I know there are a ton of online resources for homemade detergent but most of them call for Borax and I simply do not like borax. I have used my version for years and my clothes come clean and smell fresh! I do prefer the liquid version but have included the powder version as well. I originally found this recipe on the Duggar's site so if you would like to look at the original there you're more than welcome to :)
Powder-
2 cups Grated Laundry soap*
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Oxygen wash (oxyclean or offbrand preference)
-Grate soap or break into pieces and process in a food processor until powdered. Mix all ingredients. For light load, use 1 Tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 Tablespoons.
You can use Fels-Naptha bar soap, Ivory, Sunlight, Kirk's Hardwater Castile or Zote bars. Don't use heavily perfumed soaps. **Pictured is zote soap but I use my homemade Castile bars typically so this is an option for you as well. Just make sure that it isn't a "moisturizing" bar as they include a lot of oils and will not wash your clothes as well.
*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - in some stores or may be purchased online (I can find it at the grocery store and Wal-mart) Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!! Washing Soda can be found on the laundry or cleaning aisle.
**Scents/Essential oils can be dropped into the powder and stirred**
Liquid (Best Value)
4 Cups - hot tap water
2 cups of grated soap bar (laundry soap or ivory soap will work)
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup oxyclean (or off brand equivalent)
- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Oxygen wash. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)
-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.
-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)
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