap from a jar you made yourself.

There are real advantages. But to understand the downsides, we need to clear up one big point…

Soap vs. Detergent: The Chemistry Problem No One Mentions

Here’s the twist: most viral “homemade laundry detergent” recipes are not actually
detergent at all. They’re soap-based mixtures with some boosting ingredients mixed in.

Detergents (like those in commercial laundry products) are synthetic surfactants
specifically engineered to:

• Lift soil and oils from fabric
• Work in hard or soft water
• Rinse away cleanly with minimal residue
• Stay effective in modern, low-water, high-efficiency (HE) machines

Soap, on the other hand, is made by reacting fats or oils with an alkali.
It can clean, but in hard water it loves to team up with minerals and form soap scum.
That chalky film you scrub off your shower? Now imagine that slowly building up on your
towels, inside your washer drum, and anywhere water flows.

Many eco and cleaning experts point out that this is the core issue with long-term use of
homemade “detergent”: it’s often just soap plus washing soda/borax. Great for a one-time deep
scrub, but not always ideal as your everyday, every-load solution.

What’s Actually in DIY Laundry Detergent Recipes?

Let’s break down the all-star ingredients you’ll see in most homemade laundry mixes and what
they really do.

Washing soda (sodium carbonate)

Washing soda is a strong alkaline powder that helps saponify oils and suspend soil. It raises
water pH, which can help with cleaning but can also be irritating for skin if residue is left
behind. It’s powerfuland like all powerful cleaners, it needs to rinse away thoroughly.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

Baking soda is a milder alkali used to help deodorize and soften water a bit. It can help
neutralize odors but, again, doesn’t magically disappear. If your DIY mix doesn’t rinse well,
that leftover powder can contribute to stiff or dull-looking fabrics over time.

Borax

Borax (sodium borate) has been used in cleaning for decades as a booster and water softener.
But it’s also controversial. Health and environmental groups have raised concerns about borax
as an eye, skin, and respiratory irritant, especially in powder form. If you’re scooping,
mixing, and breathing in dust regularlyor if kids have access to the jarborax is not
something to treat casually.

Bar soap (Castile, Fels-Naptha, laundry bars)

Grated bar soap is usually the “base” of homemade detergent recipes. Depending on the bar,
it may contain extra fats (for moisturizing skin), fragrance, color, and other additives.
Those extra fats can be wonderful in a showerbut in a low-water washing machine, they can
cling to fabric and the inside of the washer, especially in cooler wash cycles.

Oxygen bleach and other boosters

Some recipes add powdered oxygen bleach or stain removers as a whitening and stain-fighting
boost. These are closer to what commercial detergents use for stain removal, but the
overall formula is still not the same as a lab-tested detergent that’s been optimized
for solubility, rinsing, and fabric safety.

Potential Downsides of Homemade Laundry Detergent

So what can go wrong? Quite a bit, especially if you use DIY detergent as your only laundry
product for months or years.

1. Residue on clothes and inside the washer

Many laundry pros and appliance technicians report that soap-based mixes can:

• Leave a film on clothes, making them feel stiff or “waxy”
• Trap odors in athletic wear and towels instead of removing them
• Build up inside HE washers, contributing to musty smells and gunk

That build-up doesn’t happen overnight. At first, everything looks clean. But gradually, fabrics
can get dingy, towels stop absorbing well, and your washer develops that “gym locker in a swamp”
smell that no amount of scented beads can fix.

2. Not ideal for high-efficiency (HE) machines

HE washers use less water and rely heavily on carefully formulated detergents that rinse
quickly and produce low suds. While homemade mixes are often low-sudsing, they’re not designed
with the same solubility and rinse profile as commercial detergents.

Soap that doesn’t fully dissolve or rinse away in a low-water environment is more likely to end
up stuck in door seals, drain lines, and inner components. Over time, that can mean more
maintenance, strange odors, and even repair bills.

3. Possible skin and respiratory irritation

DIY detergent is often promoted as “gentle” and “non-toxic,” but that’s not automatically true.
Many recipes are highly alkaline (hello, washing soda and borax), and if they don’t rinse fully,
that alkalinity sits right against your skin all day.

Common issues people report include:

• Itchy skin or rashes where clothing rubs
• Dryness or irritation in kids’ sensitive skin
• Coughing or eye irritation when mixing dusty powders

By contrast, commercial detergents are required to meet safety standards and are typically
tested for skin compatibility and proper rinsing. That doesn’t mean no one will ever react to
a commercial detergentbut those formulas aren’t random experiments mixed in a bucket.

