We’re in the process of implementing our newly-created budget. I’m finding that I REALLY don’t like to spend money on boring stuff because that takes away the money we can use to do fun things (or to pay down our mortgage)! A few of our biggest and most boring “budget-busters” are dishwashing detergent, dog food, organic milk ($15 A WEEK…the boys drink SO MUCH milk), and laundry detergent. I can’t ever seem to find good deals on these items and it drives me crazy!
When I ran across the idea to make homemade laundry detergent for basically one cent per load…I was ecstatic! I used the recipe found on the Duggar Family site. I’ve never watched the show (since we don’t have cable), but I figured they were experts with the number of loads of laundry they do with all their children!
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to pick up:
- Borax ($2.99 at Walmart or Target–in the laundry aisle, or here
)
- Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (NOT Baking Soda–$2.99 at local grocery store in laundry aisle, or here
)
- Fels-Naptha Soap Bar ($1.56 at local grocery store in laundry aisle, or here
)
- 5-gallon bucket with lid (around $4 at Home Depot)
- 10 gallon milk jugs (or other containers) that have been cleaned and rinsed (the concentrate will disperse more evenly if you go ahead and divide it up.
- OPTIONAL: Essential Oil Drops for fragrance (we did not add this, so I am not sure how much it costs)
*I could not find the washing soda OR the Fels-Naptha soap at either Walmart or Target. Look at your local grocery store IN THE LAUNDRY AISLE.
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| 1. Grate the entire bar of the Fels-Naptha soap. |
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| (As you can see, I started off grating it very fine, but realized it was taking too much time.) |
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| 2. Put in a pot with 4 cups of hot water. Stir continuously over medium-low heat until all of the soap flakes have dissolved and melted (about 10 minutes). |
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| It should be slightly foamy with no “chunks” or flakes to be found. |
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| 3. Fill a 5-gallon bucket half-full of hot water. |
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| 4. Pour in the soap mixture. Add 1 cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda and 1/2 cup Borax. Stir. |
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| My husband happened to have a paint stirrer that goes on his drill, so that helped. But if you don’t have one of these, just use the end of your mop (or something that can reach to the bottom of the 5-gallon bucket). |
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| 5. Fill the rest of the 5-gallon bucket with water until it is full. Stir again. |
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| 6. Cover and let it sit overnight. |
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| 7. When you open the top up the next day, it should have gelled and thickened slightly. Stir again. |
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| 8. Use a funnel to fill a clean laundry detergent container (or gallon-size milk jug) and fill it HALF way with the soap mixture. Fill the other half with water and shake. |
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| Optional: Attach a homemade tag using packing tape (especially if giving as gifts) |
NOTE: On the second batch that I made, I wanted the concentrate to be more evenly distributed, so I just saved up our gallon milk containers for a couple weeks and then measured out 8 cups of soap and 8 cups of water, making sure to mix well after filling each gallon.
I also made some labels with instructions for use to stick on the front of the milk jugs (which will also ensure that no one accidentally tries to drink it). :) Download the labels here.
And in case you’re wondering how this laundry soap performs on tough stains, I thought I would do a little experiment using Prince Charming’s old undershirts.
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| I poured mustard on shirt #1 and then washed it in Tide Free & Clear. |
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| This is the result. |
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| I then put mustard on another shirt and washed it on the same settings using the homemade laundry soap. |
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| This was the result. |
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| As you can see, they did a similar job washing the shirt. Neither detergent got the stain out completely (which of course you would use a stain remover on a stain that tough normally), but there isn’t a huge difference in the two. |
-5/8 cups for a regular top-loading machine
-1/4 cup for a front-loading (HE) machine
This took us probably around a combined total of only 45-minutes to make!
I have an high-efficiency (HE) machine and have used and will continue to use this laundry soap. I e-mailed LG, the manufacturer of our machine to see if they “approved” the use of this laundry soap. Here is the reply I received:
*Go here for the printable version of the instructions.
1. A few days ago I realized between me and my ONE boy… I spend $20 a week on milk a week. I drink a gallon and a half a week. Yikes.
2. How does the detergent work with cloth diapers?
I would assume it works good. I never tried this way of making it but I use the Borax, Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda and Fels-Naptha Soap Bar to make a powder that works great on cloth diapers!
I use this laundry detergent all the time now and it works great on cloth diapers. I do add a cup of bleach when I wash the cloth diapers and they come out PERFECTLY white.
I swear by this laundry detergent, I was using Melaleuca for the last year and it was costing me a lot of money. This is a great savings and it works!
I also use Melaleuca and I love them. My husband has been asking me to try making it ourselves and I reckon we will be trying this. It is expensive but I just don’t like the chemicals in my home. However, I will still buy the Melabright for use instead of bleach. It gets my clothes brighter and whiter than bleach and is not harsh at all.
Do you think this would be comparable to the free & clear stuff? I have a newborn and like that for him.
http://Www.blendra.com
I used to use the fels nappa bar to directly clean my newborn son’s cloth diapers and he never developed any rash or anything, so I would assume that this kind of homemade laundry soap is fine. Good luck!
Hi! I've been using this recipe for over 2 years now and have saved a ton of money by doing so. I don't use fels naptha, I just buy any bar soap that is fragrance free (Because of allergies and eczema in our house) and use that. I found this recipe on the Duggars website, lol. We are a family of 7 and the bucket lasts us about 6months. Also, ours is an HE machine and it's not caused any troubles for the machine. HTH~!
