Easy DIY Laundry Detergent

Recently, I decided to jump on the band wagon and make my own laundry detergent. I did this for two reasons. One; I was really tired of the liquid detergent I'd been using and the price it cost. Two; I had a wholesale club sized box of Oxi Clean sitting around that never got used and was an ingredient in the 'recipe' I found.  I also knew that if I made my own detergent I really didn't want to cook and do the liquid route. So I found this posting with a recipe for dry, powder detergent that seemed very doable. I changed the recipe a little because I couldn't find Zote bars, but I found Fels Naptha bars, which are actually smaller than Zote, so I had to accommodate for that.

 

So, I've been using it now for a month or so and I love it! I found all the ingredients in the laundry aisle at Walmart. It was all near each other, but low on the shelves and most of the time, all the way in the back of the shelf. Here's the recipe that I used, adapted from the posting linked above.

 

1 (4 lb 12 oz) box of Borax

1 (3 lb 7 oz) box of Arm & Hammer Washing Soap

1 (3 lb) container or 6 cups of Oxi Clean (This is optional)

3 (5.5 oz) bars of Fels Naptha

1 (4 lb) box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

1 (55 oz) bottle of Purex Crystals 

 

There are a few changes you can make to this for yourself if you like. For instance, if you want even more scent you can add another bottle of the Purex Crystals. Also, if you want to use Downy Unstoppables instead of Purex that's fine. And if you don't want to put them in at all either, that'll be fine too. If you're like me and you already have Oxi Clean then you can measure it out, which would be 6 cups.

Okay so now for the making! You'll need to grate or chop (with a food processor) the Fels Naptha soap bars (or Zote). 

 

 

 

If you use a food processor, add one of the powder ingredients while chopping it. This will help the food processor cut the soap quicker. Superman stopped by to lend me a hand, so that made it a little easier. ;)

 

 

Then you just have to mix it all together. I did a little of each, mixed a little and then did it again, that helped make it a little easier. When it's all mixed in your done.

 

One of the most amazing things about this laundry detergent is that you only need to use 1-2 Tablespoons! Amazing! This stuff is gonna last forever!! Another great thing is the price! This all cost me less than $26!!!! And that's including the Sterilite tote to store it! Woohoo!! Gotta love a good deal!

 

So here's the break down (before tax):

Borax 3.38

Arm & Hammer Washing Soap 3.24

Oxi Clean  7.52

Fels Naptha .97

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda 2.12

Purex Crystals 8.96

 

I didn't have to buy the Oxi Clean, so I looked the price up on the Walmart site. 

 

This stuff is great because it's suitable for use with high efficiency washers and it dissolves in cold water. And don't wait for it to suds up in the washer, if your washer fills with water while you put the clothes in.

Hope you like it and let me know if you have any questions!