
This post, Scent Free Laundry Detergent, may contain affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through one of these links, Penguins in Pink will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Penguins in Pink is an Amazon Associate site.
Scent Free Laundry Detergent is a homemade laundry detergent that is comparable to the “free and clear” commercial laundry detergents. It makes about 326 loads worth of detergent for less than $25.
After the success of my trail size scent free laundry detergent I knew I was going to make more. Well the time has come to make up a full batch of the laundry detergent.
Oh and for Christmas James surprised me with a new food processor attachment for my KitchenAid Mixer! I had been shopping around for a food processor for awhile now and I was very surprised with the gift. So this time around I will be making the laundry detergent with the food processor.

Scent Free Laundry Detergent
Supplies:
- 1 (65 oz) box of borax
- 1 (55 oz) box of washing soda
- 4 bars Ivory soap (3.17 oz each)
- 1 4 pounds box baking soda
- 1 (48 oz) container Oxiclean (or Oxiclean Baby or Oxiclean Free)
Directions:
- Shred the Ivory bar with a food processor or box grater.
- Alternatively, on a microwave safe plate, microwave one bar of Ivory soap for 30 seconds.
- Remove and break into tiny pieces.
- In a large bag, add Ivory soap pieces, borax, washing soda, baking soda, and Oxiclean.
- Tie the bag closed. Place in a second bag and close that bag too.
- Shake and roll the bags around.
- Place bags in a medium container.
- Untie outer bag and dump the inner bag and any detergent into the container.
- Untie the inner bag and dump the laundry detergent into the container.
To use:
- Use 1 tablespoon per small load of laundry.
- For a medium to large load use up to 2 tablespoons.
Makes about 30.59 cups or about 489 tablespoons. Which is about 326 loads.

But why scent free? Well, we have some members with sensitive skin. When I purchased laundry detergent it was always the “free and clear” kinds. So I wanted to keep it simple and hopefully not irritate anyone’s skin.
We use regular Oxiclean in our normal laundry and cleaning and do not have any issues with it. However, if you are concerned about sensitive skin you can easily swap regular Oxiclean with Oxiclean Baby or Oxiclean Free.
The cost breakdown of this laundry detergent is:
- Ivory soap – $2.64 for 4 bars
- Borax – $4.39 for one box
- Washing soda – $4.12 for one box
- Baking soda – $6.99 for 5 pounds – $5.59 for 4 pounds
- Oxiclean – $7.71 for 48 ounce container
So for $24.45 I can do 326 loads of laundry. Which is $0.07 a load! In contrast the laundry detergent I was using before cost me $0.17 a load.
For our family this batch of laundry detergent will last us almost 6 months at two loads a day.
Do you use homemade laundry detergent?
Have a great day!
Brandi
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Scent Free Laundry Detergent
Ingredients
- 1 (65 oz) box of borax
- 1 (55 oz) box of washing soda
- 4 bars Ivory soap (3.17 oz each)
- 1 4 pounds box baking soda
- 1 (48 oz) container Oxiclean (or Oxiclean Baby or Oxiclean Free)
Instructions
- Shred the Ivory bar with a food processor or box grater.
- Alternatively, on a microwave safe plate, microwave one bar of Ivory soap for 30 seconds.
- Remove and break into tiny pieces.
- In a large bag, add Ivory soap pieces, borax, washing soda, baking soda, and Oxiclean.
- Tie the bag closed. Place in a second bag and close that bag too.
- Shake and roll the bags around.
- Place bags in a large container.
- Untie outer bag and dump the inner bag and any detergent into the container.
- Untie the inner bag and dump the laundry detergent into the container.
Notes
- Use 1 tablespoon per small load of laundry.
- For a medium to large load use up to 2 tablespoons.
Looking for more Housekeeping Tips to clean your home? Check out my Housekeeping: Cleaning Tips and Tricks Board on Pinterest.

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