Easy Homemade Laundry Detergent Using ZOTE Soap

Zote Homemade Laundry DetergentI’ve been dabbling in making my own laundry detergent for about a year now, but I think I’ve finally hit on the right ‘recipe’ for me.  I’ve previously made both the powdered and liquid version using Fels Naptha soap, and was generally pleased with the results.  Truth be told, the liquid version was really quite messy to make and to have sitting around, so I decided to stick with the powdered version.

Zote Soap - Homemade Laundry Detergent RecipeI had been reading about making detergent with Zote soap.  It seemed to be the Holy Grail of soaps; I could not find it anywhere.  But I happened to stop in at Big Lots one day just to look around, and THERE IT WAS!  The huge pink bars of Zote were just 90 cents.  The bars weigh over 14 oz. and smell heavenly (a very clean, citrusy, sweet scent).  Plus I love the pink color – so happy!

Easy Homemade Laundry DetergentSince the Zote Bar is so huge, I was having a hard time converting it to the Fels Naptha recipe.  I happened upon the 2:1:1 formula of Zote: Borax: Super Washing Soda.  I tried this and voila, perfection (in my book)!  Here goes:  grate a bar of Zote soap (I use a cheese grater dedicated to soap-grating).  The grated Zote is equal to about 6 cups, so using the 2:1:1 formula, add 3 cups of Borax (I use 20 Mule Team), and 3 cups of Super Washing Soda (I use Arm & Hammer).  Mix it all together in a large container, and store covered.  Simple.

Finnfemme making homemade ZOTE laundry detergentI use anywhere between 2 Tablespoons and 1/4 cup per load, depending on how dirty the laundry is.  It will get your laundry super-duper clean!  Plus, I absolutely love the scent of this; it’s addicting.  I air-dry all my laundry, which adds to the clean experience.

Update: I made a YouTube video on how to make this detergent. You can view it here: How To Make Homemade Laundry Detergent With Zote Soap

Happy Washing! ~ Marilyn

 

112 Responses to “Easy Homemade Laundry Detergent Using ZOTE Soap”

  1. Jim Warren

    I have been using Fels until I found Zote at Wal-mart. Love the fresh smell. What is the secret to grating the Zote soap? I used my food processor and it would not make it into a fine powder.

  2. finnfemme

    Hi Jim, I use a hand cheese grater. You have to use a bit of muscle, but it works really well. Takes only about 15 minutes to grate an entire Zote bar. I agree, I LOVE the scent of Zote!
    ~Marilyn

  3. Amanda

    Another way that you can grate the soap is to cut it up in little chunks and microwave it. It swells up in the microwave and when it cools down then you can rub it in your hands and it turns to powder. It is so much easier then using a cheese grater 🙂

  4. finnfemme

    WOW Amanda, what a fabulous tip! I will definitely try that with my next batch. It almost sounds too good to be true!
    ~Marilyn

  5. Amanda

    Marilyn,

    After I used the microwave for the soap, I used my blender to finish it off and make it really powered. But I only came up with 3 cups of really fine power and I used 3 cups of Borax and 3 cups of the super washing soda. Do you think that it will work just the same? I was wondering why I didnt come up with 6 cups of Zote! If you could please let me know your opinion on if it would be ok!
    Thanks
    -Amanda

  6. finnfemme

    I think it will be just fine! After all, it is still the whole bar of Zote, only finely powdered. The proportions will be just the same. When I grate the Zote, it is rather large-ish chunks so it creates more volume, thus making 6 cups. On a side note, I haven’t had any problems with the Zote liquifying in the wash, even with the bigger chunks. But your way definitely sounds intriguing!
    ~Marilyn

  7. Amanda

    Thanks so much for talking with me Marilyn! I really appreciate it! I have been making my laundry soap for almost 4 months now but I had always used fels naptha so this is new to me using the zote! Does the Zote clean better? I am excited to try it out! 🙂

  8. Amanda

    Also something else I put in my laundry soap when I mix it all together that you should try…. i use Purex crystals and add about 1/2 of a bottle and they make the clothes smell so good! You should try it! Then you dont have to worry about adding fabric softener at the rinse cycle! 🙂

  9. finnfemme

    Amanda, you are chock full of good tips!
    I do think Zote cleans a bit better because it seems to dissolve more thoroughly. I really like the smell of Zote, but the scent doesn’t hold after it is dry! So I think I will try the Purex crystals because I do like a bit of scent to my laundry.
    ~Marilyn

  10. pandinita

    Love, love making my laundry soap this way. I use vinegar in place of fabric softener…….the smell does not stay in the fabric!!

