Sunday, August 1, 2010

How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

In the spirit of Laura Ingalls, with wash day being Monday, here's a little recipe for homemade laundry detergent you can use tomorrow, Monday!

wash on Monday
iron on Tuesday
mend on Wednesday
churn on Thursday

clean on Friday

bake on Saturday

rest on Sunday


from Little House in the Big Woods


* I use these utensils for detergent making only. They all stay in the pot until I make a new batch.

You will need:

1 bar of soap (any kind you want)
1 cup of Borax
1 cup of washing soda
a big pot ( that holds more than 2 gallons)
a grater
a funnel
a long spoon
2 empty gallon jugs/containers



Grate your bar of soap into your pot.


Fill one gallon jug and pour water into pot with grated soap. Cook until the grated soap dissolves.


Add the Borax and washing soda.


Bring to a boil. It will coagulate.


Turn off the heat. Add 1 gallon of cold water. Stir well.


Pour 1 gallon of your detergent into each container.


A funnel helps tremendously.


Now you have 2 gallons of homemade laundry detergent. I use 1/2 cup per load. With the prices of detergent being outrageous, I feel really happy every time I make a batch of this.

This won't make many, if any, suds. Suds don't equal clean. It took a while to get that into my head. This detergent cleans wonderfully!

Let me know if you make any or if you have any questions.

Happy washing!


******edited to add that I now just keep my detergent in the pot I cook it in with the lid on. When I run out I make up a new batch in that pot and it's ready to go. I like saving the step of transferring into the jugs.

****** edited 8/8/2011 to address those of you with the issue of the detergent becoming too thick. Try using 1/2 of a bar of soap instead.


***** edited 7/2011 to add that the detergent should thicken / coagulate when it cools. Usually within 24 hours! ****


* Edited 1/2011 to add comment from below about cost/savings!
estimated cost is $6.00 for 576 loads (depending on soap used and amount used per load, ONE BOX of Borax and ONE BOX of Washing soda)
The savings is incredible.

As with ALL cleaning products KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN particularly if you are using recycled food type containers!!!!

☆ My friend Amy's daughter did a science experiment comparing store bought detergent and this recipe! Very cool! Check it out here

1,043 comments:

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Anonymous said...

U can buy washing soda in the laundry soap aisle. They dnt sell it in my town, so I make that too. Just put a layer of baking soda in the bottom of a pan and bake for 1 hr. Stir and bake another hour. Simple as that

Anonymous said...

I've got to try this with 5 kids (8 months, 5, 6, 7, and 15 2 youngest girls, I could save loads of money.

Anonymous said...

Can u expand a little on buying white clothes and dyeing then?

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Anonymous said...

I found this on Pinterest and I just made my third batch. I am in love! This time I used some really good smelling Softsoap and it is a beautiful pink color. Thank you so much for this recipe. Even after three batches I still have hardly made a dent in my box of Borax and my box of washing soda. I did find that my Borax is starting to clump in the box from being opened so long, ha ha. I am thinking I will just put the Borax and the washing soda in pretty containers in my laundry room so I can just scoop out as needed or add a little scoop to an especially dirty load of my mechanic hubby's clothes.

Anonymous said...

I do all laundry with cold water. Will this still work? Thank you. Carlye

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anna said...

I've made this several times now - with an entire bar of soap. For my most recent attempt, I placed the pot in the fridge to have it cool/congeal faster. THEN, I used my immersion blender to blend it all up - and it worked!! Now my family is not so grossed out and it pours out of the containers that I put it in ;)

Unknown said...

THICKENING ISSUES

I don't use a milk jug. I use my leftover laundry container that sits on its side and you push the button to dispense. I just give it a good shake each time to mix it up. Works for me.

Tanya S. said...

Hello! I wanted to share that using today's prices on Borax, Washing Soda, and Fels-Naptha (which I used) in the state of Washington, your recipe for laundry soap comes out to $1.79 per batch ($0.03 per load). You'll get about 6 batches out of a 55oz box of Washing Soda and 9 batches out of a box of 76oz Borax. Thanks for posting this! I'm so excited to be saving money!

Anonymous said...

I used the Fels Naptha and its thick. I'll try halving the bar next time but LOVE the results of how it cleans! Thanks SO much!

Anonymous said...

Two US gallons

Anonymous said...

I did this and my clothes and whites were not clean. My towels smelled terrible as of they needed washing still and the dirt stayed in. All the work of making the soap and it didn't work. Don't bother.

ciaa said...

OMG This is amazing. I found this via pinterest and i have to try it .