I think I have to try this! I have considered it for a while and need to take the plunge. Thank you for the awesome tutorial. As I was reading the Dugger site, I noticed, they said to fill the container 1/2 full, then the other half full with water, when you're filling the small container you will use. Meaning (they said too..) the recipe is for 10 gallons. So even less expensive than mentioned. Kendra, I wouldn't compare it to the free and clear as the fels naptha has a fragrance to it, but free and clear still has a lot of "stuff" just not fragrance…if you do a double rinse, you should be fine.
Have you tried this with color clothes? I didn't know if it would make them fade. Thank you for sharing! I hope to try it once our current supply runs out.
I’ve used this on colored clothes and if anything, they seem brighter than before. Plus you get the feeling your clothes are REALLY CLEAN. I don’t know if it’s just my imagination or what, but that’s how I felt.
You know if you just add vinegar to your wash it will keep your colors good. Vinegar helps set dark colors in especially!!!! I use it as my water softener and in bleach dispenser. I used to put baking soda in the wash too but no need now that I have this laundry detergent.
How much vinegar in a frontloading machine?
Just FYI – borax is banned in some countries and not really considered a safe or "green" chemical. I haven't done much research because what I read in the beginning was enough for me to throw out what I had! I know it's been linked to hormone disruption and problems with the male reproductive systen. It's particularly bad for pregnant women, babies, and kids.
Thank you Erin! I wondered how “green” this homemade soap was. I remember my grandma making her own laundry soap and it was definitely NOT green LOL!
On another note, you said you cannot find good deals on laundry soap? I got the Ultra Purex Naturals laundry soap that’s enviro friendly for 1.49 last week… scored @ 4 bottles at Walgreens. It was on sale for 1.99 with a 50 cent cpn. I am positive you could find great deals on laundry soap. Also, I scored 3 bottles of 7th Gen dish soap at Walmart for 1.00 each… they were on clearance for 2.00 each, then I used 3, 1.00 cpns :) I also scored some Mrs. Meyer’s countertop spray for 2.00 (3.00 on clearance less 1.00 cpn). I know deals can be found for both of those. Milk: I like to use the 1.00 Smart Balance cpns for milk in conjunction to Albertson’s Double coupons you get in the mail- they will double any mfr. cpn up to 1.00. So at my Albies, a 1/2 gallon of Smart Balance milk is 3.29, less 2.00 in cpns = 1.29 for a 1/2 gallon. OR- they always have catalina coupon deals on milk (like buy 4 boxes of cereal, get 1 gallon of milk free). With coupons, you can steal this! I hope this may have helped :D
It seems as though the laundry deals come and go…and there are some weeks where I don’t have as much time to snatch up the good deals with coupons as I would like. :) Thanks for sharing your experience!
If a “natural” product such as borax is said to be so unsafe…it makes you wonder how unsafe the laundry detergent you buy from the store is! From what I’ve read on Borax, the “dangers” you’re referring to is if it is ingested.
You bet!!! :) I LOVE and am addicted to couponing! I really, really like Method’s laundry detergent also… scored some on clearance at Target for 3.98- not the best deal, however, that little bottle seems to last me a LONGGGG time haha :)
I also read in my Parents or Baby Talk magazine (can’t remember which one it was) this past month that you technically don’t need laundry soap at all… that it’s the water that does all the washing – that all laundry soap does is reduces the friction of the water surface to allow the water to work easier & more efficiently… hmph! Pretty interesting, huh? :)
lol…..
Well if the Duggars use it then it certainly isn’t hurting any reproductive systems in their house.
HAHAHA thats very true.lol
LOL!
Tide free has borax in it……not to mention a “laundry” list of other other more questionable ingredients. Borax has been a basic ingredient in detergents for years.
The EU classification was based on a study of rats that were fed greater than 5.5% concentration over an extended period of time. Last time I checked no one was planning on eating their laundry detergent.
I would love to know how it works on CD as well!
I have halfed this recipe before since storing 5 gallons is a lot. It worked just fine.
Wow, I'd love to know where Erin found her info on borax because I've heard nothing but awesome stuff about it! I know it was banned as a food additive, but the 20 mule team borax for laundry and cleaning has been recommended in many different sources as a great all natural cleaner. But that's just what I've heard!
I do one bar fels-naptha with 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 washing soda as a dry mix to throw into laundry (about 2 tbsp per load). This is much easier for me than cooking it down for a huge bucket of laundry and works great on our colors and our whites!
I have read this on many international websites…Germany has banned it for possible links to birth defects and such. You can’t even buy it, they package and sell a “Borax Alternative”.
I've used both homemade liquid and powder detergents in my HE machine for a couple of years with no problems at all. Like you said, it's hard to worry since they don't sud much at all. I haven't had any problem with fading—it seems to work just like commercial detergents.
I know you said you were kidding, but I wanted to share what WE'VE done for homemade dog food…(I have been making homemade laundry soap for YEARS now).
If we have a ham, turkey, chicken, etc. I take the carcass, or bits of meat that we wouldn't use and boil it in a large stockpot. Once done, I strain the bones and/or meat out and make rice. Once the rice is done, I will chop bits of meat, potato, carrots in it. We then measure out how much the 3 dogs will need, and put it in ziploc bags. We never give JUST that to them, we use it to supplement with dry food, but it does stretch out the dry food, so we're not buying it as often.
