Homemade Laundry Detergent? Call me skeptical at first!
For the past few years I have been able to get some pretty great deals on laundry detergent. Previous to couponing, having to buy Tide almost made me cry! I didn’t know/want to try other brands and I wasn’t using coupons, and it was SO expensive, it seemed like we were always out!
Using coupons I was able to branch out and try different kinds saving a lot of money, I also was able to stock up at really low prices so I never saw the need to cut that savings even further. Until…. I was challenged by a well meaning friend to “save the environment” and cut back on waste from the bottles and use better products for my kids. SO I TRIED HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT….
Surprisingly, it worked! It was SUPER cheap to make, and it really worked. I will admit I was surprised. But, we have been using it for about 6 months now, I alternate between what I have on hand and the homemade. I have experimented with adding scented oils ( it doesn’t stain your clothes) for scent, because quite honestly that was what I liked about Tide, and I am pleased with the result.
It was very QUICK to make and not a hassle.
- Tide has risen in price over 60% in 2 years.
- People are stealing it and reselling it because of the price increase.
- People think it takes a long time to make or won’t clean as well. ( I have tested it and it does work good!)
- The supplies I am bringing will wash 180 loads for a top-load machine, or 600+ for a front loader.
- Better for the environment, less waste, safer for children
Cost for Tide – $22 for 96 loads
Cost Homemade – $2 for 180 loads
I figure over a year I am spending $114 on Tide
If I make my own I spend $6
Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe
- 1 bar of Fels Naptha soap, shaved
- 4 cups of hot water to melt the soap
- 3 gallons of hot water
- 1 cup of borax
- 2 cups of washing soda
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 large Rubbermaid container about 4-5 gallons size
Directions:
Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)
Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.
Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)
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