Unknown said...

I have made a similar version of this and have used it myself in my HE washer for more than 5 years now. I love it. It is simple and cheap. And no you did nothing wrong. It does take on a jello consistence. You can just stir it a bit and use it just like that. But if you want a more smooth consistence then put some in a bowl and use your mixer or an emersion blender to make it silky. Great stuff

Faith Simmons said...

So for those of you who cannot find washing soda locally, I found a website that shows you how to turn regular baking soda into washing soda. You spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 400 for 30 min. This changes the chemical composition of the baking soda and creates the washing soda. Hope this helps.

Stephanie said...

Hi there. I am using Kirks all natural bar soap. My batch came out chunky and thick at bottom after putting in gallon jugs and watery on top. I do shake before using but it still doesn't quiet mix well. I don't think I ever brought it to a boil because I was in a hurry. Would thatbe why it didn't come out the right consistency?

Anonymous said...

Works well in front.loaders. better than. he commercial brands. washing soda is made by arm amd hammer . find it in soap isle of most.stores.

Anonymous said...

I was just reading this. When I make this I melt the shredded soap in about 1/2 gallon of water and then mix all the rest with the melted soap in a 5 gallon container that you can get in Lowe's or Home Depot. They have lids on them. Also use a broom handle cut in half to stir. I stir up the mixture each time I use it. I do 2-3 loads a day and will last for several months.

Joan said...

@Kate and anyone else who can't find the Washing Soda at their local/favorite/only grocery store: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_12?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=washing%20soda%20arm%20%26%20hammer&sprefix=Washing+Soda%2Caps%2C311

Joan said...

any answer to the washing in cold water inquiry? I used to use/still use Borax and Washing soda as additions to commercial laundry soap instead of chlorine bleach, but I think the directions on each of those products say warm or hot water...just wondering, 'cause I prefer to wash in cold water 99.9% of the time and love the softening effect of Borax, also whitening/odor killing. I would probably use Dr. Bronner's bar soap...would raise the cost some but it would be completely safe for my sensitive skin.

Anonymous said...

Homemade Laundry Detergent
Ingredients
1 Box of Super Washing Soda 3 lb. 7 oz.
1 Box of Borax 4 lbs 12 oz. size
1 Box of Pure Baking Soda 4 lb.
3 bars of Fels-Naptha 5.5 oz.
1 pound of Oxy-Clean
Instructions
Finely grate the Fels-Naptha. Mix all the ingredients together and store in container of your choice. Use only 2-3 or 4 Tablespoons of detergent per load. ................................. I tried the liquid, but it doesn't clean as well as the powder. This works better!!! "Dry Laundry Soap"
Peel the Fels Naptha bar soap, leave it in a container for a couple of weeks till it dries out and then crush it with your hands, it will turn to powder. The dry soap powder, do not put it on top of your cloths. Fill the washer on small load, put 2-3 or 4 tablespoons in the water, let it mix up first then add cloths. Add more water to your washer if you have a large load. I put mine in a clear plastic tub.
It makes many loads and last forever! When I have it all mixed up, I use a very large coffee can to keep the powder in. It is easier than lifting the heavy container every time.

Anonymous said...

Where Do You Buy The Oil To Add Scent?

Anonymous said...

Where Do You Buy Essential Oils? I Want The Smell Good StUff As Well!

Sheryl Lynn said...

Actually I have made this recipe BUT use 5 gallons of water total. That may be why its coming out thick for some people. Safe for HE washer too as its low suds. You can add essential oil like lavender for fragrance. I like either zote pink soap or kirks or Dr Bronners Castille soap

Carol Harris said...

I make this all the time. Mine is always like water. It works better that way. I use liquid castile soap instead of bar soap and that makes it mix quicker and easier and my LD contains no chemicals... then I add 30 to 50 drops of one or more Essential Oils, pure of course, for whichever scent if want for that batch... love love love it.. been making it for about 2 years now... no chemicals on my laundry... :)

Anonymous said...

its perfectly safe for front loaders...

Unknown said...

Can I use liquid soap or only bar soap? Im really excited to try this!!

Unknown said...

Can I use liquid soap or is bar soap used for a reason? Im really exited to try this!!

Anonymous said...

At Ace hardware I just bought Nellie's all natural laundry soda because it was all they had. It was expensive. For those with sensitive skin, the package says: all-natural detergent! Good for babies clothes and individuals with allergies and sensitive skin. It' biodegradable, non toxic, and hypoallergenic. Both the washing soda and borax has the he symbol for front loading washing Machines.

