I started doing this about a year and a half ago. This is a real money saver and does not take that much time. It has worked out to be about one batch/bucketfull a year for me and these ingredients make more than one batch. I spent about $6 on the ingredients and this detergent really does clean the clothes just as well! I still buy my fabric softener, but I know you can make that too. Here's how to do it:
Ingredients: I got mine at Target and Publix
4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
*½ Cup Borax
- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
(I know it looks like I have two big toes, but I was standing on my foot, I guess. )-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. 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. (You can get this at the Vitamin store or Hobby Lobby) I add this to mine to make it smell good.
-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)
*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - in some stores or may be purchased online here (at Meijer.com). Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!
Source: Duggar Family Website
Would love to know if you try it and what you think!
