I was out of laundry soap and I have decided it was time to find a good recipe to make myself. Most recipes call for ingredients you already have in your house, and they are healthy and without harsh chemicals. The recipe I made didn’t take long and there was plenty to last quite a while.
The first step is researching to find one that is doable. You have the option of making a powdered formula or liquid. I opted for a liquid option because I feel that it mixes in quicker than a powdered cleaner. The recipe below I decided to make a half batch because I wanted to try it out before I make too much. I have already washed 3 loads with it and I am very pleased.
Liquid Detergent
1 quart water (boiling)
2 cups bar soap (grated)
2 cups borax
2 cups washing soda
1. Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted.
2. Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the borax and washing soda. Stir well until all is dissolved.
3. Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed.
4. Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Once it’s cool, add 5 – 7 drops of your favorite essential oil per gallon. Stir the soap each time you use it (it will gel).
It took me a while to find the washing soda. I would have thought Target or Walmart would carry it, but I ended up finding it at a grocery store in the bleach aisle. For the soap I wanted to go with a selection that was healthy so I picked Dr Bonner’s lavender castile soap. Every time I open the laundry soap to use I can smell the lovely scent of lavender. Please leave me your stories of making homemade laundry soap you love.
