Laundry Detergent
Homemade laundry detergent with big stain-fighting power.
Yield: 72 loads
Cost: $10
Equipment
- Food processor
- Airtight jar with lid
Materials
- 2 bars Fels-Naptha grated
- 2 cups grated soap or soap flakes
- 2 cups super washing soda
- 2 cups borax
- 20-40 drops essential oil I used rosemary and tea tree
Instructions
- Working in batches, if needed, pulse the ingredients in a food processor or blender until combined. There will still be flecks of the Fels-Naptha visible.
- Place in an airtight jar.
Notes
To use - for regular loads use 1 tablespoon. For dirtier or larger loads, use 2 tablespoons.
For top loading - fill washer partially with water and add the detergent so it has a chance to dissolve. Add clothes and let washer fill up with water. For front loading - place 1 tablespoon in detergent compartment
To make into a liquid detergent - dissolve 1 tablespoon of powder in 1 cup hot water. Source: adapted from several sources including DIY Natural and Mother Earth News. For a big batch of liquid detergent mix the powder with 2 gallons plus 1 quart hot water in a 5 gallon bucket. Use 1 cup per load. The liquid will solidify and be more scoopable than pourable.