DIY Lavender Laundry Soap: Easy Homemade Recipe
Last updated on March 12, 2026 by Jessica Healey
Originally published on February 2, 2015
DIY Lavender Laundry Soap: Easy Homemade Recipe
Why Make Your Own Laundry Soap?
If you enjoy making your own eco-friendly cleaning products, this DIY lavender laundry soap is a great addition to your routine. Many store-bought detergents contain a long list of ingredients, some of which may not align with personal preferences for simple, natural cleaning.
Homemade laundry detergent recipes have been around for generations, often relying on basic pantry ingredients. This lavender-infused version adds a gentle, pleasant scent while keeping things simple. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, a way to customize your laundry routine, or just love the idea of making your own products, this lavender laundry soap is worth trying.
This powdered detergent is easy to mix, stores well, and requires only a small amount per load.
Ingredients for DIY Lavender Laundry Detergent
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in helping freshen and clean laundry while remaining easy to find and mix. Here’s what you’ll need:
Key Ingredients and Their Role in Laundry Cleaning
These ingredients work together to create a simple, homemade laundry soap that can be stored in a jar or bin and used as needed.
How to Make DIY Lavender Laundry Soap: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Ingredients
- Grate or Chop the Castile Soap –
– Using a cheese grater, grate the bars of castile soap into fine shreds.
– If you prefer, a food processor can make this process quicker by pulsing the soap into small pieces.
– Some people prefer to finely chop the soap with a knife instead of grating. - Pre-mix Essential Oils (if using) –
– If you’re adding lavender essential oil, mix it with a few tablespoons of baking soda first.
– This helps distribute the scent evenly throughout the detergent.
Mixing & Storing Your Homemade Laundry Detergent
- Combine Dry Ingredients –
In a large bowl, mix the washing soda, baking soda, borax (if using), and Epsom salt. - Add Grated Soap –
Stir the grated soap into the dry mixture. - Incorporate Essential Oils –
If using essential oils, add the scented baking soda to the bowl and stir well. - Store the Laundry Soap –
To maintain the fresh scent in your lavender soap recipe for laundry, store it in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place.
How to Use Your New Detergent
- For a standard load, use 1–2 tablespoons of detergent.
- For larger or heavily soiled loads, use 2–3 tablespoons.
- Some people like to add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help soften fabrics and minimize residue.
What to Expect from DIY Lavender Laundry Soap
Homemade laundry soap can be a simple and rewarding way to customize your laundry routine.
- A Light, Natural Scent – Unlike store-bought detergents, this version has a more subtle fragrance from real lavender essential oil.
- Customizable Formula – Essential oils, additional boosters, or alternative soaps can be used to personalize the mix.
- Small-Batch Friendly – This recipe can be easily adjusted for smaller (or larger!) quantities.
This DIY option may be a good fit for those looking for a straightforward laundry soap with simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
Printable DIY Lavender Laundry Soap Recipe
DIY Lavender Laundry Soap Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 bars lavender castile soap
- 2 cups washing soda available in the laundry aisle or online
- 1 cup borax optional but helps with stain removal and brightening (see note below)
- 1 cup baking soda softens water and boosts cleaning power
- ½ cup Epsom salt helps reduce detergent buildup in fabrics
- 10-20 drops lavender essential oil optional, for a fresh scent
Instructions
- Grate or chop the castile soap. A food processor works well for this, or you can finely chop the bars with a knife.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine washing soda, borax, baking soda, and Epsom salt.
- If using lavender essential oil, mix it with a few tablespoons of baking soda first to help it disperse evenly, then add to the mixture.
- Add the grated soap and stir until evenly distributed.
- Store in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a sealed canister.
Video
Making your own lavender laundry soap is an enjoyable way to create a customized, homemade detergent. This recipe is easy to prepare, stores well, and can be adjusted based on personal preferences.
Have you tried making your own homemade laundry detergent before? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your experience!
If you enjoy DIY natural home products, check out my other eco-friendly cleaning recipes on Scratch Mommy!
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Kylie,
This looks like a wonderfully simple recipe! I have always looked for an easy DIY laundry soap, but never tried any of the recipes because they were too involved. Yours however looks so easy! Thanks for sharing, I can’t wait to try it.
I’m all about easy, Jena! 🙂
Kylie,
Do you know if this recipe can be used with a high effiency washer?
Hi Karie,
I’m not sure, since I don’t have one.
That was my concern too. Those HE machine are pretty tempermental when it comes to using the right washing product.
I’ve been making my own laundry soap for the past two years but I miss that clean scent. This recipe looks good but I wonder about its lacking in laundry soda. I use arm & hammer brand. Is there a reason why you have not added this ingredient, for example, is it not safe? or does the oxiclean replace this ingredient? Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Hi Alexis,
You could definitely add washing soda to boost this detergent even more, but I find that it works great for me without it. (And my husband’s clothes get really grimy at work!! Haha..)
What brand of detergent did you use before? If you’re looking for more of a clean scent, try adding 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, and 5 drops of an EO you like to your rinse cycle!
I love lavender! Count me in x
I am now using this recipe as my go to detergent and love it–quick and easy to whip up!
Essential oils add a nice fresh scent ( I have a top load washer and hang out laundry!!!)
In past I have a recipe similar to this one but it did use borax and now am reading borax is being pulled from shelves here in Canada.
This recipe cleans clothing and I love it!!
Thank you for sharing
Yvonne
Fantastic! I’m glad you found my recipe and you’re loving it, Yvonne.