DIY Laundry Detergent

I love to do crafts! One day, I took my husband son to get a family photo done at a farm. The photographer mentioned something about just finishing a batch of laundry detergent which perked my attention right away. Once our photo shoot was done I said ok I must clarify this…did you say you made laundry detergent and if so I must know how!
So here is the recipe ladies! This is so awesome too because it cost less than ten bucks for the ingredients which will last you for about a year or more!

What You Need:

100% essential oil of your choice such as lemon, clean cotton, cucumber, rose, apple or whatever. (the husband will not appreciate smelling like roses however lol)
One bar of Fels-Naptha soap
Super washing soda
Borax
2 gallon bucket
Cheese grater
Mason jars to store your detergent
Small dollar store pitcher to transfer to jars

Steps

In a large pot heat 6-cups water and 1/3 grated bar of the Fels-Naptha.
Keep on low heat until it is a honey color and the soap is melted through.
Remove from heat
In the large 2 gallon bucket put 1 quart HOT water, add honey mixture, mix well then add 1/2 C. Borax slowly, and add 1/2 C. Super washing soda and mix well. Add 20-50 drops of your essential oil and mix well.
LET SIT 24 HOURS in this large tub.
You can mix well the next day transfer to whatever you are keeping it in.
Shake before use and use 1/2 cup per load.

I like mine to have a light smell to it. If yours is not strong enough just add more essential oil. This mixture will get clumpy and look like a science project gone wrong. This means you did it right! I have given this to new neighbors and they have said to me, “You have to teach me how to do this!” it comes out to less than ten cents a load. Let me repeat: less than ten cents a load!

Let me know how it works and I want some honest feedback!

Stay tuned for the next The Sunday Post for more from Ms. Ireland!

Live, Love & Learn,

Ms. MommyHH6

Comments

natalie nichols says:

March 17, 2013 at 2:37 pm

I use a slightly different recipe and I mix in Purex Crystals for scent. I then use the purex crystals container to store my detergent and I use the cap for measuring. With the recipe I use, I only need to use 1-2 tablespoons so it works great!