How To Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Learning how to make your own laundry detergent not only saves money but allows you to wash clothes and other items without potential chemicals, perfumes and dyes.  Similarly, making your own laundry detergent at home helps stay green, eliminating the harsh chemicals from entering the sewers and polluting the air in your home.  Homemade laundry detergent however does not have to be boring, in fact can be made in powdered or liquid versions as well as customized to your preferences by adding nice smelling essential oils.

To make your own powdered laundry detergent:

• 1 bar regular soap
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax

Process to make your own powdered laundry detergent:

1. Shred the bar soap.  Using a handheld grater or food processor, shred the bar of soap into fine flakes.  
2. Blend the mixture.  Add the soap flakes, washing soda and borax to a food processor.  Blend until the mixture is well incorporated.
3. Store and use.  Place the mixture in an air-tight container.  Use roughly two tablespoons per standard load of laundry.

To make your own liquid laundry detergent, you will need:

• 1 bar regular soap
• 2 gallons plus 1 quart water
• 2 cups borax
• 2 cups washing soda
• Essential oils (optional)

Process to make your own liquid laundry detergent:

1. Shred the bar soap.  Create small, fine soap flakes by shredding the bar soap using a grater or food processor.
2. Boil the water.  Add one quart water to a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
3. Stir in the soap.  Add the soap flakes to the boiling water and stir to dissolve completely.  Continue to heat over low and stir until the soap melts.
4. Add the powders.  Transfer the soap mixture to a large bucket.  Stir in the  borax and washing soda.  Mix until well dissolved.
5. Add more water.  Stir in the remaining two gallons water and a few drops of the essential oils, if desired.  Mix until well incorporated.
6. Store and use.  Cover the container and store until ready to use.  Before using, stir the mixture as it will separate as it sits.  Use one-quarter cup for each standard load of laundry.