Laundry. It doesn’t ever quit. I could moan, but I actually like doing laundry. The washing part, that is. Not so much the folding and putting away. And six kids can crank out a load (or 10) of laundry.
I got tired of buying the containers of detergents loaded with toxic and/or unknown ingredients. And the price adds up.
So, I finally went “granola” and made my own.
I am so glad! Because it’s awesome. It works, smells good, and costs just pennies per load. This one is a winner.
Making this batch is easier than loading up and going to the store.
*It has minimal suds and people have been able to use this in regular and High Efficiency (HE) machines.
Ingredients:
- 1 bar of soap (I use Zote soap, but you can also use Fels-Naptha or Ivory)
- 1/2 cup Borax
- 1/2 cup Washing Soda (NOT baking soda)
- 4 cups water (approximately)
- 5 gallon bucket
How to make it:
- Grate soap with a cheese grater.
- Combine soap shreds in medium saucepan with water.
- Heat and stir until soap is dissolved.
- Add Borax and Washing Soda and stir until dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into a 5 gallon bucket and fill 3/4 full with hot water.
- Stir completely and let it sit overnight.
The end result is a gloppy liquid.
You can pour a portion into a smaller container for the laundry room and store the rest. I keep the 5 gallon bucket next to my washer.
To use:
- Scoop 1/2 cup per load
- To boost cleaning power and add a wonderful scent add 1-2 drops essential oil to the load (I use the cleansing blend or lavender).
The 5 gallon bucket of laundry soap lasts me about 5 months – and I wash loads upon loads.
Happy and healthy washing!
