I have been making my own laundry soap for several months now. We love it. I thought surely it wouldn’t clean as well (it does) smell as nice (it does) or require so little per load (even less than before)! It is also simple to make and can save you quite a bit over time.
If you want to try it, here is the simple recipe:
Melt one bar of soap (your choice) in 6 cups of water over medium heat in a large pan.
Add 1/2 cup each Borax and Washing Soda (look on the top shelf – or some other inconspicuous place – at the end of the laundry detergent isle), stir until dissolved and thickened.
Pour into large container (I use a mop bucket) with 1 gallon + 4 cups hot water, stir. Confession ~ I just guesstimate the gallon&4cups…
I like to let it cool a bit, then I pour it into empty containers for storage. Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup per load.
I included vinegar in the picture for two reasons: I use empty vinegar jugs to store my laundry soap, and I also love to use vinegar in the rinse cycle of my washing.
Not the most exciting post I’ve ever made, but it is practical and handy…so close enough!
This is exciting to ME! I have tried making my own powder version, but not liquid. Do you use a front loader? What kind of bar soap do you use? I was thinking of trying Ivory. When I was trying the powder version, I found it wasn’t getting the clothes very clean, and it sometimes left a sticky sort of residue, which I felt when transferring the laundry from washer to dryer.
Shannon, I have a top-load. I only use 1/4-1/2 cup per load, depending on how dirty it is. I have used several different kinds of soap. The one I used on my last batch and am really pleased with is Dr Bronner’s fair trade, organic hemp citrus bar soap (http://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/BAR.htm). Of course I got it because it was on clearance. LOL. I have also used coca castile soap, and regular bar soaps but I am really happy with the Dr Bronners – it made the best-textured and smoothest detergent so far. The key with these homemade cleansers is they pack a real punch – so use less!
Awesome. I have Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap…the baby mild/fragrance free…for mixing up my own cleaners. I’ll have to get the bar and try this laundry soap recipe out, as soon as the Tide is gone. I also read on another mom’s blog that she uses Kiss My Face pure olive oil and lavender soap, which is awesome for sensitive skin. I like that soap in the shower and it smells heavenly. I like tea tree, too…choices, choices. Have you tried putting essential oils in with your vinegar rinse?
I know that is an option (the essential oils), you can also put them in the detergent when you are mixing the final step if you want. I have enjoyed my “just clean” smelling laundry soap so much that I haven’t. I’d love to have your cleaner recipe (hint hint!)…I use mostly baking soda and vinegar.