How To Make Laundry Detergent Pods

There’s no getting around the fact that laundry detergent is expensive.

Unfortunately, however, it is also an essential aspect of modern life.

It is hard to get by without laundry detergent.

Many people have started to make their own detergent, finding it a more cost-effective way to keep their clothes clean, not to mention it also has far fewer chemicals and harmful toxins.

If you have ever thought about making your own laundry detergent or laundry detergent pods, consider this your sign to go ahead and start making them.

Your family will thank you.

Keep reading to find out how to make laundry detergent pods. 

What You’ll Need

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an essential ingredient for any cleaning solution.

It is very inexpensive and very easy to find. 

Washing Soda

Washing soda is also called soda ash and can be found in just about any grocery store or an easy order off Amazon. 

Liquid Castile Soap

Make sure to use undiluted liquid soap.

Essential Oil

Using essential oils in your laundry detergent pods is entirely optional, but it does give them a pleasant scent.

It will not scent your clothing.

If you decide to use them, here are Amazon’s Top 6 Blends Essential Oils Set- Blends Oils for Sleep, Mood, Breathe, Muscle Relief, Temptation, Feel Good, Anxiety Relief.

Measuring Spoons/Cups

You will need a 1/4 cup measure for each ingredient for the detergent, as well as a 1/2 teaspoon measuring cup to shape the pods. 

Bowl

You do not need a huge bowl, but one big enough to store and mix all of the soap ingredients. 

Gloves

Gloves are another optional item for this project.

You may want to use gloves while packing the pods into their shape, especially if you have sensitive skin.

If you decide to use them, these Reusable Kitchen Cleaning Gloves With Latex Free, Cotton Lining, Non- Slip Swirl Grip Gloves get excellent reviews on Amazon.

Container for Storage

An excellent airtight container will keep these laundry detergent pods fresh for a long time.

Make sure it is something that cannot be opened by a troublemaking kid or a curious pet. 

Step By Step Instructions For How To Make Laundry Detergent Pods 

#1. Mix the Soap, Oils, and Soda in a Bowl

You will need 1/4 cup each of baking soda, washing soda, and liquid castile soap.

Mix the soap and a few drops of essential oils in a large bowl.

I love to use Dr. Bronner’s – Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Lavender, 8 ounce).

It gives a nice calming lavender aroma and removes the need for any essential oils added.

Slowly add the baking soda and washing soda.

Mix the combination well until it begins to form a powder.

The powder will be damp and clumpy.

It should not be smooth.

At this point, you could transfer the powder into an airtight container and use it as is, but if you want to create laundry detergent pods, continue to the next step. 

#2. Pack the Mixture Into a Measuring Spoon 

Using a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon, pack the powder into small pods using your hands.

You may want to use gloves for this step, but it is not necessary.

The contents of the pod should not irritate or harm your skin, though if your skin is susceptible, you may want to wear gloves.

1/2 teaspoon pod may seem small, but it is more than enough detergent to clean your clothing effectively. 

#3. Allow Laundry Pods to Dry

As you pack the detergent into the teaspoon, gently slide it out onto a plate or tray to dry.

After you have used all of the detergent, leave the pods out to dry for at least 24 hours before using them.

Please make sure they are out of reach from pets and children.

Occasionally, the powder may become dry while you are working with it.

If that is the case, spray a small amount of water into the powder and mix it until it becomes a workable consistency again. 

#4. Store the Pods

After the pods have had time to dry, store them in an airtight container and keep them away from extreme temperatures, as well as pets and children.

You wouldn’t want anyone thinking they are a yummy snack.

Keep them near the washer and toss one in the bottom of the washer before you start loading your clothing. 

Questions About How To Make Laundry Detergent Pods

Is essential oil a necessary ingredient for the laundry detergent pods? 

No, the essential oils are not necessary for this process. It will make the pods smell nice, but it does not affect the cleanliness of the laundry or the smell of the clothing.

It’s nice to add essential oils if you already have some, but don’t go out and buy any just for this purpose. 

Can I use these pods on stains like grease or oil? 

Unfortunately, these natural pods will not work well on synthetic stains.

They work great on natural stains such as bodily fluids, grass, or dirt, but they do not have the regular detergent’s cleaning power.

For any greasy stains, it is a good idea to have regular laundry detergent on hand. 

Can I use more than one laundry detergent pod at a time? 

For most loads of laundry, there is no reason to use more than one pod.

If you have an extra-large load of laundry or you have highly soiled items you are washing, it wouldn’t hurt to throw an extra pod in before you start the wash cycle.

Two pods are a good choice for loads of laundry with towels or sheets in them.

Conclusion 

Have you enjoyed learning how to make laundry detergent pods?

The chemicals and toxins that are typically found in laundry detergent, plus the high cost of these products, are turning many people towards the idea of making their own laundry detergent.

Making laundry detergent pods at home may require some work, certainly more than just picking them up at the store, but the benefits are enormous, and you will feel great knowing that you made something yourself.

Making laundry detergent pods may require a small initial investment, the cost is much lower per a load of laundry, saving you money in the long run.

Now that you have read this article about how to make laundry detergent pods, you are ready to enter the world of DIY laundry detergent and start making your own.