Friday, November 1, 2013

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I've been making our own laundry detergent for well over a year now.
I often am asked what's 'in' my recipe, so thought it was time to re-post.
I have tried 3 different variations of recipes over the past year and this is THE ONE I like the best...and it smells good too :)

1 - 4/12 lb box of Borax
1 - 3lb 7oz box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
1 - 4lb box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
     (I actually buy a 13lb bag at Sam's and just measure out 4lbs.)
2 - Fels Naptha bars  (you can also use Zote bars, but I prefer Fels Naptha)
1 - 13 oz container of Downy Unstoppables
     (In whatever scent you prefer. You can also use any other laundry scent enhancer that you like)

We use 1-2 T. per load (put in the washer BEFORE the clothes) and this batch will last us easily 5-7 months.  Which means I make laundry detergent 2x a year and it all costs me less than $16.
p.s.  I love the smell of this detergent (thanks to the Downy Unstoppables) and I also use a Bounce bar in our dryer.

The girls and I mixed up a batch Wednesday night.
Here's what we started with:

 
First, I shredded the Fels Naptha in my mini food processor:
 

 
We don't like 'chunks' of soap in the laundry, so after I shred it, then I put it BACK in the food processor and grind it up into a fine consistency:
 
 
Then the dumping and stirring begins.
We use a big 5 gallon bucket because it's a big load.
Dump everything together and mix.
 



 
You've got to tip the bucket on its side and get all the 'stuff' on the bottom.
Mix is up real good.
Then I transfer into 2 large containers for storage.  We have a measuring spoon in one.
 
 
Let the washing begin!!
It you give it a try, let me know.
I'd like to know what you think.
 
Happy Laundry :)




4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would love to do this but I am pretty sure I don't have one of those ingredients down here :(

Chris said...

Pretty sure you have to use warm water for this homemade soap. Also, does it work for HE machines?
I like the idea of the downy.

Leese said...

Chris -- Nope...we have always used COLD water and never had any problems. I have not personally used in a HE washer, but everything I've read said it works. I could bring you some to sample! Just let me know.

SDI said...

Thanks for the reminder. I need to get back into making it. Too bad I just ordered me some yesterday!