Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent
1/3 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, grated
½ cup Washing Soap
½ cup Borax
2 quarts water
2 quarts and 1 gallon water
2 gallon bucket
In a large saucepan, mix grated Fels Naptha Soap with 2 quarts water. Cover and heat over mid-low heat until the soap flakes are dissolved. Watch closely: it will boil over however covering it speeds the melting process. Add Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until dissolved and then remove from heat. Add 1 gallon and 2 quarts water to the bucket. Add the soap mixture and mix well. Mix occasionally over the next 24 hours while the soap cools.
Yield 2 gallons
Use ½ cup of mixture per load.
ARM & HAMMER Washing Soda is a detergent booster which adds cleaning powder to this recipe. Washing Soda helps to neutralize and eliminate odors. It is unscented and contains no water pollutants or dyes. Washing Soda is an all-natural product and an effective cleaner that is safe for the environment and your family. Washing Soda is found in the laundry aisle in some discount store and grocery stores. You can also order it online.
Note: Baking Soda should not be used in place of washing soda, completely different products.
20 Mule Team® Borax is made of 100% Borax, a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen and water. 20 Mule Team® Borax is also safe for washing machines, plumbing or septic tanks. This product is also a laundry boost and it conditions water. So if you have soft water, you may find that you only need 1/3 cup 20 Mule Team® Borax in your recipe. 20 Mule Team® Borax is also found in the laundry aisle usually high or low on the shelf and an easy find at discount store like Wal-mart or your local grocery store. It is available through internet stores also
Fels Naptha Soap is made by Dial Soap Company and also found in laundry aisle. In my area, this is more difficult to find. I purchase it from a farm supply store that carries general household goods also. I have also seen it at a small Mom and Pop type grocery stores. Just look around in the laundry aisle as you are doing your regular shopping, you should be able to find it. Ivory Soap bar would also be an acceptable solution.
Essential oils can be added for additional scent although they do impact the cost. I prefer to save them for the vinegar rinse.
