I constantly used to make my own laundry detergent. It was fun, frugal, and a healthy alternative to storebought detergent. Seeing I couldn't get borax here to make my own, I reluctantly turned to using storebought.
One day I just decided to ask the service boys here at the local store if it would be possible for them to order borax. They took down the name of the product, and now, several weeks later, I went shopping and was surprised! There on the shelf sat a row of borax boxes!...;) I was so happy. I grabbed two boxes, (in case they run out soon) and now I am back in the business of making laundry detergent! The store usually already sells washing soda, and I make my own lye soap, so the rest is history.
I encourage you to try it, if you haven't yet and are feeling a little experimental or frugal.
Laundry Detergent
1 quart Water (boiling)
2 cups Bar soap (grated)
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda
2 cups Bar soap (grated)
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda
Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted.
Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir well until all is dissolved.
Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed.
Cover pail and use 1/4 cup (I use more) for each load of laundry. Stir the soap each time you use it (will gel).
My personal note: If mixing it this way does not work well for you, you may want to try what I usually do. Into three separate jars pour hot boiling water. (slowly so you won't break the jars...) Add borax to one, washing soda to another, and soap to one. Stir one by one till all is dissolved. Let the jars cool separately, and pour into a big container with water until you have the required amount.
Hopefully I can soon add more recipes including laundry softener and stain remover. Have fun!
3 comments:
Ok so yes I love the fact that homemade laundry detergent is so VERY cheap, but my loads don't seem to get any whiter. Maybe add more borax? I enjoy making my own as well. Just wish they would get whiter. I'll be waiting for the fabric softener/stain remover post.. =)
Rosella, I wouldn't claim that this detergent makes laundry whiter than other brands do. Neither as good smelling. As I said, I usually put more liquid in than is recommended. I also don't refrain from using clorox if needed in a load, especially for my cloth diapers, stinky as they come with a big boy :( If I add clorox, I usually give the load an extra rinse to wash away as much bleach as possible. Here in Belize if whites don't come out all white, often a day in the sun takes care of the rest.
we buy big gallon size containers of pink solution concentrate from Canada to make our laundry detergent. no specific smell, but we like it that way.
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