We’ve all sought simpler ways to tackle laundry chores, and our Thieves Laundry Soap Recipe delivers just that— a natural powerhouse that keeps clothes fresh without the chemicals. It’s budget-friendly too, letting you whip up a batch with everyday ingredients.
Inspired by the historic Thieves essential oil blend rooted in old-world remedies, this homemade version packs a punch against stains while being gentle on the planet. We’re confident it’ll become your go-to for eco-conscious cleaning.
Join us as we dive into this easy recipe that brings professional results right to your home.
Ingredients
In our Thieves Laundry Soap Recipe, we focus on simple, natural ingredients that deliver powerful stain-fighting results while being gentle on the environment. Drawing from the historic Thieves essential oil blend, these components work together to create a cost-effective alternative to commercial detergents. We’ll list them in the order we typically use them, with prep notes for seamless preparation.
- Washing soda (1 cup): Start with this key base ingredient, which acts as a water softener and stain remover. We recommend using Arm & Hammer brand for its reliable purity.
- Borax (1 cup): Next, add this natural mineral to boost cleaning power and eliminate odors. Ensure it’s finely powdered for even mixing; if clumped, sift it first.
- Castile soap bar (1 bar, approximately 4-5 ounces, grated): Grate this versatile soap using a box grater for quick dissolution. Dr. Bronner’s is our go-to choice for its plant-based formula, enhancing the soap’s eco-friendly profile.
- Thieves essential oil (20-30 drops): Infuse the mixture with this star ingredient, inspired by the legendary blend of clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary, and lemon oils. It provides antimicrobial properties—use a high-quality, pure oil like Young Living for optimal effectiveness.
- Distilled water (2 cups): Finally, incorporate this to create the liquid base. We use distilled to avoid mineral buildup; heat it slightly if needed for better blending.
| Ingredient | Primary Benefit | Approximate Cost per Batch (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Washing soda | Stain removal and water softening | 0.50 |
| Borax | Odor elimination and whitening | 0.75 |
| Castile soap bar | Gentle cleansing | 1.00 |
| Thieves essential oil | Antimicrobial and fresh scent | 2.00-3.00 |
| Distilled water | Base for mixing | 0.10 |
Required Equipment
To craft our Thieves Laundry Soap effectively and safely, we need a few essential tools that streamline the process and ensure precise measurements. Building on the ingredients we’ve selected, these items help us mix, grate, and store the soap for optimal results.
We recommend the following equipment, listed in the order of use:
- Grater: A sturdy box grater or food processor with a grating attachment to finely shred the Castile soap, ensuring it dissolves evenly for a smooth, effective soap base.
- Large mixing bowl: A heat-safe bowl with at least a 2-quart capacity to combine ingredients like washing soda, borax, and distilled water without spills.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate sets for dry and liquid measurements—such as a 1-cup measure and 1-tablespoon spoon—to guarantee the right proportions of Thieves essential oil and other components for potent stain-fighting power.
- Whisk or sturdy spoon: A long-handled whisk or wooden spoon for thoroughly blending the mixture, helping to activate the antimicrobial properties of the Thieves essential oil.
- Medium saucepan: A 2- to 4-quart pot for gently heating the distilled water and grated soap if needed, allowing for easy dissolution and a homogeneous blend.
- Funnel and storage containers: A wide-mouthed funnel paired with airtight jars or bottles (at least 1-quart size) to pour and seal the final soap mixture, keeping it fresh and ready for eco-friendly laundry use.
By preparing these tools in advance, we ensure our Thieves Laundry Soap recipe comes together efficiently, delivering professional-grade cleaning results right at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions
We guide you through crafting our Thieves Laundry Soap with simple, precise steps that build on the ingredients and tools we’ve prepared, ensuring a natural, eco-friendly clean every time.
Prepare the Ingredients
First, we gather and prep our key components for optimal results. Start by grating the Castile soap using a fine grater to create fine shreds that dissolve easily—aim for about 1 cup from a standard bar to ensure even distribution in the mixture. Measure out 1 cup of washing soda for its powerful stain-lifting action and 1/2 cup of borax to tackle odors effectively, as these form the base of our Thieves Laundry Soap. Add 20-30 drops of Thieves essential oil for its antimicrobial boost, and have 4 cups of distilled water ready as the mixing base. Double-check measurements with your cups and spoons to avoid any inconsistencies, setting everything aside in your large mixing bowl for a seamless transition to combining.
Combine the Mixtures
We blend the prepped ingredients into a homogeneous mixture that maximizes cleaning power. In a medium saucepan, heat 4 cups of distilled water over medium heat until it simmers, then gradually stir in the grated Castile soap using a whisk to create a smooth, creamy base that coats your laundry gently. Add 1 cup of washing soda and 1/2 cup of borax, stirring vigorously until fully dissolved—this step activates their stain-fighting and odor-eliminating properties for a Thieves Laundry Soap that leaves fabrics fresh and clean. Once combined, remove from heat and mix in 20-30 drops of Thieves essential oil, inhaling the invigorating, spicy aroma as it infuses the soap with natural antimicrobial benefits. Let the mixture cool slightly in the bowl for about 5 minutes to achieve a thickened, pourable consistency that promises professional-grade results.
