Homemade Laundry Detergent

For my mother-in-law - 

Homemade Laundry Detergent


A gal in my office whom some have deemed "Mother Earth" is a true crafter and maker of all things. She "wow"ed us all when she made her own laundry detergent last year. But, she did intrigue me with the "penny a load" concept! When she brought in a jar for me to try, Bill and I were both impressed. Yeah, she pretty much had us at cheap!

Here is Jonnita's recipe (and yes, it safe for front loaders):

6 c hot water
1/3 bar Fels Naphtha soap (shredded) (I have read you CAN use other bar soaps)
1/2 c Washing Soda (Arm & Hammer makes one as pictured above)
1/2 C Borax
2 gallon bucket
1 qt hot water

Mix Fels Naphtha soap in a saucepan with 6 c of hot water and heat on low until dissolved. Stir in washing soda and Borax. Stir until thickened and remove from heat. Add 1 quart hot water to 2 gallon bucket. Add soap mixture and mix well. Fill bucket with hot water and mix well again. Set aside for 24 hours until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 c per load.

TIPS:

• If you use a mildly scented soap, you can add an essential oil for your own specialty fragrance.
• I found this video helpful if you like tutorials.
• For local friends, Jonnita shared you can find all of these ingredients at Fred Meyer.

PS: I find it very funny that I am sharing this recipe, I have watched the video, I have purchased all the ingredients and I have YET to do this myself. I'm gonna do it, I promise!