Edited to add: I use this soap in my HE (high efficiency) washer and have had no problems at all so far. I've also noticed that the machine does not ask to be cleaned as often as it used to.
A friend of mine from work made her own laundry soap and shared some of it with me and I LOVE IT! I loved it so much I made more and I will continue to make more in the future. It's going to save us lots of money too! My friend got her recipe HERE.
Here's what you will need to make a very large amount of soap:
1 Large container with lid (ours is 24 qts)
1 Grater with a small grating area
1 (4 lb 12 oz) Box of Borax - $3.38
1 (3 lb 7 oz) Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda - $3.24
1 (3 lb) Container of OxyClean - $7.52 (Optional)
2 (14.1 oz) Bars of Fels Naptha Soap or Zote Soap) - $.97 each (this step is optional)
1 (4 lb) Box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda - $2.66
1 large or 2 small Bottle of Purex Crystals - $8.96 (large size)
Make it a duo by using my Homemade Fabric Softener too! Click right here.
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Want to see more of my cleaning tips for using vinegar? Just click on the links below.
Cleaning an HE Washer with Household Products
Remove Hard Water Buildup Naturally
DIY Carpet Cleaning
Cleaning Your Hairbrush the Easy Way
Cleaning Your Oven
Cleaning Your Sink's Spray Nozzle
It doesn't have to be done all at once. It is a slow process in the works! C-ya next time!
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Thank you for sharing this recipe. I have one question ... does this soap leave your stored sheets and towels smelling fresh for a long time like Gain does?
ReplyDeleteYES! We've been using this recipe for about 3 weeks now and when we wear clothes that have been washed and hung up days or weeks later they still smell wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGuess my question would be...does it get the clothes clean and sanitary? Do you have to use suppliments still for heavily soiled clothing?
ReplyDeleteyou can keep a bar of the soap and use on stains. Grandma use to use it on our cloths. just wet and rub. but yes gets most everything out
DeleteGreat tip, have you tested it with high efficiency washer?
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl! Since we have all adults in our house we are really limited to the really dirty clothes (like kids can give you) so I can't say if you would need to use any other items or not. Sorry 'bout that! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Luis! YES! We have the HE machines and it works perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI generally use clorox bleach for my whites...have you tried it? Or is it even necessary?
ReplyDeleteBTW...thanks for sharing your great idea!
Nadine
I generally use clorox bleach for my whites...have you tried it? Or is it even necessary?
ReplyDeleteBTW...thanks for sharing your great idea!
Nadine
Hi Nadine! You're very welcome! I have not tried using clorox. The oxy clean in the mixture is your whitener and I have noticed the the whites (mostly socks) look brighter since I started using it.
ReplyDeleteWill the Oxi Clean bleach dark clothes?
ReplyDeleteNo it doesn't :) I have been using this since September and have had NO issues with hubby's black socks/pants/shirts.
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful recipe--thank you! My only concern is with the Oxyclean, which IIRC contains 'oxygen bleach', environmentally safe, but (straight, at least) ruins woolens and silks. We've used a natural detergent with the same ingredient, and it didn't appear to do any harm. Any ideas? Thanks again! :)
ReplyDeletePS - We sometimes use bluing (Mrs Stewart's brand) in the rinse cycle to brighten/de-yellow whites. All the best to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteHurrah! Thank you, Mellissa Cassagne. Now I can make a massive batch. Prolly not enough of a percentage of oxygen bleach to deteriorate mixed woolies/silkies. Will test it on scrap fabric first to be certain.
ReplyDeleteAll the best!
Hi Miss Xanthippe, An 'oxygen bleach' generally only consists of a mixture of peroxide & baking soda... Which by the way you can use for Red wine, grape juice & blood stains. I make a paste out of the two and smear it on the stain (any fabric or carpet) let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, tougher stains may take longer, then wash the item or rinse off paste. I've even used it to remove old stains that have sat for awhile
DeleteWould you put the soap into the soap dispenser in your machine? Or directly into the tub to wash?
ReplyDeleteWould you put the soap into the soap dispenser in your machine or do you put directly into the tub?
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to try this! Do you put this in the dispenser part or in the drum with the clothes?
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
Can't wait to try this! Do you put this in the dispenser section or in the drum with the clothes? Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteThis recipe is great! I use Downy unstopables instead of crystals. My family likes it better. This is also great for my daughter with her disability she is able to use this all in one in her front loader and is very easy since I refill the downy bottle with it for her. We are on our third batch. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThis recipe is awesome! Instead of crystals I use downy unstoppable, family likes it better. This also works great for my daughter that has a disability. I refill a downy bottle and she pours it into her front loader. Thanks again, we are on our third batch.
