3 Simple ingredients is all it takes!
Laundry Detergent
1cup Fels Naptha or Ivory soap (grated finely)
(edited to add) I have started using Zote soap because of it's pretty pink color and it works great!
(edited to add) I have started using Zote soap because of it's pretty pink color and it works great!
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax
Mix and stir in lidded container. For lightly soiled loads, use 1 TBS. For heavily soiled loads use 2 TBS.
Estimated cost: $1 for 32 TBS (this was on the recipe- I am not sure how much the cost was for mine as I bought large containers of soda and borax- should have kept track and if I can find receipts my try and figure it out but I have to tell you Math is not my strong point!)
I used an old food processer that was left in the house when we bought it to grate the soap but you can just hand grater also the recipe states.
It only takes 1 Tablespoon of the soap for light load or 2 TBLS for heavier soiled clothes. I cannot begin to tell you how hard it was for me the very first time to just put that little tiny amount of soap in the washing machine. I so wanted to at least fill the little childs cup which would probably be 1/3 cup- but I made myself obey the instructions and the clothes came out beautifully!
I made up 6 batches and placed in one of my pretty clear cannisters and use an antique childs tea cup to dispense- look at the sweet cherub on the cup!
Source for Fels Naptha if you cannot find in your area (which I couldn't)So I am wondering how you feel about this post? Would you be interested in posts such as this every once in awhile? Or do you just desire for me to stick to decorating and recipes? I really would love to have your honest opinion so please GIVE IT TO ME STRAIGHT! I can take it!
19 comments:
I just bought the stuff to make my laundry soap... LOL
And I keep it in a glass jar with a tea cup scoop too :)
M.E., I love that child's cup! I know that wasn't the focus of this post, but I do love that cup! If and when I retire, I might make my own detergent, but I don't feel that I can give it any time now. I do have to buy detergent that is free of smells, due to my husband's allergies, so I probably should make my own. laurie
Mary is there nothing you can't do girl?? Now I would love it if you did a post about all the things you can do or make..Great post girl I really enjoyed this...Have a great Monday dear friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
I may never make my own detergent, but I really like knowing how. And it really could inspire me to make it. So to answer your question, I would love to see more posts like this!!! (The teacup is beautiful!) :D Jewel
I'm ready to try this!!! Anything to save money, especially if the more "frugal" (never cheap)way is just as good as the expensive way! I wonder how it will do on my hubby's dirty jeans. Guess we'll soon see! Thanks for posting this!
Hugs,
Sher
Do you know how expensive laundry detergent is now?!!!! I am definitely trying this! I can't believe you only use 1 or 2 tablespoons! i love the post! Keep it up girlfriend! God Bless! Lauralu :)
Mornin' Girlfriend...
How interesting! Loved that you're trying homemade laundry soap...and it doesn't sound to difficult to make! Sure could save some money, that's for sure!!! I have always used liquid detergent...not sure if I would try the homemade version or not! I have really sensitive skin too! But I would love hearing more posts about things such as this!!! Love hearing about natural remedies, etc.
Well Sweetie, hope you're having a marvelous Monday...I left you a little note on your weekend post!
Love ya,
Chari
Mary, I am so enjoying this.. I think this is great. I buy natural detergent and ouch is it expensive! This sounds like a great alternative.. but will this old body have the energy to do so..Maybe you could sell this Mary? Everything you blog about is great, I've enjoyed it all. Love, Cindy
Yes, I would enjoy more posts like this. I'll definitely give this a try. --I enjoy your decorating too! Love, Paula
Oh yes, Mary! I would love to read more useful posts like this...Christine
Oh that childs cup is just darling!!! And I would love to read more posts like this one. The decorating ones are always my faves though. Does it really clean well Mary? Because like you, I would love to use things that are less impactfull on the environment. And please oh please open your own selling blog!! You know I'd be your best customer! And I'm always game for trade! Wouldn't it be great if we could all recycle like that? We could buy swap and have a blast with each other! Love Vanna
Great post...this is just what I was lookin' for...thanks so much!
Well, actually I am here today for your Pink Saturday post. But I have taken the detour (before I left a comment on your pinks) to find out how you make your detergent.
:-)
How fun this is....and so very cheerful your glass jar and teacup.
I know you asked years ago, so I am late with my 2cents, but I love these types of posts...and much more so than decorating and recipe postings. It's just that, just about every other post out there is a decorating or recipe.
Anyway....Thanks for this lovely tip.
Have a beautiful weekend.
Thanks for the soap recipe and for the visual reminder to use pretty scoops in my glass canisters.
Mary, I am also visiting from the Pink Saturday tour...I'll print this post and try the detergent...what a fun project this is going to be...thanks and thanks again.
Way cool! Have to be frugal these days. Thanks so much for sharing!
*hugs*deb
I've been making this soap for years. It doesn't take anytime at all to mix up.
I first tried the liquid version, but a solid layer would settle on the top & I always had to stir it real good before using it.
I use a zester to grate the soap. Next time I'll try the food processor.
My instructions said you could use Ivory Soap too.
I'm really enjoying your blog.
I have been making this for years and I use ivory soap ( reminds me of my "Big Moma" grandmother) Plus it is a science project - the easy way to do the ovory bar soap is to put it in the microwave 1 minute at a time and watch - then put in large container and place "core" back in microwave 1 more minute - and then put in large container and - go outside after doing this to all bars and it will - once cooled - rub between your hands and you will have a fine powder - the boys (13&17) actually help make this - because its cool!
BTW - I love your blog! very neat ideas
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