DIY Laundry Detergent from Bar Soap (Simple Non-Toxic Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe)

If you’re looking for a simple, non-toxic way to wash clothes without store-bought detergents, this DIY laundry detergent from bar soap is an easy place to start.

Sometimes called DIY laundry soap, this homemade version uses basic ingredients you may already have at home—like a bar of soap, washing soda, and borax.

You can use almost any bar soap for this recipe, but I personally prefer tallow soap since I already make it at home. It’s simple, effective, and fits well into a non-toxic lifestyle. You can learn all about tallow in this Complete Tallow Guide!

We’ve been using this DIY laundry soap for years and haven’t had any issues with buildup on clothes or lingering odors. It’s become a reliable, budget-friendly option for everyday laundry.

What Is DIY Laundry Detergent?

(Soap vs. Detergent Explained)

DIY laundry detergent is made from true soap and basic cleaning boosters, while most store-bought laundry products are synthetic detergents.

Soap:

• Made from natural fats and oils
• Traditional cleaning method used for generations
• Biodegradable and simple

Detergent:

• Made from synthetic surfactants
• Designed for heavy-duty stain removal
• Often includes fragrances, brighteners, and stabilizers

Both clean clothes, but they work differently. Soap is simpler and more traditional, while detergent is a chemical designed to perform in all water and machine types.

Why I Switched to DIY Laundry Soap

(Skin Irritations & Sensitivities)

One of the biggest reasons I started making my own laundry soap was skin irritation.

I was a hairstylist for many years and, over time, developed unexpected sensitivities to a variety of chemicals. At first, I didn’t realize what was causing my reactions. I spent years trying to figure it out on my own, along with the help of doctors, as I worked through different possible triggers.

One area I began paying closer attention to was everyday household products—especially laundry detergent. Conventional laundry soaps can contain fragrances, optical brighteners, and synthetic additives that can linger on clothing long after washing. Since clothes, towels, and bedding sit directly against the skin all day, that residue can become an ongoing source of irritation for some people, myself included.

This can show up as dryness, itching, or unexplained rashes, especially with items like sheets and bath towels that have extended contact with the skin. Even when laundry looks and smells clean, there can still be residue that isn’t always obvious.

Switching to DIY laundry soap was one step in taking back control of my environment. Using simple ingredients like bar soap, washing soda, and borax meant I knew exactly what was going on our clothes.

Although laundry soap itself wasn’t the main cause of my reactions, it was still an important piece to eliminate as a possibility. It also gave me peace of mind knowing I was providing my family with a more intentional, non-toxic option I could actually make at home.

For me, that shift wasn’t just about simplicity—it was about reducing unknowns and choosing a more mindful approach to something we use every single day.

What Soap Can You Use for DIY Laundry Soap?

One of the best things about this recipe is flexibility—you can use almost any bar soap.

Good options include:

• Castile-style soap
• Homemade soap bars
• Tallow soap (my personal preference)

If you already make soap at home, this is a great way to use it beyond the shower or kitchen.

If you want to make your own, here’s my recipe.

One bar of soap will typically make two full batches of laundry soap when finely grated, making this a very cost-effective option.

DIY Laundry Soap Ingredients

This recipe makes about 1 gallon of liquid laundry soap

You can find all of these ingredients at a local supermarket

• 1 oz bar soap (finely grated)
• 2 tbsp washing soda
• 4 tbsp borax
• Hot water

Optional:

• Essential oils (light scent- I would go with lemongrass)

How to Make DIY Laundry Detergent (Step-by-Step)

Use about ½ cup per load

Cost Breakdown: Is DIY Laundry Soap Cheaper?

This recipe makes about 32 loads per batch.

Ingredient cost estimate:

• Soap (Dr. Bronner’s 5 oz bar @ $5.99): ~$1.20 per batch
• Washing soda (Arm & Hammer $5.40 / 55 oz): ~$0.06
• Borax ($6 / 65 oz): ~$0.12

Total per gallon: ~$1.38
Cost per load: ~$0.04

DIY vs Store-Bought Laundry Products

Here’s how DIY compares per load:

• DIY laundry detergent: ~$0.04
• ECOS: ~$0.11
• Mrs. Meyer’s: ~$0.24
• Clean Cult sheets: ~$0.17
• Clean People sheets: ~$0.40

Even among “clean” brands, DIY is significantly cheaper. Making your own laundry soap could save you hundreds of dollars per year.

Is DIY Laundry Soap More Environmentally Friendly?

Beyond cost savings, making your own laundry soap helps reduce waste.

Instead of buying detergent in large plastic jugs or pre-packaged laundry sheets, you are:

• reducing plastic waste
• reusing simple ingredients
• avoiding unnecessary packaging

It’s a small but meaningful step toward a more intentional, low-waste home.

I’ve been using the same two glass jars for over four years now.

Should You Use Wool Dryer Balls?

Wool dryer balls are a simple, reusable alternative to dryer sheets.

They help:

• reduce drying time
• soften clothes naturally
• reduce static
• eliminate single-use dryer sheets

You can also add a drop or two of essential oil for a light natural scent.

They pair perfectly with DIY laundry detergent for a fully non-toxic laundry routine.

Pros and Cons of DIY Laundry Soap

Pros:

• Non-toxic ingredients
• Very inexpensive
• Simple to make
• No buildup or odor issues (our experience)

Cons:

• May not perform the same in hard water
• Requires a short prep step
• Less fragrance than commercial detergents

Common Mistakes When Making DIY Laundry Soap

• Using too much per load
• Not dissolving ingredients fully
• Expecting strong fragrance – my family prefers unscented

Does DIY Laundry Detergent Actually Work?

Yes—it works well for everyday laundry.

We’ve used this recipe for years and haven’t experienced:

• buildup on clothing
• lingering odors
• performance issues on regular loads

For heavily soiled items, pre-treatment may help, but for daily washing, it’s reliable and effective.

How Much DIY Laundry Soap to Use

Use about:
 ½ cup per load

For HE machines, start with less and adjust based on your water and load size.

Want to Make Your Own Tallow Soap Bars?

If you want to go one step further toward a fully homemade system, making your own soap is simple and cost-effective.

Here’s my recipe: How To Make Tallow Dish Soap

Homemade soap works perfectly in this recipe and keeps everything non-toxic and self-sufficient.

You can even make your own Tallow Body Soap at home for a non-toxic body care routine.

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FAQs About DIY Laundry Detergent