Homemade Laundry Detergent

I have been saying FOREVER I want to make my own… 
one of them is Laundry Detergent. I finally started about 6 months ago. Yesterday we got my daughter the ingredients and last night we made hers (I showed her how to make it). It really could not be easier and it is SO much better for you.

It only takes 26 seconds for your skin to absorb what you put on it. And just like food, laundry detergents have so many fillers, additives and preservatives. Your clothes and your body will thank you.!!

My clothes have never smelled so clean! I mean clean, not perfumy, clean!!

You will me amazed at how fast it takes to make it, just a trip to the store, a little grading and mixing and you are all set. My daughter decided she wanted to get a container to house the detergent in. She found a super cute one with a handle at Wal Mart.

*Disclaimer, I really hate shopping at Wal Mart, the employees and the mess mainly BUT they have a big selection on products and is usually where I can find all I need in one place at the most reasonable cost for projects like this.

Now back to the blog….

She also found a smaller one to put little man’s detergent in.. We made the same recipe for his but we put a baby recommended crystals for smell.

I really do recommend Wal Mart for all your ingredients. Go to the laundry isle. I actually try to stock up so I do unexpectedly run out and have to go get more ingredients.

You will need (printable recipe below:

1 box of Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda (not baking soda)

1 box of Borax Detergent Booster

1 bar of Fels-Naptha

1 bar of Zote

1 container of your favorite enhancer scent booster

or fabric softener Crystals* (optional)

I break this into 4^ths because it is easier to work with SO:......

Put 2 cups each of the powers in your food processor,

Grate ¼ bar each of the bars

After grating, put them in the with the powders and process until they all have the same consistency. 

While this is not a necessary step I like to make sure mine in integrated well. Then mix in ½ cup of your enhancer/Fabric Softener (optional).

*You do not need a fabric softener, your clothes get that from the detergent but it is optional to your tastes, you could even add this step after if you feel you need it.

Then I work with the next batch. Like I said, I make a huge batch but you could stop here and save the rest for when you run low. But I figure I have everything out, so why not. You will have just shy of 8 cups of the Soda in the box, you can either just use what you have or get another box (I use what is in the box). You will have left over Borax for next time.

Put in any type of container, I put mine in a plastic container my pods came in but I am really thinking of getting one of the ones my daughter got. It is super cute and I love the handle.

Now for the measuring. I use one Tablespoon for regular loads and 2 for things like towels and my husband’s work clothes.

Cost? Less than $15 with tax for everything (if using enhancer) or $10.60 without enhancer. Less than $.04 per Tablespoon!!! And that is with the enhancer, if you don’t use that, it would be $.03! You get 336 Tablespoons from a whole batch with enhancer!!

Printable: LHM Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

Please let me know how much you enjoy it!

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Peace, Love and Enjoy!

And go check out my great friend!

The Chicken Chick