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Remember making your own laundry detergent is a discipline and it’s not for everyone, but it definitely
saves money.
Quantity Verses Quality:
You’ve probably noticed most of these recipes have you putting anything from 1 tablespoon to ½ cup of
the completed mix into each wash. Don’t panic! Remember these recipes are tailored to be safe, effective
with greasy mechanic workware (compliments of my husband), and most importantly “Green”. Given
that most commercial laundry detergents use a lot of fillers and chemical additives that are not good for
the environment (or cloth diapers/sensitive skin) it makes sense they ask that far more detergent be added
to the wash to get the right results. There’s also a difference between a detergent and a soap- soaps often
bubble while detergents need soap additives to bubble- and bubbles means build-up, not cleaning action!
Don’t worry if your recipe does not bubble, it’s still cleaning. Although several of the recipes have the
same ingredients, the measurements are different–some contain a higher soap to water ratio. Test and see
which works best for your laundry needs.
For the bar soaps required in the recipes, you could try Fels-Naptha, Ivory soap, Sunlight bar soap, Kirk’s
Hardwater Castile, and Zote. Don’t use heavily perfumed soaps. Washing Soda and Borax can normally
be found in the laundry and cleaning aisles. Some people with really hard water or well water may have
to adjust the recipes if the clothes look dingy.
Containers:
If you can get your hands on a few empty liquid laundry detergent bottles they work great for storing the
detergent. Just make a big batch and pour in bottles, cap then use as needed–shake before use. Some of
the recipes call for large amounts of water. Check with a local restaurant to see if they have any empty
large pails from deep fryer oil–that’s how many restaurants buy the oil. See if you can have one or two of
the pails after they’ve emptied it–just wash them out really well before using. They’re big, heavy plastic
and very sturdy when stirring the soap and hot water.
Options:
Essential oils like Tea Tree and Lavender are often used to deodorize and help eliminate bacteria. You can
add between 10 to 15 drops of essential oil (per 2 gallons) to your homemade laundry detergent. Add once
the soap has cooled to room temperature. Stir well and cover.
Recipe #1
Fels-Naptha® Laundry Soap Bar: Made by the Dial Soap Company, so any store that carries Dial should be able to
get it for you. If they carry it, it will be found in the bar soap or laundry soap aisle at your regular American
supermarket. Kinda harsh so this is not a good choice for sensitive skin.
Super Washing Soda: Baking soda SHOULD NOT be used in place of washing soda. They are completely different
products, although they are both made by Arm & Hammer. Also known as sodium carbonate or soda ash, Washing
Soda is harmful if swallowed. It releases no harmful fumes, and is generally safe. Just be sure to read more about
it on the label.
Borax: 20 Mule Team® Borax is the most common brand out there. Normally in a green box and can be found in
your American supermarket laundry aisle. Helps remove stains.
Simple Green: Very common household cleaner known for its simple recipe and safety, can be found in most all
American supermarkets.
Essential Oils: Normally found in small drams (or rubber topped vials) of 4,6,or 8 ml glass bottles. You’ll need a
pure essential oil uncut with any other oils. Not to be confused with oils for burning, incense, or massage. They can
be found at your local specialty store like a homeopathic, natural living, or aromatherapy dealer. Read the
ingredient list to be sure of the purity (should only list “blank” essential oil, no other fillers like coconut or mineral
oils). Easily found online at most cloth diapering and natural foods websites.
Liquid Castile Soap: Dr. Bronner’s Magic Liquid Castile Soap is a very common American brand found in most
American supermarket laundry aisles. Normally under $10.00 for a 16 oz bottle. Best choice is the Baby Mild Liquid
Soap (light blue label on the far back left of the grouping) since it has no perfumes and, as advertised, is safe for
babies with ultra sensitive skin. Chance of staining from essential oils has been seen in some cases.