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My journey switching from store-bought to homemade, natural products for the home and body.

Wednesday

Homemade Laundry Detergent


Making your own laundry detergent may take a little extra time and effort but it is worth the money you'll save because it costs only pennies per load.  It's also nice knowing exactly what is in the detergent that will be washing the clothes that my family will wear.  Because it is a low-suds cleaner, this is HE compatible as well!  This recipe will yield a gloppy gel that will need to be shaken or stirred before each use.  For fabric softener, add 1/2 c vinegar to your rinse cycle along with an optional few drops of essential oil to soften your clothes.

Ingredients:
  • 2 c water 
  • 1 c grated castile soap
  • 1 c borax 
  • 1 c washing soda 
  • Essential oil
Directions

Bring the water to a boil in a medium pan.  Dissolve the grated castile soap in the water.  Remove from heat and pour into a 5-gallon bucket.  

Stir the borax and washing soda into the soapy water, until dissolved.  

Add an additional 2 gallons of water to the bucket and stir.  Cover and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.  Once cooled, stir in essential oil, about 15 to 20 drops (I used orange essential oil).  

You can store this covered in the bucket or in empty laundry detergent bottles.  

Stir the mixture when ready to use for laundry (the mixture gels).  Use 1/4 c per load.  

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