Laundry Detergent “Recipe”

Did you know you can make your own laundry detergent?

Why would anyone want to do that, you ask! Well, since there are no perfumes, dyes, or other common irritants, these are great recipes for those with allergies and sensitive skin. The homemade stuff here also does not contain any phosphates, for those of you who are environmentally conscious. Oh, and did I mention, its Cheap??? But you’ll have to keep reading to see just how cheap.

My sister, Mother in Law and I have been using these recipes for just about 2 years now, since I found a great recipe online. I thought I would share it with you! There are basically 3 ingredients, plus water. I just did a search on Harris Teeter (one of our local grocery stores) and found the prices for these items. These recipes were originally found at and adapted from Mary at Everyday Cheapskate. Here are the basic ingredients and their prices (in NC anyhow):

1. Fels Naptha Laundry Bar soap- $1.29/bar
2. Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (do not use baking soda)- $3.19/55oz box
3. 20 Mule Team Borax- $4.19/76oz box

Liquid Laundry Detergent

3 pints water
1/3 bar Fels Naptha soap, grated (~$0.43)
1/2 cup Super Washing Soda (~$0.71)
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax (~$0.25)
2-gallon bucket
1 quart hot water

Mix grated Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap in a large saucepan with 3 pints hot water and heat on the stove over Low heat until dissolved. Do not allow to boil. Stir in Super Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened. Remove from heat. Add 1 quart hot water to 2-gallon bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill up bucket with some additional hot water, leaving a few inches at the top, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load.

**Ok, so lets figure out about how much this will be, per load, using our prices above. Total per batch is $1.39. We end up with roughly 2 gallons of detergent, and use 1/2 cup per load. That’s (64) 1/2 cup measurements per batch, and $1.39/64= ~$0.02/load. WOW. And just as an extra tidbit, this one batch generally takes me 15 minutes to make, and lasts me 3 months.**

Powdered Laundry Detergent

**This one is only slightly more expensive, since it uses a bit more of the Fels Naptha, but some people like it more. I have personally never tried it, but this is what my mother in law makes, and really likes.**

1 cup grated Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap
1/2 cup Super Washing Soda
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax

Mix and store in airtight container or bag. For light loads, use 2 tablespoons. For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons.

Tip: These detergents will not make suds in your washer- Making them perfect for HE washers. If you need proof they work though, just look at your clothes (and the dirty wash water!). I don’t use any fabric softener with my clothes, and I really think it has something to do with the Fels Naptha.

There you have it! Homemade, allergen free, phosphate free laundry detergent, for roughly $0.02 a load! If you like a little scent, I’ve heard of many people adding a drop or two of their favorite essential oil to the liquid mixture. Give it a shot! (as long as it has no dyes).

Here’s to living: Happier, Healthier, more FRUGAL lives!

~FrugalMegan~