Zero Waste Laundry Detergent: DIY Liquefying Lavender Gel

zero waste laundry detergent

I’ve made zero waste laundry detergent before, but in powder form. I really love that recipe, but I’ve been wanting to broaden my horizons and expand a bit, try new things. Thus, this DIY liquefying lavender gel was born! One batch of this gel can make 3 and a half jars full of liquid detergent, if not more. And it works like a charm on your clothes. Not only did it clean my clothes, but it also made them smell like a lavender field. Who wouldn’t want that? You can use this in your washing machine, or use it to hand wash your items. It’s HE and standard safe, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Here’s how to make this unique zero waste laundry detergent.

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Zero Waste Laundry Detergent

zero waste laundry detergent

Ingredients (to make the gel):


Directions (to make gel):

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the washing soda and baking soda with enough hot water until it’s dissolved. There will be some clumps, so do your best to break them up using a wooden spoon. Pour the solution into a 32 oz. glass mason jar.
  2. Add in the castile soap and the lavender essential oil (if using). Then, fill the container with warm water almost to the top, leaving a couple inches of space at the top. Cap the jar and mix together until well combined – I just gave it a really good shake. In a few minutes, it should solidify on its own and turn into a gel-like substance.

zero waste laundry detergent

Directions (to make liquid detergent):

  1. You can make so much liquid detergent from one jar of gel detergent. I literally made four 32 oz. jars and a half of liquid detergent from my one jar of gel detergent. Just scoop some gel detergent into a bowl, add hot water, and blend together using an immersion blender. You can also do this using a regular blender. I used about about 4 scoops at a time and approximately 2 cups of water. Just feel it out. When you get the liquid, use a funnel to pour it into the glass container of your choice. You’ll have enough laundry detergent to last for several loads.
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Cleaning with zero waste laundry detergent

zero waste laundry detergent

It’s simple to use this zero waste laundry detergent. Once it’s liquefied, it’s just like using any liquid laundry detergent.

Just add 1/3 of a cup of the detergent to your washing machine and proceed as normal. 

It’s HE and standard safe, so you can use it on any machine without worrying. You can also use this if you ever want to hand wash something (2 to 3 tablespoons should do the trick, in that case).

Your clothes will come out smelling nice and fresh, with a hint of lavender.
Also, just be aware that once your gel has liquefied, it may separate a bit in the glass jar. This is totally normal, just give it a shake or two before use. 

zero waste laundry detergent


Storage: Keep this in a dry, dark area. I’m currently storing it in a corner of my apartment next to my laundry bag, and other laundry supplies. That area doesn’t get any direct sunlight at all. You could also put it in a little cleaning caddy or cabinet.

Note: After being placed in storage, your liquid detergent may gel up again, but don’t panic. Just give it a stir with a spoon and it should break up again into liquid (with a few gel clumps in it). This is perfectly fine though, and it’s still usable!

zero waste laundry detergent


Will you be giving this zero waste laundry detergent a shot? What’s your favorite zero waste way to clean clothes?

For more zero waste cleaning tips, be sure to check out my favorite all purpose cleaner, Orange Peel Vinegar or my zero waste toilet cleaner, Citrus Toilet Fizzies.

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By Ariana Storniolo (Palmieri)

Ariana Storniolo is the founder of Greenify-Me, a blog dedicated to zero waste and sustainability. Her work has also been featured on Going Zero Waste, Green Matters, Mother Earth Living and several other online publications.

0 comments

  1. Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors. laundry detergent

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