  11. finnfemme

    It’s fun isn’t it, Pandinita? 😀
    I use vinegar as a rinse from time to time and it works well, but it’s a bit pricey for me to use always. Am I the only one who thinks vinegar is somewhat expensive? At least to use a cup or so at a time in the laundry! Luckily the water here is on the softer side, so I only use it when I have a particularly dirty/stinky load -LOL.
    -Marilyn

  12. jenny

    do you have a front loading machine, or a top loader?

  13. Pat

    Amanda,
    How long do you microwave the zote?
    I am new at this and it is my first time making this.
    I am so excited to get started

  14. finnfemme

    Hi Pat, hopefully Amanda will pop back in and tell us her microwaving tips! I’ve never tried microwaving Zote, so I suggest you do the grating the first time, because I know that works. Good luck making this – it really is enjoyable to both make and use!
    ~Marilyn

  15. Stephanie

    For grating the soap, I broke out my old Salad Shooter which hasn’t been used in years. Works perfectly for grating those bars. If I want it finer, I just crumble the grated pieces in my hand for finer texture. Check out free cycle or garage sales for someone getting rid of their old one. Score!

  16. finnfemme

    Thanks for the tip, Stephanie!
    At first I was thinking Salad Spinner, and I was wondering how that could possibly grate soap -LOL! Had to google Salad Shooter, and hey, it grates! I’ll have to look for one in my garage sale-ing this summer.

    I am finding that using Zote, even if coarsely ground, dissolves readily in the wash. Fels Naptha seems to have more problems dissolving, and would probably benefit more from being grated finer.
    ~Marilyn

  17. Amanda

    Hey guys!!!! Sorry I haven’t been around lately!!! to Pat: when I microwave the zote I cut it in small pieces and then start out at 30 seconds and it will swell up and kinda turn white. take it out and if you still see gooey pink soap then stick it back in the microwave for a little bit longer! Dont microwave to long cause it will turn burn… I am actually making some now 🙂 After I get it all done then I stick it in the freezer to cool down faster and then you can just rub it together in your hands and it falls apart. I used a blender to make the process faster! LOL it turns into a really fine powder. I love it!!! I will always make my laundry soap! I will never buy store bought again! I just love making it and I am SAVING MONEY!!! good luck and if you need anything else my email is bowhunter92907@yahoo.com feel free to email me anytime with questions!

  18. velmaburrows

    I used zote to make laundry soap from the same recepi as felnez using 1 quart and one galon hot water. Will this still work or do I need to add more water.?

  19. finnfemme

    Hi Velma,
    I have made the liquid detergent using Fels Naptha, but not with Zote, so I don’t know the exact water amount to use for the liquid version. I guess if it’s too thick, add more water.

    Personally, I like the powdered version much better. I found the liquid version to be really messy and hard to store. I find the powdered Zote detergent dissolves very easily in the wash, and there is really no need to liquify it. Good luck on whichever way you make it!
    ~Marilyn

  20. Tammy

    Hi Marilyn, are you saying you use 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup per load or do you use 2 tablespoons up to 1/4 cup as needed depending on how dirty the laundry is?
    I have been making it with Fels Naptha since I could not find the Zote. I found it at K-Mart the other day so I was checking for recipes so I could make some more. I use 1-2 tablespoons I the stuff I made with Fels Naptha. Our laundry does not get very dirty. I also use vinegar in my fabric softener dispenser. To tell you the truth I don’t know what I paid for it. Since there is only 2 of us I don’t have lots of laundry like you do with kids around. Hubby likes the homemade laundry detergent & vinegar because he likes how soft it makes his blue jeans.

  21. finnfemme

    Hi Tammy,
    I usually use 2 tablespoons per load, or up to 1/4 cup per load. Like you I find that you need very little, and it cleans SO well! I only use 1/4 cup if it is a VERY big and dirty load – which is rare.