ReplyDeleteMaking this now....
ReplyDelete11/11/2013 in Massachusetts.
I got everything at Walmart with the exception of the Borax which I bought at Market Basket (grocery store).
3lb A&H Washing Soda $3,.24
2 bottles 28oz Purex Crystals for Baby $4.76 + $4.76
4lb A&H Baking Soda $2.24
2 bars 5.5oz Fels Naptha $0.97 + $0.97
3lb OxyClean $7.52
4lb Borax $3.99
$28.45 total
Making this now....
ReplyDelete11/11/2013 in Massachusetts.
I got everything at Walmart with the exception of the Borax which I bought at Market Basket (grocery store).
3lb A&H Washing Soda $3,.24
2 bottles 28oz Purex Crystals for Baby $4.76 + $4.76
4lb A&H Baking Soda $2.24
2 bars 5.5oz Fels Naptha $0.97 + $0.97
3lb OxyClean $7.52
4lb Borax $3.99
$28.45 total
I LOVE this laundry soap. I have been making it for years. Because we have sensitive skin, I don't put in the fabric softners crystals and use the Baby Oxy clean (found in the baby department)instead of regular. I truly only use 1 to 1.5 Tablespoons per load. I use homemade stain treatment on stains. Sometime's I add 1/2 Cup of white vinegar to the load. I find this dry recipe so much easier than the liquid homemade kinds. I used to use Tide or All brands and I notice no difference in the cleaning ability. It works just as good.
ReplyDeleteI need liquid soap. Any suggestions
ReplyDeleteI need a liquid soap any dry soaps do not work b/c my water is extremely cold (live in Alaska ) I’ve tried them all & will not waist any time or money on anything but liquid
ReplyDeleteHi Lori, I completely understand your problem! Although I don't have a liquid version recipe, I know I've seen them on Pinterest so you might check there for a good recipe. Good luck!
DeleteLori you could mix the dry detergent with a cup of hot water and resolve it before adding to the washer!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteIs the fabric softener a liquid or a solid ?
Hi there! The fabric softener I posted is a liquid
DeleteSee post here:http://ourcloverhouse.blogspot.com/2017/10/homemade-fabric-softener.html
If you mean in the detergent, it is a solid. They are crystals. Like little beads.
DeleteThe Purex Crystals are scent beads not softner beads to my knowledge????
DeleteHello! I only just found your blog and I'm hoping you'll see my question since you made this post awhile back... But, with this 'recipe' of I'm making my own liquid fabric softener, do I still need to include the Purex Crystals? Or should I still use them to act like a 'unstoppables' type of ingredient? Thanks so much for your help!
ReplyDeleteHi there! You can leave them out if you want, but they are mostly just for scent anyway. I use both the homemade laundry soap and the softener and my laundry is perfect every time!
Deletelive in canada and can't find site or Fels Naptha Soap in stores. will any laundry bar soap do the trick?
ReplyDeleteHi there! Yes, I would imagine any type would work. Sometimes I don't even add the bar soap if I'm feeling lazy and don't want to go to the trouble of grating it! lol!
DeleteWill bath soap u wash ur body with will that work also
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteHi Angela! I'm not really sure, it may cause too much suds. The bar soap listed above is made especially for laundry, so I'd stay with that. This step is optional though. I don't use it any longer because it tends not to melt when using a cold water wash. :)
DeleteJust saw your recipie for homemade fabric softener on Hometalk,and came here for your recipie for laundry detergent. I'm Soo excited to try both...Thanks a bunch for sharing 👍👍
ReplyDeleteHi Michele! So glad you're going to try them, I've been using the laundry detergent for years and I've never went back to store bought since. I hope you enjoy them both as much as I do! :)
DeleteJust saw your recipie for homemade fabric softener on Hometalk,and came here for your recipie for laundry detergent. I'm Soo excited to try both...Thanks a bunch for sharing 👍👍
ReplyDeleteHi Michele! You're very welcome and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
DeleteHi DeeDee,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting this. I can't wait to try it. I do have a few questions though.
1. Once you grate the bars of soap, all you do is mix the rest of the ingredients in the large container. Then you just transfer a small batch to the crystal container to make it easier to use. Is that correct?
2. Does this go into the drum of an HE washer or into the soap dispenser?
3. Is there any substitute I can use to replace the Purex Crystals? Because of allergens I can't use that brand?
Thank you!