There are TONS of information out there about homemade dog food, it's worth checking out. Just an FYI for you, if it was something you would be interested in! :-)
just be careful….potatoes due to the starch is not good for dogs due to hard for them to digest and our vet recommended us not use it in our homemade food
Here is the recipe that we use for powder detergent. Much easier to make -
http://ouroutofsynclife.blogspot.com/2010/03/homemade-laundry-detergent.html
Enjoy!
The powder recipe is probably easier to make, but we have a septic system where powder detergent is discouraged. This liquid recipe is a life saver for us! We love it!
I hadn’t heard that about septic systems. Actually we have a septic system and have never had any trouble. Could be because I only use 1 T of soap per load? I do suggest that you grate the soaps very fine for an HE washer.
I have been using that exact recipe for over a year.. the difference.. I don't put the borax in it, making it even gentler. I haven't had any major problems with not getting stains out. I have used it in both HE style and regular styles as we have moved, and have different appliances now. Its worked well in both types of machines. I have used it for both of my children (now 2 (and almost a half) years and 11 months. I haven't had trouble with either one breaking out and my 11 month old is fairly sensitive.
Where DID you find the Washing Soda? I ended up buying soda ash from a pool supply store because I couldn't find the Washing Soda.
That's a awesome idea, i will also try it too.
Thanks! This is awesome and I feel like so doable!
I have been using this recipe for 2 years now and love it. I recently began using "Zote" soap (found in mexican grocery stores) instead of the Fels Naptha as it seems to keep our whites whiter. But you can substitute almost any bar soap to your preference.
For those that asked about cloth diapers. We cloth diaper and use this with all of our diapers (pre-folds, covers, and AIOs) and it works wonderfully! Better than my Mom's fancy free and clear detergent and just as well as our Tide used to.
my husband and I have been using this laundry soap for awhile now as well (maybe about a year?!)… and we haven't found any complaints! I didn't want to make a huge batch, so we mixed the ingredients and left them in their powdered form, each time we do laundry we mix 2 TBSP of the powdered combination with one regular sized mason jar full of water and shake, then pour it into our washing machine… we do our laundry on a seminary campus in the laundry room using front loader machines… I've also found a plain Fels Naptha bar of soap to be the BEST baby stain remover, I just wet the stained spot and rub the Fels Naptha bar directly over it and it has worked like a charm every time (even if I'm not able to do it right away and the stain has been sitting for awhile)
thanks for the tip, like this better than making a huge batch
I found the washing soda in the laundry aisle of my local grocery store, right next to the OxiClean. If you can't find it in the store, you can always buy in on Amazon (though it is more expensive).
Wow, this sounds great! I agree with you on hating to spend money on laundry detergent and other boring necesseties. I may try this out. I do so much laundry even though there is only three of us :-)
http://itsybitsypaper.blogspot.com
Thanks for the info, I want to try this!! I love that you added test of the laundry soaps.
I have made my own dishwasher detergent before using borax and washing soda but have found this recipe that I am going to be making next.
http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/
I can buy citric acid at a local home and garden center that sells homemade beer making supplies.
As soon as I run out of my stockpile of laundry detergent I am going to try making this!!
I find my washing soda at our grocery store.
Laurapeery – I never thought to use my Fels Naptha that I buy for this to use as a stain remover! I generally use Folex or OxiClean, but if I could get away without buying either of those (except maybe the folex which is incredibly useful on food stains on our couch and carpet) that would be great!
I love this too! I started using this recipe simply because I was tired of buying laundry soap every time I turned around! I found washing soda at Ace Hardware and she said she would order Fels Naptha for me but I used Ivory for my first couple of trials. I might try Fels Naptha next time.
can you use pink zote soap? that is all I can find in my little town and the mark up on Amazon is silly!
i have made some but have yet to run out of name brand so i haven't tried it yet, but i am excited too!!! My mom and I split the 5 gallon bucket and she has used it and thinks it great too
I have the LG HE washer and dryer set. Every appliance sales person and repair person has warned me not to use liquid detergent in an HE washer. We ended up with a very smelly situation as the chemicals in the liquid soaps gunked up and rotted – incorporating the stench in every single load of laundry. When we started using powdered detergent – the stench left and the washer works amazingly better! I will try this since some others have recommended making a powdered detergent.
I really think dishwasher detergent is extremely expensive – thanks to those that linked up to make your own – I will check in to it!
Thanks for all you post here!
Jacquelyn,
I have used only liquid HE detergent in my HE machine that we've had for almost three years. I was having the opposite problem…the powdered detergent was so gunky.
I made the Homemade dishwasher detergent and used it for a couple weeks and I really DON'T like it. I finally stopped using it because it left a brown residue on my dishes after a week or two.
Wow! Ok – after posting your pictures you have made me a believer! I think Ill try making this this weekend and test it out. I also am a Tide user (and have been for years) but, if it works well and saves me $$ Im willing to put the time and effort into it!! Thanks for sharing :)
I have started making my own laundry detergent also! I make the power kind though and it costs me about .2/per load! Love it and will never go back to commercial detergent!
Another tidbit I found is using Ivory soap. Its cheaper than the Fels Naptha and works just as well. In the summer for added stain fighting power because I have boys and well ya know how that goes when playing outside, I have added the oxyclean powder (about a cup) while the mixture is still hot and it works fantastic!! Just like the detergents that have stain fighting power.
Awesome! I want to make some too, I saw zote soap the other day at the store, but didn't know if I could use that instead. My liquid soap is almost gone and I was hoping to start making my own.