Anonymous said...

I read the web-page about the science experiment in reference to this recipe. The question was "does homemade laundry soup work better than store bought?" the answer to her experiment was no because the store bought soap got stains out slightly better than the homemade. I think that if one were to add a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dawn dish soap in to the homemade recipe it would solve the problem with the stains. Wonderful recipe!!!! This has eliminated so much stress and cost from my life...

Anonymous said...

Have you ever used Zote soap with this recipe and if so, how much of the bar do you use. It is so much bigger than a regular bar. I have been using your recipe for months now and I am very pleased with it, other than I wish it would lightly scent my laundry. And Zote has a light fragrance.

Anonymous said...

I'm so going to try this ...
All the money your saving Amazing

Unknown said...

Is this safe to use on woollens?

Unknown said...

I sell appliances. This is front load and HE friendly.

Unknown said...

I sell sppliances. Yes this is front load snd HE friendly.

Unknown said...

I sell appliances. This is front load and HE friendly.

Unknown said...

I know this may be a little late but i found a recipie for washing soda you can make at home. You just take baking soda and heat oven to 400°f, sprinkle baking soda on shallow pan and bake for 1/2 hour stiring ocationally so it bakes evenly. Then you have washing soda :)

Unknown said...

Just put baking soda onto a baking sheet and bake it @ 400 for about an hour and you will have washing soda

Unknown said...

Just put baking soda onto a baking sheet and bake it @ 400 for about an hour and you will have washing soda

Stephanie said...

Can someone share how you re-use/sterilize the 'milk jugs' for the detergent, please? Thanks in advance for your help!

Unknown said...

Where do you buy your washing
soda and the borax? I would need to order online, please.

Also can you add different smells to the laundry detergent? I'm sure the bar of soap gives it some aroma, but I would like to add perhaps some lilac, for example. Can aloe be added to the mix in order to give the garments being washed a "fabric softened" feel?

Anonymous said...

buy bbaking soda n rock salt work if u cant find washing soda

Anonymous said...

our walmart has washing soda, fels naptha & borax in laundry section...

Anonymous said...

You can buy it on Amazon

Unknown said...

Is this safe on colors?

Anonymous said...

An even simpler recipe is to substitute 2 tablespoons per gallon of original blue dawn liquid dishwashing soap for the bar soap. This eliminates the dissolving and heating process and the detergent works great!

Anonymous said...

Walmart, Target both have our. You can also make your own, it's made with baking soda! Google One Good Thing with Jillee for the recipe.

Anonymous said...

There is a noncook version I love. The recipe is at www.onegoodthing.com. It uses only the borax, washing soda, and generic Dawn. Well, she uses real Dawn, I use generic. It's thin, but works just as well. And I love not having to cook it!

Also, if you can't find washing soda, you can make it from baking soda. Recipe at the same site.

GrammyGoldman said...

A liter is very close to a quart.Our gallons = 4 at./ liters.A gallon is 64 oz.and one ounce is 40 gm.Hope this helps.

GrammyGoldman said...

A liter is very close to a quart.Our gallons = 4 at./ liters.A gallon is 64 oz.and one ounce is 40 gm.Hope this helps.

GrammyGoldman said...

WHO has small loads..ha!

GrammyGoldman said...

WHO has small loads..ha!

Unknown said...

i have tried using this recipe for laundry detergent i have 2 boys who are always into something and staing there clothes up with everything imaginable mud grass ketchup grease oils from food etc... i also have a husband who is a mechanic at first detergent worked ok then just didnt seem to work at all clothes came out looking the same and had musky smell to them so i had to go back my original brand any idea why this happened or what i can do to adjust recipe to tackle these stains

Nina A. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I would suggest using the FELS NAPPA Laundry Bar soap.. which removes stains and is not an Oil based soap like some you use in your bath. Those asking where to buy the Washing Soda or Borax, it is all in the Laundry aisle at your major grocery stores.. normally on the top shelf or bottom in the Laundry aisle.

Anonymous said...

I tried this and it clogged my HE front loader and water spilled out of the soap compartment. How do I make it thinner to a liquid consistency. It is like jello now and I made a big batch. Love the idea, just need to get it thinner. Any ideas?

Jane said...

I've been using your recipe for a while now, and I'm very pleased. It's the best one I've found! I use my Smallbones Pure Castile Soap. I've added a link to your page from http://www.smallbones.ca/100-natural-soap-for-a-healthy-green-clean/pure-castile-soap

Unknown said...

just want to say I have been using this recipe/formula for over 1 1/2 years now and can't believe the money i save... and less colour fading on my clothes so that saves me even more.... i have had both the gelatenous and watery batches but they both clean the same... no worries!!! thanks so much for sharing this !!!!!

