Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

I believe wellness is more than just health. I believe wellness encompasses all aspects of your life, including financial. I like to save money and I do A LOT of laundry. I came across a post on Pinterest [original post linked here] detailing how to make your own laudry detergent, I thought, “I have got to try this!”. I am always looking for ways to save money without compromising the quality of the product.  

When I read this post and did the calculations, I realized I was spending almost $20 for 68 loads of my current laundry detergent when I could make my own for almost the same price for FIVE HUNDRED LOADS. Yes, you read that right, 500 loads of laundry for a little over $20. Let’s do this.

A couple of weekends ago we were out looking for toy room organization when I decided I would purchase the ingredients for the detergent. I will say, I had a hard time finding Borax, but I finally found it fully stocked at Target (after looking at Walmart and Lowe’s).

Here’s what you need:

• A container – I used 46 cup pantry storage container from Walmart [linked]
• 55 oz box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
• 4 lbs 20 Mule Team Borax
• 4 lbs Pure Baking Soda (this is a big box!)
• 3 bars Fles-Naptha Soap
• 1.3 lb tub Oxi Clean Stain Remover

I found everything in the laundry detergent aisle.

Note: I omitted the scented beads from the original poster’s recipe and used the entire tub of Oxi Clean.

Now, here’s what you need to do.

In your large container (make sure it is bigger than you need so you can mix the ingredients), pour all ingredients except the bars of soap. If you are planning to keep smaller containers, it is suggested to mix it in a 5 gallon bucket and transfer.

For the bars of soap, cut them into pieces as shown above. Microwave each bar separately for 2-30 second times (the soap will expand in the microwave). Now, this will cause the fragrance to become a bit strong, just to warn you. The laundry detergent does not smell at all this strong. Now, once cooled down, you can either break it up with your hands OR put it in the food processor. I tried to break it up with my hands at first and then gave in and used the food processor. Let me say, start with the food processor. SO MUCH EASIER.

If you don’t want to microwave the soap at all, you can use a grater and grate it all into the container.

Once you have the soap into pieces, mix it in with ALL of the ingredients. Make sure it is all mixed well together.

Instructions for use:

1 TBSP per regular load

2 TBSP per heavily soiled and large loads

Make sure you store it in an air tight container so it doesn’t clump.

PS: Make sure you have a large surface when making this. I used my entire kitchen table and still made a mess on the floor.

I have already used it on a load of towels and I am impressed! It’s a winner in my book!

In 2022 I plan to find creative ways to save money. I can say I am off to a great start!

 

Stay frugal,

 

Angie

 

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