Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe
This has been making the rounds on the internet lately, but I had to try it. This weekend, I made my own laundry detergent. Then I used it. And I love it.
First of all, I never in a million years would have thought I’d jump at the chance to make my own laundry detergent. But a few things swayed me.
One: It’s super cheap, considering how much you can make. I love being frugal about things like laundry detergent so I can feel better about spending money on craft supplies.
Two: Mr. M and I have been itching like crazy recently. While I believe it’s more to do with dry air in our apartment, I figured trying a lower chemical detergent might be a good solution to our sensitive-skin problems. Plus, I like that I’m sending less chemicals into the environment.
Three: Any excuse to make laundry more interesting might be helpful. It is one of my least favorite chores, so turning it into a craft project might make it more “fun.” Yeah, that’s a stretch, I know.
I made this batch this weekend. It took about 15 minutes, most of those were spent grating a bar of Fels-Naptha soap by hand. Seeing me grating soap to make laundry detergent prompted a classic Mr. M bon mot: “It’s like you’re an honorary Walton!” I love that guy.
I used it on two separate loads of laundry this weekend, and it worked GREAT. The clothes coming out of the wash smelled clean, but not perfume-y. I noticed a t-shirt that had been looking pretty dingy had brightened up nicely. All in all, I’m calling this project a huge success.
Here’s how I made our batch (links go to Amazon so you can see product photos of each item):
- 3 cups of Borax
- 3 cups of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Powder
- 1 cup of OxiClean Powder
- 1 bar of Fels-Naptha soap, grated like shredded cheese (do not eat)
Mix together in a large container. Use approximately 1 tablespoon per load. You may need to experiment if your water is hard/soft.
Some notes: I purchased this glass jar at Big Lots for $4.80. I used a coffee scoop that had been hanging out at the back of our kitchen junk drawer for years. Just one scoop worked great on a decent-sized load of a laundry. I washed my clothes in Cool/Cold and there was no problem with the soap disintegrating.
Next time, I’d like to find some unscented castile soap and then use some essential oil drops to scent it. Just for a change. I have plenty of boxax, washing powder and oxiclean left over to make another batch.
Do you make your own cleaning supplies? Anything you can recommend?
I feel the need to say: So far, this has worked well for me in my top-load washer and on our sensitive skin.Your mileage may vary. I have no idea how this will work in your washer or affect your skin. Use at your own risk.
Filed in: In the Kitchen