Anonymous said...

I was wondering too so I went back to read it. I think she means if you make the recipe until you use the whole boxes of borax and washing soda you will get about 576 loads. Don't know how big her boxes are and she does say the price and type of soap can vary. Most recipes I've seen say to make 5 gallons with same amt of ingredients and still use 1/2 cup detergent so this recipe does seem concentrated to me.

gexhouse2 said...

In the spirit of Laura Ingalls, with wash day being Monday, here's a little recipe for homemade laundry detergent you can use tomorrow, Saturday!

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gexhouse2 said...

In the spirit of Laura Ingalls, with wash day being Monday, here's a little recipe for homemade laundry detergent you can use tomorrow. monday

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Anonymous said...

I found it in the detergent isle in shop rite

Teresa said...

Could you add peroxide to this for stain removal?

Sheri Sunshine's Blog said...

This looks an awesome contribution! Thanks great recipe!

Laundry products

Anonymous said...

Tried homemade - made the whites grey - hubby asked me to go back to store bought - fine with me since grating soap is a pain in the rear - tried grating in food processor - broke food processor - bottom line, no thank you

Dollar Store Crafter said...

When I make mine it turns to a 'jello' texture too so I just keep it in the pot and when I use it I put 1/2 cup in an old mayo jar add warn water and shake then add it to the washer. I read the texture depends on the soap you use but it works out just fine.

Judy said...

Very coagulatged and very hard to get out of jug. Maybe I should just leave in pot so I can scoop out and maybe mix with warm water also. I used Fel Napa soap since it is good for stain removal. open to any suggestions.

Anonymous said...

Been sing this in my front loader for 2 months. Never had a problem. And washer smells great! I used Fels Naptha bar soap. Found in laundry aisle with the washing soda and Borax. :-)

Anonymous said...

RE: what SOAP BAR to use: most of the 'soaps' on the market are not true soap, but are 'bars' ... Dr. Bronners is a true soap, and comes in either an Unscented Baby Mild, or many wonderful essential oil scented bars like Lavender, Almond, Peppermint, Tea Tree, etc.

Anonymous said...

Walmart, Krogers....

Claudia Jachniak said...

I have a two year old so I will try this for sure.. anything to save money in this family. THe detergent I use now doesn't seem to make my clothes white and doesn't take the dirt off my clothes. my socks always turn out gray and seem to still be dirty even if I did wash them.
does this detergent clean all the dirt off and make it white??

Amy said...

Washing soda ...equals regular arm and hammer baking soda.. which is also great to add a half cup to a warm soaking bath.. makes your skin soft!

Anonymous said...

For those of you unable to find washing soda here is a link showing how to turn regular baking soda into washing soda just by baking it! http://naturesnurtureblog.com/2012/05/08/ttt-turn-baking-soda-into-washing-soda/

Anonymous said...

Hi all, it works great with a front loader, I make it in the pot and have a small ladle, I just use about 1/3rd of a cup. If it is too congealed and lumpy it will not flow down into the washier, but if you break it up it will.

For wool I do not use this, I use Sheep soap from the grange, also cheep and nice for the wool. If you have some of those dumb hotel soaps around the house you can use them too. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

My husband and I are pretty excited about making this. However, he is such a numbers person..... how do you get 576 loads from 2 gallons? You mention using 1/2c per load. There's definitely not 500 1/2c between the 2 gallons. Do you use more or less depending on the loads like with the commercial detergents?

wedding gown cleaning Forth Worth TX said...

I found your DIY laundry very useful, great for whole family looking for ways to save on laundry detergent expenses.

Cyberdiver said...

16 cups to a gallon so thats 32 1/2 cups so times 2 gallons that is 64 so how do yo get 576 loads from 2 gallons

Anonymous said...

You can use it in a front load just fine. You can find borax and washing soda at Wal-Mart

Anonymous said...

Hi kate yes u can use it in high efficiency ..and u can go to any store like walmart. target ..or any outket that sells detergent its about 3-4 dollors for a big box of it. :-):-)

xkxspadesxkx said...

You can also use liquid hand soap. A friend makes this with a bottle of liquid hand soap and it is awesome!

xkxspadesxkx said...

You can also use liquid hand soap. A friend makes this with a bottle of liquid hand soap and it is awesome!

rebl3157 said...

Can you add Oxi Clean to this mixture or should I add it separately?

