Laundry Detergent

Who doesn't want to save money on laundry detergent?  Below are two recipes (one powdered and one liquid) that cost only pennies per load.

Powdered Laundry Detergent

Ingredients:

• grated bar of fels naptha or ivory soap
• 1 cup of Borax
• 1 cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

1. Obviously from the list of ingredients, you need to grate the soap.  Make sure it is finely grated.
2. Mix together the grated soap, Borax, and Washing Soda. 
3. Store in a container and you're done!
4. You will only need about 1-2 Tblsp per load of laundry dependent upon the size of the load.

*Note: There will not be any suds, but that is okay.  It works!  I use it all the time.  

Liquid Laundry Detergent

Ingredients:  

• grated bar of fels naptha or ivory
• 1 quart of boiling water
• 2 cups of Borax
• 2 cups of Washing Soda
• 2 gallons of cold water
• a few drops of essential oils (optional but it adds a nice scent--try lavender)

1. Add finely grated soap to boiling water and stir until soap is melted.  You can put this on the stove to aid in the melting, but keep it on low heat.
2. Pour into a large pail and add Borax and Washing Soda.  Mix well until dissolved.
3. Add two gallons of cold water.
4. Stir in essential oils.
5. Store in a covered container.  Stir before each use.
6. You will need to use 1/4 cup per load of laundry.

*Note: It will be a gloopy/gel-like consistency.