Hi Jenny! 1. Yes you are correct! 2. Into the soap dispenser. 3. You can use any of the "smelly good beads" on the market these days. Good luck and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! :)
DeleteJust made this and washing a load now, can't wait to see results. Are you using 2T. for a regular size load? If I'm washing an extra large load should I use more?
ReplyDeleteHi Jodi! Yes, if I have a larger load I will add more, but most times I just use the Purex Crystals bottle cap for measuring! :)
DeleteIf you have a regular washer can you just add it to the drum with the clothes?
ReplyDeleteHi Aleesha! Yes, you sure can! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have found, this may seem silly, but for absolutely filthy whites boiling them on the stove gets them ridiculously white. Add your detergent, about a tablespoon, and if you choose to use bleach, I do, add a cap full to the water. Turn it on high be sure that the items are saturated evenly and there is enough water to cover the items and a little over the top, about a quarter inch depending on the size pot used. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and use a large pair of grilling tongs to move things around to be sure everything is evenly distributed, doing this a few times, and leave covered and on low heat for 30 minutes or so.. I promise you will be amazed at the results. I have on extreme occasion, poured the water off after 30 minutes and added fresh water, plain or with a softener and repeated the 30 minutes. I then rinse in cold water and squeeze excess then put in the washer on a quick cycle. Phenomenal results...
ReplyDeleteThank you Cathy! That is such an awesome tip and I WILL be trying this! :)
DeleteGreat recipie! Sounds great for us mommies that cloth diaper as well- just leave out the crystals as they will coat the diaper and will affect the diapers, doublers(inserts) and thier moisture wicking abilities!
ReplyDeleteFor cloth diapers though, watch out for any "coating" or "softening" agents ( vinegar works great)
Hi Elizabeth!Thanks so much for the sweet comment and the great tip!
DeleteAbout a week before mixing the soap, I cut the Fels soap into small pieces. Use a cutting board & heavy duty knife. I spread the pieces out on a cookie sheet and let them dry out for a few days. Then you should not have any trouble using your blender or food processor for grating the bar soap.
DeleteCan you use a food processor to grate the soap?
ReplyDeleteHi Karen! I have read that some people do that very thing, they just chop the soap into smaller pieces first before they go into the processor. :)
DeleteI tried using my Vitamix and it was a disaster. It all got stuck at the bottom.
DeleteI tried using my Vitamix and it was a disaster. It all got stuck at the bottom of the container. But I think a food processor should work.eell.
DeleteHi Pamela! I am so sorry to hear that, I guess its a no then.
DeleteI use my kitchen aid food processor with the shred disk and put the soap bars in the shoot like I shred cheese! Saves tons of time and tired hands and less soap dust!
DeleteCan you use a food processor to grate the soap?
ReplyDeleteAdd some of the oxy clean into the food processor with the soap pieces & it blends great. Will not stick.
DeleteGreat tip! Thanks Betsy! :)
DeleteLove both of the recipes. Softener and detergent. I will be making both. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Patricia and you're welcome! Enjoy! :)
DeleteCan you confirm on the Fels-Napa soap. Your recipe says two bars of 14.1 oz of soap for .97 cents each. Walmart sells the 5 oz bars for $0.97.. Double checking you really want 28.2 oz of the bar soap? Your pic looks like the 5 oz that I had purchased which yielded me an even two cups of grated. Tip: instead of hand grating, I put one intact bar of soap at a time into my ninja food processer and it grated it down in no time. It knocked around for the first 3 seconds and then was fine.
ReplyDeleteHi Lorraine! I've been using this recipe for several years so Walmart may have changed pricing since I posted this, but yes the recipe calls for the two bars of 14.1 oz soap for sure. Great tip on the processor! :)
DeleteAre the Purex Crystals necessary or is that mostly for fragrance? I'm wondering if I could use essential oils instead or just forgo the added scent altogether? TIA!
ReplyDeleteHi Debi! Yes, the crystals can be optional and yes EOs are great! :)
DeleteEssential oils are awesome but not needed. I use EOs on the wool dryer balls instead.
DeleteThank you for the suggestion. I will give it a try.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome Pamela!
DeleteI made this last July and still have enough soap for at least another month! There are 4 in my family. This stuff is awesome! I have always used Tide and can not tell the difference! I am passing this recipe on and thank you so much for posting!!
