I made this on a whim one day after watching an episode of 19 and Counting. Say what you will about large families like the Duggars but they have the best money saving tips. Most of my inspiration has come from large family bloggers like the Duggars. Our household has been on homemade laundry soap since 2010 and I just made batch number in March. Little did I realize when I made my first batch how incredibly easy it is and inexpensive. The recipe and instructions are outlined below with a few lessons learned along the way.
Front or top load machine-best value
hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax
- Grate 1 bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted. I found a used food processor at a yard sale and use the "S" blade to grind my soap. Much faster and less labor intensive. The amount of water you use here really is not that important. You really just need enough to melt the soap and dilute the other ingredients in the next step.
-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir again, cover and let sit overnight to thicken. I have found the best thing to stir is a power drill and paint/grout paddle.
-Stir again and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (it will continue to gel)
-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons
-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-HE Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)
*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!
I did a cost comparison when I first made this and it came out to 1/2 of 1 cent per load.
I've since stopped using fabric softener all together. We only use white vinegar. Not only does the vinegar keep your machine clean but it removes any soap buildup in your fabrics.
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