DIY Liquid Laundry Detergent
At Secret Sanctuary, we do a lot of laundry.
Between our short-term rental cabins, glamping tents, family life, and a growing intentional community, the laundry never really stops — so we’ve had plenty of time to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
This past winter, we made the switch to homemade liquid laundry detergent. After testing a few recipes with mixed results, this one has become our favourite. It’s gentle, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and most importantly — it works.
✨ Why We Love This Recipe:
Minimal separation (no constant remixing)
No residue left on clothing
Safe for sensitive skin and septic systems
Made with ingredients we trust for our family and guests
Our DIY Laundry Detergent Recipe
Ingredients:
½ cup washing soda
½ cup baking soda
2 gallons hot (not boiling) water
⅔ cup Castile soap
50 drops essential oils
(We love lemon, lemongrass, and tea tree)
Instructions:
Add washing soda and baking soda directly into your container.
Pour in 2 gallons of hot water and stir until fully dissolved.
In a separate cup, mix the essential oils into the Castile soap, then slowly add to the container.
Stir slowly to avoid bubbles.
Use about ⅓ cup per load.
✅ Works in HE, top-load, and front-load machines.
Watch the Recipe Reel
Want to see how we make it in action?
👉 Click here to watch the reel on Instagram
Small Swaps, Big Ripples
Switching to homemade laundry detergent has been one of the simplest, most empowering shifts in our homestead. It’s one small way we align our daily routines with our values — and share that with everyone who comes to stay here.
If you try it, we’d love to hear how it works for you. Tag us on Instagram @secretsanctuary.ca or drop us a message.
With love from the land,
Denika ❤️
