My main goal for 2025 was to get out of the grocery store, and for the most part, we have! Cereal still gets me! I have a life long love affair with Cheerios! For 2026, I want to get the chemicals out of my house and the first step…laundry detergent!
I try to give myself the easy tasks first and laundry soap was an easy win. This one is inexpensive, lasts forever, and actually works. No weird residue, no overpowering scent — just clean clothes.
What I Use
Nothing fancy here. Most of this you can grab at a grocery store, and chances are you already have some of it on hand. I just made an Amazon order.
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One bar of soap (Fels-Naptha is my go-to, but you can use Dr. Bronner’s Castile or Ivory as well)
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Two cups Washing soda
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Two cups Baking soda
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One cup Borax
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Thirty drops essential oils for scent (I use lavender but I imagine you could pick the scent you want)
*If you have hard water, use a bit more washing soda or a splash of hydrogen peroxide.
How I Make It
I start by breaking down the bar soap. Sometimes I grate it by hand, sometimes I toss chunks into the food processor — whatever’s faster that day. You want it pretty fine so it melts into the wash easily.
Once that’s done, everything goes into a big bowl: soap, washing soda, baking soda, and borax. I mix it well, then add essential oils and stir again until it smells just right.
From there, it all goes into an airtight container and straight to the laundry room. I like a mason jar but any container will work.
How I Use It
I keep it simple — about one tablespoon for a regular load, two if things are extra dirty. I live on a farm…so it is usually two! It’s low-sudsing, so it works just fine in both top-loaders and HE machines.
Why I Like This Recipe
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It’s cheap
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I know exactly what’s in it
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One batch lasts a long time
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The scent is light and customizable
One product down…many to go!
