A Simple Pennsylvania‑Style Recipe That Actually Works.
If you’ve ever stood in the laundry aisle staring at the price of detergent and thinking, there has to be a better way, you’re not alone. Between rising prices and ingredient lists that look like a chemistry exam, sometimes the old‑fashioned methods really are the best.
This homemade powdered laundry detergent is one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner” discoveries. It uses just a handful of classic ingredients — the same ones our parents and grandparents kept under the sink — and it works beautifully with city water (yes, even here in Western PA).
And the best part? It takes about ten minutes to make.
Why Make Your Own Detergent?
A few reasons this recipe has become a staple in my laundry room:
It’s cheap — a batch costs just a few dollars.
It’s simple — no weird chemicals you can’t pronounce.
It’s low‑sudsing, so it works in HE washers.
It smells clean without being overpowering.
And honestly… it just feels good to make something yourself.
Ingredients: Here’s what you’ll need:
1 bar Fels‑Naptha, finely grated
2 cups Washing Soda
2 cups 20 Mule Team Borax
1 cup Baking Soda
½ cup Epsom Salt (optional but great for city water)
Optional: 20–30 drops essential oil (lemon, lavender, eucalyptus)
Tip: Let the Fels‑Naptha bar sit out overnight. It dries slightly and grates much easier.
How to Make It:
Grate the Fels‑Naptha into fine shreds. HOW I GRATE FEL‑NAPTHA THE EASY WAY: Instead of using a cheese grater, I cut the Fels‑Naptha bar into small chunks and put ½ cup of washing soda into my Ninja blender. Then I add the chunks a little at a time and pulse. The washing soda keeps the soap from sticking to the blades and helps grind it into a very fine powder. It mixes perfectly with the rest of the ingredients and saves a lot of time and effort.
Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl or container.
Mix until everything looks evenly blended.
Add essential oils if you want a light scent.
Store in an airtight container — a mason jar works perfectly. This seems to be the standard in storage anymore. A half gallon or gallon mason canning jar. But this isn’t what I do. Storage Tip: Why I Don’t Use a Glass Jar. I know a lot of people store homemade detergent in big glass canning jars, and they do look pretty. But for everyday use, they’re not always the safest or most convenient option. If you drop a glass jar — especially on a hard laundry‑room floor — it can shatter everywhere. And honestly, trying to scoop detergent out of a tall jar with a tablespoon feels awkward. That’s why I use an empty dishwasher pod container instead. The lid stays attached, the opening is wide enough to scoop from comfortably, and if you drop it, it’s not going to break. It’s simple, sturdy, and it works. I keep a metal tablespoon in the container with the detergent. Being metal, the detergent doesn’t stick to it like it would to a plastic one.
How to Use It:
Regular load: 1–2 tablespoons
Large or heavily soiled load: 2–3 tablespoons
Works in HE and standard washers
Safe for cold, warm, or hot water
A Note About City Water:
Since many of us here in Western Pennsylvania are on city water, not well water, the optional Epsom salt actually helps. It softens the water just enough to help the detergent rinse cleanly and prevents clumping in the container.
If you ever notice residue on dark clothes, just reduce the Epsom salt to ¼ cup — but most people won’t need to.
HOW I CLEAN THE BLENDER AFTER GRINDING THE SOAP:
After blending the Fels‑Naptha with the washing soda, cleanup is surprisingly easy. I add a little water to the blender, pulse it for a second, and dump it out. Then I add fresh water and repeat. The leftover soap dissolves quickly, and after that, a simple hand wash is all it takes. No scrubbing, no stuck‑on residue — it cleans up beautifully.
About HE Washers: Some people say homemade detergent can be harsh on HE washers, while others have used it for years with no issues. I’m not making any claims either way — I’m just sharing what works in my own laundry room. If you have concerns or are unsure, do a little research on your specific model and decide what feels right for you.
Final Thoughts:
This little recipe has earned a permanent spot next to my washer. It’s inexpensive, effective, and has that old‑school “this just works” charm. If you’re looking for a simple way to cut down on household costs without sacrificing clean laundry, give it a try.
And if you end up loving it, laminate the recipe and keep it by your washer — that’s what I did.