Anonymous said...

I have saved a ton of money! Been using this for 4-5 months now. Do not cook OxyClean, however. Huge disaster all over the kitchen. I was the laughing stock of all my FB family and friends with that story, although I must say my laundry is very clean.

Unknown said...

If I wanted to add baking soda, oxi clean and scent booster when should I add this? Also if I wanted to use one box of borax and one box of washing soda how would I make this recipe?

Essie said...

Hi I,m an Aussie and I add eucalyptus to the mix when i scoop into my front loader i use 1/4 cup and add hot waater to disolve and pour directly onto laundry shut the door and voila!!! You do need someting to get out really dirty stains I usually soak before washing

Anonymous said...

I have made this recipe and at first I loved it but after having too many washing machine issues and buildup, I decided it wasn't worth the money saving. I actually got a new front load washer and I wouldn't dare to try it in it! This soap mixture suds too much. A family member that used it said it made her white clothes gray!

Unknown said...

Hi Erin. Thank you so much for this post. Always looking for ways to make things that I need on my own. What would the recipe be for a dry version of the laundry detergent?

Anonymous said...

Can you something else than borax? I am highly sensitive to borax.

Anonymous said...

Hi
I made this exactly according to recipe but it's so thick I can't squeeze it from the bottle.
Shall I add another volume of water and try again? Shall I make it with half block of soap next time?

Unknown said...

I still believe that it is better to buy already liquid soap than to turn into it from a bar of soap. It is even more expensive than to buy really good liquid soap from supermarket. For example I always buy mine, here- skysti muilai , just because it is ecologic, relatively cheap and high quality. Try :)

Anonymous said...

Yes this works in HE machines very well because of the low suds. Use between two tablespoons and 1/4 cup, or even less. The HE washer uses a lot less water, so the detergent is very concentrated.

Anonymous said...

Where do u get essential oil?? Plz email me cause I have no. Idea how to ever get back to this reply site. Stace38t44@gmail.com thx in advance

Jacqueline Frances said...

I love this recipe!!! Thank you!
Do you know of a recipe to make Dishwasher detergent? I find it is sooo expensive.
Thanks,
Jacqueline in Pitt Meadows

Anonymous said...

I have been making mine since September & will not buy Laundry Soap or Fabric Softer again

Anonymous said...

I made some of this stuff but my husband said it tasted awful so i`ll be sticking to branded shop bought jello in future, whatever about the cost

Anonymous said...

This stuff is a miracle!! It's cheap and easy to make, and lasts forever. I've saved a ton of money and our clothing gets clean, even my daughter's stinky track clothes.
thank you!

Anonymous said...

For all of you that mentions a fabric softener, I seen A recipe, I think on Pintrest, that said to add Epsom Salt, about 4 cups for this size of recipe. And yes, it does work. Laundry soap and softener in the same mix!

Anonymous said...

Sooo i Thought Adding Purex Crystals To Help It Smell Awesome Would Be An Equally Awesome Idea.... Turns Out Not So Much. First Batch I Added Them When I Added The Grated Soap And It Never Thickened And Separated It, Still Washed Ok. Just Did Second Batch And Everything Was Going So Perfect Until I Added Them Into The Pot After The Cold Water, Once Again, Separated. Like I Said, It Still Cleans But You Gotta Shake It So The Layer Of Soap Foam Gets In The Mix But I'm Gonna Try Leaving Completely Out Next Time And If It Doesn't Have The Smell I Want Without Them, Then I'll Just Add Dry To Each Load.

Anonymous said...

Is it safe for septic systems?

Anonymous said...

Iwant to know if it is septic system ssfr before I make and try it

Unknown said...

Hi there! Found this via Pinterest and this sounds fantastic! Looking forward to trying this one day. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I just made it and used it, it worked great!

Anonymous said...

Homemade laubdry soap is ok for he frontloaders as it doesnt have a high suds factor.. i use to use it in my front loader all the time

Unknown said...

A little citric acid. It is not toxic and often used to stop cut fruit from turning brown.

reina h said...

How about for scent I love scented clothing who doesn't. ..

Anonymous said...

you can buy washing soda at your local walmart or store like it.

Anonymous said...

Where those materials i can buy, I'm here in the Philippines. Tnx

Unknown said...

I wonder if it would help for you to add a little vinegar to your wash for the hard water.

Unknown said...

I wonder if it would help for you to add a little vinegar to your wash for the hard water.

Unknown said...

Actually YES I make it as well and use it in my.parents HE WASHER!!! :)

Unknown said...

