DIY Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe for Sensitive Skin (Borax-Free)
Update: 5/30/25 — Website Redesign. Prices and affiliate links have been updated. Prices definitely went up since 2013! Still going strong and continue to make my Homemade Laundry Detergent!
UPDATE: 7/11/19 — I still make this formula! This blog post was moved and adapted for my new website. Original was posted on 9/8/13 at madeofgray.com
UPDATE: 10/5/15 — I still make this formula every 3-4 months for our family, and I love it!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!
This simple 3-ingredient homemade laundry detergent recipe is perfect for sensitive skin, completely borax-free, and provides incredible value compared to commercial alternatives.
Why I Created This Sensitive Skin Laundry Recipe
Hi, I'm Holly, and I have extremely sensitive skin. I can only use specific makeup brands and struggle to find gentle face cleansers that don't cause reactions. My husband has even more sensitive skin than I do, and our daughter inherited both of our sensitivities.
Our Journey with Commercial Detergents
Years before our daughter was born, we discovered my husband was reacting to fragrances in Tide laundry detergent. We switched to All Free Clear, which helped initially, but he still experienced frequent flare-ups that required steroid foam treatments.
When our daughter was born with equally sensitive skin (her allergies and sensitivities are documented in her medical file), we upgraded to Seventh Generation Free and Clear. While it worked well, spending nearly $30 for a 2-pack became unsustainable.
The Search for a Borax-Free DIY Solution
I've been making homemade house cleaners for almost 15 years now, primarily using baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. Laundry detergent was my final commercial holdout.
After researching Pinterest extensively, I found inspiration from Delightful Creations blog, which featured a borax-free recipe. I specifically avoided borax due to conflicting safety information – why take the risk with sensitive skin?
The Perfect 3-Ingredient Recipe
Baking soda - natural deodorizer and stain fighter
Washing soda - powerful cleaning agent
Dr. Bronner's Castile soap bars - gentle, plant-based cleaner
I chose castile soap bars over liquid versions I'd used in other homemade cleaners. The scent options are wonderful – I always return to peppermint and almond for their clean, fresh fragrance.
Results
After testing a small batch, I was thrilled with the results. Our clothes weren't just clean – they were actually clean for the first time. I barely need to pre-treat stains anymore, though I still keep Ecover Stain Remover on hand for tough spots (needing much less than before).
The finished laundry feels crisp and genuinely fresh. It's a noticeable difference from any commercial detergent we've tried.
DIY Detergent Cost Breakdown:
2025 Prices
Total for 3-6 months: Approximately $45-50 vs. $60-120+ for commercial equivalents
2013 Prices
Castile soap bars: $3.49 each at Whole Foods (on sale)
Washing soda: About $3.00 per box, needed 3 boxes = $9.00
Large bag of baking soda: About $7.00 from Costco
Total original cost: Around $30 for 3-6 months of laundry detergent
How to Use This Homemade Detergent
I keep a 1/8 cup measure in the container and typically use two scoops per load for optimal results. Adjust based on load size and soil level.
Important Note: I use a traditional top-loading washing machine and haven't tested this recipe on HE (High Efficiency) front-loading machines. If you have an HE machine, you may want to start with a smaller amount to test how it performs.
Pro Tip: Use a food processor to grate castile soap bars into tiny crumbs for easier mixing and dissolving!
Exact Recipe Measurements For a 3-Month Supply:
16 cups baking soda (one 13.5 lb bag provides plenty)
12 cups washing soda (slightly less than three boxes)
8 cups grated castile soap (4 bars total – each bar yields 2 cups when grated)
Simply mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
Why This Recipe Works for Sensitive Skin
This borax-free formula eliminates common irritants found in commercial detergents:
No synthetic fragrances
No harsh chemicals
No artificial dyes
No optical brighteners
The natural ingredients are gentle enough for the most sensitive skin while providing superior cleaning power.
Ready to Try This DIY Laundry Detergent?
This homemade laundry detergent recipe has transformed our laundry routine while saving hundreds of dollars annually. If you have sensitive skin or family members with allergies, this gentle, effective formula might be exactly what you need.
I'm pretty excited about the fresh and crisp potential here. Happy washing!
Originally posted September 8, 2013, at madeofgray.com. Updated and moved to the current site July 11, 2019. Latest update May 30, 2025.
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