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.

A Blurb from the Burbs - IV

It's 2009 and I don't know about you, but I'm looking for ways I can be more frugal this year.
I've checked out several books from the library (reading the frugal way - no buying - just borrowing).
These are the books I've checked out and mostly read/skimmed/glanced over....

Living Rich for Less by Ellie Kay

Frugal Luxuries by Tracy McBride

The Frugal Woman's Guide to a Rich Life. Edited by Stacia Ragolia

The one I found the most helpful is The Frugal Woman's Guide to a Rich Life.
I read this idea and have used it now for a couple of weeks. It works. So I'm sharing it with you...
* Purchase a small bottle of generic liquid fabric softener.
* Put one cup of the softener in a container
with one cup of water.
* Place the lid back on and give it a little shake.
* Cut a 4x6" sponge into four squares.
* Soak the sponge(s) in the mixture.
* Throw an unsqueezed sponge in the dryer
with your clothes.
* Placed the dried sponge back in the mixture.

I realize this is such inspiring photography. Sponges floating in fabric softener sitting on top of my dryer. Sorry, I just like having a picture with my post. Breaks up all those words. [and for the visual learners among us....I need pictures. :)]

I know I've posted about fabric softener before, but I read this and like this idea so much better than the vinegar one.

Check out my other Blurbs:

How to save on your electric bill:
Blurb from the Burbs III

How to save on lunch meat:
Blurb from the Burbs II

If you have a frugal idea, let me know. I'd love to read it.

A Blurb from the Burbs

Moneysaver:
When washing towels and sheets use distilled white vinegar for your fabric softener in your washing machine instead of fabric softener. Your towels will come out of the dryer soft and you can save the pricier fabric softener for your clothes. Remember towels and sheets only. :)