    That is interesting about the vinegar rinse for jeans!
    ~Marilyn

  22. lynette

    Thanks for the zote soap recipe. I use a home made softner as well… its 2 cups hair conditioner, 3 cups vinegar, 6 cups hot water. Mix it all til smooth, I then add a little essential oil and mix. I pour it into old softner container, use 1/4 cup for each full wash.

  23. finnfemme

    Hi Lynette,
    Your softener recipe sounds really cool – I think I may try it! Do you put it in with the wash cycle, or in the rinse cycle?
    ~Marilyn

  24. ASLinterpreterMom

    I have been microwaving the zote over and over & it doesn’t swell or turn white. 🙁

  25. ASLinterpreterMom

    I also melt down the Fels-Naptha & add hot water. I then put it in an empty Shout bottle & it makes a great pre-treater. 🙂 I have messy kids & this works great and saves me tons of money!

  26. finnfemme

    Hi ASLinterpreterMom!
    I haven’t tried microwaving the Zote yet, so I don’t know the technique. Maybe with my next batch I’ll try, although I am really happy with just grating it.

    LOVE the idea of melting the soap and adding hot water! Although I do like the effectiveness of just plain rubbing the soap on the stain as a pre-treater too.
    Thanks for your ideas!

    ~Marilyn

  27. Sue

    Love this laundry detergent. Thank You for the breakdown of Zote, borax and washing soda.

  28. Chris

    I use a variant of this myself. I also add baking soda for freshness, oxyclean and fabric softener crystals. Love the fresh scent but the additions I made allow me to line dry which a lot of my clothing requires. Also it’s super cost efficient. A load only takes about 1-2 table spoons.

  29. evelyn marshall

    When I wash with your recipe Marilyn there are no suds. Is that right?

  30. finnfemme

    Hi Evelyn,
    GOOD POINT – thanks! Yes, there are NO suds using this recipe. 😀 It takes a little while to get used to because we are indoctrinated into believing that we need to see lots and lots of suds. But the build up of suds and ensuing residue on your laundry actually makes it dirtier. This recipe is very hard-working without the need for suds, and it rinses out very cleanly.

    Hi Chris,
    Interesting additions! The neat thing about this recipe is that it is basic and you can add whatever ingredients you want. I add Purex Crystals from time to time if I want a bit more scent, but a little goes a long way!

    ~Marilyn

  31. cmjanmommy

    Thanks for sharing! I just recently ran across ZOTE, at a Big Lots store, for 90¢. I usually use fels naptha, because that’s what is available. I’ll be stocking up on ZOTE now. My homemade liquid soap was almost out. So we gave this a trial run. It’s great! I only did a 1/2 batch, as we were almost out of Borax. I added about a cup of Purex Crystals.

    We are using a clean Folgers coffee container. It works perfectly for a half load.

    The ZOTE was kind of sticky at first but I mixed it all in. After sitting overnight in the container, it had dried out nicely. I think the Borax helped to absorb the moisture. I give my canister a little shake each day and it’s working out perfectly.
    I also find that 1/8 to 1/4 cup is sufficient for a load. I do use it in my front loader and have even tried cold water only. I have had no problems at all.

  32. finnfemme

    Hi cmjanmommy,
    Glad you like the recipe! I also got my Zote at Big Lots for 90 cents. I have also found it at Goodwill of all places from time to time. Amazing how cheap it is for how great a product it is. I stock up whenever I find it. I have quite a stockpile of pink Zote now that will last me quite a while!

    I find the Zote is a bit sticky at first, but is absorbed by the Borax and washing soda. I’ve never had a problem with it clumping once it is mixed. One hint I learned was to unwrap a Zote bar a couple days before you mix up the detergent. This helps ‘dehydrate’ it a bit to aid in grating. Although I really haven’t had any problems with grating it right out of the wrapper.
    ~Marilyn

  33. finnfemme

    Hi Tammy,
    I have used it in cold water, but I ran warm water first to help dissolve it and then switched to cold. You could also dissolve it in a cup of hot water and then add it to the wash. I haven’t been brave enough to use totally cold water all the way, but perhaps this is something I should do for an experiment!
    ~Marilyn

  34. Beth Fisher

    You can also make your own “Purex crystals” by mixing in several drops of essential oil to epson salt. The salt softens the water, and the clothes, and the oils add just the right fragrance.

  35. finnfemme

    Hey thanks for the brilliant tip, Beth! I have a love-hate thing going with the Purex crystals; I can only use a tiny bit of it because it is soooo strong.

