DIY: Homemade Laundry Detergent

It's been a while since I've made this homemade laundry detergent, but with the cost of living skyrocketing, it's time to return to basics.

Back in 2016, I shared this on Facebook page. I revisited because I am preparing to make a new batch of my homemade laundry detergent. Also, sharing it here for those who are looking for homesteading and/or money saving tips, because #WeGotUs, right?!

The Why

Apart from the health factor, the answer is simple: MONEY! Take a look at the numbers:

• This is 7.5 gals and highly concentrated which means it must be diluted prior to use.
• We dilute it in a 1 gal jug (75% water 25% detergent).
• Using 1/2 cup each load = about 33 loads
• We get about 10 gals from this for 330 loads.
• I make 2.5 batches per box of borax and washing soda.

So we save about $198 per year (back in 2016). I am going to make a new batch to price it, but I can't imagine it would be more expensive than say, Tide.

Needs/Ingredients

• Large Cauldron (or pot is you are a covert witch)
• Food processor or grater (or really sharp claws/knives)
• Very large stick (or wooden spoon)
• 1 400g bar of Zote Soap (the Pink one works better in my opinion)*
• 3-2/3 cups of Borax (1 cup less if your water is soft)
• 2-2/3 cups if Washing Sodas (NOT BAKING SODA)
• 1 cup of Banking Soda
• 1 cup of OxyClean (Whitening, howevewr, you can leave this out and instead add a cup of Hydrogen Peroxide to each load of laundry.)
• 1 cup of Coconut Oil (I pre-melt by placing a measuring cup with oil in a bowl of very hot water)*
• 50 drops of Lavender Oil (smell)
• 50 drops of Tea Tree Oil (anti-bacterial)
• 65 drops of Lemon Oil (anti-bacterial and smell)

*You can use this Coconut Laundry Soap Recipe instead get the Laundry Soap and Coconut Oil in one item.

Instructions

• Grate the soap and melt in almost boiling water. Keep the heat on low and stir frequently to melt the soap.
• Add Borax and keep on low, staring frequently to dissolve. It will thicken, and that's OK.
• Fill a 7.5gal (or 10 gall) container half way with VERY HOT water.
• Add Baking soda and Oxyclean. Stir to dissolve.
• Turn pot off and add Washing Soda. Stir to dissolve.
• Pour into water/baking soda/oxyclean mixture and stir well. It may foam. That's OK. Just keep stirring.
• Add Coconut Oil and stir until fully mixed in.
• Fill the container with water and continue to stir.- Let sit for at least 24 hours covered but not air tight.
• After 24 hours follow the steps below. You may also close container airtight.

Making Jugs of detergent

Fill 1 gal container with

• 75% water if your main vessel is less than 10 gals or 50% if it is 10 gal.
• Add 25% (>10 gals) or 50% detergent (<10 gals). Close container and Shake well.

Use Instructions

• Shake gallon jug before use.
• Use 1/2 cup per load.
• Add 1 cup if White Vinegar to brighten and prevent piling of fabric.
• If you notice your clothes feel filmy, add more water to your gallon jug as it may need to be further diluted.

And that it. Let me know if you make some or if you have tips to share. <3