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FeedFrugal Living: Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
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A few months ago, I ran into a couple at Whole Foods who told me all about making your own laundry detergent. I had almost forgotten about it until I ran into them again this past weekend at the Claremore Ladies Extravaganza.
Basically, it costs about one penny per load of laundry. Those are savings are worth giving this concept an extra look!
The recipe is simple:
Homemade Laundry Soap
1/3 bar Fels Naptha soap or one whole bar of Ivory or homemade soap
1/2 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
1/2 cup borax powder
water
2+ gallon bucket, for storing
I have not tried it myself but I wanted to pass it along for those who would like to. Tammy’s Blog has a wonderful tutorial with pictures to help you along.
If you try it, let us know!
Thanks to Money Saving Mom for the link!
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So, I want to try this but where do I get Borax Powder and Washing Soda.
You can buy both at Reasors I love my homemade laundry soap I use Zote soap instead of Fells Naptha you can also use Kirks castiles or Ivory as long as they are not heavily sented
I have made my own laundry detergent before but didn't have much luck with. It didn't really dissolve in the water. I also found out that I could Sun laundry detergent in a 22 pound bucket. It worked much better and only cost a couple of cents more than making my own per load.
Only place I could find the washing Soda was Reasors.
I have been making mine for almost a year now, I think. I use a five gallon bucket with lid. I melt/boil a whole bar of Zote soap (grate 1/2 bar in several cups of water, then repeat). I use a cup of borax and a cup of arm and hammer washing soda. Plus, I add a few tablespoons of scented oils. Put all of this in the bucket, add about 3 1/2-4 gallons of warm water, stir, let sit for 24hours and then stir again before using. This last batch was my fave and used lavender and spearmint. Helps to repel mosquitos, so I am told. You can get everything in the laundry detergent aisle at Walmart. I do pick up my oils at the health food store Akins, but you can use the onles in the Walmart craft section if they dye free.
I've made this before, and really liked it....I'm just lazy lol...
I have been making mine for a while now and I love it. It works wonderful. You can also make a powder detergent I use that on my husbands work shirts to get the ring off.
Use the Naptha Bar for a stain remover that is the bomb takes out ink spag sauce you name it.
When I make it up I take gallon milk containers and pour it into them.
Making my own has saved us a ton of money.
I found everything at Krogers
Happy washing.
I have also made my own laundry soap and love it. It is also great in those HE washing machines. That is what we have and I have used it in mine for probably a year. It is low sudsing (sp?) and works great. I have found the borax and washing soda ( or some call it soda ash) at Nichol's grocery and Homeland. Happy washing.
i just made my own laundry soap for the first time last month. i love it. i was able to find all the supplies at ace hardware. i will have to try adding scented oil next time
You can find all of the ingredients at WalMart, Target, or most grocery stores. It lasts FOREVER because you use very small portions and it works! I personally do not care for the smell of Naptha Bars, so I use Ivory or Ivory Lavender soap bars that I pick up at the Dollar Tree. There are dozens of different variations including liquid detergent recipes on the internet.