At less than 2 cents per load and a healthier solution, making your own laundry detergent is a win-win!
Everyone has to at some point buy laundry detergent in order to keep our clothes fresh and clean. The one thing we must consider though is how safe it is for the environment. Have you ever taken a look at the many ingredients on various laundry detergents? There are many chemicals that are not environmentally friendly.
Luckily, there are eco-friendly recipes that you can make at home that take a minimal amount of time and are very easy. With just a few key ingredients on hand you can make as much or as little as you like. It certainly saves money- sometimes costing only pennies a load!
What supplies to I need?
- Grater
- Large pot
- 5 gallon bucket
What ingredients do I need?
- Bar soap: Fels Naptha, Ivory or Zope. (don’t use heavily perfumed or moisturizing soap…you could try cruelty free or fair trade soaps)
- Washing soda: sodium carbonate- purpose is to remove dirt and odors.
- Borax: sodium borate- purpose is to whiten
- Water
- Tips: Fels Naptha, Arm & Hammer washing soda and Borax 20 Mule Team can typically be found in the cleaning or laundry isle of any major grocery store.
My Favorite Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe:
- ½ bar soap
- ½ cup washing soda
- ½ cup borax
Directions:
1. Grate the soap into a sauce pan
2. Add 6 cups of H20 and heat until soap melts
3. Add the washing soap and borax and stir until dissolved, remove from heat
4. Pour 4 cups of hot water into the 5 gallon bucket
5. Add soap mixture to the bucket and stir
6. Add 1gallon plus 6 cups of cold water and stir
7. Let soap sit for 24 hours to gel
8. Use ½ cup per load
Optional: add ½ to 1oz. of your favorite essential oil to create your own custom aroma
Tips: Finished soap will be a watery gel rather than a solid gel. It will be low sudzing and will work just fine in HE washers.
Dollars & Cents:
- Fels Naptha-$1.12 per bar, ½ bar =.56 a batch
- Washing soda-$2.23 for 55oz =.17 a batch
- Borax-$3.27 for 76oz = .14 a batch
Calculations:
.56+.17+.14= .87 for 2 gallons, 64 – ½ cup portions, .87% 64= .0135 a load!
Does it work?
Yes, I’ve been using it for a year and it leaves my clothes clean and bright. It’s always fun to be able to play with the different aromas to customize the scent.
I’d love to hear your tips on keeping a greener, healthier household. Please comment below!
Happy Laundering!
Thanks for the recipe! I would love to try it out, but my fiance has sensitive skin and reacts to some soaps and lotions – do you know if this recipe is similar to a store bought brand?
Arm & Hammer do animal testing. I am trying to find washing soda that is crulty free. Please post if you know of some Thanks.