DIY Laundry Detergent: Does It Really Save Money?

Homemade laundry detergent has been popular for years. Some people want fewer synthetic ingredients. Others are trying to help sensitive skin. And many are simply looking to cut costs.

If you’re trimming essential expenses, the real question isn’t “Is this trendy?” It’s:

Does homemade detergent actually cost less than buying a cheap store brand?

Let’s look at the numbers — and the trade-offs.

Can DIY Laundry Detergent Save Money?

Sometimes, yes. But not always.

If you compare homemade detergent to premium brands, DIY usually costs less per load.

If you compare it to low-cost powder detergent bought on sale, the savings can shrink — and sometimes disappear.

Your final cost depends on:

• Local prices for borax, washing soda, and bar soap
• How much you use per load
• Whether you already buy these ingredients for other purposes

In many areas, homemade powder detergent comes out slightly cheaper per load than budget liquid detergent — but not dramatically cheaper. The biggest savings usually come from using less detergent, not necessarily from making it yourself.

If you’re on a very tight budget, it’s worth running the numbers using your store prices before committing to making a large batch.

DIY Liquid Laundry Soap (Cooked Version)

This recipe makes about two gallons of liquid gel. Ingredients can be found in the laundry aisle or online.

You’ll need a large bucket with a lid and a large pot.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups borax
• 2 cups washing soda
• 2 cups baking soda
• ½ cup castile soap, Zote soap, or Ivory® soap

Grate the soap and place it in a large saucepan. Add 6 cups of water and heat until the soap melts. Add the washing soda and borax, stirring until dissolved. Remove from heat.

Pour 4 cups of hot water into a bucket. Add the soap mixture and stir. Then add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir again. Let sit for 24 hours until it gels.

Use about ½ cup per load (more for heavily soiled clothing).

This formula is reported to be safe for HE washers because it produces low suds. Many recommend adding it directly to the drum rather than the dispenser.

No-Grate Liquid Laundry Soap

If grating and cooking sound like too much work, this simplified version comes from Jillee Nystul at OneGoodThingByJillee.com.

She writes that this version avoids grating and cooking and can be made quickly in small batches.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons borax
• 3 tablespoons washing soda
• 2 tablespoons Dawn® dish soap

Mix in a gallon jug. Add 4 cups boiling water and swirl. Let cool. Fill almost to the top with cold water (watch for bubbles).

She notes she uses ½ to 1 cup per load because the mixture is thinner.

This version is fast to make — but because it uses more per load, the cost savings may not be as large as expected. Again, run your own numbers.

Powdered Laundry Soap

For those who prefer powder, this simple recipe comes from Matt Jabs at DIYNatural.com.

He says it was much faster and easier than expected.

Each batch yields about 32 ounces (approximately 32–64 loads, depending on how much you use).

Ingredients:

• 1 bar shaved soap (Ivory®, Zote, Fels-Naptha®)
• 1 cup borax
• 1 cup washing soda

Stir thoroughly for several minutes until evenly combined.

This recipe is also reported to be safe for HE washers.

Powder versions tend to be the simplest and most shelf-stable of the homemade options.

Pros of DIY Detergent

• Potential cost savings (depending on prices and usage)
• Fewer synthetic fragrances
• Control over ingredients
• Reduced plastic packaging
• Useful if you already keep these ingredients on hand

Some households also report fewer skin irritations when using simpler formulas.

Cons of DIY Detergent

• Time spent gathering ingredients and mixing
• Storage space required for large batches
• Performance may not match commercial formulas on heavy stains
• Some newer HE machines may perform better with commercial HE detergents
• Savings may be minimal compared to low-cost store brands

Commercial detergents are engineered with enzymes and stain fighters that DIY recipes typically don’t contain. If you regularly wash greasy work clothes, sports uniforms, or heavily stained items, you may notice a difference.

A Practical Middle-Ground Approach

Some budget-focused households:

• Use homemade detergent for everyday loads
• Keep a small amount of commercial detergent for tough stains
• Use commercial pre-treatment on problem spots

You don’t have to choose one or the other for every load.