Monday, July 13, 2009

Squeaky Clean

I have been reading on different blogs and the internet about making homemade laundry detergent. Back in May I finally worked up the courage to mix up a batch. I've been using since it since May and have been extremely satisfied with it. Our clothes are coming clean just fine.
I estimate this recipe cost about $2.00-$3.00 to put together.

There are several ways of making detergent. Some make a dry mix and others a liquid detergent. I decided to go with the liquid.

These are the three ingredients used to make it. I found Zote soap at a smaller grocery store in our area. I could not find it at the big chains. Also found the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda there also. Remember Washing Soda not Baking Soda.

The Recipe:


1 Bar of Zote Soap (some use Fels-Naptha)


2 Cups of Borax


2 Cups of Arm & Hammer SUPER WASHING SODA


Large Pot


Clean 5 gallon Bucket








Use a grater and grate the entire bar of soap.









Place the grated soap in a large pot. Pour in enough warm water to completely cover the soap. Bring heat to medium and completely melt the soap. Stir as needed.


In your bucket (I actually used a 4 gallon bucket that my pool chemicals come in. It has a lid)


add the washing soda and the Borax and SLOWLY fill with hot water. Stirring continuously to dissolve. NOTE: Leave enough room in the bucket to add the soap later.


Add the soap and continue to stir until all is well mixed. You may need to come back and stir every hour so it won't solidfy too much.

The consistency is like a jello. I keep mine in the bucket I mixed it in, but after a couple of days and the mixture completely cools you can re-package if you'd like.



I have a front loading washer so I use about 3/4 cup of the detergent. If you have a top -loader I would put the detergent in and let the water help to dissolve it before adding the clothes. Using 3/4 - 1 cup of the detergent.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me or ask in the comments. It was a messy process to put together, but I'm happy with it and will continue to make this as I run low in the future. Great money saver.

14 comments:

Ronnica said...

I think if I ever have a family, I'd do this. With just me, I'm only spending maybe $20 a year on detergent.

Betty W said...

Sounds interesting and you sure are saving a lot!

Melody said...

Wow! It sounds pretty simple (especially since I have a food processor to grate the soap!) I'll definately have to try this one!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Interesting, Joy.... Guess I'm just too old and 'set' in my ways. I admire anyone who does this ---but I think I'll just stick to my detergent....

BUT---I am proud of you!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

C. JoyBell C. said...

At first glance, I thought it was cheese that you were grating! ahahahahahaha! I should have known better! You were trying to make us save money! hee hee hee! :)

I remember my best friend back in Florida came over to have a sleepover at my house, and she looked for arm & hammer baking soda to brush her teeth with! hee hee hee!

I don't have a washing machine. :) We have 2 maids, and they do the washing with their hands. That's how everything is done over here regarding the washing of clothing. :) I mean, there ARE washing machined for sale, but handwashing is better on the clothes, we think. :)

Tricia said...

I have made this same soap before. It is easy and does get your clothes clean.

stephanie j. said...

My husband was JUST asking how to do this. Thanks for the detailed post, and THANKS for the prayers for an attitudinal adjustment about my state's homeschool convention.

Tracy P. said...

Good for you, Joy! I have a bar of Fels Naptha on hand for dealing with tough stains. I love it.

The Farmer Files said...

Impressive...whew! Looks like a workout to my pregnant body, though!

Sarah said...

What a great idea, this is the second time I've read this, a tug on my heart to make a tub!

Thanks for sharing and for splashing the nations.

Sudsy hugs from Costa RIca,
Sarah Dawn

Helpful Housewife said...

I make my own laundry detergent also. I love it. Glad it is working for you!

Barbara said...

Joy, I have never made my own wahing powder, not sure when I would find the time most days,but I am taking down your instructions just in case I do. Sounds god.

Purple hugs,
Barbara

Shelley in SC said...

I've seen these recipes out there and have been tempted. We do about 20 loads a week, so this would definitely be a savings. Okay, you may have pushed me over the edge now. : )

Tiffany said...

I have yet to be able to try your recipe. I can't find the washing powder anywhere. I guess I'm going to have to order some from the net. I just haven't done it yet. I really want to do this and I really want it to work.

My house will be a good test - I've got the boy who has grass stains on the knees of their jeans and a husband who works in a nursery and comes home filthy just about every day. Their clothes will certainly put this recipe to the test. Sigh....if I can ever make it!!!

Thanks for sharing publically, though! And I'm glad it's working for you!

Oh - and I'm slowly catching up on my blog reading, as you can tell.