Practical Health
Trisha Gilkerson 15 Comments This Post Contains Affiliate Links
Laundry: it’s a vicious cycle! As soon as I think I’ve got it all done and under control, there’s another load to do. The only thing I can get excited about regarding laundry is if it can somehow be made easier or cheaper.
I haven’t been able to figure out how to get it done any quicker or easier, but I have been able to make it cheaper!
I’ve been making my own laundry soap for about three years now. I originally saw people making laundry soap on a TV program, and when I saw what went into making it I knew there was no way I was going to be standing over a stove stirring a big pot of muck. The only way I was going to make my own laundry soap is if it was cheap, easy, and it cleaned well.This laundry soap recipe fits the bill!
It’s ludicrously cheap and easy to make. I figured it costs approximately $1.62 for each batch, which comes out to around 5¢ a load. And, it only takes 3 ingredients that you can simply whiz together in your food processor.
Recipe:
- 2 Cups of Bar Soap(I use Ivory soap, and 2 bars is just about perfect. You can also use fels naptha. I tried it, but didn’t notice any difference in the cleanliness of my clothes so I went back to Ivory since it’s cheaper)
- 1 Cup ofBorax
- 1 Cup of Washing Soda
Directions:
Coarsely chop the soap and then put all of the ingredients in your food processor. Mix together in your processor for a couple of minutes. Throw it in a container and use 2 tablespoons for each load of laundry. Sometimes I’ll use a little more for a large load of laundry or one that is heavily soiled.
Usually I make 4 or 5 batches at a time, so I have laundry soap that will last me for several months.
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15 Comments
We just started making our own detergent too. The only difference in the recipes is that my recipe also adds baking soda (1 cup) & oxy clean (1 cup). I found that the oxy clean helps remove all the stains Donovan gets all over his clothes.
The next change will be eliminating buying fabric softener! 🙂
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I will sometimes use oxyclean in individual loads if they’re particularly soiled. A few months ago I started using white vinegar in the place of fabric softener. Works great! As far as I’m concerned the only drawback is not getting that nice down smell. I have heard you can mix a few drops of some essential oils with the vinegar though.
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Can you use this in front loading machines as well?
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I believe it should be fine because it is a very low suds soap, but I really don’t know for sure.
I use our homemade detergent in a HE front loading machine. Before I started using it, I did some research online about how/if possible to use in HE machines. The only difference is that you have to put the detergent in the drum with the clothing.
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- Shaun A
I don’t have a food processor…how/can i make this?
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- Trisha Gilkerson
I’d try to snag a cheap one at a local thrift store or Walmart. You should be able to get a cheapy for $10 or less.
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- Vicky
How many batches does 1 recipe do ?
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- Luke Gilkerson
I honestly can’t remember anymore! A long time ago I figured it out, but then promptly forgot. I’m sorry!
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- Lydia Richardson
I’ve been meaning to buy a food processor anyway so I think this is even more motivation. My question though, is it safe to make food in the same food processor that I make laundry detergent in? Should I have two food processors, one for laundry detergent and one for food?
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- Trisha Gilkerson
I don’t *think* it should be a problem if you wash it out thoroughly. I always use very hot soapy water and make sure I get it good and clean after using it. That said, I have a friend who picked up a cheap food processor at a local thrift store, and she uses it exclusively for her laundry detergent. I’d love to do that, but haven’t yet seen one!
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- Lydia
Hi Trisha, thanks for your reply! I found this cheap one on amazon.com that I’m going to get and use exclusively for laundry soap. Eventually someone will possibly buy a nice one as a gift for me for food uses, but for now, this little cheap one will work for making inedibles!
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- Trisha Gilkerson
Great! I hope that one works for you. I did just notice this only holds 1.5 cups, so that won’t make a lot of laundry soap. But I’m sure you’ll be able to make small batches in it 🙂
Wow ! I must find time to try this. 🙂 Bookmarked 🙂
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- Mary
I made the home made laundry soup last year, I still have 2.5 gallons left but the borax make my skin siting. So I am going to used another color boaster next times
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