Homemade Laundry Detergent

As the keeper of our home, I am always looking for ways to maintain our health and budget at the same time. I've been making my own multi-purpose cleaning spray and tub/tile cleaner for about 2 years now (recipes forthcoming), which has been a wonderful way to save money as well as ensure that my kids aren't coming into constant contact with who-knows-what chemically. After our last jug of store-bought laundry detergent finally ran out, I decided to attempt to make my own. It was incredibly easy and has proven to get our clothes just as clean - yay! I'm so thankful that God has so graciously shown me little ways to take care of both the precious lives and finances with which He's blessed us.

Here's the recipe I used (from www.duggarfamily.com) :

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap 

(front or top load machine- best value)

4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha or Ivory soap bar (I used Kirk's Castille Soap)
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax*

- Grate bar of soap (I chopped mine into small pieces & then put it in the food processor) 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)

*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - in some stores or may be purchased online. Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!
* Borax can be found in the laundry aisle of your grocery store.

NOTE: ™ = Trademark. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Results may vary. All recipes are valid for non-commercial use otherwise written permission must be obtained from the The Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar Family. © Copyright 2011