This 3-ingredient recipe for a non-toxic Homemade Laundry Detergent with Castile Bar Soap can be made in 20 minutes and is so much cheaper than store-bought.
What’s the difference between castile soap liquid vs bar soap?
Castile bar soap is generally cheaper than liquid. Although liquid can also be used in this recipe. You can also use coconut oil soap like the kind that Wise Oak Soapary offers. Plus it’s nice to have options so you can use whatever you have on hand.
Let’s break down the cost. Here’s the price breakdown:
- 1 cup Soap Flakes (grated bar soap) $2.35
- 1 cup Baking Soda $0.22
- 1 cup Washing Soda $1.04
- 2 quarts Boiling Water $0
Total Cost: $3.61
Cost per tablespoon: $0.03
This recipe costs more to make than my powdered detergent recipe but it also makes more. Therefore the cost per use is about the same. I left out essential oil from the pricing as it’s optional.
How to grate castile soap
To grate Castile soap, just use a box grater like this one. I use a foldable one which is a space saver. Or you can purchase soap flakes. I found some on amazon. However, I prefer to grate my own because I always have it on hand.
How to make homemade laundry detergent without borax
1. Pour all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl and then stir to combine.
2. Slowly add the water while stirring to combine.
3. Once the ingredients have dissolved, add to a pourable container.
Tips for making the best Homemade Laundry Detergent with Castile Bar Soap
- When you mix water with other ingredients (without a preservative) you always run the risk of bacteria, so I recommend using this soap quickly. This batch usually last me about 2 months. If you can’t use this much detergent in that amount of time then you can half it or use my Homemade Laundry Detergent (no borax).
- If you’d like to make a powder recipe, you can find mine here.
- Make sure to shake a little before you use. I find that my liquid will foam and the foam somewhat solidifies and then the liquid separates if not used for a few days.
- I bar of soap makes about 2 cups of soap flakes.
- I used a box grater to make the soap fakes from bar soap.
- I used Castile soap from Dr. Bronner’s but you also use a coconut milk soap like the options from Wise Oak Soapery. I was introduced to this soap brand through Simply AIP. Use the code BONAIPPETIT5 to get 5% off your first box.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons in the washing machine.
If you like this Homemade Laundry Detergent with Castile Bar Soap, you may like these other DIY household recipes.
- Homemade Disinfectant Spray
- Homemade Laundry Detergent (no borax)
- Homemade Tick and Mosquito Spray for Dogs and Kids
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Homemade Laundry Detergent with Castile Bar Soap
To avoid high prices and toxic chemicals in your laundry detergent, try this Homemade Laundry Detergent with Castile Bar Soap. Since this recipe is a liquid, there’s no powdery mess.
Materials
- 1 cup Soap Flakes (grated bar soap)
- 1 cup Baking Soda
- 1 cup Washing Soda
- 2 quarts Boiling Water
- 15 drop Lavender Essential Oils (optional)
Tools
- Measuring Cup
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Container for storing
Instructions
- Pour all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl and then stir to combine.
- Slowly add the water while stirring to combine.
- Once the ingredients have dissolved, add the essential oils then pour into a container.
Notes
- When you mix water with other ingredients (without a preservative) you always run the risk of bacteria, so I recommend using this soap quickly. This batch usually last me about 2 months. If you can’t use this much detergent in that amount of time then you can half it or use my Homemade Laundry Detergent (no borax).
- If you’d like to make a powder recipe, you can find mine here.
- Make sure to shake a little before you use. I find that my liquid will foam and the foam somewhat solidifies and then the liquid separates if not used for a few days.
- I bar of soap makes 2 cups of soap flakes.
- I used a box grater to make the soap fakes from bar soap.
- I used Castile soap from Dr. Bronner’s but you also use a coconut milk soap like the options from Wise Oak Soapery. I was introduced to this soap brand through Simply AIP. Use the code BONAIPETIT5 to get 5% off your first box.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons in the washing machine.
Did you make this recipe? I love hearing your thoughts on my recipes so please rate and comment below.
Diane says
Why no borox?
Beth says
Borax may have health risks. Here's an article.
Mik says
Mine has turned half solid. Any ideas on where I went wrong?
Beth says
I'm not sure what happened. I had an issue where the foam on the top turned solid but that was it.