DIY Laundry Detergent Update

FelsMicro

I’ve been making my own laundry detergent for years – not only is it economical, it cleans better than any detergent I’ve ever used. Fels Naptha soap is a great stain remover, and is one of the ingredients used in this recipe for laundry detergent. I used to grate the soap on a box grater, which was time consuming, then I bought a Salad Shooter on eBay – but recently I’ve discovered a easier way I had to share with you. You can microwave the soap – no more grating!!!

fouringredients

The basic recipe:

  • 1 cup of Borax
  • 1 cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
  • 1 bar of Fels-Naptha soap
  • 1/2 cup of Oxy-Clean (I used a generic brand)

I put the Fels Naptha on a paper plate, and microwaved it in 30 second increments – you don’t want to burn it. The soap will expand, and look similar to the photo up top. I should also add that I have an 800 watt microwave and my total time was 2 1/2 minutes – your time may vary. Let the soap cool completely, then crumble it by hand into a container – it’ll look like this.

FelsPowder

Then add the borax, washing soda, and Oxy-Clean – shake to combine. Use a tablespoon for small loads and two tablespoons (a coffee scoop) for large loads. Note – this detergent doesn’t produce any suds, but that’s okay, it will still get your laundry clean! No suds means it will also work in High Efficiency washers.

 

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4 Responses to DIY Laundry Detergent Update

  1. Old NFO says:

    I’ll have to try that… good for people with soap allergies too?

  2. Tina says:

    I would replace the Fels Naptha with Ivory – you can microwave that too (you can’t do that with all soaps). The Ivory will puff up. Let it cool, then you can crumble it up or put it in a blender and process until it’s powdery, add the other ingredients, and store them in an airtight container. Another suggestion is to use Kirk’s Original Coco Castile soap – but that one you would need to grate.

  3. Have you added any oils for scent like Lavender or Geranium (may keep skeeters away in summer) & citrus?

  4. Tina says:

    No I haven’t, but you could add any essential oils to the mix!

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