Thieves Laundry Detergent Recipe for Fresh, Clean Clothes

Updated On: October 16, 2025

Are you tired of harsh chemicals in your laundry detergent and looking for a natural, effective alternative? The Thieves Laundry Detergent recipe offers a fantastic solution!

Inspired by the popular Thieves essential oil blend, this homemade detergent harnesses the power of natural ingredients to clean your clothes thoroughly while leaving a fresh, invigorating scent. Whether you have sensitive skin, want to reduce your household’s chemical footprint, or simply love crafting your own cleaning products, this recipe is perfect for you.

Making your own detergent is not only economical but also customizable. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or laundry needs.

Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding DIY project that brings the benefits of essential oils into your everyday routine. Let’s dive into how you can create this natural powerhouse detergent that’s gentle on fabrics, tough on stains, and friendly to the planet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Thieves Laundry Detergent recipe is beloved for many reasons. First, it uses natural ingredients that are safe for your family and the environment.

Unlike commercial detergents filled with synthetic fragrances and chemicals, this blend offers a gentle yet effective clean.

Second, the inclusion of the Thieves essential oil blend adds natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, enhancing the cleaning power and giving your laundry a refreshing scent without artificial additives.

Additionally, making your own detergent can save you money in the long run. The ingredients are affordable and can be bought in bulk, reducing packaging waste and cost.

Lastly, it’s versatile enough for all types of laundry, including delicate fabrics and baby clothes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Washing Soda (sodium carbonate) – a natural water softener and stain remover
  • 1 cup Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) – deodorizes and boosts cleaning power
  • 1 cup Borax (sodium borate) – cleans and disinfects (optional for sensitive skin, can be omitted)
  • 1 bar Castile Soap, grated – gentle soap base
  • 30 drops Thieves Essential Oil Blend – antibacterial and aromatic
  • 1/2 cup White Vinegar – helps to soften clothes and remove residues (added during rinse cycle)
  • Water, as needed for dissolving (optional)

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl or bucket for combining ingredients
  • Measuring Cups for precise quantities
  • Box Grater to grate the Castile soap
  • Mixing Spoon or spatula
  • Storage Container with a tight lid (preferably airtight)
  • Funnel (optional, for transferring detergent)
  • Washing Machine (top or front load)

Instructions

  1. Grate the Castile soap using the box grater until you have about 1 cup of soap flakes. This will help the soap dissolve better in water.
  2. In your large mixing bowl, combine the washing soda, baking soda, and borax (if using). Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly.
  3. Add the grated Castile soap flakes to the dry mix and stir well to distribute the soap evenly.
  4. Next, add 30 drops of the Thieves essential oil blend to the mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to mix it evenly throughout the powder. The oils will provide antibacterial properties and a fresh aroma.
  5. Transfer the detergent powder to your airtight storage container. Label it clearly and keep it in a dry, cool place.
  6. For each load of laundry, use 2-3 tablespoons of this homemade detergent in your washing machine’s detergent compartment.
  7. To naturally soften clothes and remove residue, add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle or fabric softener compartment.
  8. If you prefer liquid detergent, you can dissolve 1 cup of this powder in 4 cups of hot water and store it in a bottle, shaking well before each use.

Tips & Variations

Tip: If you have sensitive skin or children, omit the borax and increase washing soda to 2 cups for a gentler version.

Variation: Add 10 drops of lemon or eucalyptus essential oils for a different scent and extra cleaning power.

Storage: Keep the detergent in a dry area to prevent clumping. If it hardens, break it up with a spoon before use.

Usage: For heavily soiled clothes, pre-soak in warm water with a tablespoon of detergent before washing.

Nutrition Facts

While this is a cleaning product and not food, it’s worth noting that all ingredients are non-toxic and eco-friendly when used as directed. The essential oils in the Thieves blend are natural and safe for household use but should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

Ingredient Purpose Safety Notes
Washing Soda Water softener, stain remover Keep out of eyes; irritant in large amounts
Baking Soda Deodorizer, cleaning booster Generally safe; mild irritant if inhaled
Borax Disinfectant, cleaner Use with caution; avoid ingestion and prolonged skin contact
Castile Soap Soap base, cleans Safe and gentle
Thieves Essential Oil Blend Antibacterial, fragrance Keep away from eyes; dilute properly
White Vinegar Fabric softener, residue remover Safe; avoid direct contact with eyes

Serving Suggestions

This detergent works well with all types of laundry, including:

  • Everyday clothing: Shirts, pants, socks, and underwear
  • Delicate fabrics: Use a gentle cycle with this detergent for wool, silk (test first), or lace
  • Baby clothes: Free of dyes and harsh chemicals, making it ideal for sensitive skin
  • Bed linens and towels: Leaves them soft and fresh-smelling without residue

For extra freshness, add a few drops of Thieves essential oil to your dryer balls or linen spray. To learn more about natural home remedies and recipes, check out our Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals or try the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for a healthy lifestyle complement.

Conclusion

Making your own Thieves Laundry Detergent is a rewarding and eco-friendly way to keep your clothes clean and fresh. This simple recipe combines natural, effective ingredients with the powerful benefits of Thieves essential oils to provide a safe alternative to commercial detergents.

Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals and contribute to a greener planet.

Whether you have sensitive skin, love DIY projects, or want to create a chemical-free home, this detergent is an excellent choice. Try it out and enjoy the fresh, natural scent and gentle cleaning power.

For more inspiring homemade recipes and plant-based meal ideas, don’t miss our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide and the hearty Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

📖 Recipe Card: Thieves Laundry Detergent Recipe

Description: A natural, effective laundry detergent inspired by Thieves essential oil blend. This recipe uses simple ingredients to clean clothes gently and freshen with a pleasant scent.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M

Servings: 1 gallon

Ingredients

  • 1 cup washing soda
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1 cup grated castile soap
  • 1/2 cup borax
  • 20 drops Thieves essential oil blend
  • 4 cups hot water
  • Additional water to fill 1 gallon container

Instructions

  1. Grate castile soap if not pre-grated.
  2. In a large bowl, mix washing soda, baking soda, borax, and grated soap.
  3. Add hot water and stir until powders dissolve.
  4. Add Thieves essential oil drops and mix well.
  5. Pour mixture into a 1-gallon container.
  6. Fill the rest with water and shake before each use.

Nutrition: Calories: 10 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 2g

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Marta K

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