For those wondering about cloth diaper soap, here is a link to another "recipe", it is slightly different.
http://www.theecofriendlyfamily.com/2009/08/cloth-diaper-detergent.html
the laundry soap is similar too, but it is a dry mix and she makes A LOT at a time
http://www.theecofriendlyfamily.com/2009/08/laundry-detergent.html
I never really worry about detergent since we only need to buy it once or twice a month for our family of 4. Both of our kids are pre-K. The bottle we buy only cots $5 for 32 loads. I will keep this in mind though. It sounds cool, but a big bucket would last us 6 monts or more. Doesn't the tap water in it make it go bad eventually because it is standing water?
Everyone seems to give it good reviews. I made it and used it for awhile. First of all, my clothes got dingy. I noticed I could still smell my deoderant on the armpits of my t-shirts. I wonder what I did wrong?
I thought of making another batch and adding oxyclean to it to make it work better. But I'm skeptical b/c clothes are very costly and good detergent seems like a good investment. Actually, I have previously used Tide and Gain but have recently found Purex to work great! I bought Purex Naturals, 100 washes for 7 dollars. I also had a coupon for Purex Complete with Zout. That made it 4 dollars for 46 loads. Then another friend of mine said since she didn't care for the cleaning power of just the homemade soap, she began to add Tide to it too boost it's power and really likes it now.
I wonder that since Tide and other commercial detergents have agents in them to keep dirt from redepositing on the clothes, what is in the homemade detergent to keep it from doing this?
Awesome comparison! thanks!
Wow! What an awesome post!! I just visited another blog who made their own laundry detergent. Your post was a great tutorial and VERY convincing!! Thanks
Annie
moffattgirls.blogspot.com
I did what Curly T did…..used it as a dry soap as it was easier for me as well. I stopped using it a while back but I need to make another batch and start using it again!
our target has the washing soda and the borax – i found the fels naptha at our local grocery store
I make the dry laundry detergent asl well. It's much easier and quicker to make. I also use a old food processor it mixes it all up really well! (you don't need to use the processor for food too) Only have to use 2 Tablespoons for a normal load and 3 for a heavy load! I just love to make my own. Makes me feel creative!…lol…Thanks for your version though. Like all the step by step pictures you use. :) Hope you have a wonderful day. I may follow your blog. I sure am enjoying it!
I use this as well and love it! I was having trouble with my whites – so I added a box of baking soda to the mixture as it softens the water and allows for whiter whites! I love this – combined with hydrogen peroxide in with my whites (instead of bleach), I have great success!
To the woman who added oxyclean to the soap bucket,
Oxyclean creates a smell of Hydrogen peroxide when you put it in the laundry water. I used to use Hydrogen peroxide on protein stains on clothing til I started buying Oxyclean.
Hydrogen peroxide looses it's extra oxogen molecule as it ages, with exposure to air (read a peroxide bottle sometime when you're in the store.
If you add Oxyclean to the water when you're making this washing liquid, I'm afraid the value will be evaporated before you can use it. add it to the wash water, not the soap bucket.
I also make my own dry detergent & love it. Our clothes are just as clean or cleaner using this detergent. I did make a batch & keep track of how much it cost/how many loads I got out of it and my savings wasn't as much as I hoped but it's still less than Tide. I hate buying a small (smaller and smaller all the time) bottle for $10 at a time!
I make the my homemade detergent by throwing in one box of washing soda, one box of borax, one box of baking soda, one tub of sun oxygen cleaner, and two grated bars of either fels naptha or zote. I do not premix it with water, I add 2 TBS per load to my top load washer. My sensitive skined little ones and I have never broken out and the laundry doesn't get the stinkies if it sits a day like it used to when I used Arm and Hammer Naturals.
We too have gone to homemade laundry detergent, but I have opted for the powder version (I think someone listed the directions for it above). I just wanted to add that we make 2 versions. I use the Fels Naptha for our general load and the Zote for all of our delicates. We absolutely love the smell of both of these detergents. We too have an HE washer and I actually switched partly because it keeps my washer from getting as much build up and developing that gross moldey ring. And because we have all but quit using fabric softner (you won't need it when you switch to these! I only use it now when I have to rewash a load we forget about and I want to make sure I cover up the mildew smell…but it's all about aroma now.) it saves even more money and the gunk builds up even less in our machine.
I have an LG Tromm washer and I use something similar with no issues. I, like another poster, do not use the Fels Naptha due to the fact that it at the time I began making my own soap it still contained Stoddard solvent. I use a bar of Ivory soap since I can usually find a coupon for it and get a 3 pack of Ivory for the cost of one bar of Fels Naptha anyhow. :)
I have been making this recipe for a few years as well, and last month heard a tip that has made my life so much easier! If you chop up the Fels Naptha and put it in your food processor, it takes so much less time than grating with a cheese grater. Wish I had known about that earlier.
At what point is it best to add the essential oil? Thanks
Right after cooking the soap, while it is still warm. :)
This wasn’t what I did, though. I didn’t want ALL of the soap to have a scent, so I just added a few drops when I put it into my gallon container.
Loved your idea here! I must try this immediately, sooooo tired of spending on all the soaps out there. Plus it seems a little less chemical filled. Big plus there!
Just an FYI….I’ve been using this for several months and love the money it saves my family. I melt Downy Unstoppables in and it smells amazing! About 2 cups per every new batch:)
What a great idea! Where do you get that?
