Sunday, June 30, 2013

Homemade Laundry Detergent: Update

I have been making Homemade Laundry Detergent for quite some time now. It saves a ton of money. It is easy to make and I am happy with the cleaning results. I posted the recipe for it here: http://ourprovidentlife.blogspot.com/2012/01/homemade-laundry-detergent.html . Since that post I have made one change to my detergent that I really like and so I wanted to update everyone in case you wanted to try it out.
Fels-Naptha great for Homemade Detergents

Here is my original recipe:
1 Bar Grated Soap (Ivory or Zote)
1 Cup Borax
1 Cup Washing Soda


Instead of Ivory which is what I was using I decided to try out Fels-Naptha. Well I love it. I think it is far superior to Ivory (sorry Ivory, better for the shower I think). The Fels-Naptha grates up nicely (looks like cheddar cheese) and has a great scent to it.


Grating up my Fels-Naptha for Homemade Laundry Detergent
The great thing about the Fels-Naptha is you only have to use 1/3 bar to equal 1 bar of Ivory. So I always make a triple batch of detergent.  Here is the new recipe:

1 Bar Grated Fels-Naptha Soap
3 Cups Borax
3 Cups Washing Soda
Mix Thoroughly. Use 1 TB. per load.

I have not tried Zote out yet but I will give it a shot in the future and let you know where I think it ranks. As for now, I am loving the Fels-Naptha and the cost is pretty much the same. If you are interested in a break down of how much homemade detergents and cleaners can save you check out this post: http://ourprovidentlife.blogspot.com/2012/04/making-cents-of-cleaning.html.

You can find Fels-Naptha, Borax, and Washing Soda in the laundry isle at your grocery store.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the recipe! I just have to get the washing soda and I will be set to go.
I have been wanting to make my laundry soap for awhile. And you know what goes into it.
I do make my own bath soaps. :)

Shaun-ta' said...

Lynne,
We have been using this recipe for years now and love it, along with white vinegar to eliminate odors, whiten and soften the fabrics. I hope you like it!

We have really been wanting to make our own bath soaps as well, but haven't tried it yet. My daughter and I do use white vinegar to rinse our hair with though. It is amazing for itchy, dry skin. I have a type of psoriasis in my scalp too that causes sores. As long as I use the white vinegar I don't have any sores. I use white vinegar for so many things. It is wonderful stuff!

Anonymous said...

Have you tried the apple cider vinegar? I buy a raw brand from the health food store. It is good! I wish I could make it. But maybe one day....
I sent my husband to the store to get the washing powder to make your version of laundry soap. So I will be making it soon!
Thank you for the recipe! :) I am excited!
Lynne

Shaun-ta' said...

Oh, yes we love apple cider vinegar and you can make your own. In fact, we have a batch brewing now. It is our first try at it, so I will have to get back with you and let you know how it turned out. :)

Anonymous said...

OK, please do! It sounds exciting. I would love to know how you do it. :)
Lynne