Living Simply: Homemade Laundry Detergent

I've been on a slight "natural" jag lately.  It's mainly due to trying to cut our household expenses but I also like the idea of learning to do make things on my own.  You never know . . . the zombies may show up one day. :)

As always, Pinterest has been a huge inspiration.  That's where I first came across the idea: homemade laundry detergent.   

I was pretty excited.  The average cost based on other bloggers was approx $20/year (or $0.02-$0.04/load).  Plus, I love trying something new.  However, I'm living with my in-laws and they buy the laundry detergent so why would I spend money (and create additional stuff to eventually pack) when I didn't have to?  I told myself I'd hang onto the Fels Naptha bar my grandmother had given me and patiently wait until I NEEDED detergent.

However . . .  my curiosity got the better of me so I eventually gave into the temptation (and I'm so glad I did!).

Here's the recipe I used:

1 cup Borax

1 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (not baking soda)

1/2 cup OxiClean (I have a two-year-old - it's not a necessary part of the recipe)

1 bar of Fels Neptha 

I used a simple parmesan grater because I didn't feel like digging out my MIL's blender and then cleaning up the mess.  The hand grater worked well but I'll probably use a food processor or blender when I have my own place again to get all of the pieces uniform. 

I've now been using my own detergent for about 2 months and I love it!

Reasons why I love this:

1. Gentle. No more worrying about harsh chemicals or fragrances causing itchy skin.  Plus, I'm really excited that it's gentle enough to use on babies.  I LOVE Dreft but it doesn't come cheap so this will be a great alternative the next time around.

2. Smells good.  I mean, there really is no smell but that's the great point.  It leaves a very faint clean, fresh smell and that's all I need!

3. Works for HE and standard washers.  It's low-sudsing so you can use it on any washer.

4. It's so cost-effective. 1 tbsp for normal loads, 2 tbsp for large or heavily soiled loads.  That's it.

5. Made it myself!  It's so satisfying to make something that helps my family.  Every time I do laundry I'm reminded of how much I love them. 

Oh yeah, and it does a great job cleaning. :)

Happy laundering!

~Laura

Update 3/25/13

After moving I read the OxyClean container and it says to NOT put into the normal dispenser for HE machines.  So, I still use my original laundry recipe (and LOVE it) but I don't add OxyClean unless I need to and then it's added straight to the drum.

Also, I use my food processor with the shredder attachment to shred the soap bar.  So quick! And then I'll switch blades and grind the whole mix up so the particles are nice and fine.  The laundry continues to turn out fresh and clean!