I actually JUST bought the ingredients this evening (prior to reading this post!) I’m actually really excited to give it a try and have heard really good results so far from friends using the recipe (my recipe also includes baking soda)
My next want…is a recipe for stain remover!!! I am a shout junkie (and HATE spending money on that purchase!)
Hmm…I’m not sure if I’m brave enough to attempt this – but the thought of saving $$$ is definitely tempting! I just might have to give it a try.
http://www.littlereadersbookshop.com
I’ve been using it in my HE machine for quite awhile and there have been no problems. I also fill my softener compartment with vinegar each time; I read that it will help keep the machine clean.
In fact, since I wash almost everything in hot water, I just grate up the soap, add the borax and soda, and mix it all up. Then I just add a scoop to each load. I have made the liquid as well and they both work just fine.
I tried adding essential oil once and I couldn’t smell a thing on my clothes. I think you would have to add a lot! Also I have tried adding it to my vinegar, but I often find oily stains on my next batch of clothes.
I like your test. I have never used name-brand soap and I always wondered how homemade would stand up.
If you can’t find washing soda at the store you can always turn baking soda into washing soda. Just put what you need into a baking dish. Heat it in the oven at 400 degrees until it becomes washing soda.
If you’ve never seen washing soda before and need a picture and description of what it will look like when it’s done go to http://www.pennilessparenting.com/2011/01/homemade-washing-soda.html
And I was able to find the Borax, Washing Soda, and Fels-Naptha all at our Wal-Mart in the laundry aisle. The soap was $.97 and the Borax and Washing Soda were both a little over $3 a piece.
I’ve been wanting to try this, thanks! :)
Great!
Just an idea: the easyest way to get the stain out completely is to leave the tshirt in the sun for drying.
Use regular distilled vinegar in “fabric softener” spout or downy ball to rinse clothes, machine & pipes of soap residue. Also acts as a natural fabric softener & softness is especially noticeable for line/sun dried items. Won’t be crunchy. Leaves no vinegar smell once completely dry!!
I luv homemade laundry soap! Cleans perfect, doesn’t fade darks & light on the budget!! We use the dry version & put 2T into hottest water in laundry bin. 1/4 full of water then start adding clothes.
I am confused as to why water is added and the mixing. Why not simply use it as a dry detergent and mix the soda, borax and shredded soap together and use a tablespoon for each load? Would that work?
I should read all posts before posting. :) The post above mine answers my question. Great, and will do!
My only issue with dry detergent is I only wash in cold water (too cheap for anything else! LOL) and dry detergent doesn’t dissolve as well in cold.
Love, love, love that you posted this!!! My mixture is sleeping for the night right now!! Mixed mine in a 5 gallon “Gatorade” cooler with a spout so I won’t have to use a funnel…just push the button to fill my containers! Thanks for this!!!!!
Could you use home made bars of soap instead of buying the Fels Naptha Soap? I am looking into starting to make my own soap from fats and lye. Just curious. Thanks.
I’m not sure about that, Katie. It wouldn’t hurt to try!
Yes! :)
The recipe I use for dishwasher detergent is 1 cup borax, 1 cup washing soda and 4 packets of kool-aid lemonade (it contains the citric acid and gives a nice lemony smell.) Mix all ingredients and store in a jar.
I made this yesterday and it sat in the basement in my 5 gallon bucket covered overnight. I just checked on it and it didn’t really thicken or gel. It’s still watery. I’m wondering if this is normal or what I should do? I don’t want to put it into containers with half water and make it even more watery.
You might wait until a full 24 hours has passed. When I have made it, only the top inch thickens and the rest is still pretty watery. That’s why you’ll want to make sure you mix it really well. :)
I had the same problem and I mixed it with a drill and paint paddle. Wondering what to do next. I read that the Borax is the gelling agent but how do I add a powder to cold mixture and get it to dissolve?
You can also leave the recipe as powdered! Also, fels naptha is a highly abrasive detergent soap. If you’re looking for something more natural, use an olive oil based soap instead!
I should have given a name of a soap – try Kirk’s Castille soap, it’s cheap and you can get it at many drugstores (p.s. I found your site on pinterest!)
I have made this very same recipe for years. I wanted to add if you have allergies you can use 1 bar of ivory soap vs the one third of fels naptha. Also look at your local thrift stores and second hand stores and flea markets I have bought fels naptha for as low as .10 a bar at those stores!!! Also not sure if I am aloud to name companies that sell in bulk but I bought the washing soda online in bulk because it was cheaper but also because they do not sell it in our area and I paid a fraction of the cost and have enough to last me years and if it gets hard it is really easy to break it up. I love sites like this!!! Thanks for sharing!! Lee
Can frebreze be added for scent?
I’m not really sure, but I don’t see why not! If you decide to try it, let us know how it works!!
Our local wal-mart recenlty started selling both fels-naptha and the super washing soda due to so many people making their own laundry detergent.
To find Washing Soda you can contact Arm & Hammer. When I first made this recipe several years ago they told me what stores carried Washing Soda in my local area.
I have made this detergent for 5 years. My question is why not use half as much concentrate per load and skip the dilution step.
I was thinking the same thing… I think before I dilute it I might try a load undiluted and see?
I’ve been making this detergent for over a year and I LOVE it. For those intimidated by the process, DON’T BE! It is so easy to make, and you’ll save so much money! I have a front-loader and this works beautifully. I have also replaced my commercial fabric softener with vinegar, so now my clothes are completely chemical and scent free. I line dry 3/4 of the year, and my clothes are softer coming off the line than they ever were using brand name detergents and softeners.