4. Cleaning performance can be hit-or-miss

Some homemade recipes do a decent job on lightly soiled everyday clothing, especially in soft
water. But modern life also includes:

• Synthetic fabrics that hang on to odors
• Stretchy athleisure and technical gear
• Kids’ stains, food grease, and body oils

Commercial detergents are engineeredand constantly tweakedto handle those challenges. DIY
mixes don’t get that kind of performance testing. If your clothes start to look gray, smell
funky even after washing, or feel less breathable, your detergent may be part of the problem.

5. “Natural” doesn’t always mean more eco-friendly

It’s easy to assume homemade detergent is greener by default: no plastic jug, fewer
mystery ingredients. But true eco-friendliness is about more than aesthetics.

Commercial eco detergents are increasingly:

• Tested for biodegradability and aquatic toxicity
• Formulated to work in cold water, saving energy
• Concentrated to reduce packaging and shipping weight

A random recipe from the internet hasn’t been lab-tested for its impact on waterways or septic
systems. And if it doesn’t clean well the first time, you may end up rewashing loadsusing
more water and energy than if you’d used a high-performing detergent once.

When DIY Laundry Detergent Might Actually Make Sense

With all that said, DIY laundry detergent isn’t automatically evil. There are situations
where it can be a reasonable choice, especially if you go in with eyes wide open.

1. As an occasional backup, not your main workhorse

If you want a small jar of homemade detergent as an emergency backup for when you run out of
the store-bought stuff, that’s very different from relying on it for every load all year.
Using it occasionally is less likely to cause long-term build-up issues.

2. For certain types of loads

Some people reserve DIY detergent for:

• Heavily soiled outdoor work clothes that already take a beating
• Rags and cleaning cloths
• Hand-washing small items in a sink or bucket

For your favorite jeans, delicate tops, kids’ pajamas, and technical workout gear, it’s usually
safer to stick with a high-quality, tested detergent.

3. If you understand your water and your washer

DIY mixes tend to do better in soft water than in very hard water, where soap scum builds up
faster. If you have a water softener and a traditional top-load washer (rather than an HE
front-loader), you may have fewer issues than someone with hard water and a brand-new HE machine.

If You Still Want to DIY, Here’s How to Be Smarter About It

Not ready to give up your Pinterest dreams just yet? If you decide to make your own laundry
detergent, treat it like a small science project, not a magic hack. A few guidelines:

Use simple, well-tested recipes

Skip recipes with a dozen random ingredients and stick to a small handful of basics. Avoid
mixing in random household cleaners, disinfectants, or vinegar and bleach together (ever).
Mixing chemicals without understanding the reactions can be dangerous.

Go easy on borax and other irritants

If you use borax, treat it with respect: don’t inhale the dust, keep it away from kids and
pets, and wear gloves if you have sensitive skin. If your household includes babies, people
with asthma, or anyone with eczema, it’s wise to talk with a healthcare professional before
using borax-heavy mixes on their clothing or bedding.

Measure carefully and don’t overload the washer

More product doesn’t mean cleaner clotheshomemade or not. Use small amounts (often just 1–2
tablespoons for HE loads) and leave some space in the drum so clothes can move freely and
rinse well.

Run regular cleaning cycles on your machine

If you use any soap-based product, plan on a monthly hot “tub clean” or maintenance cycle:

• Use hot water and either a washing machine cleaner or a small amount of commercial detergent
• Wipe down rubber seals, the detergent drawer, and the door
• Leave the door open after washing to help everything dry out

Listen to your skin and your clothes

If anyone in the house starts itching more, if clothes feel stiff and dull, or if your washer
smells swampy, that’s feedback. DIY detergent might not be working as well as you hoped. Don’t
ignore what your body (and your laundry) are telling you.

Smarter Alternatives to DIY Laundry Detergent

Love the idea of fewer mystery chemicals and less plastic but not thrilled about playing
chemist? You do have middle-ground options.

Choose a fragrance-free or “sensitive skin” commercial detergent

These formulas are widely available now and are often recommended by dermatologists for people
with eczema, allergies, or easily irritated skin. They’re designed to rinse cleanly and work
well in HE machines while avoiding common triggers like strong fragrance or dyes.

Look for concentrated, eco-certified formulas

Many brands now offer concentrated liquids and powders that:

• Use biodegradable surfactants
• Come in smaller packages or cardboard boxes
• Have third-party eco labels or certifications

You still get performance and safety testing, but with a smaller environmental footprint than
old-school giant plastic jugs.

Focus on habits, not just products

The way you do laundry matters just as much as what you pour into the machine. Good laundry
hygiene includes:

• Not overloading the washer
• Using the right water temperature for the fabric
• Pre-treating stains promptly
• Using the amount of detergent recommended for your load size and soil level

These habits help clothes get cleaner and last longer, regardless of whether you lean more
“green” or more “whatever was on sale.”

