Wednesday, January 14, 2015

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 4ths 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!!


Please let me know how much you enjoy it!

Find me on facebook with the link to the right or go straight to www.facebook.com/LogHomeMomDiane


Peace, Love and Enjoy!

And go check out my great friend!


14 comments:

  1. Thanks for a great tutorial! I always wondered what that Fels-Naptha was lol. Definitely doing this!

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    Replies
    1. You are so welcome, I have been meaning to get this on for 6 months. You will LOVE it <3

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    2. I've been using Fels-Naptha for years as a stain remover. When I have something on my clothes that I think will stain, I pick up my bar of Fels-Naptha and rub it all on that spot and then put it in the washer to washer. You don't have to wash right away, but you should rub the soap on it right away.

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  2. I use two Fels Naptha. How is the ZOTE different? Thanks, Pat

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    Replies
    1. The Zote has coconut oil, it is a natural softener and tallow that aids in brightening. It also has citronella oil which gives it an all natural pleasant smell.
      That is why I use one of each ;)

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  3. Very informative about making your own laundry detergent. Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop! I hope you’ll join us again next week!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick
    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Kathy, I am a big fan of yours and am appreciative that you took the time to comment on my blog post. I had my PomPoms in hand during your chicken fiasco.
      Blessings to you <3
      Diane
      Log Home Mom

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  4. I am so making this! Thank you. I found your blog on the Chicken Chick.

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  5. Great article. Thank you for explaining everything so carefully. I am going to make my first homemade detergent. I will follow your advices. Wish me luck! Greetings!

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