This week I've been blogging about the the Proverbs 31 Woman. The Proverbs 31 woman is a DIYer - she's a do it yourself type! She plants her own vineyard, selects wool and flax, makes her own linens and coverings for her beds, and supplies the merchants with sashes to sell. So in honor of the Proverbs 31 lady - here's how to make homemade powder laundry detergent:Ingredients:
1 cup of Borax
1 cup of Super Washing Soda
1 cup of baking soda
1/2 bar of Fels-Naptha
Directions: Grate the Fels Naptha laundry soap with a grater or use a food processor. Add the other ingredients. Shake and/or mix well. Put in an airtight container. Use 2 tablespoons of detergent per large load.
Now here are some answers to some questions you may have:
1. Where do I find these ingredients? The Fels-Naptha will be found in the aisle with all the other bars of soap like Dial and Ivory. The Borax and Super Washing Soda should be found in the aisle with all the other laundry detergents.
2. What if my grocery store does not have these items? Go to http://www.doitbest.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/ . (If you have found these ingredients cheaper elsewhere on the web - please share the link in the comments section!) If you live in my area - you will find the Borax and
Washing Soda at Hartville Hardware.3. How many loads will one batch do? 24 large loads
4. How much do I save using this homemade detergent? My friend Clare has done the math based on our local pricing - yours will differ if you can find these items cheaper.
The 16oz box of Baking Soda cost $0.60, so the price per batch was $0.30.
The 55 oz. box of Super Wash cost $5, so the price per batch is $.073.
The one bar of Fels Naptha cost $1.50, so the price per batch was $0.75.
The 76oz. box of Borax cost $5.00, so the price per batch was $0.53
Total cost per batch = $2.30 compared to normal brands that run from $6-$9 for equal number of loads.
That's a big savings!!! Enjoy!
Walk with the King!
"I have been making my own laundry detergent this way for quite a few years now. My oldest had Eczema as a baby so we had to try everything. It is phosphate free so it is great for the environment. You may also want to tell people that if they can't find Fels that they can use any bar soap. Here in the South nobody knows what Fels Naptha is. Also if you have kids with sensitive skin you can also make liquid fabric softener by buying your favorite conditioner and diluting it 4 to1 with water. Or use a cup of white Vinegar as the liquid softener. For Megan: You are only using 2T per washload and This stuff breaks down so quick you shouldn't have that problem, but if you want you can make it into a liquid. Just google homemade liquid detergent. Pretty much the same recipe you just add water to it and it makes like 5 gallons." - Heather
ReplyDeleteHow does this work on the grimy kids clothes I end up tossing in the washing machine? It sounds easy, but does it REALLY work?
ReplyDeleteDying to find out!
I am motivated to try this!!
ReplyDeleteI make laundry detergent with a smiliar recipe, though mine doesn't include the baking soda. I also use Ivory soap because my guys have sensitive skin and I know it won't irritate them.
ReplyDeleteAs for the commenter who wanted to know if it works on grimy kids' clothes, I have to say YES! I used to have the worst trouble with stains, but since I started using the homemade stuff, stains and dirt and all that "ick" that boys get into comes out much easier. Rarely do I have to re-wash something.
Does anyone know if you can use thie in a HIGH-EFFICIENCY front-loading washing machine?
ReplyDeleteSusan - good question - I don't know the answer. So sorry :-(
ReplyDeleteCourtney