In the United States, consumers collectively spend over $24 billion annually on laundry care products, including detergents, fabric softeners, and related items. According to Grand View Research, the U.S. laundry care market was valued at $24.87 billion in 2024, with continued growth projected in the coming years. This substantial expenditure highlights the significant impact laundry products have on household budgets.

However, by embracing DIY laundry detergent alternatives, there is considerable potential for nationwide savings. Homemade laundry detergent can cost as little as $0.04 per load, compared to commercial brands that average around $0.12 per load. If even a fraction of U.S. households transitioned to homemade options, the cumulative savings could amount to billions of dollars annually. Beyond cost savings, DIY solutions also support eco-friendly practices and reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals, delivering financial, environmental, and health benefits.

The True Cost of Store-Bought Laundry Detergents

Beyond their price, commercial detergents come with hidden costs:

• Synthetic chemicals and fragrances that can irritate skin
• Environmental waste from plastic packaging
• Chemical runoff into water systems

Switching to DIY laundry detergent options can help you:

• Save 50-80% on laundry expenses
• Reduce chemical exposure
• Cut household plastic waste
• Customize cleaning power to your needs

Top DIY Laundry Detergent Alternatives Ranked

We evaluated several natural laundry options based on cost-effectiveness and performance. Here are the best choices for creating your own DIY laundry detergent.

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution ($0.10-$0.15 per load)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup white vinegar

How to Use:

• Add baking soda directly with clothes
• Pour vinegar into the rinse cycle (or fabric softener compartment for HE machines)

Cost Breakdown:

• Baking soda: $0.04-$0.06 per load
• Vinegar: $0.06-$0.09 per load

Best For: Everyday laundry, odor elimination, and maintaining HE machine performance.

2. Washing Soda and Borax Blend ($0.15-$0.20 per load)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax
• 1 bar grated pure soap (Castile or Ivory)

How to Use:

• Mix all ingredients
• Use 2-3 tablespoons per load

Cost Breakdown:

• Washing soda: $0.05-$0.07 per load
• Borax: $0.05-$0.07 per load
• Soap: $0.05-$0.06 per load

Best For: Heavy-duty cleaning and stubborn stains.

3. Castile Soap Mixture ($0.18-$0.25 per load)

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 10-15 drops essential oil (optional)

How to Use:

• Blend ingredients together
• Use 2-3 tablespoons per load

Cost Breakdown:

• Castile soap: $0.12-$0.15 per load
• Baking soda: $0.04-$0.06 per load
• Essential oils (optional): $0.02-$0.04 per load

Best For: Sensitive skin and eco-friendly households.

4. Soap Nuts ($0.25-$0.50 per load)

Ingredients:

• 4-5 soap nuts

How to Use:

• Place soap nuts in a small muslin bag
• Add directly into the washing machine

Cost Breakdown:

• Reusable for 3-7 loads
• Best value when purchased wholesale

Best For: Those preferring a completely natural, plant-based solution.

Using DIY Laundry Detergent in HE Machines

DIY laundry detergent works well with HE washers, but follow these tips:

• Use smaller amounts: 2-3 tablespoons per load
• Run monthly clean cycles: Use hot water and vinegar
• Adjust for water hardness: Add extra washing soda if needed

All the recipes listed produce minimal suds, making them HE-compatible.

Boost Your Cleaning Power Naturally

Get the most out of your DIY laundry detergent with these enhancements:

• Pre-treat stains: Apply a paste of washing soda and water
• Whiten whites: Add 1/4 cup lemon juice to loads
• Soften hard water: Add 1/4 cup extra washing soda
• Eliminate odors: Add 1/4 cup baking soda to the wash

Where to Buy Ingredients Cheaply

Sourcing your DIY laundry detergent components at low cost is easy:

• Baking soda and washing soda: Warehouse clubs, dollar stores, pool supply shops
• Vinegar: Grocery stores, restaurant suppliers, bulk online
• Soap nuts: Health food stores, bulk buying sites, international importers
• Borax and bar soap: Grocery laundry aisles, online suppliers, dollar stores

Environmental Benefits of DIY Laundry Detergent

Choosing DIY laundry detergent helps the planet by reducing:

• Chemical runoff into waterways
• Plastic waste from packaging
• Carbon footprint from detergent manufacturing
• Water usage during rinse cycles

FAQs About DIY Laundry Detergent

How do I make a simple DIY laundry detergent at home?

A basic DIY laundry detergent uses baking soda and vinegar. Add baking soda during the wash and vinegar during the rinse cycle.

Is DIY laundry detergent safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, especially recipes using castile soap or baking soda. Always test new mixtures on a small load first.

Can homemade laundry detergent work in cold water washes?

Absolutely. DIY laundry detergent options work effectively in both cold and warm water cycles.

How much DIY laundry detergent should I use per load?

Typically, 2-3 tablespoons are enough, even for HE washing machines.

What is the shelf life of homemade laundry detergent recipes?

Dry mixes can last several months in airtight containers. Liquid preparations should be used within 1-2 weeks.

Conclusion: Save Big with DIY Laundry Detergent

Making your own DIY laundry detergent can save a typical family $150-$300 annually. The baking soda and vinegar solution offers one of the most economical and effective options at just $0.10-$0.15 per load.

By investing a small amount of time to prepare your laundry solution and buying ingredients in bulk, you can dramatically lower household costs while making an eco-conscious choice. Start experimenting with small batches of DIY laundry detergent to find the best formula for your clothes and washing machine.