What is the formula for detergent?

A simple liquid laundry detergent formula consists of 1 cup washing soda, 1/2 cup borax, 4 cups of water and 1 bar soap. Dry detergent recipes will omit the water, but they may add baking soda, oxygen bleach and scent.

Borax is a laundry booster. Also called sodium borate, borax raises the pH levels of the washing liquid so the detergent can clean more effectively.

Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, helps remove oils, wax and smells from dirty laundry. It can be made at home by heating baking soda until the soda becomes grainy and emits steam and carbon dioxide.