Homemade Detergent

Yes! You can make your own laundry detergent! I got a recipe from a good friend at church who has been using it for a long time. I finally tried it! Since I am more a fan of powder than liquid, I did that version. (Plus to make the liquid it was more involved.)

However, I will share both versions of the recipe for those who are interested.

Liquid:
4 Cups hot water
1 Ivory soap bar
1 Cup washing soda
1/2 Cup Borax

-Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
-Fill a 5-gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
-Stir and fill a used, clean laundry soal dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)
- Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavebdar, rosemary, tea tree oil.
-Yield: Liquid soal recipe makes 10 gallons.
(Top-load machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads))
(Front-load machine 1/4 Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads))

Here's the recipe I did for powdered detergent:
1 Ivory soap bar (or other abrasive bar of soap)
1 Cup washing soda
1/2 Cup Borax

-Grate soap or break into pieces and process in a food processor until powdered. Mix all ingredients. For light load, use 1 Tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 Tablespoons. Yields 3 Cups Detergent (Approx. 40 loads)

I also threw in some Oxy clean powder since I had it on hand. I was able to find all the ingredients at either Wal-mart or my local grocery store. I believe I used a Lava bar of soap. I just started using it and hope it will help me and anyone else who wants to try it to save a lot of money! Good luck, and tell me if you try it!

(Credit goes to Becky Harms)