ReplyDeleteWOW! That is so awesome Maureen. I'm so glad you're loving it as much as I do! Thanks for the sweet comment! :)
DeleteI have made the softner and just think it's just great....stopped using hair conditioner awhile back and had a surplus yeah love using "orphan" products
ReplyDeleteHi Judy! I love it too and yes, its always good to use up what you already have! :)
DeleteWhy do you need both the washing soda and the baking soda?
ReplyDeleteHi there! The washing soda has detergents in it where the baking soda is just plain soda. I'm not sure of the science of it all, but I do know it works great! :)
DeleteIs this laundry detergent safe for people with sensitive skin? I've never used Borax and didn't know if if it could irritate my skin if I use this laundry detergent recipe.
ReplyDeleteHi there! I'm not completely positive on that. I have slightly sensitive skin and it doesn't bother me, but I would research it before I use it if you have highly sensitive skin.
DeleteI started making this detergent, without oxiclean, because of families' sensitive skin. No more hives and rashes!
DeleteIs this laundry detergent safe for people with sensitive skin? I've never used Borax and didn't know if if it could irritate my skin if I use this laundry detergent recipe.
ReplyDeleteI have used this for years and only use vinegar in my conditioner cup. BUT... I don't grate the soap. I put the bar in a couple cups of water and soak a couple weeks until mushy. I mash with mb y hands, use my mixer to smooth. Add enough water to make a whip with 1 cup borax and 1 cup washing soda. ( I personally don't do the oxiclean due to sensetiveity) mine ends up a WHIP. I LOVE IT! Heard others complain of a residue but I don't have any issue)
ReplyDeleteHi there! What a great tip, thanks so much for sharing it! :)
DeleteI've been making this laundry detergent for several years now, about 5, and last year discovered you can purchase the soap already grated! It's only a little more expensive, but saves so much time and your arms and hands!
ReplyDeleteGreat tip! Thank you so much Sharon!
DeleteWhere do you buy the suit that is already grated at what store?
DeleteYour recipe doesn't mention cooking the solution until everything is dissolved, then mixing it with half water, half detergent. The recipe I've been using does. It's from the Duggar family. I think it works best when you cook it and everything melts.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon! This recipe is for the powdered version.
DeleteLove finding this site. Would like be added to your email list. Thank you, Lucette
ReplyDeleteLucettelucci@gmail.com
Is this laundry detergent recipe safe for people with sensitive skin.
ReplyDeleteHi there! I'm not completely positive on that. I have slightly sensitive skin and it doesn't bother me, but I would research the ingredents before I use it if you have highly sensitive skin.
DeleteHi Lucette! I have added you to the list. Please check your email box to confirm! Thanks so much! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat order do you mix everything??? I see all the ingredients...no particular way to mix???
ReplyDeleteHi there! No order, just dump it all in. You will use a large container to mix it all in. Be sure to mix it well so its all stirred up and distributed evenly. I used a wooden spoon to stir mine.
Deletecould the soap be put in a blender or does it need to be grated, due to texture and maybe, whats the word density? will it blend down too much in a blender basically or does it need to be grated?
ReplyDeleteHi there! I believe I've read where people have used food processors, so I don't see why you couldn't use a blender. I don't think the size of grating matters.
DeleteI cut my fels naphtha bars up and run them thru my food processor to finely chop. Then dissolve in a saucepan on the stovetop, stirring alot but it all dissolves in about 10 minutes. Then add to detergent recipe. Saves my arms for sure.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda! This recipe is for a powder mix so I would dissolve the fels for this one, but you've got a great idea if you're making a liquid recipe. Thanks for sharing! :)
DeleteThose guidelines additionally worked to become a good way to recognize that other people online have the identical fervor like mine to grasp great deal more around this condition
ReplyDeleteAyurvedic Soap with Sandal and Kesar
I am on my third batch making it today. My last batch lasted 2 years doing 2-3 loads a week. Fabulous!.
ReplyDeleteI did notice that the Felds Naptha works better than the Zonta soap. Zonta often did not all melt and would be still stuck onto some of my clothing when I took it out of the washer. To remidy that, I would measure my 2 tbs of soap into a measuring cup and predilute with hot water and stir before putting it into the washer. This seemed to do the trick.
Hi Lorraine! I'm so glad its working out well for you too! :)
DeleteSorry, I meant to say Zote soap, not Zonta.
ReplyDeleteUse your food processor to grate your soap. You can do 3 bars of Fels in a minute or 2.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to switch from store bought soaps to homemade for awhile. Usually I use liquid and my husband says there's animal fat in it. I've read about homemade soaps and read that after awhile your clothes look dingy. Have you noticed this at all? I have a HE front load washer, how much soap should I use?
ReplyDelete