So…Should You Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?

Here’s the honest, slightly unromantic answer:

For most householdsespecially if you have an HE washer, kids, sensitive skin, or expensive
clothes you care abouthomemade laundry detergent is better treated as a fun side
experiment, not your main cleaning strategy.

DIY detergent can:

• Save some money in the short term
• Let you avoid certain ingredients you don’t like
• Scratch that “I made this myself” itch

But it also comes with trade-offs: potential residue, inconsistent cleaning, and more risk of
irritation or washer build-up if you’re not careful. Commercial detergentsespecially
fragrance-free or eco-focused onesbring something DIY can’t easily replicate: years of
formulation work, safety testing, and rinse performance data.

If you’re curious, start small: use a DIY mix for backup or certain loads only, watch how your
laundry and your skin respond, and don’t be afraid to switch back if things seem off. Clean
laundry should make life easier, not turn into a long-term chemistry experiment.

Real-Life Experiences: What DIYers and Laundry Pros Have Learned

Beyond lab tests and expert quotes, there’s the real-world stuff people discover the hard way
(and then share online so the rest of us can avoid repeating it). While everyone’s experience
is different, certain patterns show up again and again.

The honeymoon phase: “This is amazing and so cheap!”

The first few weeks or months of using homemade laundry detergent are often filled with
enthusiasm. Clothes seem clean, the jar on the shelf looks adorable, and your grocery
budget is officially lower. If you’re switching from an overly fragranced detergent to
fragrance-free DIY soap, your laundry might even smell “cleaner” simply because it doesn’t
reek of perfume anymore.

Many people also enjoy the ritual itself: grating the bar soap, mixing everything in a big
container, labeling the jar. It feels like a small act of self-sufficiency in a world where
everything usually comes pre-packaged.

The slow creep: dingy towels, stubborn odors, mystery film

Problems rarely show up overnight. Instead, they creep in slowly. Towels that used to feel
fluffy start to feel heavy, almost “waxy.” Workout clothes smell fine out of the washer but
develop a “wet dog at the gym” vibe the second you sweat in them. Dark T-shirts lose their
richness and start to look flat.

Often, people blame their water, their dryer, or the age of their clothesuntil they strip a
load (soaking in very hot water with a strong detergent or booster) and watch the water turn
cloudy and gray from built-up residue. That’s when the lightbulb goes off: the DIY mix wasn’t
rinsing as cleanly as they thought.

The washer drama: smells, sludge, and service calls

Another common story: the machine itself starts to complain. HE front-loaders are especially
sensitive. People report:

• Black or gray slime around the door gasket
• A sour smell every time they open the washer
• Visible streaks or film on the drum

Some fix it with a thorough cleaning and a switch back to commercial detergent. Others end up
calling a technician when drain lines or pumps become clogged with residue. That’s when the
“I saved so much money!” math starts to look a lot less impressive.

The skin factor: “My laundry is cheap, but my skin is mad”

People with sensitive skin are often the first to notice when a formula isn’t rinsing clean.
They describe itchy waistbands, irritated underarms, or red patches where clothing rubs.
Sometimes the irritation is subtle at firstjust a little extra drynessbut gets worse over
time.

In many of these stories, the solution isn’t fancy: switching to a fragrance-free, tested
commercial detergent, sometimes paired with an extra rinse or periodic “stripping” of linens
to reset the fabric. The difference can be dramatic within a few weeks.

The “middle ground” crowd: using DIY where it makes sense

Not everyone abandons homemade detergent completely. Some people find a happy compromise:

• DIY mix for cleaning rags, pet blankets, or outdoor workwear
• Commercial detergent for everyday clothes, sheets, and towels
• Occasional use of DIY soap as a pre-soak or stain paste

This middle-ground approach keeps the fun and frugal side of DIY while leaning on
professionally formulated products where performance and fabric longevity really matter.

The big takeaway from experience

When you look across dozens of real-life stories, a theme emerges: homemade laundry detergent
is rarely a disaster in the first month. The issues show up slowlythrough residue, fading,
funk, or irritation. That doesn’t mean no one will ever thrive using DIY detergent long-term,
especially with soft water and a traditional washer. But it does mean you shouldn’t assume
that “natural” and “homemade” automatically equal “better.”

If you’re curious, go ahead and experimentbut do it with intention. Take note of how clothes
feel, smell, and look over time. Keep an eye on your washer, and be willing to pivot if things
start to go sideways. The goal isn’t to win the Most Hardcore DIYer award. The goal is clean,
comfortable clothes and a washer that doesn’t judge you every time you open the door.