Being a Pinterest finatic I have found many DIY - Make your Own Cleaner Recipes. One that I have to share is the Laundry Detergent, I have made some modifications to fit my personal preferences but they all are pretty much the same.
After just having a baby I was very concerned about the reaction our little Louis's skin might have from the detergent. I have always been told to use "free and clear" products for babies. After much debate while I was pregnant my husband and I opted to wash a couple of baby outfits using our DIY detergent.
Once Louis arrived we immediately put him in one of the outfits and much to our satisfaction, he has had no problems to date. I am sure the lack of multiple chemicals and the fact that the ingredients have minimal dyes might have something to do with the outcome.
We have found it to be safe and EXTREMELY cost efficient.
It is very simple to make.
Below you will find a step by step guide on how to throw this together.
- Fels Naptha Bar - at the store I shop at the Fels Naptha is located with the bar soap. (I recommend purchasing an extra bar to use as a "spot shot". I have been told that this works especially well on shirt collar stains.
- Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (not baking soda) - this is ussually found right next to the powdered detergents.
- Borax Powder - this is also usually located right next to the powdered detergents.
All of this can normally be obtained for under $12.00 depending on where you purchase the items. (This price also normally includes a 5 gallon bucket)
Things you Need
- Fels Naptha Bar (1 whole bar)
- Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (1 cup)
- Borax Powder (1/2 cup)
- Cheese Grater
- Medium Sauce Pan
- 5 gallon bucket with lid (these can be purchased at home improvement stores)
- Large Spoon
- Hot water
- 1/2 cup measure (I recommend purchasing a separate measuring cup to use specifically for measuring out your laundry soap).
- Using the cheese grater, grate the whole Fels Naptha Bar and set aside in a bowl.
- Measure out 1 cup of Washing Soda, set aside.
- Measure out 1/2 cup of Borax and set aside.
- In the sauce pan, add 4 -5 cups of water, bring to a boil.
- Add the grated Fels Naptha Bar to the boiling water, turn down to medium heat. Stir continuously (making sure not to let the mixture boil over). Make sure all of the soap is melted into the water, the mixture will be frothy. Set aside.
- Take your 5 gallon bucket and fill it half way with hot water.
- Dump the Washing Soda and Borax into the 5 gallon bucket, using a large spoon stir the mixture until the powders are dissolved.
- Take the Fels Naptha mixture and pour it into the 5 gallon bucket, stir well, making sure all of the ingredients are mixed together well.
- Add more hot water to the mixture, coming up to 2 inches from the rim of the bucket.
- Stir mixture again, making sure the mixture is well blended.
- Put the lid on the bucket and let it sit for 8 hours. (I usually make it after dinner and let it sit overnight)
- In the morning, remove the lid and stir mixture (a gel will be formed on the top). I prefer to use my hands to break up the gel.
- YOU ARE DONE! Enjoy the use! - p.s. the mixture does not foam in the wash.
*Use 1/2 cup of the mixture per load.
