Sunday, October 2, 2011

Cheap Homemade Laundry Detergent

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I have seen a lot of homemade laundry detergent around the blogosphere…I bought the stuff to make some a few weeks ago and just got around to making it today. 
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I made a double dose, so I used two bars of Fels Naptha soap (99 cents) and two cups of each Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda ($2.98) and 20 Mule Team Borax ($3.99).  You must use the washing soda and borax, you can’t substitute baking soda for the washing soda.
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I grated the bars of soap by hand and then got the bright idea to mix it all in the blender.  I added the dry powders and the grated bars of soap and it turned out great!
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The powder is fine and easy to scoop.  I can’t believe how easy it is and this is supposed to do 80 plus loads of laundry. And the cost for each 80 load batch is about $2.
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I have enough of the washing soda and borax for 8 more double batches (if I did the math right).  And I have used it and love it!  I understand you can also use Ivory bar soap instead of the Fels Naptha.
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Definitely a great idea!
I am linking to these great parties!
Ellen

8 comments:

Leah said...

Do you use different amounts for top loader versus front loaders? I know I've seen different recommendations for home made liquid soap, but I wasn't sure if it would be different for powdered too. I definitely want to try this!

Jill said...

Another thing on my to-make list! Good for you for getting around tuit!

Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

Josh and Liz said...

I've been using mine since you sent me that link a month or so ago... it's been working really well! I use about 2 tablespoons, and we have to make sure we spot treat the girls' clothes, but it's totally worth it for as much money as it saves!

Unknown said...

Can't wait to try this.. my BFF and I have been blog stalking laundry detergent making sites so that we can be awesome sahm who make all of own products! thanks so much for sharing and I will making this on my next lunch date!

Christmas Pie Crafts said...

This looks really good and money-saving, so definitely on my list of things to make asap.

Jill

Shannon said...

As everyone else has commented, this is on my list of things to do in the near future. I hadn't seen any powdered ones and for storage purposes, I think I like this better. My boyfriend is pretty concerned about it not working as well as stuff you buy in the store. Has it worked well for you?

Thanks!

Shannon @ Imperfectly-Inspired

Heather A. said...

Oh my gosh, we must be going around to the same blogs : ) I just made this exact stuff for the first time this weekend too. So far I'm on my second load of laundry and love the stuff! I haven't tried yet... but have heard that adding white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment on the washer acts as a fabric softener/static reducer. Have you ever tried that?

Unknown said...

I have been using vinegar instead of fabric softener for about a year. I do that and use wool dryer balls in the dryer. They work great for me. If I'm drying something particularly static prone, I just use a partial sheet in the dryer to give it all an extra boost. I've been considering making my own detergent for a while now ... just not sure where to find the washing soda. I suppose one of these days I'll get around to it, as well!