Finding this recipe and making my own laundry soap is probably the best thing I've done as far as 'making my own to save money' projects. It's incredibly easy and cheap and has saved me SO much money, it's ridiculous. This soap is lemony fresh and cleans my clothes at a fraction of the price you'd pay for detergent at the store. I can't even fathom paying that much for soap ever again, I sure don't plan on it anyway..
This takes about a half an hour or so, and makes a little over 2 gallons of liquid laundry soap. My directions will be for a single batch, but my pictures will show double batch amounts, as I make double batches when making this soap. It is now May 2012, the last time I made a double batch (about 4 gallons) was October of 2011! And we have 5 in our household- so LOTS of clothes. This soap lasts a LONG time.
What you will need:
1 bar soap (I use Fels Naptha, which can be found with laundry soap at your grocery store)
1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing Soda
Grater
Big stew pot (one you don't use for food and can devote to crafting)
Mop bucket
Wooden spoon
A funnel (REALLY useful when it's time to pour!)
Measuring cup
Gallon jugs (3)
First, bring 6 cups of water to a boil in your stew pot.
While you're waiting for your water to boil, grate your soap. Be careful with this part- that grater is sharp, and I almost always graze my knuckles while doing it, so take your time.
Add the soap to your pot and stir until dissolved. Also, lower the heat to avoid an over boil.
Once the soap is dissolved, slowly add your borax & soda. Stir these until dissolved.
Turn off heat.
Now if you let your soap cool for too long, it will coagulate, and will be difficult to pour, so don't let it cool too long.
Now pour 1 gallon + 4 cups HOT water into your bucket. Add soap mix and stir.
Prepare to pour your soap into your containers. The soap will expand when cooling, so remember to not fill your containers completely.
Place your funnel into your gallon container, and have a friend pour in the soap slowly.
Prior to using your soap, give it a good shake in your container to mix it real good.
You will use about a 1/2 cup per load of laundry.
See how I left room in the jugs? See how much soap I made? Incredible. Best. Idea. Ever.
