Simple DIY Laundry Detergent Powder (Natural + Sustainable)

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Most store-bought detergents come in big plastic bottles and are filled with synthetic fragrances and harsh ingredients, and they’re far from good for the skin (or the planet).

The good news? You can make your own laundry detergent powder that’s vegan, natural, zero-waste, and works just as well. It’s a great place to start, especially if you’re looking into making your home more sustainable.

I’ve been using this homemade detergent for a while now, and it’s one of those DIYs that actually stick. 

It takes only a few minutes to make, costs almost nothing, and keeps clothes fresh and clean without anything unnecessary.

Here’s what we’ll go through:

Ingredients & why they work

Castile soap bar

This is the base of your detergent; it helps lift dirt and oils from fabrics. You can use 100% olive oil or 100% coconut oil soap; both work great. Coconut oil soap gives a stronger clean and more bubbles, while olive oil soap is gentler and perfect for sensitive skin.

If you can’t find castile soap where you live, try Aleppo-style soap, Oliva, or Dalan (in Europe), Anything natural and fragrance-free will do.

Washing soda

Washing soda is your secret cleaning booster. It’s alkaline and powerful, great at cutting through grease and stains, and it helps soften the water, which makes everything else more effective.

When I first made this recipe, I couldn’t find washing soda anywhere. Then I learned you can actually make it yourself and transform baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) into washing soda (sodium carbonate).

It’s pretty simple. Just spread baking soda on a tray and bake it in the oven at 200°C for about an hour. Stir it once or twice. You’ll notice it turns dull and grainy – that’s when it’s ready. I share more tips on that a bit further down.

Baking soda 

Baking soda is a simple, gentle cleaner that helps remove odors, soften fabrics, and balance pH. It’s great for keeping clothes fresh and is kind to sensitive skin.

Citric acid 

Citric acid softens fabrics and prevents limescale buildup, especially in hard-water areas. You don’t need a lot, just a few tablespoons make a difference.

If you prefer, skip it in the main mix and add 1 tablespoon of citric acid or white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead. It’ll keep your clothes soft and your washing machine clean.

Essential oils

This step is optional, but a few drops make the detergent smell so clean and fresh. A few great blends are:

• Lavender + lemon: Clean and calming
• Eucalyptus + tea tree: Fresh and crisp
• Sweet orange + lemongrass: Bright and citrusy

DIY natural laundry detergent powder

You’ll need:

• 1 bar (100 g) grated Castile or coconut oil soap
• 1 cup (about 200 g) washing soda
• 1 cup (about 230 g) baking soda
• 3 tablespoons (45g) citric acid 
• 20-30 drops essential oils – I used: 10 drops lavender, 10 drops peppermint, 5 drops rosemary

Instructions:

1. Grate your soap using a fine grater. The finer it is, the easier it dissolves.
2. Add the washing soda and baking soda and mix well.
3. Add the citric acid and stir again until everything is combined.
4. Add essential oils if using. I used lavender, peppermint, and rosemary.
5. Transfer the powder into a clean, dry jar with a tight lid and store it somewhere dry.

How to use it

Add 2 tablespoons directly into the washing machine drum for a regular load. For very dirty laundry, use 2-3 tablespoons.

It works in both cold and warm cycles. If your water is hard, add 1 tablespoon of citric acid or white vinegar to the rinse compartment. It’ll soften fabrics naturally and prevent buildup in your machine.

I tested it out, and was super satisfied with the result!

A few extra tips 

• Grate the soap finely so it dissolves well, even in cold water.
• Store the detergent in a dry jar to prevent clumping.
• Shake the jar occasionally if the mixture settles.
• Works well for both hand and machine washing.
• If you’re washing delicates or wool, skip the citric acid and essential oils. This will make the powder extra gentle and prevent any damage to softer fabrics.

Want to make it liquid instead?

You can make a small batch of liquid detergent using the same powder recipe. Just take ½ cup of your finished laundry powder, mix it with 2 cups of hot water, and stir until everything dissolves. Let it cool, then pour it into a jar or bottle and shake before each use.

Use about ¼ cup per load, and make smaller batches as needed. Since it contains water, it’s best used within 2-3 weeks.

The essential oils in your powder will lose some of their scent when mixed with hot water, but the detergent will still clean just as well. If you’d like, add a few extra drops of essential oil once it’s cooled.

Making your own washing soda

If you decide to make your own washing soda, the process is simple, but a few small details make it work much better:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.
2. Spread baking soda in a thin, even layer on a wide baking tray.
3. Bake it for about 1 hour, stirring once or twice so it heats evenly.
4. Look for the texture change: baking soda is soft, bright white, and a bit clumpy, while washing soda becomes dull, grainy, slightly sandy, and a little greyish.
5. Let it cool completely on the tray, then store it in an airtight jar.

Additional tips:

• If your baking soda starts clumping, break it up with your hands or a spoon before baking so it transforms more evenly.
• A thin layer works best; if the layer is thick, the baking soda underneath may stay unchanged.
• If it still looks soft and powdery after an hour, bake it a bit longer. Ovens vary a lot. For example, mine is quite small and weak, so I had to bake it for 1 and a half hours.
• Washing soda feels drier and more textured than baking soda, so trust the feel as much as the color.
• Let it cool fully before storing; warm washing soda absorbs moisture quickly and can harden into lumps.
• Keep it in a sealed jar in a dry spot to maintain its texture.

FAQ

Can I use this in an HE washing machine?

Yes, it’s low-sudsing and completely safe for HE machines.

Is it safe for sensitive skin or baby clothes?

Yes, just skip the essential oils for a fragrance-free version.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Of course! Just store it in an airtight container to keep out moisture.

Does it clean as well as store-bought detergent?

It does! It’s gentle but effective, and much kinder to your clothes, your skin, and the environment.

Can I put the powder in the detergent compartment?

You can, but it usually works better when added directly into the drum. Homemade detergents dissolve more slowly than commercial ones, so they can clump in the drawer, especially in cold water. If you prefer the compartment, that’s fine too. Just rinse it now and then to prevent buildup.

Final thoughts

This laundry detergent powder is one of those DIYs that’s easy, affordable, and worth sticking with. It cuts down on plastic, keeps clothes fresh, and gives you full control over what goes into your detergent.

Once you try it, you’ll never look back – promise.  If you make it, let me know how it works for you, or tag me on Instagram @almostzerowaste to share your version.