🧼 Homemade Laundry Cake: The DIY Cleaning Trend You’ll Love

Hello, friends!
Today I’m diving into a DIY trend that has taken the cleaning world by storm — the Laundry Cake (also known as laundry detergent cake or soap bar). This homemade cleaning bar is not for eating (don’t let the name fool you!), but it does make your laundry smell amazing and helps cut down on chemicals and waste.

Let’s explore what laundry cake is, why it’s become so popular, how to make it at home, and tips for using it the right way.

💡 What Is Laundry Cake?

Laundry Cake is a solid, homemade detergent bar made from a blend of soap, baking soda, washing soda, and other natural cleaning agents. It’s used as an alternative to liquid or powdered detergent and is especially loved for its eco-friendly ingredients and long shelf life.

It’s called a “cake” because it's poured into a mold and allowed to harden, similar to a cake or soap bar — but of course, it's just for cleaning!

🌿 Why Make Your Own Laundry Detergent Bar?

Here are some great reasons why people are switching to laundry cakes:

✅ Eco-friendly: No plastic bottles, less waste.
💰 Cost-effective: You can make months’ worth of detergent for a fraction of the price.
🧴 Natural ingredients: No harsh chemicals, dyes, or fragrances (unless you want them!).
🧺 Powerful cleaning: Works great on tough stains and odor.

🧪 Ingredients You'll Need

You can customize your laundry cake, but here’s a basic recipe:

1 bar of laundry soap (e.g., Fels-Naptha, Zote, or any natural soap bar)
1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
1 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
1/2 cup borax (optional but great for extra cleaning power)
10–15 drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus)

📝 Optional: White vinegar (to be used later as a fabric softener, not in the cake)

🍳 How to Make Laundry Cake – Step by Step

Grate the soap bar using a cheese grater or food processor.
Melt the soap in a saucepan with a little water over low heat until fully dissolved.
In a large bowl, mix the washing soda, baking soda, and borax (if using).
Slowly add the melted soap to the dry mix and stir well.
Add essential oils if you like.
Pour the thick mixture into a mold or silicone baking tray and press it flat.
Let it harden for 24–48 hours until fully set.
Cut into bars or cubes and store in a dry container.

🧺 How to Use Laundry Cake

Grate a small amount (1–2 tablespoons) into your washing machine for each load.
Or, break off a piece and dissolve it in warm water before adding it to your laundry.
Works well in both regular and HE machines!

❗ Laundry Cake Tips

Always store it in a cool, dry place.
For extra freshness, add a few drops of essential oil to your laundry directly.
Use white vinegar in the rinse cycle as a natural softener.
Not recommended for delicate fabrics like silk or wool.

🧠 Bonus: Is Laundry Cake Safe?

Yes! When made with natural ingredients, it's generally safe for most clothing and skin types. However, always spot test first and avoid if you have allergies to any of the components (especially borax or fragrance oils).

💬 Final Thoughts

DIY laundry cake is a fun, budget-friendly, and sustainable way to keep your clothes fresh and clean. It’s surprisingly easy to make and can become a staple in your home cleaning routine.

Have you tried making your own laundry detergent cake before? Let me know in the comments! And if you found this post helpful, share it with a friend who loves a good DIY.

🧼 Homemade Laundry Cake: The DIY Cleaning Trend You’ll Love