Home Made Laundry Detergent

So many people interested in learning how to make their own laundry detergent, so I decided to re-post this recipe.

4 Cups Hot Tap Water
1 Fels-Naptha Soap Bar
1 Cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax
A few drops Essential Oil  (I like to use Lemon or Lavender available at Health Food Stores and Vitamin Shops)

This is soooo much better for our environment.  It takes less time to mix up this batch of detergent than it would for you to get into your car and drive to the store and back.

Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

I store the detergent in a 5 gallon bucket that used to hold the chlorine tablets for my pool. I refill my old detergent bottles with the home made detergent as needed using my pyrex glass measuring cup and a funnel.

 When it's time to do laundry, gently shake the bottle 2 or three times.  I tip it upside down and back three times and then pour it into the cup. Don't shake it hard because it will foam up.  It should be a little watery with lots of lumps.  Don't let this bother you!  That's how it's supposed to look. Detergent companies use lots of chemicals to get their products smooth.  But it isn't necessary. 

 If you prefer a powdered detergent, it's quite simple.  Grate the soap and mix it with the rest of the dry ingredients using a wire whisk.  Store in an airtight container.  Could it get any easier than this?

Go here if you would like more information about home made liquid and powdered detergents. http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/