I’ll never forget the day I looked at the label on my store-bought laundry detergent and thought, “Why am I washing my clothes in something I can’t even pronounce?” It hit me hard—here I was, trying to keep things clean and simple, but I was soaking my family’s clothes in a chemical soup. Dyes, fragrances, sulfates—stuff that irritates skin, messes with hormones, and lingers on your favorite sweater like an uninvited guest. No thanks. I knew there had to be a better way, and that’s when I started making my own clothing detergent.

In my Wise & Wild Way workshop, I’m all about stripping away the junk—literal and metaphorical—to create a life that honors the body and soul you were designed to live in. This DIY detergent isn’t just about clean clothes; it’s about cleaning up your whole routine, from your laundry to your spirit. Let’s break down why this natural detergent is a game-changer, how to make it, a bonus tip for softening fabrics, and a few things to watch out for—because you deserve a wash as pure as your intentions.

What Makes This DIY Clothing Detergent So Good?

This detergent is a powerhouse of simple, natural ingredients—no chemical nonsense here. It’s built on bar soap, borax, washing soda, and food-grade citric acid, with an optional oxygen bleach boost for tough stains. Environmental health expert Dr. Anne Steinemann points out that conventional detergents often contain allergens and irritants like sodium lauryl sulfate, which can cause rashes or worse. My recipe? It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin but tough enough to tackle dirt, as dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban notes about natural cleaners—they clean without stripping your skin or fabrics of their natural balance. It’s a win-win, and it costs pennies compared to the $20 bottles at the store.

Why It’s a Must for Your Laundry (and Your Life)

Here’s why this DIY detergent deserves a spot in your laundry room:

• No Toxic Residue: Dr. Steinemann’s research shows that conventional detergents leave behind chemicals that can irritate skin and lungs. This recipe skips all that, keeping your clothes—and your family—safe.
• Gentle on Skin: Shamban explains that natural ingredients like castile soap and citric acid clean without harshness, perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies. No more itchy sweaters!
• Tough on Stains: Borax and washing soda team up to lift dirt and grime, while the optional oxygen bleach tackles heavy stains like grass or wine—because life happens.
• Eco-Friendly: It’s biodegradable and safe for the planet. You’re not just washing clothes; you’re washing with purpose, honoring the world you were created to steward.

DIY Clothing Detergent: Simple, Clean, Done

Ditch the chemical sludge—here’s how to make your own detergent that actually works:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup shaved bar soap (I love Dr. Bronner’s castile bar soap—pure and gentle)
• 1¾ cups borax
• 1¾ cups washing soda
• ¼ cup food-grade citric acid
• (Optional: ¼ cup oxygen bleach for a whitening boost on heavy stains)

Directions

• Shave the bar soap into fine flakes using a grater.
• In your bowl, mix the shaved soap, borax, washing soda, citric acid, and oxygen bleach (if using) for several minutes until well combined.
• Optional: Toss the mix into a blender or food processor to make a fine powder that dissolves easily, even in cold water. Just let the dust settle before opening the lid.

How to Use It:

• Use 1 Tbsp for a small load, 2-3 Tbsp for large or heavily soiled loads.
• Toss it into the drum of your washer (or the detergent compartment if it’s a fine powder).
• Wash as usual.

Tip: Double the recipe if you’re doing laundry for a big family

Bonus: Vinegar Rinse for Soft, Fresh Fabrics

Want your clothes to feel as good as they smell? Add this simple rinse to your cycle:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup distilled white vinegar

How to Use:

• Add the vinegar to your rinse cycle or the fabric softener dispenser.
• Run the cycle as usual—no vinegar smell, I promise.

Why It Works: Vinegar softens fabrics, brightens whites, neutralizes odors, and removes soap residue. It’s like a big hug for your clothes, leaving them fresh and ready to wear. I’ve got more laundry tips in my detox bath article—because a clean life starts with the little things.

The Caveats: What to Watch For

This detergent is a dream, but here’s what to keep in mind:

• Hard Water Woes: If your water is hard, you might need a bit more detergent—borax and washing soda help, but experiment to get it right.
• Sensitive Skin Check: While it’s gentle, patch test on a small piece of fabric if you’re super sensitive. I once had a client who reacted to everything—turns out, she was just allergic to drama. 😉
• Borax Safety: Borax is natural, but ca be an irritant, Keep it out of reach of kids and pets, and don’t inhale the powder while mixing—common sense, folks.
• Soap Quality: Use a pure bar soap like Dr. Bronner’s. If it’s got synthetic fragrances, you’re just trading one chemical for another.

Elevate It, Wise & Wild Style

Take this detergent to the next level with my holistic approach:

• Clean Air, Too: Pair this with my DIY air freshener recipe (coming soon to my blog) to keep your whole home toxin-free—laundry, air, everything.
• Move Your Body: Sweat it out with my Peak Performance Training or Stretch for Performance Classes, coming soon on SPBTV. A clean body and clean clothes go hand in hand—plus, movement helps you detox from the inside out.
• Nourish Inside Out: My Wise & Wild Wellness Program uses GAPS or Nourishing Traditions foods—think bone broth and fermented veggies—to support your body while you clean up your environment.
• Stay Grounded: Take a quiet walk, get your bare feet on the ground and face in the sun. A pure life isn’t just about what you use—it’s about how you live.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

This DIY clothing detergent isn’t just about clean clothes—it’s about cleaning up your life, one load at a time. Experts like Dr. Steinemann and Shamban confirm what I’ve known for years: natural is better for your body and your home. It’s cheap, it’s effective, and it lets you wash with peace of mind—no chemicals, no guilt. Want to feel good about every part of your routine? Start here. Your clothes (and your conscience) will thank you.

Mix it, use it, love it—clean clothes are just the beginning of a cleaner life.

Take It Further

Click here for a PDF of the DIY Clothing Detergent recipe.

Explore more in my articles on keeping a healthy home.
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