DIY Laundry Detergent

DIY Laundry Detergent Saves Money

by Winnie

I was walking down the laundry detergent aisle the other day and noticing all the different kinds of detergents that are available. There are some that make your laundry smell like a morning by the seaside, detergents that keep your clothes from fading and a myriad of other claims. What struck me most was how much laundry detergent costs. For a premium brand, you can spend up to $18 for 2 1/2 gallons. What if I told you that I have been using a DIY laundry detergent that is all natural that costs about $2 for 3 gallons? It can be done my friends. I’ve been using the detergent for about three months now and to be completely honest, my laundry is cleaner and brighter that it was when I was using the store-bought brands! Believe it, because its true. I found the recipe here at frugally green.

First I gathered up all the necessary ingredients, which are:
Fels-Naptha laundry soap (but any other brand of laundry soap will do)
Super Washing Soda
Borax
Essential Oil of your choice (I used tea tree oil because of its antibacterial properties)

Take the bar of soap and cut it into thirds. Save two thirds of it for later. Grate the soap. It looks like cheese! But it doesn’t taste like it so be sure no one tries to sneak a handful.

Put the grated soap in a saucepan with six cups of water. Simmer until the soap is dissolved, at this point, add 1/2 washing soda and 1/2 borax in the mixture and stir until completely dissolved. The mixture will have a consistency of custard. As a bonus, your kitchen will smell so fresh and clean!

At this point, put the mixture in a bucket. I recommend a five gallon bucket so there isn’t a lot of sloshing around. Add enough hot water to make three gallons. Add a few drops of essential oil if desired. Give it a good swirl and set it aside overnight.

Depending on the temperature, the detergent will set up like gelatin or look like curdled milk. Mix it up to break up the big chunks and put it in a container for use. It will separate over time so before each use, give it a good shake. About 1/4 is all you need to get a load of laundry clean!

This detergent doesn’t lather up like the store bought kind but trust me, you’re laundry will be clean and fresh. At pennies per load, all natural ingredients, and any scent you choose use, it’s a win/win situation all around. Why don’t you whip up a batch today!

Here is the link if you want to make some for yourself:http://frugallygreen.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-soap.html

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