Homemade Laundry Detergent

For years I have been hearing "I make my own laundry detergent". I would look at the recipes online and think, I am not doing all that work for homemade laundry detergent! Well, recently I came across one that looked very simple so I thought I would try it. It was for a liquid which has always been my preference but it was awful. I guess it did the job but I just wasn't happy with it soooo I found a powder recipe. I have made 3 batches so far, each with a different soap.

  

The first I used Fels Naptha. It was fine but the smell of that soap bothered me a little also it is nowhere to be found locally. 

The second batch I made with pink Zote. That batch I was very pleased with but again, no Zote to be had. 

  

So, the third batch I used Ivory soap. That I can find everywhere and it is fine with me! Once the laundry is done there is no smell, just smells clean. Fragrances bother me so that is another plus! No one in my family is complaining about the switch. My husband would always complain when I changed detergents and now it seems this is fine so far! His work clothes even seem to come out clean and fresh! I will say, if they are heavily soiled or have a foul smell, IE chemical, sometimes they do have a little of that smell remaining but these are usually very heavy construction worker chemical smells! I also have been using vinegar in the rinse as a softener. I just read a tip about using old cut up flannel soaked in white vinegar as dryer sheets. I love that idea! So here is the recipe I have been using. I used a hand grater for the soap and it was EASY! I thought that was going to be a long tedious task but it wasn't at all!

 

This is not my picture but this is exactly what my Zote powdered detergent looked like!

This is also not "my" recipe, it is all over the net but it is what I used and love!

SIMPLE HOMEMADE DRY LAUNDRY DETERGENT

  

2 cups finely grated Zote, Fels Naptha, or Ivory soap


1 cup borax


1 cup washing soda (not baking soda, they are different)

A container to store it in. I used a recently emptied out margarine tub but plan to use something prettier as soon as I find it! I just wanted to make sure I was going to use this! Here's another great tip, the best way to make this detergent is to remember the 2:1:1 ratio. All you have to do is grate the soap, I grated mine right into the container. Add in the powders, shake and your ready to tackle Mount Washmore! :)  2 Tablespoons for a large regular soiled load. You will have to decide how much you need for your more soiled, I would start with 3 T and see how that works. I am happy enough with this to keep using it. I know it is costing me a lot less than the store bought detergent and we have been pleased so far!

Would love to hear your comments on what you do to save money on laundry or if you make any frugal products!