How to Make Your Own Stain Removing Liquid Detergent: Up to 12 Liters with Just a Few Ingredients

Why Make Your Own Detergent?

  • Cost-effective: You can make a large batch (up to 12 liters!) for a fraction of the cost of store-bought brands.
  • Customizable: Add your preferred scent or go fragrance-free for sensitive skin.
  • Eco-friendly: Reduce plastic waste and avoid harsh chemicals that can harm waterways.
  • Effective: This formula is designed to target stains and leave your clothes fresh and clean.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 1 bar of  laundry soap (such as  Zote,  Fels-Naptha, or any mild soap)
  • 1 cup of washing soda (sodium carbonate—not baking soda!)
  • 1 cup of borax (optional but great for boosting stain removal)
  • Hot water
  • Essential oils (optional, for fragrance—lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus work well)
  • A large container (12-15 liters capacity or multiple smaller containers)

Instructions:

  1. Grate the soap bar.
    Use a cheese grater or food processor to finely grate the laundry soap. This helps it dissolve faster in water.
  2. Dissolve the soap.
    In a large pot, bring about 4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly stir in the grated soap and lower the heat, stirring until the soap is fully dissolved.
  3. Add the boosters.
    Once the soap has melted, add the washing soda and borax. Stir well until everything is completely dissolved.
  4. Dilute the mixture.
    Pour the soap mixture into a large bucket or container. Slowly add hot water to the mix, filling up to about 12 liters (or as preferred for concentration). Stir well to combine.
  5. Let it set.
    Allow the mixture to sit for 24 hours. It may thicken or gel up—this is normal. Stir or shake before each use.
  6. Add essential oils (optional).
    After the detergent has set, add 20–30 drops of essential oils if you want a natural fragrance boost. Stir again.