I use this in my front load machine and works fine. I bought both the washing soda and borox at Wal mart. Have made this about 2 years now and I also make my own fabric softener to.

Anonymous said...

Have tried this and am loving this. I need to make another batch.

Vickie Berntson said...

Borax soap is very harmful to all pets. So please do not let them lay on any towels or bedding. My ferrets lost all there fur because if the borax soap........

Anonymous said...

Hi
Found this on pinterest
I'm still not clear about the exact measures of the ingredients.
Here in India we generally measur in grams,liters or milliliters.
so it would be really helpful if u could give me the exact measures of the ingredient ,including water also.

Anonymous said...

I have an HE washer and my husband does most of the laundry. He says this is the best laundry detergent he's ever used. It gets out grease and set-in stains. The clean smell of our laundry is incredible and have found that we don't need a fabric softener. At first this detergent was very thick, but once it was stirred and bottled, it was great. I have noticed that when you get close to the bottom of the container, the soap tends to separate from the water. Just give the jug a good shake and it works just fine. Thank you so much for the recipe.

Unknown said...

Ivory bar soap

Anonymous said...

I love the recipe, going to make it with an additional gallon of water to thin it some. I would like to comment about your price, since you seemed to have left out the cost of a bar of soap needed for every 32 loads = appx $1, the cost is no where near $6 for 500 loads. This all assuming 2 gal / 1/2 cup per load. And before anyone comments about soap lying around, there is no such thing as a free lunch.

Anonymous said...

Can this recipe be safely used for cloth diapers without leaving a residue that would decrease absorbency?

Also, do you find that this recipe will fade dark clothes over time with many washes?

Ashley

Anonymous said...

It's gallons (US) for the conversion to liters.

Unknown said...

I do a home made hot processed organic bar soap with the above recipe. also add fragrance or essential oils like lavender, ,lemongrass & eucalyptus. I find it works well. I have eczema and have not had any problems.

Unknown said...

Soda and borax grocery store Safeway

Unknown said...

Heard dawn liquid soap is great

Anonymous said...

Please remember that borax is very harmful to pets!!!!!!!! My little girl ferret no longer has any fur left on her because she sleeps in the dirty towels. So I had to rewash all thete bedding and the towels in regular Landry soap........ But the damage is already done. So please, do NOT use borax soap for any of your pets bedding

Anonymous said...

Can it be used for kids clothes who has eczema

Anonymous said...

After it turns to a jell form use a stick blender and get it back to a thinner liquid, put it in an old detergent bottle and shake well before you use it. It will thicken up after time. Just give it a good shake.

Anonymous said...

Walmart sells everything listed

Tara Kenney said...

Hi, Thanks for this!! I'm going to try this tomorrow. My fingers are crossed. I did read every comment on here and am taking all into consideration, so thanks to all!

Anonymous said...

I use this same recipe except dry. I grate the soap (ivory) and then add it with the borax and washing soda to a mason jar, shake well, done (doesn't take up much space either). I add 1 tbsp to each load. Works great. I have added essential oils to the mix before, but find that all it does is make the powder smell good, I don't smell it on my clothes at all.

I can't find washing soda in any store but Home Hardware so if you don't find it down the laundry isle check the hardware store.

I love telling people that it costs me $12 a year for laundry soap, and we do at least 1 load every day. It blows their minds!

Anonymous said...

Made my second batch today....my family loves the way the it works. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

Anonymous said...

Washing soda is soda ash.
Soda ash is also known as PH+ a pool additive. Get it cheaper in the pool aisle as PH+. It's the same stuff, honest!

Unknown said...

I have eczema too and im allergic to any dyes or fragrance in soap. I use a dry version with washing soda, borax, fels naptha, oxyclean, and baking soda.I love it....it lasts us 6 months....I have no reaction to it and works in an HE front loader!

Dorothy said...

I love making my own detergent, soaps etc etc. I have found that actually 1/4 cup of the soap works every bit as good as a half cup as recipe calls for.
Love it!!!! Love it!!!! Love it!!!

Anonymous said...

I buy my washing sida at Walmart. It's in the laundry aisle. I also do not use just any soap. I use either Fels Naptha or Zote, both of which are in the laundry aisle and are made specifically for laundry. Homemade lye soap works great as well. I also add a little oxyclean to mine.

Anonymous said...

Actual homemade lye sosp works great. I wouldn't use any with dark colorant though, just as a precaution.

Unknown said...

Kimmie, what is the recipe for liquid?

Anonymous said...

You can buy the washing soda in the laundry soap section usually next to the borax. The soap work great in He washers!