    Using essential oils + epsom salt sounds a lot more pleasant and natural. 🙂
    ~Marilyn

  36. Selina

    Hello! I use the purex crystals AND two tennis balls in the dryer…I never have static, my clothes are always soft and they always have a light clean scent… 🙂

  37. finnfemme

    Hi Selina,
    Good tennis ball tip for the dryer! Except I don’t use a dryer…my clothes never have static, have a good scent, and are stiff as a board! 😀
    ~Marilyn

  38. Kristy

    I have been making my own soap for over a year now, and I love it! I just wanted to put my two cents in on microwaving the Zote. I started with Fels Naptha and that I would cut into 4 pieces microwaving 1 at a time for about 30 seconds. Very easy, but the Zote seems to take a little longer. I would suggest cutting the bar into 8 pieces then microwave each piece for about 45 seconds-1 minute. Microwave until you can’t see anymore pink. Then let it sit until it cools. It doesn’t take long. Then I put it in my food processor, and voila! Powder! If you try to do the whole bar at once it doesn’t work very well. Also, you can put it back in several times until it works.

  39. finnfemme

    Hi Kristy!
    Thanks for the awesome step-by-step instructions on microwaving Zote! I haven’t yet tried doing it that way, but I might get my son to do it before he heads back to college. It sounds a lot more “techie” and scientific than grating, which is why he might try it. (hehe…ulterior motives) 😉
    ~Marilyn

  40. DL lamare

    Just a note about Zote. This bar of soap is readily available in any Hispanic/Mexican store. It is actually a product from Mexico. The scent of the Zote is from citronella. This will be great, I suspect, when the mosquitoes are a’bitin’. Thank you for the recipe and everyone have a wonderful day.

  41. finnfemme

    Hi DL,
    Yes, thanks for bring up the Mexican origin of Zote! It originally was used by women who washed their laundry by hand in the rivers, or at home in the sink. It is made with coconut oil and tallow, and contains optical brighteners. And yes, the fabulous fragrance is essential citronella oil, a plant that originally came from Europe.

    I cannot sing the praises of Zote enough – what can I say, I love it! 🙂
    ~Marilyn

  42. Mindy

    I tried the microwaving the zote and did t have very good luck. I cut the bar in several pieces and put in a big bowl. After about 4 minutes I still had a lot of pink. (It did swell up to the top of my microwave though) as far as where to find the zote – my Walmart carries it for 97¢ bar. But it’s not next to the fels naptha or washing soda and borax as you would think. But it is in the same laundry isle. I just made a HUGE batch of soap so I shouldn’t have to make any for a long time. I plan on handing some out at Christmas along with all the other homemade things (I do A LOT of canning). I will probably put it in a quart size jar. This is my first time using the zote bar and didn’t realize it was a soft soap unlike the fels neptha. I grated about 3 bars and then broke out my food processer and shredded the rest that way. Then added my borax and washing soda, mixed it up and put the mix back into the food processor to make into a powder. Wala. I have a huge plastic tote (40quarts) full of laundry soap.

  43. finnfemme

    Wow, Mindy, you are the power detergent maker — 40 quarts –amazing! It sounds like a neat Christmas gift too. Thanks for relaying your experience!

    I actually don’t mind grating the Zote by hand, it’s rather therapeutic. I am running low, so it’s almost time to make a new batch. 🙂
    ~Marilyn

  44. Sheila Proctor

    I used the Zote soap, cut it into four bars and microwaved it. At 1100 watts it took over 10 minutes in 3 minute intervals to “bloom”. Next time I will cut it up much smaller and microwave small batches. I did it on a LARGE paper plate and it almost overflowed. I kept taking the warm top layers off and crumbling it. I also put the powdered ingredients into a food processor mixing it in small batches with the clumpy, powdery, microwaved Zote, then remixed it all by hand in a large bucket. It mixed up to a nice powder and is pinkish, smells great, and is very dissolvable. Next time will be much easier now I know how it works. I got the Zote at BIG LOTS for 98 cents a bar.

  45. finnfemme

    Hi Sheila,
    Thanks for your microwaving tips! I still haven’t tried microwaving the Zote because I am quite fond of the grated Zote, but I know that a lot of people are interested in trying the microwave method.
    ~Marilyn

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