Homemade Laundry Detergent
The time has come, finally! I've been waiting so long it seems to post my version of DIY laundry detergent, and since I just recently ran out of my 9 month stash I can now do that! :-)
Some are completely skeptical when it comes to making your own laundry detergent. I, for one, was one of those skeptics. With only one income and two children, who tend to get in the weirdest things and get it on their clothes, I wash at LEAST 2 loads a day... that is on a decent day! Washing that much, I went threw so much laundry detergent! I adore the smell of Gain and the fabric softener. Along with the convenience of the liquid form made my life simpler, yet super expensive! I had to find a way to cut the cost of $23.97 for a large tub every month or so, this not including the softener. Just the detergent alone was nearing $200/year, that money we could definitely use else where.
Then the DIY Laundry detergent fad hit. I read tons upon tons of blogs boasting their recipes, the success or fail of the recipes, pros and cons... I wanted to be sure I wanted to try this. I found "this" recipe and not only the Price per batch got me hooked but all the raving reviews inspired me. Around $28-30/ per batch (set to last up to a YEAR) which that depends on how often one did laundry. This was MUSIC to my ears, and too our wallet!
Here is what you will need:
- 1 (4 lb 12 oz) Box of Borax- (Found in the detergent aisle)
- 1 (3 lb 7 oz) Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda- Found in the detergent aisle
- 1 (3 lb) Container of Oxi-Clean- Found in the detergent aisle. (This is optional but I highly recommend adding it)
- 3 (14.1 oz) Bars of Fels-Naptha Soap- Found in the detergent aisle (I was trying to find the pink version of Zote Soap for the scent but my store was out of it. So instead I chose to just grab the Fels-Naptha, either is fine.)
- 1 (4 lb) Box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda- Found in the cooking aisle (I got two of the 2-lb boxes, my store was out of the 4lb box.)
- 1-2 (55 oz) Bottle of Purex Crystals Fabric Softener- Found in the detergent aisle (This is 100% optional. I use 2 bottles because my laundry detergent must smell good and I really like soft towels)
- A large container/bucket with lid works perfect. (In the Automotive/paint section of Walmart you can get 3-5 gallon buckets for less than $5)
Method:
Step 1: Grate your soap. This is utterly the hardest part of making this detergent. If you are blessed enough to have a food processor with a shredding blade, then the grating process will be a breeze. If not, break out the good ole Cheese grater! (I also forgot to take a picture of this step as I was watching the second half of the Capital One Bowl with UGA vs Nebraska...and was yelling at the tv too much... GO DAWGS!! my apologies)
Step 2: Once your grating is done, start layering in all your ingredients. I use at least 4 'sets' of layers I find this is essential to the mixing process. It makes it much easier on you when you go to mix everything together.
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| All ingredients mixed in a large bucket. |
Once all ingredients are mixed together, you are finished! Now here is this BEST part of all. You only need 2 tablespoons per load. I would choose less if you are only washing one-two items of clothing. Now if you chose to add the Purex Crystal softener, this next part is a stroke of genius in itself. I fill my empty Purex container full of the detergent. ((This helps me to utilize my limited space in the laundry room effectively, and picking up a 5 gallon bucket for 2-tbsp of detergent is not how I want to strain my back while doing laundry.)) The top of the container has a measuring guide in place. The middle line measures 2-tablespoons, exactly what you need for a large load. See Pure Genius!
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| Detergent in Purex container |
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| The top measuring cap to the Purex container |
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| Finished Product. The bucket is 3/4 full. I took out for the 2 containers |
This recipe typically last around a year according to the original recipe and the average loads of laundry per week. Since my family isn't average and nor is our laundry...this 'batch' normally last around 9 months for our mountains and mountains of laundry. The smell is clean and fresh, our towels are super soft and our wallets are fuller than before! Either way, I will take this any day of the week over my old laundry detergent, and especially over it's price!
Note: if you prefer liquid over powder there are several really great recipes out there. Just research it... Below I have posted links to two I find relatively easy Although, I have not personally tried them, I prefer the DIY powder detergent form over the DIY liquid detergent :-)
***Happy New Year***
I pray it is a Blessed one!
much love,
Laura
UPDATE:
I am making a new batch this morning and have decided to tweak the above recipe. Here are my changes:
- Instead of using Fels-Naptha, I prefer Zote. Instead of 3 bars of the fels Naptha, you just need 2 of the pink or white Zote. The zote in my opinion provides a more fresh smell. Again just go with what you like the best.
- My next change would be the Purex softener beads. The blue version has a much stronger smell and last much longer.
Hope you all have a blessed day!
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