Amanda said...

Could it possibly be made without the borax? I think I had. An allergic reaction to it. I was covered in hives. It happened anytime I wore clothes washed in this. I had I ready everything before it would stop. Thanks for any advice.

Anonymous said...

I use a cup to a cup and a half of vinegar along with laundry soap in my wash to get out the urine smells. It also gets the musty soured smells out of towels. The vinegar also helps soften the items I've washed with it.

Anonymous said...

Galong (us)

Anonymous said...

Try using dove or ivory o r even Johnson and Johnson baby soap

Anonymous said...

Gallon US

Unknown said...

I want to add powdered oxi-clean (store brand version) and the Purex crystals. Can I do this to the liquid version or is that just for the powdered type? I use cold water to wash with, and powdered doesn't always dissolve in the winter time. If I can add them, do you know the approximate amounts?

Anonymous said...

High efficiency laundry detergent had less bubbles than regular detergent so this, in that respect, should be great

Unknown said...

This detergent recipe would cause a lot of soap scum build up on a high efficiency washer. You would have to run a cleaner quite often and that can get expensive and time consuming.

Anonymous said...

Do you know anything that I can put in scent wise? Also, do you know if I can substitute some of the water for White Distilled Vinegar to kill more germs?

Unknown said...

It's nice post. Thanks for sharhing this post. Cloth Cleaning Products

MSegers said...

I've used RIT dye in my front loading machine & a top loading machine both with excellent results. If you spill any of the powder or mixed up solution wipe it up quickly so it doesn't stain anything.

Gin Keefer said...

Thank you so much for this "recipe". I love it and it saves so much money. When I make it I ladle it out into muffin pans I bought at the dollar store and let it cool. Each "disk" is 1/2 cup and I use one per load. I store the disks in two plastic shoe box type containers next to my washer. It's a bit more work on the front end but less on the back...just grab a disk and toss it in the washer. Costs me $2.19/load and I get 94 disks out of one batch. That's 2.3 cents per load! Totally worth the little bit of time it takes to make this...in my opinion.

Anonymous said...

Ivory soap 99% pure !

Unknown said...

I made a concentrated version (without adding the 2nd gallon of water) and put the thick stuff into very small containers so I could pop one out and throw it into the load. I used castile soap and it worked great. The goop hardens as it cools so it is easier to pop out of the container.

Unknown said...

Wallmart

Unknown said...

It's great Post. Thanks for sharing this post. Best Washing Powder for Washing Machines

Unknown said...

Nice Post. Best Washing Powder for Food Stain Removal

Steff831 said...

When adding the borax & washing soda, how much do you add in the pot for the 2 gallons?

Unknown said...

Whatever kind you want to use and what smells good, I all so put in a bottle of fabric softner to keep them soft.

Unknown said...

Walmart carries it! It's in the same aisle as the laundry soap.

Anonymous said...

Could you use liquid baby soap instead of bar soap? My skin is sensitive

Anonymous said...

We've made a recipe like this and its stain cleaning ability is not that impressive

Unknown said...

I use Fells Naptha soap. It's actually an old laundry soap and cleans really well. I also use a 5 gallon pail with more water and it lasts my family of 11 about a month. Imagine the savings!!

Unknown said...

I use Fells Naptha soap. It's actually an old laundry soap and cleans really well. I also use a 5 gallon pail with more water and it lasts my family of 11 about a month. Imagine the savings!!

Anonymous said...

Yes it can be found in the laundry soap isle

Anonymous said...

Front loading works for me. I keep mine quite thick and smear a table spoon of the 'cream' on to an item and throw everything in and just run as normal.

Back In Thyme Primitives said...

Thank you so much for posting this recipe. I have been using it for 2 years now and I love it. I have just started up a new blog (backinthymeprimitives.com) and would love to share your recipe. Of coarse, I wanted to ask your permission first. I plan on putting a link back to the original post and using my own pictures. Let me know if this is ok with you.

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I also had very serious skin issues & doc said Ivory very harsh. I believed the commercial bathing the baby with it just to confirm above statement

Random Mumblings said...

I get my washing soda at Wal-mart in the laundry section.

Anonymous said...

I add gain scent crystals to mine to make it smell really good

Anonymous said...

After my detergent has cooled, I run mine through my food processor to get a more liquid consistency. I have found that it dissolves better in my machine that way.

