Homemade Washing Powder (That Actually Works)

Jasmine Lim

Simple, low-cost laundry detergent for busy households

Laundry never ends.
It just changes outfits.

This is the homemade washing powder I use because I want it to be quick to make, last a long time, actually work and most of all, inexpensive.

I used to make liquid detergent but I got sick of turning laundry into a science experiment and honestly, this recipe is actually better anyway. 

It takes about 5 minutes to make, lasts between 56-112 washes (depending on how you use it) and costs way less per wash than  commercial detergent - and it doesn't have the dodgy shit in it either. 

Not perfection, but it's clean ingredients and leaves me with clean clothes.

Why This Works

This isn’t something you can't practically make, whether you're a crunchy mum, stay at home mum, working mum and not a mum at all (Dad, you can make this too homeboy). 

This recipe:

  • Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients
  • Cuts down cost per wash
  • Still gets everyday laundry clean
  • Doesn’t require a 14-step routine

We’re aiming for manageable, because we don't have time to eff around with laundry as it is. 

Ingredients

Notes: 

  • Get your washing soda (Lectric washing soda), baking soda and salt from the supermarket. It's just as cheap as online if not more so. I get ours from Coles. 
  • You can use Epsom salt instead of regular salt if you want but that'll bump up the price. Epsom salt doesn't clean any better than regular, what it does is reduce static cling of the clothes and makes the fabric feel slightly softer.
  • I've tried a lot of scents lemon seems to be the best, followed up by lavender but depending on the essential oil itself, you might need to add more than the recipe before you can actually smell it on your clothes.

The smell is supposed to be subtle, not leave you smelling like you took an aftershave shower. 

Method

  1. Add all dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl or container.
  2. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
  3. Add essential oil drops (if using).
  4. Mix again to distribute scent evenly.
  5. Store in an airtight container.

That’s it. 

Use gloves to mix everything together if you want, it helps to break up the baking soda clumps and clumps created by adding in the essential oil. 

How to Use

  • 1 tablespoon per standard load
  • 2 tablespoons for heavily soiled loads

Works in both top and front loaders.

Real Mum Notes

  • This isn’t going to smell like artificial “freshly cut lemon” held under your nose all day lone 
  • It smells clean, not overwhelming.
  • If your clothes are really dirty (think: sports mud, baby blowouts), you may still want a pre-treatment.

Cost Breakdown (Real Numbers)

Based on your ingredient pricing:

  • Washing soda (750g used): ~$3.75
  • Baking soda (750g used): ~$2.53
  • Salt (750g used): ~$0.44
  • Essential oil portion: ~$0.96

Total batch cost: ~$7.68

Cost Per Wash

  • Approx. 112 tablespoons per batch
  • Using 1 tbsp per wash = 112 loads

Cost per load: ~$0.07

If using 2 tbsp per load:

  • ~56 loads
  • ~$0.14 per wash

How This Compares to Store-Bought Detergent

Typical commercial detergent:

  • ~$15–$25 per box
  • ~40–80 washes
  • ~$0.25 – $0.60 per wash

This recipe:

  • ~$0.07 – $0.14 per wash

👉 That’s up to 70–80% cheaper per load

When This Works Best

  • Everyday clothing
  • Towels
  • Bedding
  • Light to moderate dirt

When You Might Need Extra Help

  • Heavy stains
  • Oil-based marks
  • Sports uniforms
  • Baby blowouts (real ones… not the mild kind)

In those cases, just add:

  • A stain remover
  • Or a quick pre-soak

Storage Tips

Optional Variations

If you want to tweak it slightly:

  • Add eucalyptus oil for a fresher scent
  • Skip essential oils entirely (still works perfectly)
  • Use a larger batch and store long-term

The Bottom Line

This isn’t going to win my any innovation awards. 

It’s just one less expensive, slightly cleaner option that works without overcomplicating your life.

Laundry still won’t end.

But at least it’s cheaper.

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