Author: Spring
I like doing DIY projects, and I have been doing this one for over a year. I make my own laundry detergent. It is very easy, my clothes come out just as clean as with a store detergent, and this costs a lot less money. I would rather put the money towards painting a new room or another project. I’m going to show you how to make your own detergent that is not filled with scents, is good for sensitive skin, and will make you three gallons of detergent.
Things you will need to make the detergent.
-1/2 cup Borax
-1 cup Washing Soda
-1 bar of soap (I live Ivory since it doesn’t have a scent.)
-5 gallon bucket
-Cheese grater
Here are the main supplies. I have had this same box of Borax and washing soda for a long time. You will get lots of detergent from these boxes.
The first thing I like to do is set up everything. I measure out all of the dry ingredients.
Then I take the bar of soap and shred it as you would a block of cheese. This is a must for making the detergent.
After this step I fill up the five-gallon bucket with three gallons of warm water.
The next step is to bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
Once the water is boiling, add a little bit of the shredded soap to the boiling water at a time. Stir to make sure the soap dissolves.
When the soap is completely dissolved, pour the mixture along with the borax and washing soda into the 5 gallon bucket filled with 3 gallons of warm water. Stir for a couple of minutes to mix everything together.
Here is what the detergent will look like after stirring everything together. Put the lid on the bucket, and keep it covered for 24 hours. When it is time to use the detergent, you will need to stir it some more because it will have a gel consistency. The consistency will be different depending on what type of bar soap you use. You will need 1/3 to 1/2 cup per load, depending on your washer and the mineral content in your city water.
Have you ever made any other household cleaning supplies?
Cheers!
I was not paid by any of the product brands mentioned.
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I am so glad that you posted this recipe! I make my own detergent also i just leave out the water and make it dry and use a couple of tablespoons per load! Saves so much money and you are not using all of those chemicals that are in the standard detergents!!
That’s a great tip. Thanks!
Will this work with the new HE washing machines?
I’m not sure. We have top-loaders. You could probably get an answer through google.
thanks, I will look into it–my grandmother made her own detergent–very similar to your recipe–we used it in the summer for heat rashes & mosquito bites from going to the lake.
I always make my own glass cleaner. I use 2 cups of water, 3 Tbls. white vinegar, a 1/2 tsp. of dishwashing soap, and a few drops of blue food coloring. Just put in a spray bottle and shake up. Works just as well as the store brand……and, like your detergent……a lot less expensive!!
My mother makes her own, too, but she doesn’t add the food coloring. That’s a cute thing to do!