Unknown said...

this is perfect for sensitive skin all of my kids have sensitive skin. my son who has eczema and psoriasis actually rubbed it directly on his skin to see if it would affect him and nothing! I have been making a version of this for 3 years and it's the only laundry soap I will use from now on! plus the kids like helping me make it so it's a family activity saves money and because you reuse bottles it's also eco friendly! win win win

Unknown said...

this is perfect for sensitive skin all of my kids have sensitive skin. my son who has eczema and psoriasis actually rubbed it directly on his skin to see if it would affect him and nothing! I have been making a version of this for 3 years and it's the only laundry soap I will use from now on! plus the kids like helping me make it so it's a family activity saves money and because you reuse bottles it's also eco friendly! win win win

Unknown said...

I also am praying for your hubby,you and your family. The Great Physician is at our beckon call.

Unknown said...

I also am praying for your hubby,you and your family. The Great Physician is at our beckon call.

Betsy said...

I made this yesterday. Got up this morning and it's still liquid and soap is floating around the bottom. I followed directions to the T.
What do I do to fix this? Please advise!
Thanks

Unknown said...

And this is what we want when we said we were going frugal and making do for Christmas!

Unknown said...

Question for you? I just made a huge batch of dry mix. Can I use it to make your recipe for the liquid? My dry mix consists of 1 box of borax, 1 box of super washing powder, 2 bars of Zote soap, 1 box of oxyclean, and purex crystals. I'm thinking that i might have to get another bar of soap. But if I use 2 cups of my mix and maybe a 1/2 of bar of soap because i already have 2 bars of soap in my mix. My mix is in a plastic bucket of what was kitty litter. I'm just thinking if just 2 cups of my mix will go such a long ways, then if I make it liquid, then it will go even further? Do you think my thinking is correct? TIA Rena'

Unknown said...

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Anonymous said...

Gallon US is the conversion you want to look for. There's 3-liters in each 1gallon therefore with this laundry soap recipe you'll measure six liters which makes the 2Gallons of detergent

Emy Watson said...

Which is better? Washing powder or liquid detergent?
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mrscjr said...

Unfortunately this would not be a good idea for a HE washer - soap leaves a residue, which the HE machines can't rinse because they use so much less water. Perhaps if you used the machine's self-cleaning function frequently, but that will seriously eat into your savings because of the added cost for power & water.

Anonymous said...

In her picture she's using 4 L jugs

Anonymous said...

I have been making this for a year now. 3 batches. I love it so much and am always impressed about how clean my clothes are and
how stupidly expensive commercial products are. I do use a fair amount in each wash....probably over half a cup, but I don't care cause I usually have 3-4 milk containers (2litres) full of it. I also use a pre-soaker, Napisan for collars or stains.

Anonymous said...

WHY ADD WATER? LEAVE IT IN THE POWDER FORM AND USE A SMALL SCOOP. TAKES UP MUCH LESS ROOM AND IS MORE CONCENTRATED.

Unknown said...

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Anonymous said...

Hello. Do you know what I can add to give it a nice fragrance?

Jr. Williams said...

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Jr. Williams said...

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BernieB said...

I have used several different recipes based on similar ingredients and haven't had any issues in my he front loader.

BernieB said...

You can Google conversion from us gallon to whatever your national measurement is, here in the UK is UK gallon and Les and pints. Us and UK cos are different too I think I'm right in saying.

BernieB said...

You can Google conversion from us gallon to whatever your national measurement is, here in the UK is UK gallon and Les and pints. Us and UK cos are different too I think I'm right in saying.

BernieB said...

Fabric softener in your field reduces the absorbing ability of the towelling, it actually clogs up the pores.

BernieB said...

You can Google conversion from us gallon to whatever your national measurement is, here in the UK is UK gallon and Litres and pints. Us and UK cos are different too I think I'm right in saying.

BernieB said...

You can Google conversion from us gallon to whatever your national measurement is, here in the UK is UK gallon and Litres and pints. Us and UK cos are different too I think I'm right in saying.

BernieB said...

I have used several different recipes based on similar ingredients and haven't had any issues in my he front loader.

Jhon Marshal said...

Thanks for the update you have nicely covered this topic. keep it up
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Unknown said...

I would buy the heavy duty water containers that hold two gallons and make a years worth because they are heavy duty, ubicormed. And stackable. $8 by the water machine at walmart. Also, I would not want a smalll child to think pretty green stuff fir food and drink.

Unknown said...

I think I will try the Yardley English soaps at dollar tree.

Unknown said...

My thinking also.. I like the glycerin soap for sensitive skin at dollar tree.

Unknown said...

My thinking also.. I like the glycerin soap for sensitive skin at dollar tree.

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