How to Make Natural Laundry Detergent

Making your own natural laundry detergent is one way to reduce household cleaning costs. You can make low-sudsing, non-toxic laundry detergent for a penny a load. It's good for your pocketbook and great for the environment. Do your part in saving the planet by following these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Bar of Fels Naphta
• 3/4 cup washing soda
• 3/4 cup Borax
• Food processor
• Storage container
• Tablespoon measure

Instructions

1. Find all three of your ingredients for natural laundry detergent in the laundry aisle of a progressive grocer such as Whole Foods or Fred Meyer. Be sure that you purchase washing soda as the container can look similar to baking soda.

2. Grate your entire bar of Fels Naphta in the food processor. You want it to be very ground up. Wash your processor well before any other use.

3. Mix together the washing soda and Fels Naphta in your airtight container.

4. Add the Borax and continue to stir your ingredients together.

5. Place your tablespoon measure in the airtight container and store your natural laundry detergent in a cool dry place. Use one scoop for a large load of laundry.

Tips & Warnings

• When loading clothes into the washing machine, add your water and detergent first so that the detergent has time to mix with the water.

• Wash your food processor very well before using it for food again.