Several weeks ago a dear friend showed us a method for making laundry detergent at home along with a bucket sample.   After using this for several weeks (and then making it) I was stunned at how simple, cost-effective, and good it works.   Not only does it save big $$ but it works better than, or at least as good as, Tide or any other high-priced name brand product for literally pennies on the dollar.

What You’ll Need: {check your local store’s laundry aisle}

• 1/2 Cup: Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda {not Baking Soda}
• 1/2 Cup: Borax {you might be able to print a coupon here}
• 1/3 Bar of Fels-Naptha Soap {Mark the bar in thirds before using}
• Bucket {3 gallon size }
• Empty laundry detergent containers or bucket with lid to store detergent.

How to make:

Use small cheese grater to Grate 1/3 bar of Fels-Naptha Soap over large pot or saucepan…

• Add 6 cups of Water.
• Heat over medium-high until soap dissolves and melts.
• Add 1/2 cup Washing Soda & 1/2 cup Borax, and stir until dissolved.
• Remove from heat and set aside.
• Pour 4 cups Hot Water into bucket, then add Soap Mixture.
• Stir well,  then add 1 Gallon + 6 Cups of additional water.  Stir.

• Transfer to a bucket with a lid, or pour into empty laundry detergent containers.
• Set aside, and let it sit overnight, or up to 24 hours, to thicken and gel up.
• Consistency and color will vary depending on your soap & water ~ it may be lumpy and watery… kind of like a watery gel, but it works great!
• Stir or shake before each use, as it will continue to gel.

How Much Will it Cost?

• Borax, 76 oz. box ~ $2.98
• Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, 55 oz. box ~ $2.99
• Fels-Naptha Bar of Soap ~ $1.79
• Total Cost to make around 2 gallons: About $1.00!!
• This amount filled up my large empty extra-large Tide container from Costco and a smaller Purex container!

This recipe makes a low-sudsing detergent, and remember it will turn to a liquid/gel after it settles so you will need to shake the container before use.  You can also pour it into a spray bottle to use as a pre-spot treatment.   The 3 ingredients will make at least 3 batches and will last a long time.  

I would not present this idea if it did not work exceptionally well, this was one of the most useful tricks I learned while working for a carpet & upholstery cleaning Cardiff company.  It even removes hard soils and red clay stains from clothing remarkably well.