Homemade laundry detergent
With these great DIY solutions, you can make your own detergent for less than half the cost of a store brand.
WASH UP: The start of DIY liquid laundry detergent, made with Fels Naptha soap. (Photo: moonlightbulb/Flickr) -
You just finished your bottle of store bought detergent, there’s a fierce snowstorm raging outside, your baby just spit up, and you happen to have a box of borax lying around.
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A chatty friend is dropping by and you want him or her to spread the word that your green efforts go beyond recycling newspapers and beer bottles.
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There’s only one 20 dollar bill left in your wallet and you’d rather save it for a rainy day than blow it on laundry detergent.
Comments
Where would you (anyone) recommend that someone go to find Borax and Washing Soda?
I found mine at the local Walmart.
Borax and Washing Soda are often found in the laundry section of grocery store--usually on the top shelf. Another possibility is a small hardware store.
@Rendee You're absolutely right. I would think even 1-2 ounces per batch would be overpowering and expensive (lots of essential oils are $10+ per ounce)! I'd try just 10-20 DROPS per overall batch and go from there after you smell your first washload. It's easier to add than take out! :) Plus, too many oils of any kind could put those ugly little spots on your close that look like wet spots that never dry.
The directions say you can add 1 or 2 oz essential oil per load? Is that per load of laundry or per batch that the recipe makes???
My daughter got me started making my own laundry and the results are amazing. I am expecting a new grandchild and someone gave us some hand-me-downs. They had a “grayish” color and formula stains around the neck line. I rubbed Fels Naptha on the stains and tossed everything in the washer. We could not believe how the stains were removed and the clothes changed colors. We will not go back to buying commercial brands.
ok, i did a different liquid that requires the making of only 2 gallons. I don't know if it is the right one to use, but you boil the soap till it desolves add the washing soda (1 cup, and 1 cup of borax) stir till everything is dissolved shutting off heat, then let it sit for a while. it doesnt get jelly but is more liquidy. u can also use plain ivory soap or dove, dove works the best. Is this a good way to make it or should i do it with the 5 gallon bucket
i forgot to say that u boil the soap in 1 gallon water, at the end u add another gallon of cold water. SO IS IT OK TO USE DOVE???
I ALSO HAVE USED DISH DETERGENT&WATER IN MY WHITE WASH WHEN I RAN OUT OF BLEACH. IT DID WONDERS FOR THE RING AROUND THE COLLER,AND BLOOD STAINS
If you use a scented bar soap like Dr Bonner's lavender you won't need essential oil. I guarantee it. A week after my first laundering with homemade laundry soap I can still smell the lavender. It's gorgeous.
I cannot wait to try this! I have heard a few negative things about Borax, but it is all natural so I will give it a go. I have started an all natural home made beauty regimen if your interested! Cheap and Natural.
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