I want to try this, especially for my allergies...wonder if I will ever get around to it?
Homemade Laundry Detergent: Cheaper and Better
Why on earth would anyone want to make laundry detergent? Several reasons come to mind, such as allergies to fragrance and perfumes, environmental issues associated with phosphates and the need for some of you to buy special, high-efficiency, low-sudsing detergent for the new front-loading washers. But perhaps the most compelling reason is the cost: You can make your own laundry detergent for as little as $.02 a load. Two pennies!
Today I have recipes for both liquid and powdered laundry detergent. The liquid will be cheapest to make; the powdered version is quicker to make and a bit easier to store and dispense. In both cases you will need these ingredients (resources to follow):
1. Fels Naptha Laundry Bar soap
2. Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (do not use baking soda)
3. 20 Mule Team Borax
Today I have recipes for both liquid and powdered laundry detergent. The liquid will be cheapest to make; the powdered version is quicker to make and a bit easier to store and dispense. In both cases you will need these ingredients (resources to follow):
1. Fels Naptha Laundry Bar soap
2. Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (do not use baking soda)
3. 20 Mule Team Borax
Liquid Laundry Detergent
3 pints water
1/3 bar Fels Naptha soap, grated
1/2 cup Super Washing Soda
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
2-gallon bucket
1 quart hot water
Mix grated Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap in a large saucepan with 3 pints hot water and heat on the stove over Low heat until dissolved. Do not allow to boil. Stir in Super Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened. Remove from heat. Add 1 quart hot water to 2-gallon bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill up bucket with some additional hot water, leaving a few inches at the top, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load. Note: This recipe multiplies well, but you’ll need a 5-gallon bucket.
1/3 bar Fels Naptha soap, grated
1/2 cup Super Washing Soda
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
2-gallon bucket
1 quart hot water
Mix grated Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap in a large saucepan with 3 pints hot water and heat on the stove over Low heat until dissolved. Do not allow to boil. Stir in Super Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened. Remove from heat. Add 1 quart hot water to 2-gallon bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill up bucket with some additional hot water, leaving a few inches at the top, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load. Note: This recipe multiplies well, but you’ll need a 5-gallon bucket.
Powdered Laundry Detergent
1 cup grated Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap
1/2 cup Super Washing Soda
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
Mix and store in airtight container or bag. For light loads, use 2 tablespoons. For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons.
Note: To make a large batch grate 6 bars of Fels Naptha Soap and then add 3 cups of Super Washing Soda and 3 cups 20 Mule Team Borax. Mix well and store in a covered container.
Tip: These recipes will NOT make suds in your washer so don't be alarmed. Fels Naptha is a pure soap, which makes it perfect for use in the new high-efficiency (HE) washers as well as traditional washers. The only proof you’ll need of how well this laundry product works is to take a look at the dirty wash water. You may also notice the need to either reduce your laundry softener or even eliminate the use of softener completely.
Resources: Some supermarkets still carry these products in the laundry aisle. But they are quickly disappearing for lack of interest. But do not despair. You can order all of them at www.soapsgonebuy.com, or call 1-888-858-SOAP (1-888-858-7627).
You can find dozens of other ideas and recipes for making your own household solutions in the handy booklet, Cheapskate Solutions. Send $5 to Debt-Proof Living, Dept. CS, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723; you can also visit the online bookstore or call 800 550-3502 M-F, Pacific.
©Copyright 2007 Mary Hunt
1/2 cup Super Washing Soda
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
Mix and store in airtight container or bag. For light loads, use 2 tablespoons. For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons.
Note: To make a large batch grate 6 bars of Fels Naptha Soap and then add 3 cups of Super Washing Soda and 3 cups 20 Mule Team Borax. Mix well and store in a covered container.
Tip: These recipes will NOT make suds in your washer so don't be alarmed. Fels Naptha is a pure soap, which makes it perfect for use in the new high-efficiency (HE) washers as well as traditional washers. The only proof you’ll need of how well this laundry product works is to take a look at the dirty wash water. You may also notice the need to either reduce your laundry softener or even eliminate the use of softener completely.
Resources: Some supermarkets still carry these products in the laundry aisle. But they are quickly disappearing for lack of interest. But do not despair. You can order all of them at www.soapsgonebuy.com, or call 1-888-858-SOAP (1-888-858-7627).
You can find dozens of other ideas and recipes for making your own household solutions in the handy booklet, Cheapskate Solutions. Send $5 to Debt-Proof Living, Dept. CS, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723; you can also visit the online bookstore or call 800 550-3502 M-F, Pacific.
©Copyright 2007 Mary Hunt
Everyday Cheapskate is a registered trademark
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