Friday, November 07, 2008

Thrifty Thursday on Friday

Homemade Laundry Soap


ingredients
1 bar of laundry soap (Fels Naptha) or your favorite soap of choice (Ivory, homemade)
3/4 cup of Washing Soda
3/4 cup of Borax
*all of these items can be found at Publix on the laundry aisle



step 1- grate your bar of soap into a pot, then add six cups of water and heat until all of soap is dissolved.


step 2- when soap is completely melted add 3/4 cup of Borax and Washing Soda

step 3- stir the mixture over heat until completely dissolved, during that time, add 4 cups of hot water to your bucket or jar. when the soap is all dissolved pour mixture into the glass jar with the water.

step 4- add a gallon and a half of cold water into the bucket/jar and stir to mix well. It is in a liquid form. Cover and it will set into a gel form. Use 1/2 - 1 cup of detergent per laundry load.

You can add a essential oil scent at the same time you add the borax and washing soda.

I will let you know how it compares to commercial detergent. I am a diehard Gain fan, so the standard is high.

This made about 3 gallons of detergent for about 1.50 for the whole batch!

8 comments:

Tiffany said...

Wow! How long did it take to make it?

Leisa said...

It took about 30 minutes, and I was able to be cleaning the kitchen while doing it!

Julie said...

I'm looking forward to hear how it works, I just might try to make some!

Anonymous said...

geez. what's next? making butter?

Leisa said...

Amelia,

You'll find out when you come down for Thanksgiving! You'll get to churn the butter ;)

Kirsten said...

Leisa, I have been making my own laundry soap also and I LOVE it! I am not going back, no way, no how. I am addicted!! There is no cooking involved in mine though. I think I will blog about it!!!

Anonymous said...

i have the essential oils if you want to scent it.

did you use items with no sodium laurel sulfate etc...?

amy w.

crispy said...

How has it turned out? I am eager to hear.