I’m feeling slightly pioneerish, in that I recently started making my own laundry detergent. This is one of those things I’ve heard about for a while, thought the idea was generally pretty neat, but never really thought I’d actually do it. Now I’m wondering what took me so long! It is the easiest thing ever. So simple, so cheap and so awesome!
Homemade Laundry Detergent has three ingredients. That’s it. I use powder because I like dealing with it better and my washing machine likes it better as well.
All it is: Borax, Washing Soda, and Fels-Naptha Washing Soap (apparently you can also use Ivory soap, which I have not done yet, but think I’ll try next time!). You can also add a drop of essential oil to scent it, but I prefer just a fresh, clean smell.
These ingredients can be found at your local grocery store, in the laundry and cleaning aisle. They will run you at the most, about $8 total. You will have lots of borax and washing soda left over. The detergent you can make with this amount will last you a long time. It makes about 6 cups and you only need 1-2 TBS per load.
So, what you do is grate the bar of soap. I’ve used my food processor and I’ve hand grated. Hand grating is better.
Next add 2 cups each of Borax and Arm and Hammer Washing Soda (not to be confused with baking soda). I use a tupperware container with cap to store my detergent.
There you go! Now how easy was that?
February 16, 2012
