These DIY Laundry Cleaners Combine Detergent, Stain Remover, and Fabric Softener Into 1

POPSUGAR Photography | Elizabeth Reyes
POPSUGAR Photography | Elizabeth Reyes

Laundry doesn't have to be a chore. Instead of lugging detergent, stain remover, fabric softener, and your laundry to the washing machine, there's a homemade laundry bomb that does it all. You can pick up the basic ingredients at your local grocery store for a few dollars, making these little helpers seriously budget-friendly. Scent with your favorite essential oil for a personalized smell, and you're ready to get washing! Follow these easy step-by-step instructions ahead to make these powerful, effective, and affordable laundry bombs.

What You'll Need:

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Grater
  • 3 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide
  • 2 tablespoons Epsom salts
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 15-20 drops essential oil
  • 1/2 cup Fels-Naptha
  • 1 1/2 cup washing soda
  • Sheet pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring spoons

Directions:

  1. Grate the Fels-Naptha into the mixing bowl and add the washing soda and Epsom salts. Fels-Naptha is a laundry bar soap that does a great job of attacking stains and cleaning your laundry. The boost of all-natural washing soda softens water while washing clothes. And the Epsom salts cut down on static cling and also soften fabrics once clothes hit the dryer.
  2. Now add the hydrogen peroxide and give things a stir. Hydrogen peroxide naturally whitens clothes and keeps your colors fresh. Stir in the vinegar, which busts through stains while leaving clothes soft. Then scent with several drops of your favorite essential oil.
  3. Once everything's incorporated, the mixture should resemble wet sand and clump together when pressed. Cover a sheet pan with parchment paper and then use a rounded 1 tablespoon measuring spoon to scoop up the mixture, press against the side of bowl, then tap out onto the pan. Finish with a quick spritz of equal parts vinegar and water. Let set for eight hours before using.
  4. Your laundry bombs are ready to toss in the washing machine! Use one round for small loads and two when washing lots of laundry. You'll love how they refresh your clothing without all the extra cleaners!
POPSUGAR Photography | Elizabeth Reyes

Makes around 28 laundry bombs. Want to try making more helpers for the home? Here's how to make 35 other cleaning supplies.

Additional reporting by Lauren Harano