I have seen this on lots of different blogs, so I really have no idea who to give the credit to at this point. I can't even remember who I printed the recipe off of because I printed it and then had to wait a few weeks until I could get Andre to remember to buy me a five gallon bucket with a lid (I had no idea where to get one, but I knew he would...Ace Hardware, everyone).
Ingredients:
1 bar Fells Naptha Soap
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax
Water
**I found the first three items at my local grocery store in the laundry aisle. I got the water out of my tap. :-)
Process:
Grate the Fells Naptha and then cover with water in a pot. Cook on low until all soap is melted/disolved. I will say...this took FOR.E.VER. I think it needs be grated more finely or something. Who knows. I just used my regular old cheese grater. I figured I'm making stuff to wash my clothes in, so it shouldn't hurt my everyday pots and utensils, right?! I mean, it's soap for heaven's sake.
Moving on, once the soap is finally melted, fill your five gallon bucket about 1/2 way with HOT water. Mix in the melted soap. Add Washing Soda and Borax. Mix well. Fill bucket the rest of the way with HOT water. Stir. Done. Mixture will thicken as it cools. Can add hot water to thin if necessary.
I saved an old milk jug because I didn't want to have to wield the five gallon bucket out every time I want to wash laundry (well..."want" is a strong word. "Have to" is more like it). So I dumped a bunch of the detergent into the milk jug, put the lid on the bucket and the lid on the milk jug and they are now sitting nicely in the corner of my laundry room. The bucket is actually a nice table for the smaller container.
We used the detergent today and it is excellent. I shook the jug a little to make sure it was all mixed up and then used 1/2 cup for a large load. My laundry smells clean, looks clean, is soft, and in general awesome. I have an HE front loader, by the way, and this is supposedly safe for them because it does not create suds. I am willing to take the risk because I don't like my washer and need an excuse to buy a new one :) I have a feeling this won't be what causes it to finally break, though.
2 comments:
I've been wanting to make my laundry soap and just haven't taken the plunge. I've heard mixed reviews on whether or not the clothes actually smell clean. And with Kent working outside in the heat, we must get them clean! I also hadn't decided if I'd want liquid or powder. Glad it's working for you, I might just go buy the ingredients!
We will take your unwanted washer anytime you feel the need for an upgrade. Look at is as a charitable contribution? :) What we really need is a dryer w/ a timer though, but beggars can't be choosers. I love this craftyness you have during the summer months!!
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