I too, tried making homemade dishwasher detergent but did not like it at all. It left a chalky white film on all of my glassware.
*We don’t have Fels-Naptha in Canada as far as I know, so I use Ivory bar soap.
Did you try the Lemi Shine? It helps break down hard water deposits and prevents the spots and film. I found it in the cleaning isle at the grocery store.
I’ve made a powdered laundry detergent with fels naptha, washing soda and borax and used it in my HE washer (also an LG front loader) and have not had any problems at all. Matter of fact, the homemade laundry detergent has cut down on that “smell” that front loaders can get, even. I call it a WIN!
I am very interested in trying this! I am very curious, however, if anyone has also added un-iodized salt to the mixture? It supposedly removes B.O. smell along with killing off fungus (like yeasts). I have not tried it but my mom says she uses it with her regular detergent and loves what it does for her. I’m considering adding it, but wanted to see first if anyone else does it and what the results are.
I think this sounds like a great idea- but I researched each ingredient and was disturbed to see that Borax is actually quite toxic and not recommended for use around children. I’m wondering what would happen to this recipe if I just left it out?
I’ve been making and using home made laundry soap for a long time and wanted to add another easy, DIY laundry tip. (I apologize if someone else has posted this already, I haven’t had time to read all the comments!) Rather than using fabric softener, try plain white vinegar. Use just as you would fabric softener, 1/4 to 1/2 cup per load. Not only does it leave your clothes feeling soft and smelling fresh (yes, the scent disappears while the clothes dry-I PROMISE!) but it also helps remove the soap residue in your washing machine!
I use vinegar for my kitchen and bath towels. After they’ve been sitting in the laundry basket for awhile, they get pretty stinky! It works like a charm! And I never use fabric softener, mostly out of cheapness, but I’ve recently learned that dryer sheets are bad for your dryer – they can cause a build-up of gunk in places it shouldn’t be and potentially cause a fire. And I don’t miss it one iota!
Hi — just an FYI, best I can tell borax is banned in cosmetics (includes lotions etc) and as a food additive. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is not harmful to the environment and there’s no evidence that it bio-accumulates. I was a little surprised to see it’s a common ingredient in eye drops! See, http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/705996/SODIUM_BORATE/
All of these ingredients can be found online at drugstore.com
Thanks for the awesome tutorial, I’m going to try this as soon as I have all the ingredients except I’m going to try switching to a Castile soap.
Natalie, thanks for the website with Borax information. I noted it’s not safe for products that will touch infants skin. I’m still hesitant to use this as a family detergent…… I wonder what a safe replacement is?
I saw in an earlier post to omit the borax, she said she’s been doing it for a long time and it works great for them.
I learned recently, that a lot of big grocery stores, store brand products have committed to going hormone and additive free, although their products may not be labeled “organic”. You should check with your grocery store manager and ask about this, it would mean that the store brand milk will be just as wonderful as organic!
How does this affect septic tanks? Or does it at all? Thanks!!
I don’t have a septic tank, so I can’t honestly answer that question! Sorry!
Im going to be brave and try this with a friend this weekend, does it make a difference if you omit the borax and what happens if you dont use a lid?
I’m not sure it will work very well if you omit the Borax…but you can certainly try and let us know! Also, if you don’t have a lid, try putting some plastic wrap tightly over the top. You’ll want it to be sealed well.
I found a recipe for homemade laundry soap about a year ago and love it. Its just 1 bar fels napa grated (which makes about 2 cups) 1 cup borax and 1 cup washing powder. i just put about a teaspoon scoop in and it works great in my HE washer.
I used this recipe about 2 weeks ago to make a batch of detergent. I let it sit overnight and then added the rest with water and stirred. It still settles though. Each time I use it I have to shake my container to get the mixture to mix. The bottom is a clearish yellow liquid. The middle is white flubberish. And the top is just foam. Do you know what I did wrong?
Hmmm…not sure. Did you mix it up really well prior to letting it sit overnight.
I still shake mine every time I use it too…just to be safe. :)
This is pretty cool. Would make awesome gifts for those who you just never know what to get them. Throw in a iron cover for the dryer and it is unique and useable things which took a little love to boot. Thanks so much. Happy new year!
Dear Concerned Readers;
My Mother, Grandmother and Aunts all used Borax in their laundry. My Mother had 9 children, my Grandmother had 13…need I say more. And, by-the-way…we are all “normal” (whatever that is). There is too much emphasis on everything being “harmful”. If we worried about all that stuff we would never get out of bed in the morning. I am so anxious to try the BORAX based laundry detergent. Thanks for the recipe. (Have you tried maybe adding the new fabric softener crystals?
just wondering if you have any experience using this for cold water washing?
I am wanting to add a scent to this…but I don’t know how much and when to add it..can someone help on that please. And another thing I always heard vinegar and soda makes suds is that safe for an HE cause I like the idea of getting that smell off my towels
Kathy,
I made the powdered detergent yesterday (FIRST TIME), tweaking it a bit, ….I used the borax—1 box, washing soda—(1 box), regular baking soda—4 small boxes, 1 container of generic oxy clean….3 bars ivory soap (grated) I then added 1 container of the new Downey scent booster (its in the fabric softner section)…I purchased the purple bottle (lavendar scented)…..it made my recipe smell nice and i LOVE the outcome of my wash!!!…am so thrilled to find a cheap alternative. I researched some of the zote bars and others and didn’t like what I found, and I also found various recipes..i compiled a bit of my own with what I found to be a common recipe…works awesome!–(i have a H.E. Washer also.)