Bottle the Soap
Finally, we package the soap for easy use and storage, extending its shelf life while keeping it ready for your laundry routine. Using a funnel, carefully pour the cooled mixture into clean storage containers, filling each one to about 80% capacity to allow for expansion and prevent spills. Seal the containers tightly to preserve the potent Thieves essential oil scent and efficacy, then label them with the date and basic instructions like “Use 1-2 tablespoons per load” for quick reference. Store in a cool, dry place to maintain the soap’s thick, gel-like texture that delivers a refreshing, earth-friendly wash every time.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Thieves Laundry Soap even more convenient, we can prepare components in advance or batch-make the full recipe for future use. This approach saves time during busy weeks while maintaining the soap’s potent, stain-fighting properties. Let’s break down the key steps for effective make-ahead preparation.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
We recommend prepping your ingredients up to a week in advance to streamline the process. Start by grating the Castile soap and storing it in an airtight container to preserve its gentle cleansing essence. Here’s how we handle each element:
- Grate the Castile soap: Use a fine grater to shred 1 cup of Castile soap into flakes, then transfer it to a sealed glass jar. This keeps it fresh and ready for mixing.
- Measure dry components: Combine 1 cup of washing soda and ½ cup of borax in a separate airtight bag or container. Label it clearly to avoid confusion.
- Prepare the Thieves essential oil: If you have a larger bottle, measure out 20–30 drops into a small, dark glass vial. This protects the oil’s antimicrobial boost from light and heat.
Batch-Making and Storing the Soap
For larger batches, we can scale up the recipe to make 2–4 times the amount, ensuring you have a steady supply. Always use the same ratios for consistent results.
| Batch Size | Washing Soda (cups) | Borax (cups) | Grated Castile Soap (cups) | Thieves Essential Oil (drops) | Distilled Water (cups) | Approximate Yield (ounces) | Storage Duration (months) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x | 1 | 0.5 | 1 | 20–30 | 2 | 32 | 6–12 |
| 2x | 2 | 1 | 2 | 40–60 | 4 | 64 | 6–12 |
| 4x | 4 | 2 | 4 | 80–120 | 8 | 128 | 6–12 |
Once mixed and cooled as per our earlier steps, pour the soap into clean, labeled bottles. We store it in a cool, dark place to retain its fresh, earthy scent and effectiveness.
Tips for Longevity and Safety
- Avoid moisture exposure: Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent clumping or bacterial growth.
- Check for freshness: If the mixture separates or loses its creamy texture, remix it gently before use.
- Safety first: Always use gloves when handling borax, and store all prepped items away from children and pets for a worry-free setup.
Conclusion
We’ve shared a straightforward Thieves Laundry Soap recipe that’s both effective and earth-friendly. It’s a smart choice for anyone seeking cleaner clothes without the chemicals.
Try it in your home and feel the difference in every load. We’re sure it’ll become a staple in your routine for its reliability and ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thieves Laundry Soap and what are its benefits?
Thieves Laundry Soap is a natural, budget-friendly recipe inspired by the historic Thieves essential oil blend. It effectively removes stains, eliminates odors, and provides gentle cleansing while being environmentally friendly. Made with simple ingredients like washing soda and borax, it offers professional cleaning results at home, reducing reliance on commercial products and promoting eco-conscious living.
What ingredients are needed for the Thieves Laundry Soap recipe?
The key ingredients include washing soda for stain removal, borax for odor elimination, grated Castile soap for gentle cleansing, Thieves essential oil for antimicrobial properties, and distilled water as the base. These natural components are affordable and easy to find, with approximate costs making the recipe budget-friendly for everyday use.
What equipment is required to make Thieves Laundry Soap?
You’ll need basic tools like a grater for the Castile soap, a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, a saucepan for heating, and a funnel with storage containers. These items ensure safe and effective preparation, keeping the process simple and accessible for home use.
How do I make Thieves Laundry Soap at home?
Start by grating the Castile soap and measuring other ingredients. Combine them in a saucepan, heat until smooth and creamy, then bottle the mixture using a funnel. The process is straightforward and yields a natural cleaner that’s ready for use, providing professional-grade results with minimal effort.
Is Thieves Laundry Soap effective for removing stains?
Yes, it’s highly effective due to ingredients like washing soda and Thieves essential oil, which target tough stains and bacteria. Users report great results on various fabrics, making it a reliable, eco-friendly alternative to chemical detergents without compromising cleanliness.
Can I prepare Thieves Laundry Soap in advance?
Absolutely. Prep ingredients like grating Castile soap and measuring dry components up to a week ahead. For larger batches, scale the recipe by 2–4 times to maintain consistency, allowing for easy storage and a steady supply of fresh soap for convenient, long-term use.
How should I store homemade Thieves Laundry Soap?
Store in sealed, labeled containers in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture exposure. It typically lasts several months when prepared correctly; check for freshness before use. Proper storage ensures the soap remains effective and safe for your laundry routine.