Cheap Laundry Detergent

I only wish I'd started making my own laundry soap sooner.  We already used a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent, so this was no great change in quality, merely cost-effective.  Our allergist also recommends no fabric softener.  Another savings!

This recipe is easy, inexpensive and requires very little time.  Each batch makes about 4 gallons.

Ingredients: Ivory soap Borax Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda Instructions: Shred, chop or shave one bar of soap into small pieces.  (Shreds easily with a cheese grater.) In large pan, heat 6 cups of water with soap pieces. Once soap is dissolved, stir in ½ cup Borax and ½ cup Arm and Hammer Washing Soda.  Stir mixture until dissolved. Remove from heat and pour into large bucket. Add 4 more cups hot water and stir until well blended. Add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of cold water to the mixture.  Mix well.  Let sit for 24 hours. Store in old laundry soap bottle or other container for easy pouring.  Mixture will be clumpy; shake well before each use.  Use ½ cup per load.  For high efficiency machine, use ¼ cup per load.

So... solicit friends for empty laundry soap containers, buy three ingredients, roll up your sleeves for the fun part... and start saving!

~ Katrina