Making your own Homemade Laundry Detergent is easier than you may think. I make a 6 month supply at once for pennies per load. It smells wonderful and cleans amazing!!
HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT
I have been wanting to make my own Homemade laundry detergent for years. I have been using natural cleanersf or years to save money and become more a little more green. But sheer indecisiveness has kept me from getting in gear with making laundry detergent.
I couldn’t decide if I wanted powder or liquid. I know, really?! I have read and read and have several recipes printed. I kept leaning toward liquid, but most of the recipes have to let it sit for 24 hours and I guess I’m a little impatient and want to start using it right away.
The first batch will be a tad more since you may have to buy your container, a scoop and a new 5 gallon bucket with a lid. I spent about $20.00 on these items.
The ingredients cost me a little less than $20.00 for 270 LOADS of laundry detergent Just about $0.07 a load!!
Ingredients – Makes 2 gallons of powder detergent
(1) 76 oz box of Borax -$4.99 at my local grocery store
(1) 55 oz box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda – $3.24
3 lb container of OxiClean – $7.52
(1) 4 lb box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda – $2.24
(2) bars of Zote Soap (400g ) – $0.97 each at Walmart
*** or (3) bars of Fels Nathpha, grated or (3) bars of Ivory Soap, grated
One Time Expense
Container to put the detergent in – I bought mine for $14.97 at Walmart
2 tablespoon Scoop – I bought a coffee scoop at Walmart for $1.67
5 Gallon Bucket with a lid – about $4.00 at Walmart
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT
1. Pour the 1st 3 ingredients -Washing Soda, Borax, and OxiClean into the 5 Gallon bucket
2. Grate the Zote Soap in a food processor. It will fit through the feed tube of the food processor if you cut it in half and then cut those pieces in half. You can also use a regular cheese grater if you don’t have a food processor just be sure to grate it as fine as possible. I have also read that you can heat the soap in the microwave 4 minutes if you don’t have a food processor. Then let it cool and it will crumble easy.
I did use my food processor because it’s so much faster. It’s only soap so it’s just fine when you wash afterwards.
3. Use the shredding disc on the food processor to grate the Zote Soap 1 at a time. Put the first batch in a separate bowl.
4. Put the regular blade back onto the food processor and add 2 cups of shredded soap with 1 cup of baking soda at a time.
5. Blend the soap and baking soda for about 20-30 seconds until it forms a powder. (mixing the baking soda with the soap keeps the soap from getting clumpy.
6. Add each batch you pulse to the 5 gallon bucket as you go. When you are done with all the Zote, add the rest of the baking soda to the bucket as well.
7. Put the lid on the 5 gallon bucket and roll and shake it until it is mixed completely.
8. Voila!! You’re done! Pour or scoop the detergent into your choice of container!
Use 1 scoop or 2 tablespoon for each load of laundry.
For HE Front Load Washers – You can either add it to your dispenser if your washer says it accepts powder or liquid. Or you can simply but it directly into the tub before adding the clothes.
Regular Top Load Washer – Add it first then add clothes as the cycle starts.
Shelby
I have been making my own for over a year now and won’t go back. Thanks for the tip about adding the baking soda to the processor when processing the grated soap! I can’t wait to try with my next batch!
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes
I have ALWAYS wanted to try this! Thanks so mucj for sharing at Freedom Fridays! Have a Happy Easter! 🙂
Evelyn @ My Turn for us
Pinning and Sharing as one of this weeks Features at Freedom Fridays With All My Bloggy Friends!! Thanks for sharing!
Hugs and Happy Easter!
Sherri
Thank you so much! Have a fabulous weekend!
Stephanie Kay
I keep thinking about this as well. But I don’t own a food processor and grating all that soap by hand does NOT sound like fun. Maybe one day I’ll give it a try. Thanks for sharing via Family Fun Friday.
Sherri
I have heard from others that if you put the soap in the microwave for for about 4 minutes that it will crumble after it cools. I haven’t tried it myself but it would certainly help with the grating. 🙂
Amy
I tried a similar recipe two months ago. I just used an old plastic container and do it by the cup (One cup of each ingredient and 1 bar of soap). I had to make a batch Sunday. But I just use one tablespoon per load. My clothes are clean. I am one to over use detergent because of hard water, before Tide would go so fast. I would try less but I would get grease stains, so was envious of anyone who could use a little and get clean clothes. Well not anymore. So happy to make something that works amazing for so cheap.
Sherri
I am so happy too! I don’t know why I waited as long as I did to make it. I honestly can’t get over how well it cleans.
Shari
Just wondering if this fades your clothes over time? I’ve been using Melaleuca laundry products which are awesome, but can’t afford the monthly membership requirements. I’m worried these might be a little harsh. Thoughts?
Sherri
I haven’t noticed any fading so far at all. 🙂
Julie
Stopping by from Best of the Weekend Party. I’ve thought about making my own, but haven’t been motivated enough. Seeing how easy it is here, tempts me more to give it a try.
Joanne T Ferguson
G’day! Economical as can be!
Great recipe to share at the Foodie Friends Friday Copycat Recipes Party
Cheers! Joanne
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
I make my own powder and liquid when I am feeling industrious but I am out of both at the moment. I am pinning your recipe to compare it with the one I am using…maybe I will change it up a bit. And I like your food processor tip…I’ve just been grating the soap on the small grating side of the grater. I’ve been nervous to use my food processor, although I don’t know why, it’s not like it won’t be getting washed afterwards!
Sherri
I felt the same about the food processor at first as well. But then my friend reminded me that it’s just “soap”. I just soaked it a little bit in the sink and then washed and rinsed it extra good. 🙂
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz
This is really cool, love homemade recipe like these.
Laurie
You ROCK for linking up this week to Tip Me Tuesday Sherri. {high fives} Just a heads up, Tip Junkie can help you index your blog more effectively if you upload at least 2 images, 2 steps, and blog post URL into your Tip Junkie craft room! Simply login and click “add a project” on your profile page to get started. {yep I’ve got your back!} ~ Laurie {a.k.a. the Tip Junkie}
Link ~ http://www.tipjunkie.com/how-to-add-a-craft-room-project-on-tip-junkie
Sherri
You are the BEST!! Thank you so much for letting me know! I just added it. Have a fabulous weekend!!
kenni
Do you have the recipe for liquid detergent????
Sherri
I have one on this post that know people love! http://www.luvabargain.com/diy-natural-cleaners.html
danielle
I keep saying I am going to do this – you make it sound so simple. Saw you on inspire me wednesday and decided to come take a closer look.
Sherri
I know exactly how you feel. I put it off for a really long time myself but I am SO happy with it. And how much money I will be saving 🙂
Molly
So I made a sample size of this, but I replaced the borax with caster oil soap and added my grain Crystals so it’s just one easy step for my kids! Can’t wait to make a full batch!
Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner?
Oh wow, this is awesome! Thank you for sharing at Simple Supper Tuesday.
suzyhomemaker
I usually make powdered too cause I am too lazy to make liquid. LOL But I think I am going to try liquid next time. Maybe even today now that I am thinking about it.
Sherri
LOL! I’m sure I will give liquid a try one day too.
Elizabeth
I have been looking for a good detergent recipe! Thank you for sharing!
Sherri
I’ve been so happy with it!