Easy DIY Homemade Laundry Detergent: Natural, Non-Toxic & Budget-Friendly

Last fall, I struggled with a stubborn case of perioral dermatitis—a red, irritated rash around my mouth that sometimes spread to other areas of my face. Every morning, I woke up with worsened redness and swelling, and I couldn’t figure out why. Eventually, I realized my pillowcase might be aggravating my skin, leading me to rethink my laundry detergent. Since many natural detergents are expensive, I decided to make my own—and I was pleasantly surprised by how simple and effective it was! Not only did my skin improve, but I also saved money and avoided the harsh chemicals found in store-bought options. Now I’m excited to share this easy DIY homemade laundry detergent recipe with you—it’s natural, non-toxic, and budget-friendly!

Making your own natural laundry detergent is easy and budget-friendly.

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Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent?

It’s becoming well known that laundry detergents are a source of harmful chemicals that can negatively impact our health and environment. In fact, several ingredients have been flagged for their potential toxicity. Here are a few:

Synthetic Fragrances

That scent that makes fresh laundry smell so amazing is likely coming from potentially harmful substances. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are often present in artificial fragrances and can trigger headaches, dizziness and respiratory issues in some people.¹ Furthermore, phthalates are often used to make the scent last longer. Phthalates cause hormone disruption and can affect reproductive health and development. They’ve been linked to fertility issues in women² and birth defects and behavioural issues in children exposed in the womb.³

Surfactants

Surfactants are chemicals that enhance a laundry detergent’s cleaning power. The problem is they can irritate the skin and damage mucous membranes and lungs, and they may even be contaminated with carcinogens.⁴ Surfactants to look out for are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), naphtha and petroleum distillate.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is often used as a preservative in laundry detergent. It’s also been linked to eczema and skin, lung, and eye irritation. Both liquid and dry formulations may contain formaldehyde, which is a cost-effective way to prevent mould and bacterial growth.

Environmental Impact

Runoff from commercial laundry detergents can contaminate drinking water, posing health risks due to potentially toxic compounds like surfactants. These chemicals don’t just affect humans—they also disrupt aquatic ecosystems. Excess phosphates from detergents contribute to algae blooms, depleting oxygen levels and harming fish populations. Using natural, eco-friendly detergents helps protect both our health and the environment.

DIY Homemade Laundry Detergent is Cost-Effective

Making your own laundry detergent can save you quite a bit of money, especially if you’re accustomed to buying the more natural brands which can come with a heftier price tag. But even swapping standard laundry detergent for homemade will result in savings. And if you buy your ingredients in bulk then your DIY laundry detergent will likely be a fraction of the cost.

Best Essential Oil Blends for Fresh, Clean Laundry

One of my favourite things about making my own laundry detergent is that I can customize the scent! Here are some great essential oils for your laundry detergent:

Fresh & Clean Scents

Lemon – cuts grease, brightens whites and has a fresh citrus scent.
Lime – similar to lemon but slightly sweeter.
Orange – uplifting and deodorizing.
Grapefruit – energizing and great for removing odours.

Antibacterial & Deodorizing

Tea Tree – antifungal and antibacterial, great for musty odours.
Eucalyptus – fresh, clean scent with antibacterial properties.
Peppermint – cooling, antibacterial, and refreshing.
Rosemary – herbaceous and deodorizing.

Floral & Soothing Scents

Lavender – calming, antibacterial, and great for bedding.
Geranium – floral, balancing, and deodorizing.
Ylang Ylang – sweet, exotic, and relaxing.

Woodsy & Earthy Scents

Cedarwood – warm, grounding, and moth-repelling.
Sandalwood – rich & earthy.
Patchouli – earthy, deodorizing, and grounding.

Best Blends

Citrus + Lavender – fresh and calming.
Tea Tree + Lemon – antibacterial and deodorizing.
Peppermint + Eucalyptus – cool and invigorating.
Cedarwood + Orange – warm, woodsy, and fresh.

Tools Needed

Large jars with lid – this recipe makes about 2 litres of detergent.
Large bowl
Measuring cups

Ingredients

Washing soda – AKA sodium carbonate. Boosts cleaning power and softens water. I get mine from Amazon.
Baking soda – deodorizes and removes stains.
Epsom salt – softens fabrics and prevents soap buildup.
Sea salt
Essential oils (optional) – add a natural scent and extra antibacterial properties if using oils such as lavender, tea tree, or lemon.

How to Make Easy DIY Homemade Laundry Detergent

Mix all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Add essential oils of choice and mix well.

Transfer to a glass jar with a lid.

Use 1 tablespoon for smaller or lightly soiled loads, and 2 tablespoons for larger or more heavily soiled loads.

Notes

Making your own laundry detergent is cost-effective, natural, and customizable to your needs.
This homemade laundry detergent is chemical-free — no parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes, or fragrances.
For HE machines, use less detergent (1 tablespoon per load).