I never really knew I needed a homemade laundry booster in my life up until a few weeks ago, but now that I’ve gone ahead and done it, I won’t go without it!
A few weeks ago, you may remember me sharing that I had a fabulous little girls night out on our back deck with a bunch of our wonderful neighbors. At said gathering, my friend Kate wound up borrowing a sweatshirt of mine, and when she returned it a couple of days later, I was totally in awe of just how GOOD it smelled.
So much so, that I immediately texted her asking WHAT DO YOU USE ON YOUR LAUNDRY?!?!
Kate is an absolute doll, and immediately hooked me up with what I needed to know to make this fabulous smelling stuff. She said she found the recipe years ago on the internet, so it’s very possible some of you are like, “Umm, duh Courtney, everyone knows about this amazing stuff.” But I’m sharing on the off chance that I wasn’t the only one who didn’t know about it. ; )
Much to my surprise, the homemade laundry booster is only made up of 3 simple ingredients AND they’re all super cheap.
BONUS: You can buy all 3 ingredients together in a kit right on Amazon – CHECK THAT OUT HERE!
I actually purchased all of my items from Walmart and was able to add them right on to my grocery pick up order, so it made everything a breeze. You can also easily purchase the items individually on Amazon, too, but I will say that the items I got from Walmart were cheaper so take a look at your local stores as well:
So the most labor intensive part of making the homemade laundry booster is shredding the Fels-Naptha bar. We have a 4-sided box grater (very similar to this one), so I used the finely shredded side to shred the bar of soap. My arm was definitely feeling it by the end, so go ahead and even consider this a mini workout for yourself too, if you want.
Once the soap was shredded, I added that to a container (I have a few of THESE, which I also use for my DIY Cleaning Wipes, and love them!), and then brought in my big buddy to help with the rest. It may have made things a little (okay, a lot) messy, but we had some fun.
So to the shredded bar of soap, we added 1 cup each of the Borax and the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda, mixed it all up, and it was done! Super easy peasy, and now my laundry smells heavenly.
Just in case you want a bulleted breakdown, because I know I always appreciate them…
DIY Homemade Laundry Booster
- 1 bar Fels-Naptha soap, finely shredded
- 1 cup Borax
- 1 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
Mix all together and you’re done!
FYI // FAQ’s:
How much do you use per load?
- I use right around 3 tbsp / 1/4 cup per load, depending on how large it is.
How do you use it?
- I sprinkle it directly into the drum of the washer before washing.
Do you use regular detergent with it?
- Yes, I use my regular detergent and softener in conjunction with the laundry booster!
Let me know if you give it a try and/or if you already use something like this!
Shashaqueefa says
What does it smell like? Looks like it’s smell like lemony goodness! I tried the baking soda hack of putting it in the laundry with my wash – i got distracted while baking a cake and being on the phone at the same time that I have a vanilla confetti bund this cake in my washer! Bone apple teeth!
Priscilla says
Do you put it directly into the washer (sprinkle on top of your clothes)?
Courtney says
Yes! Just updated the post to say that, haha, thanks!
Meg says
Do you use this with detergent? And still the normal amount?
Courtney says
Yes I do!
Becky says
I’ve been using this for a few months and it is fantastic!!! I also add baking soda in the mix – never buy laundry detergent anymore :)
Courtney says
Ohhhh, interesting! So you use yours without using detergent???? I’ve been wondering how that would work!
Christy says
Do you use this in conjunction with your regular detergent and softener? We currently use Tide Free, Clorox 2, and Downy Free.
Courtney says
Yes, I use it in conjunction with regular detergent and softener!
Brooke says
Echoing a couple other posters above – do you also use this with another detergent or only use this? If you do use with a detergent, what do you use? I’m trying to switch over to more natural products so this is perfect!
Courtney says
Haha, I just updated the post since so many have been asking! :) Yes, I still use detergent along with the laundry booster
Kim says
You add the essential oil to the mix? How much?!
Can’t wait to try this, hoping to find that soap in Canada!
Courtney says
Hey Kim! Which essential oils are you referring to? I don’t add any to mine, although I’m sure you probably could add a few drops of lavender…not a bad idea!
kim says
Wow this is what I get for reading pre-coffee! I could have sworn it was for lavender laundry booster. Oops! I do wonder though if adding some oil in would work. I will try it!
Kimberly says
Would you say this works better than OxiClean or Biz or is it comparable?
Alyssa says
I currently use oxiclean boost pods, but they aren’t cheap… wondering if this would be a good replacement. I will have to try it out… thanks!
Courtney says
Hmmm, I haven’t use those so I’m not sure? Sorry!
Brigid says
May seem like a stupid question, but what is the booster doing? Does it contribute the the cleaning of the laundry or is it more for boost in fragrance? And has anyone found any issues with using this on any particular fabrics? Or is it good for all?
Courtney says
Hey Brigid! Not a stupid question :) I use it mainly for the fragrance, although it is said to help with keeping things extra clean. I haven’t noticed any issues with any particular fabrics!
Kari says
Just curious as to why you have that clip in the canister??
Courtney says
LOL it was the only spare “scoop/tablespoon” I had at the moment (it’s meant to be a coffee scoop that clips onto the bag!)
Kari says
I was so confused! ; ) Definitely going to make this…..thanks!
kaitlin says
what is the purpose of a laundry booster? Just add scent or are there other benefits, I’ve never heard of this before!
Courtney says
Haha, I’d never heard of it either! It has the potential to help get your laundry cleaner, but I do it mostly for the amazing scent! <3
Katie says
What does it make the laundry smell like? So curious!
Ramsey Morgan says
You believe on it ? Is that really work i dont think so it work! Ovo Pittsburgh Steelers Varsity Jacket