This is for my favorite Marissa. :)
I've wanted to try and make my own laundry detergent for a while now, I always thought it sounded kind of fun, and also economical and we can all agree saving money is fun. :) So I saw this recipe the other day and decided to try it!
The ingredients are;
The ingredients are;
2 bars Fels Naptha
2 cups 20 Mule Team Borax
2 cups Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (not to be confused with baking soda)
6 cups of hot water (+ more water as needed)
1 gallon jar or 4 one quart jars (to store it)
Start by heating up 6 cups of water, it will almost boil by the time you add the soap. While it's heating grate the Fels Naptha, we used our Ninja (blender) for this part but you could probably just use a hand cheese grater. I suggest cutting the bar of soap into quarters. Add the grated soap to the heating water and stir frequently for about 10-15 minutes and keep stirring until the soap is completely melted. Don't let this boil or you will have soap everywhere. ;-)
Once the soap is melted, turn off the heat and add the two cups of Washing Soda and the two cups of Borax. Stir until the powders have dissolved, about three minutes.
1 gallon jar or 4 one quart jars (to store it)
Start by heating up 6 cups of water, it will almost boil by the time you add the soap. While it's heating grate the Fels Naptha, we used our Ninja (blender) for this part but you could probably just use a hand cheese grater. I suggest cutting the bar of soap into quarters. Add the grated soap to the heating water and stir frequently for about 10-15 minutes and keep stirring until the soap is completely melted. Don't let this boil or you will have soap everywhere. ;-)
Once the soap is melted, turn off the heat and add the two cups of Washing Soda and the two cups of Borax. Stir until the powders have dissolved, about three minutes.
Pour the liquid into jar(s), I used a one gallon jar opposed to four quart jars because I think it's easier to store..plus the one gallon jar was $4.97 and the one quart jar was $2.97...hello that's a no brainer! :)
After you pour the liquid into the jar(s) add just enough water to reach the shoulder of the jar, leaving about 1 1/2 inch headspace. Let the jar of liquid sit over night (about eight hours). You will see the liquid start to separate, and that's okay. :)
In the morning (or after eight hours) cut up the firm soap, and pour all the liquid into a bowl and blend it all together. Start on the lowest speed, increasing speed gradually. It will start to turn into a pale yellow, whipped cream. Voila! Now pour the contents back into the jar(s) and get to washing clothes! This soap will keep indefinitely, it may get a little firmer with time but it will remain spoon-able.
So totally easy! And economical;
Fels Naptha bars....$.99/each
20 Mule Team Borax...$2.98
Arm and Hammer Washing Soda (I threw away my receipt but it was around $3)
1 Gallon Canning Jar...$4.97
Making your own laundry detergent...Priceless :) haha!
Side note: It only takes ONE TABLESPOON for a load of laundry. This amount of laundry soap will wash 256 loads of laundry. :)
Hope you like it
P.S I found all the ingredients at Walmart in the laundry aisle, except the jar was over in the kitchen area.
