For years I’ve been unable to use what most consider regular laundry detergent due to the fragrances, chemicals, etc.. I was so thankful when All came out with their unscented Free and Clear brand which I used for several years and then switched to Seventh Generation Unscented when it became available for purchase locally. However, a couple of years ago it just seemed that we are paying too much for something that should be simple to make. Inspired by Down to Earth and with a quick search on the internet, I was up to my ears in laundry detergent recipes. After extensive reading, this is what I do.
Ingredients:
- 20 Mule Team Borax
- Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda
- Bar Soap of your choice, grated
Mix 2 parts of grated soap with 1 part each of Borax and Washing Soda. Use 1 tablespoon per laundry load or 2 T for heavily soiled loads.
It looks like this. This one is a little chunky because I used a very soft bar soap. I particularly like the white bar soaps and have been trying different local makers purchased at Dwelling Spaces and Natural Farms. For my next batch I’m going to try some of the soap by Hilltop Honey. We love her lip balm, so smooth and soothing.
I usually mix 4 cups of grated soap with 2 cups each of Borax and Washing Soda. This usually lasts us 6 months. Be mindful that there will be little to no suds, so stick to the one tablespoon. If you use fabric softener, distilled white vinegar makes a great alternative, just use as you would a store-bought softener. If you really don’t want to grate the soap and have an extra food processor handy, you could cut the bar into smallish chunks and process it along with the washing soda and borax, just be sure to work in small batches.
Image from Mountain Rose Herbs
Have fun and try different scents by adding essential oils. One of my favorites for laundry was a coconut and lavender blend I stumbled upon sometime last year. A sampler kit like the one above would be a great way to get started.
If you’d like a little more instruction and some different ideas, try visiting DIY Natural for their post on the subject.
Roxanne D
A self-employed home renovator and interior designer, Roxanne is living in her third 1920s-era home in one of Tulsa’s oldest neighborhoods. A small-town Oklahoma girl at heart, she has also lived in Australia, which helped inspire her love of design. Roxanne loves sewing, knitting, crocheting, repurposing furniture and salvaging architectural pieces. She loves to tackle a do-it-yourself project, no matter how small or large. As our very own “granola girl”, Roxanne dreams about designing everything from dresses to gardens to her day, whatever comes across her path.
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I’m a huge fan of homemade laundry soap – but I make liquid! Next week I’m experimenting with homemade liquid hand soap!! Have you tried that? I did a powdered dishwasher soap and didn’t like it…. liquid dishwasher soap is also on my “to make” list!!
I haven’t tried liquid hand soap, but is definitely on my list too. If you come across something great for the dishwasher alternative, please share! I was unhappy with my last couple of attempts at powdered as well and have given up searching for the time being.
Just made this today! Thanks for the post!
I use the same recipe and have been making mine for awhile now. There are some super sensitive skins in my house! The vinegar also makes your clothes less “crunchy” if you line dry!