Homemade Laundry Detergent

Have you ever thought about making your own laundry detergent? Once upon a time everyone had to make their own soap for washing their clothes at home, yet as we progressed detergent became just another thing you had to buy at the store. But do you?

Making your own laundry detergent is both simple and low cost for anyone to do. It does not take much to have your own large batch of detergent ready for laundry day. And using homemade laundry detergent is just as effective at cleaning your clothes as the expensive, store bought brands. So why not give it a try? Here is how:

• 1 quart boiling hot water 
• 2 gallons warm water
  
• 2 cups bar soap, grated (Ivory soap or Fels-Naptha works best)
• 2 cups borax
• 2 cups washing soda
• optional - 15 drops of tea tree oil

You will also need a large tub for storing your laundry detergent in. I recommend a sturdy, 5 quart pail with an airtight lid. You can find borax and washing soda in most stores in the cleaning aisles.

In a large pot bring 1 quart of water to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in your grated soap until all of the soap is melted. This may take some times, but be sure that the soap is thoroughly melted and not clumping.

Pour the soapy water into your large storage pail. Add in the borax and washing soda and stir until completely mixed. Stir in the 2 gallons of warm water, adding the tea tree oil also if desired. When completely mixed cover the pail with your lid and let set at least 24 hours.

Each time you use the laundry detergent you may need to stir it as it does sometimes begin to separate. Your detergent should be an almost gel-like consistency. Use 1/4 cup each time you do laundry.