For us, this has been a true Dinero-Saver since I don’t have a money tree!
I have been making my own laundry detergent since last April. One batch has lasted my 7 member family since then. Last Saturday, I made another batch.
Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value
- 4 Cups hot tap water
- 1 Zote
soap bar (This last time I used 2 regular Ivory bars.)
- {Update: I like Zote
- 1 Cup Washing Soda
(NOT baking soda) It is found on the laundry detergent aisle
- ½ Cup Borax
- 5 gallon bucket
- 1 grater
- Empty Laundry Soap Dispenser (save your last one)
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 soap 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: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.
-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)
For laundry softener, I have started using straight vinegar
FYI: I have a front loader.
Let me know what you use to wash laundry…if you tell me that someone else does the laundry – I might not like you! Just kidding! {wink}
I just wrote all the ingredients down and can’t wait to make it. Thanks for sharing!
I have been making my own laundry detergent for several years now, and I love it. Last year, I started making powdered laundry detergent. It takes up a lot less space in my teeny, tiny laundry room.
I make my own powder laundry detergent. It really does save a ton of money! I actually started making it because the fragrances in most store bought detergents bother me.
I have been making my own laundry soap since Sept. I really like it, so easy and my children grate the soap for me. I store it in a 5 gallon bucket. This has not only saved me lots of money but I have been able to bless others with a bottle of laundry soap, when they were in need.
For fabric softener I use liquid softener, pour it in a 3 gallon bucket, fill the bottle twice stir and add cheap sponges I cut in half. Squeeze the softener and add sponge to my dryer.
Tara G
I have been researching home-made detergent recipes for a long time now. I have been researching green practices. I need to try this recipe with some home-made soap. That should do it!
Thanks!!
-Robin
Wow, that would save a ton of money! I may have to try this. Thanks for the tip!
I know! I’ve been making this recipe too and it’s great – my clothes have never been white (even the red ones. Just kidding!)
The only downside is the QUANTITY of detergent it makes. Perfect for the Duggars, but a bit much for my family of three. I keep sharing it with my friends in bible study. Now they’re hooked!
Lana, I am impressed that you take the time to do this!! WOW!
I was about to type that the Duggars do this!! haha!
OK- my question is- how do you store it? Isn’t it a super large quantity??
Thanks for the great tip and for re-typing the recipe!
I’ve seen this recipe before, but I’m too lazy to try it. LOL!
I remember rushing to the site to check out the recipe when Michelle Duggar mentioned thye made their own soap and then got cold feet.Now that I actually know someone who has tried it out and it IS workable…I think I am going to be bold and try it out.
Vinegar is a super addition. In India, our pediatrician would specify we soak the baby’s clothes in vinegar and hot water after a soap wash, to disinfect the clothes. Then ofcourse we’d have to plain water rinse before hanging out the clothes to dry