homemade laundry detergent.

I ran out of laundry detergent on Monday. I think it was All or something like that. I would buy whatever was on sale. But  instead of running to the store to pick up whatever type of detergent, I decided it was time to make my own. I have wanted to do it for awhile now, but just didn't. Finally a pretty container of homemade laundry detergent sits on my washer.

Here is the recipe I used (that was recommended by my friend, April):

1 bar of Fels Naptha Soap grated (which equals about 2 cups)

1 c. of Borax

1 c. of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

By the way, ALL of these ingredients were found at our Kroger in the "laundry aisle." I kept reading online that washing soda was difficult to find and a lot of people end up ordering it online, so I am happy to report it is at the grocery store.

Optional: 1 tsp. of tea tree oil (I added this to the load separately for a lovely scent. Tea tree oil can be rather expensive, so I'm not sure how often I will do it, but I found my oil on clearance at Kroger for only $1.99, regular $8.99)

Directions: Grate the Fels Naptha Soap. I used a cheese grater and did it over wax paper. (This was the most tedious part, it took quite a bit of time and elbow grease with my handheld grater- from Dollar Tree I might add. I would recommend putting the soap in a food processor if you are so lucky to have one.) Then mix the soap, Borax, and washing soda all together and place in air tight container. I used whatever container I had on hand, which was a tall noodle container.

You only need to put 2 TBSP per a load. I add it when the water starts so that it can dissolve and then place my clothes in the washer. I think I spent around $9 ($2 extra for tea tree oil) and I have a feeling it is going to last me a really, really long time. (Note: What I made only required a very small amount of Borax and washing soda, I have so much left to make a lot more. I also bought extra Fels Naptha Soap so I could have it on hand.)

Now if only I had a cute laundry room instead of a dark, cold basement to use...