I add water based potpourri ( from Walmart) to my vinegar, several ounces per gallon.
I make a homemade laundry detergent also but its not liquid, its powder. Its really very easy!
1 cup A&H super washing soda
1 cup baking soda
1 cup vinegar
1/4 liquid soap (I use Dr. Bronners – which you can find at publix) also, I buy the bar soap and melt it down in boiling water and measure out 1/4 cup at a time.
*mix your dry ingredients together and mix your wet ingredients together (the soap and vinegar will kind of curdle when the soap is poured into it.)
Add the wet to the dry SLOWLY while stirring quickly. As a paste forms keep stirring until you can’t stir anymore and pout the crumbly mixture onto a baking sheet. let it dry for a day or so and then sift it!
Also, since its made from natural ingredients it is very green (no borax!)
It works great on cloth diapers and is completely safe in front loaders (since it doesn’t sud up)
And also, if you want it scented buy a scented natural soap!!! Dr. Bronners is available in some pretty yummy smelling scents!
Jocelyn- How much do you use for a full load?
i made this same laundry detergent, only I make it in the powdered form. Almost the same recipe, just a bar of Fels-Naptha, 1 cup Borax and 1 cup Arm and Hammer. It’s 1 tablespoon a load, works great in HE washers and takes up so much less room. I have it in a little tupperware, have been using it for 7+ loads of laundry a week for a month and have barely made a dent in the detergent.
I found all the detergent ingredients at my local Wal-mart
I had the same problem as someone above…after the overnight wait it didn’t gel. I have hard water and thought maybe that was the issue? Also I used hot water for the remaining 2.5 gal after everything was mixed. Should it have been cold? The ‘soap’ part was like a cloud ball at the bottom and all of the water was on top. Didn’t know if someone had any pointers! Thanks, looking forward to trying this out, even if it is messed up!
I make mine almost this way, but I would love to know where you can get the material this cheap! I can’t find borax or washing soda for less than $4 a box. Are you buying in large bulks or something?
Hy Vee grocery store had the Borax for $4.74, Arm & Hammer for $2.98 and the Fels Naptha for $1.18. I’m sure some of this would have been cheaper but I didn’t want to drive to Walmart.
Walmart has the washing soda for 3.24..the Borax for 3.38 and the Fels Naptha bar for .97. They also carry the 4lb box off baking soda (used in some other “recipes”)..ALL in the laundry aisle!
I am a big fan of my clothes smelling great when they come out of the dryer. How does this recipe measure up fragrance-wise? I saw the essential oil add-in but what experience can anyone share…
I just made some of this soap today and I can’t wait to try it out. Thanks so much for the tip about dividing it up right away and for the nifty labels.
Do the research…HUMANS are the only mammal that continue to drink milk past the ‘weaning’ stage…!!!! I can understand the 3 cups for children or 2 for adult for nutritional purposes ….but to use it like a beverage makes NO SENSE!!!!
I have never made this laundry soap but i am gonna try this. I plan to use pioneer soap that a lady i know makes. It is all natural and she uses essential oils. Do you think that soap will be ok? I am also planning tol make a stain remover. Does anyone know of a good recipe for stain remover? Thank you.
Jenae, love your site!
To all concerned about this liquid recipe regarding cold water washing, sensitive infant skin, using a more “homemade” soap, adding scent, and septic safety…
I am a mother of 4; I have been using this liquid recipe for 4 years now and both of my youngest have had no issues with clothes/bedding/cloth diapers being washed since day one. My kids have allergies to milk protiens, which leaves them with very sensitive skin prone to exema if they ingest a product with milk protien. The Fels Naptha has been proven safe for even my sensitive-skinned children.
We wash in cold water, with the exception of cloth diapers as you need to kill the bacteria. Oh, yes, and the occasional tummy bug. Our regular clothes come out just as clean as if we wash on warm.
My mother has a septic system and has been using this liquid recipe for 4 years with no issues.
I have used a more “homemade” soap with this recipe. I wanted the stain power of the Fels Naptha, but after finding some lavender oatmeal Vermont Soap Company soap, I thought I’d try it. I used half of a Fels Naptha bar and the equivalent of the other half of the bar with the lavender soap and ended up with an amazing scented laundry wash that I didn’t have to use a ton of essential oil in. Bonus: sensitive skin still in tact with no flare ups! Clothes still clean in cold water!
Yes, with my kids that love dark juice and ketchup, I spray n wash the stained stuff, but everyday dirt or stuck on cereal goo is no match for this soap. Go make some today!
Oh, almost forgot! The homemade dishwasher detergent:
Use citric acid in your dry mix. Find it in bulk at your local co-op or natural food store (it is used for canning and jelly making to preserve color). Yes, it will make your dry mix clumpy, but if you store in a gallon ziploc bag, it is easy to crumble before putting in your dishwasher. It keeps your dishes from getting cloudy film on them. Also, try putting white vinegar in your jet dry spout…works just as well in the dishwasher as the clothes washer.
I just made this last night and used it for the first time about an hour ago on my cloth diapers. They came out smelling excellent! Just like the lavender oil I used for fragrance. Question, does your detergent come out more watery than a traditional liquid detergent like Tide? That is the only major difference I see is that the consistency is different.
Thanks for the help!
