How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
At the beginning of the year, I started making laundry detergent. I used to buy the liquid version on sale and smelled the best. But one visit to Georgia, to my sister in law’s house, changed my mind permanently. She told me that she and her husband started making laundry detergent which helps them save tons of money and cleans perfectly. She loved that it was only three ingredients. It also takes no time at all to make the powder version, about fifteen minutes.
I had read several blog posts online but never knew someone to ask all the questions. Never the less, I used up my store-bought liquid detergent and bought the three ingredients to make my own.
Now I have to say I have been happy with the results of my homemade version. The detergent isn’t smelly with perfumes compared to the brand name detergents. I have to add bleach or Oxi-Clean powder to my soiled whites for better cleaning power. Also, I add my favorite fabric softener or scent pebbles to give that extra scent. This does add to the cost of the laundry detergent.
I bought a One Gallon Heritage Hill Jar to keep my powdered detergent. It isn’t necessary, but it looks pretty in my laundry room. Printing out the detergent recipe and taping it to the jar is a great way to keep the recipe to make later.
Powder Laundry Detergent Recipe:
- one grated laundry bar of either Fels Naptha Laundry Soap Bar or Zote Laundry Soap Bar
- half box Borax Laundry Booster
- half box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
Mix all ingredients in a large pot or a glass jar, as stated above. Use your hands to mix everything uniformly. Use one tablespoon for a small to medium-sized load and two tablespoons for a large to extra-large load.
Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe:
- two grated laundry bar
- half box Borax
- half box Washing Soda
- six gallons of water
Melt grated soap into eight cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and stir often. In a large bucket, pour in six gallons of water and dissolve borax, washing soda, and theĀ pot of melted soap.