Laundry is one of those things that, for some reason, takes way longer and costs way more than you’d think it should. Especially if you have a big family! If you’re doing a load of laundry practically every day (or more), you’re probably spending more on laundry products than you would like to. And the costs double if you’re using all-natural products! But there are ways to make safe, effective DIY laundry products at home for only a fraction of the cost of their commercial version. Skip the store and instead check out these 15 Frugal DIY Laundry Products!
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Virtually any laundry product you can buy, you can make! The list below includes detergents, a stain remover, dryer sheets, a bleach alternative, and more! Of course, it never hurts to have a commercial version on hand as a backup. Sometimes, you just won’t feel like whipping up a new batch of your laundry products.
You should also always test a new DIY laundry product recipe on a small load first to make sure it works well with your clothes/your machine. Remember, natural products tend not to be as strong as chemically based commercial products. So you may need to change your washer’s settings, wash smaller amounts of clothes at a time, use more of the product, or make other changes until you get the results you want.
15 Frugal DIY Laundry Products
- Effective DIY Laundry Products. Did you know you can make your own laundry products that are just as effective as store-bought items? Well, you can, and it only takes a few minutes and a few household items you may already have on hand.
- Perfect for those who suffer from allergies. Many store-bought laundry products are made with chemicals and artificial fragrances. My son suffered from sensitive skin, and an alternative was to make my own laundry products as part of the solution to solving some of his issues.
- Cost-Effective. Let’s face it: the price of everything continues to rise, and producing your own laundry products is a great solution to cutting corners around the house.
1. Homemade Laundry Stain Remover
If you like to work out in the garden, or if you have kids, you need this homemade laundry stain remover! Head on over to Mom4Real for the instructions!
2. Reusable Homemade Dryer Sheets
Our homemade dryer sheets are all-natural, effective, and easy to make!
3. DIY Liquid Laundry Detergent (HE Washer Safe)
If any one thing uses up most of my laundry budget, it’s the detergent. Cut back on your detergent costs and make Dwelling in Happiness’ chemical free liquid laundry detergent (that’s HE safe)!
4. DIY Laundry Detergent Tablets
You’ve heard of bath bombs- now try laundry detergent bombs! This is one of my favorite DIY laundry products on this list because it’s so clever! It’s like those laundry detergent pods, but safer. Check out Angela Says’ tutorial on how to make these homemade laundry detergent tablets!
5. DIY Scented Fabric Softener Crystals
Just because your load of laundry is all-natural doesn’t mean it can’t smell nice, too. Check out our tutorial on how to make DIY scented fabric softener crystals!
6. Homemade Bleach Alternative
Bleach is powerful but also dangerous. Get the same whitening power of bleach without all the toxins with Paleo Hacks’ homemade bleach alternative!
7. Homemade Laundry Detergent Powder
Prefer powder laundry detergent? There’s a DIY for that, too! Head on over to The Frugal Homemaker to find out how to make your own homemade laundry detergent powder!
8. DIY Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are a wonderful alternative to chemical-laden dryer sheets. Plus, they’re reusable for hundreds of loads! Here’s our tutorial on how to make DIY wool dryer balls!
9. DIY Fabric Softener
There’s no need to pour chemicals on your laundry just to make it soft. Check out Good Life Eats’ tutorial on how to make DIY fabric softener!
10. Homemade Ironing Starch
If your family does a lot of ironing, then you’re probably spending a lot on dangerous spray starch. Or maybe you try to avoid spray starch and just use plain water instead but feel that it’s not effective enough. Get all the benefits of commercial spray starch with none of the dangerous with The Gracious Wife’s homemade ironing starch!
11. DIY Fabric Refresh Spray
Clean Mama offers a DIY Fabric Refresh Spray which will allow you to give your wardrobe a refreshing aroma. Bonus: You can also use this spray on fabric furniture.
12. Natural & Reusable Dryer Sheets
This recipe for Natural & Reusable Dryer Sheets from The Soap Queen is a natural, economical, and easy way to start changing your laundry products for the better.
13. DIY Fabric Softener with Conditioner
Who would have thought you could use hair conditioner to make fabric softener? DIY Fabric Softener with Conditioner from Crayons and Cravings is a simple solution of vinegar, conditioner, water, and baking soda and will make enough for 30 loads.
14. Homemade Dryer Sheets
Throw out those toxic dryer sheets and simply make your own. Choose a shape of your choice, attach a safety pin and you are on your way. Crafting A Green World provides a tutorial video to follow, and you are on your way to your own Homemade Dryer Sheets.
15. Make Your Own Powdered Laundry Detergent
Powdered Laundry Detergent by Confessions Of An Overworked Mom is a simple recipe made with Fels Naptha soap or Zote. This recipe can be modified to use a variety of essential oils to suit your own personal choices.
Which of these DIY laundry products do you want to make first?
You might also be interested in: How To Save Money On Laundry Products