Let’s talk laundry.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably stood in the laundry aisle, overwhelmed by the rainbow wall of jugs and boxes promising whiter whites, softer sheets, and a whiff of something vaguely labeled "spring breeze." But flip one over and read the ingredients? Yikes. Bleach, synthetic fragrances, optical brighteners, and way too many ingredients I can’t pronounce. And as someone who shares her home with cats (and a deep-rooted passion for holistic living), that just doesn’t fly.
After dealing with allergic flare-ups in my cats—plus my partner’s skin sensitivity—I decided to switch to a DIY laundry detergent. Not only is it super simple and cost-effective, but I know exactly what’s in it. It’s non-toxic, gentle on fabrics, safe for my cats to nap on, and smells amazing thanks to high-quality essential oils.
Here’s how you can make both powdered and liquid versions at home. Trust me—once you try it, there’s no going back.
Prep
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Crafting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yields
Makes:
- Powdered: Enough for 50–100 loads
- Liquid: About 64 oz
Ingredients/Materials
For Powdered Detergent:
- 2 lbs Borax
- 1.5 lbs Washing Soda
- 1.25 lbs Baking Soda
- 1/4 cup of Epsom salt (or regular salt)
- 3 bars Castile bar soap (grated)
- 30–80 drops high quality essential oil (optional)
- Large glass jar with lid
For Liquid Detergent:
- 1⅔ cups Washing Soda
- 1 cup liquid Castile Soap
- 10 cups boiling water
- 30 drops high quality essential oils
- 64 oz glass jar (or gallon container)
Optional materials:
- ½ cup Distilled White Vinegar (added per load for softening)
- Funnel (optional, but helpful)
Instructions
Powdered Version:
- Grate the Castile Soap: Use a grater or food processor to shred the soap finely.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix Borax, washing soda, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Grated Soap: Stir in the grated soap evenly.
- Essential Oils (optional): Add drops and mix well. I love jasmine + lemongrass or lavender + lemon.
- Store: Pour into a glass jar with an airtight lid.
Liquid Version:
- Dissolve Washing Soda: Add washing soda to 4 cups boiling water in a bowl, stir until fully dissolved.
- Add Castile Soap: Pour in soap with 4 more cups of water. Mix well.
- Blend: Add 2 more cups water and essential oils. Mix to combine
- Store: Use a funnel to pour into jars or a dispenser. Shake before each use.
💡 Pro Tip: For soft laundry without dryer sheets, add ½ cup vinegar to the rinse cycle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Non‑toxic & cat‑safe — no synthetic fragrances or residues
- Eco‑friendly — biodegradable ingredients, no plastic packaging
- Budget‑wise — pennies per load vs. store brands
Customization Ideas
- Allergy‑friendly? Skip the essential oils entirely or add dried herbs (lavender buds, lemon peel, or rosemary) to the storage jar for a light, natural fragrance.
- Citrus lovers, try grapefruit + lemon essential oils.
- Want extra softness? Add baking soda and a dash of vinegar in the rinse.
- For extra whitening power: Add ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide (3%) to the wash cycle for whites. This acts as a natural bleach alternative.
- Pet hair removal booster: Toss a few wool dryer balls in your dryer to cut static and collect loose fur naturally.
Essential Oil Pairings by Mood
Relaxing:
- Lavender + Roman Chamomile — Soft, floral, and deeply calming without overstimulation.
- Cedarwood (Himalayan) + Frankincense — Grounding and emotionally balancing, perfect for cozy days.
Energizing:
- Grapefruit + Lemon — Bright and citrusy; safe when fully rinsed and dried.
- Lavender + Rosemary — A gently uplifting combo.
Pro Tips for Success
Storage Tips: Keep detergent in airtight glass jars; label with batch and date.
Shelf Life: 6–12 months in a cool, dry place.
Application:
- HE washers: 1 tbsp (powder) or ¼ cup (liquid)
- Standard washers: 2 tbsp or ½ cup
Safety First: Avoid oils like vetiver or patchouli; patch‑test any new oil blend. Use gloves if you're skin‑sensitive. Avoid inhaling powders during mixing.
Gift Packaging: Fill mason jars, attach a wooden scoop, and tie with twine.
Troubleshooting: Clumpy powder? Re‑blend. Too thick liquid? Add more hot water and re‑blend.
Precautions:
- Store ingredients out of reach of children/pets.
- Use gloves if powders or oils irritate your skin.
- Avoid inhaling fine powders.
- Never apply undiluted essential oils on skin or near cats.
- Watch for Signs of Sensitivity: Sneezing or skin irritation? Skip oils or reduce amount.
💡Always ensure you’re using high-quality essential oils. Brands like AnimalEO, Young Living, Mountain Rose Herbs, Plant Therapy, or DoTerra are excellent choices.
Pin or Share This Recipe!
Want to save this for later? Share it or pin it to your favorite holistic cat care DIY project board!
Q&A Section
Q: Can I use this on pet bedding and towels?
A: Yes! This recipe is safe for pets and humans with sensitive skin.
Q: Does it work in cold water?
A: Powder works best with warm rinse; liquid works in any temperature.
Q: Is it HE‑washer safe?
A: Absolutely—just use less (1 tbsp powder or ¼ cup liquid).
Looking For More DIY Recipes?
Try These:
- Natural DIY Pet Stain Remover That’s Safe for Cats (and Actually Works)
- How to Make a Safe & Natural Calming Spray for Cats
- How to Make a DIY Cat-Safe Healing Salve for Dry, Itchy Skin
- How to Make a Cat-Safe Natural Flea Repellent at Home
- Holiday-Inspired Kitty Cocktail
- DIY Herb Garden For Cats
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified holistic veterinarian or professional feline specialist. Every cat is unique, and individual circumstances may vary. We recommend consulting with a licensed veterinarian before making any changes to your cat's diet, lifestyle, or healthcare regimen. Additionally, we encourage readers to conduct their own research and consider multiple sources of information before making any decisions regarding their cat's health.
