Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent

I am always trying to find a way to save money, but keep our quality of life the same or better.  I found this recipe for Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent and decided to take a try.  Here is what you do:

Buy:

~1 box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (baking soda does not work; it must be sodium carbonate)

~1 bar of Fels-Naptha

~1 box of Borax
(All found at Walmart around the laundry detergents).
~5 Gallon Bucket (Found at Home Depot)

RECIPE:

1 bar of Fels-Naptha

1 Cup of Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda

1/2 Cup Borax

Hot tap water

Start by grating the soap







This is the most time consuming part, but only takes 5-10 minutes.

Add soap shavings to a saucepan with water.  Stir continually over low-medium heat until soap dissolves and is completely melted.

Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water (2.5 gallons = 10 quarts).  Add melted soap, washing soda, and Borax.  Stir well until all powder is dissolved.  Fill bucket to the top with more hot water.  Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.




For top loading machines, the detergent will take 5/8 cup per load.  5/8 cup= 5 oz. or 1/2 cup + 1/8 cup.  Also, if you have a Tide liquid jug, the top cup equal 5 oz. to the very top.  I took all of my empty detergent bottles and measured the caps of each bottle to figure what makes 5/8 oz.  Example: Purex bottle takes 1 cap full + fill to the 2nd line = 5/8 oz.  I wrote each measurement on each bottle, since each measures different.
For front loading machines, the detergent takes 1/4 cup per load.
 




Next Day

Stir, but know that it is normal to have a gel like consistency.

Fill used but clean laundry soap dispenser half full with soap.

Then, fill the jug to the top with additional water.

Shake well before each use.
Tip:  I tend to start my load with hot water for only a few seconds so that the soap will quickly dissolve.
Yields: 10 Gallons

My Opinion: I have washed all clothes and towels using this recipe and it seems to have worked great.  The scent is light but clean when just using soap.  I do, however, use drier sheets and that adds a stronger scent to the clothes.  I noticed the soap does not make suds, but I had read this before I made it.  I would recommend trying this recipe.  It's super cheap and worth the try.

Getting Started

I have been contemplating creating a blog of ideas and tips that I have found that help me out around the house. There are so many things I want to try, so why not just share them with others, too. Having two small kids, I need things to make my life easier. Being a stay-at-home mom, I am always looking for ways to save money. I hope to model my life and encourage others to strive to be the Proverbs 31 woman.

Proverbs 31:10-31
The Message (MSG)

A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!