One of the first ways my husband and I began saving money on our "Julie's going to quit her job" budget was to make our own laundry soap. With workout clothes, work uniforms, two dogs, and everyday clothing, we do a lot of laundry; it seemed like something worth trying. That was about two years ago. We've done it every couple of months just before it runs out.
My "recipe" is a modification of one I originally found on Building It On Pennies, if you want to check her out. I have altered some of the measurements and the stirring, but it's basically her formula.
This will take you about an hour, including 30 minutes of rest time. Check out the list of ingredients and kitchen items and read the directions through before beginning.
Ingredients:
- 2 gallons water (1/2 at first, 1 1/2 later)
- 1/3 bar of Fels Naptha (looks like a bar of soap, stores like Walmart have it)
- 3/4 cup Borax
- 3/4 cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (NOT baking soda)
What you need:
- a 5 gallon bucket
- a large/ huge pot
- a large/ huge metal spoon
- measuring cup
- a shredder or a knife to "shred" Fels Naptha
- plate for shredded soap
- bowls for measured dry soaps
- a gallon jug to measure out water (my store-bought container has the measurements on the side)
- a "funnel" to pour into containers (I cut one out of an old milk carton)
- several containers for laundry soap (I reused one big and one small store-bought container, and also a gallon clear plastic drink jug w top)
Boil 1/2 gallon water in steel pot on stove. While waiting, shred the Fels Naptha into a pile and measure the Borax and Washing Soda out.
Add shredded Fels Naptha and bring back to a boil.
Once Fels Naptha has completely melted, add Borax and Washing Soda. Stir and let boil for about 5 miniutes (may have to turn down heat) for all to combine/ thicken.
Add 1 1/2 gallons cold water to bucket. (I usually just place the bucket on the kitchen floor near the stove.)
Remove soap from stove and add to bucket. Stir vigorously (soap should gel). On "Building It On Pennies," she used a hand blender to combine; I just use a large metal spoon and a combination of stirring directions.
Let sit 30 minutes before stirring again--very well.
Pour into containers (using "funnel," if necessary).
I also have labeled the jugs with "Shake before use" to get used to that, but otherwise, it's just like normal detergent. For more significant stains, we do use a pre-treatment or soak prior to washing, but for everyday wear, it works well.
Do you make any homemade cleaning or beauty products? If so, what?Labels: Go Ahead--Try It!, Life, Save Money
