Homemade Laundry Detergent

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 bar Fels-Naptha soap, shaved
  • 2 cups water
  • 20 cups cold water
  • 4 tsp borax
  • 1/2 cup Arm & Hammer washing soda
  • 20-40 drops essential oils of choice (optional)
Here Is A link to some of my favorite laundry scents (paid ad)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Soap Mixture: Begin by shaving the 1/2 bar of Fels-Naptha soap into small flakes. In a saucepan, combine the shaved soap with 2 cups of water. Heat the mixture on the stove over medium heat, stirring continuously until the soap is fully dissolved. This may take several minutes. Once dissolved, remove the mixture from the heat.

  2. Mix in Borax and Washing Soda: In a large bucket or container, pour in 20 cups of cold water. Add 4 teaspoons of borax and 1/2 cup of Arm & Hammer washing soda to the cold water. Stir well to ensure that the powders are fully dissolved in the water.

  3. Combine the Solutions: Carefully pour the hot soap mixture from the saucepan into the bucket with the cold water, borax, and washing soda. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.

  4. Add Essential Oils (Optional): If desired, you can add 20-40 drops of your preferred essential oils to the detergent mixture. Popular choices include lavender, lemon, or tea tree oil. Stir well to distribute the essential oils throughout the mixture.

  5. Let it Sit Overnight: Cover the bucket or container containing the detergent mixture and let it sit overnight. During this time, the mixture will thicken and gel.

  6. Usage: After the detergent has gelled, it's ready to use. Stir the mixture before each use as it may settle over time. Use approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the homemade detergent per load of laundry, depending on the size and level of soiling.

  7. Storage: Store the homemade laundry detergent in a tightly sealed container or bottles. Label the container clearly and keep it out of reach of children.

This homemade laundry detergent is an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to store-bought detergents, and it's customizable with your choice of essential oils for a pleasant scent. Enjoy fresh and clean laundry!