Allison Mack
Austin Moms Blog
I use this recipe, only without diluting it in the final step. I just fill my bottles completely full, without adding any water. This way, it makes just 5 gallons instead of 10, much easier for storage. You use less, so you get as many loads of laundry as the diluted formula At that strength, the recipe I use recommends 1/4 cup for a top loader, and 1/8 cup for a front loader.
Winco grocery carries all the ingredients in my area.
I add water based potpourri ( from Walmart) to my vinegar, several ounces per gallon, for scent.
My sister in law makes this very laundry soap from ‘The Duggars’ site. She loves it and says it works really good!
Thank you so much for sharing this awesome recipe! I can ‘t wait to try it. I hope you don’t mind, I couldn’t help but feature your awesome post on my new blog here:
http://onalowbudget.blogspot.com/2012/01/liquid-laundery-detergent-recipe.html
Thank you so much for sharing this useful recipe!
Thanks for sharing! :)
I use this recipe for my laundry detergent but i use Dove soap instead of fars naptha as a personal preference. I used this soap to clean my carpet with since it did such a fantastic job on my clothes. My carpet has never been so clean. Looks better than brand new!!
I have been using this recipe for a few years now. Great my clothes are always clean. Make sure to follow the jug fill half way, then add in as much water. Otherwise its globby, need to shake it alot. Happy Soap Making !
Should There be little chunks of the gel floating in the mixture after it’s stirred the next day?
Yes, that’s normal. Just stir it up really well.
Found this via Pinterest! Thanks for all the tips and input. Have my soap already grated and ready to go. Just waiting on my husband to come home from work with a drill so we can use a paint stirrer and he can “help” (his idea!! Lol)
Does this stuff expire? bc 10gallons will last my family 2 years!?
I don’t think it technically expires, but I would consider sharing it with a friend or neighbor! :)
To treat that stain that neither laundry product removed, keep a bar of the Fels Naptha on hand to use on such stains. The bar wrapper has instructions on how to use as a stain treatment. I have used this on VERY old stains and was SO impressed with the results, I went through all our clothes, dish cloths, dish towels, etc. and removed almost every stain in my house. Try it … you will LOVE it, I’m sure.
I also came up with my own solution and grated and dissolved a bar of Fels Naptha as if I were going to make the laundry soap but added water, put in in a plastic container and applied it to stains that way. Think I’m going to thin some down enough to spritz through a spray bottle (like Shout It Out) and see if I’m successful. Either way, it can’t be beaten. Don’t know how people with small children can do without it.
Ok…so my 5 gallon bucket was more than just a little thick and gelled. It was completely gelled and lumpy when I started to stir it. Did I do something wrong? I added all the correct amount of ingredients and followed the instructions. I don’t know….
Can you stir it? If so, it should be fine. I think the hardness of your water might have a lot to do with how thick it gets. But if you’re able to stir it, it should be just fine, especially since you’ll be diluting it with more water. :)
Hi so i tried this last night and for some reason the mixture didnt gel i followed everything you said is there a way to fix this??? help i have a 5 gallon bucket full of soapy water !!!
My spouse and I stumbled over here coming from a different page and thought I should check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to looking into your web page again.
This is the RIGHT recipe. We have been using it for a long time. We have HE machine by LG no problems at all.
We only use 1/4 cup a load, unless it is a big load or heavily soiled then add more.
Alot of recipes call for all these ingredients but skip the last diluting process in the the containers you pour them into. Therefore, they are still getting a savings, but not like this, and I would imagine that the buildup would be more.
What I have been told and what some might try is that you might want to use a soap made from Plant/vegetable fat like Kirks Castille or Dr. Bonner’s because the vegetable/plant fat is more water solulbe and break ups easier than the Fells Naptha or the Zote soap. This might be better for the HE machines. Just make sure they don’t have a lot of dye or perfume in the castille soaps you use.
For softener:
Use White Distilled Vinegar in the rinse cycle. This does NOT leave your clothes smelling like vinegar. It will rinse out, soften your clothes and it also kills germs almost as good as bleach. You can actually use vinegar in larger amounts to clean your machines with. :) Vinegar has been proven to kill staph, strep, ecoli and samonella.
Thanks for sharing the right recipe. :)
Smells great will b using it tomorrow we have to start making stuff ourselves way inexpensive
I’m so happy to find a LIQUID homemade laundry detergent recipe! I’d been wanting to make my own laundry detergent but all the recipes I’d found were for dry detergent which doesn’t work as well in my front-loading machine.
I followed this recipe, however, I made it more concentrated (I only added enough water to make 96 oz or 3 quarts) so that every 1/4 cup liquid detergent contains about 1 Tablespoon of dry ingredients, which is what the dry version of this recipe instructs to use per load.
I’m no math wizard, but if using the amount of dry ingredients indicated in Steps 1 & 4 (1 bar soap, 1 cup washing soda, 1/2 cup borax), it comes to about 3 cups or 48 Tablespoons of dry ingredients and adding enough water to this to make 10 gallons would mean not even 2% of a Tablespoon per load. Maybe I was supposed to use the whole box of washing soda & borax, but then in that case the recipe should call for a lot more of the bar soap, like 8 bars.
Maybe I’m wrong. Anyone want to check my math?
This sounds really great! I am on septic and was wondering how this might affect it. I have 7 children, 3 have moved out to make their own way, but we are very active and tend to do a lot of laundry…up to 3 loads a day, depending on what sport season we are in. We just spent over $9,000 on upgrading our septic system so I surely do not want to do anything to damage it.
Thanks a bunch, Virginia