How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent: Frugal and Green

In this difficult economic time, most people are looking for as many ways as possible to save an extra dollar. By making your own Laundry Detergent you can do this and also help out our environment. This easy and economical recipe fits the bill for both of these goals.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 cup grated Fels Naptha Soap (1 bar)
• 1/2 cup washing soda
• 1/2 cup 20 mule team borax

1. Grate a bar of Fels Naptha Soap. This can easily be done with a hand kitchen grater or a food processor if making multiple batches at one time.

2. Combine Grated Fels Naptha Soap, Washing Soda, and Borax.
   
   NOTE: Fels Naptha Soap (bars and pre-grated), Washing Soda, and Borax can be purchased from Soaps Gone By (See Additional Resources Link Below) for your convenience, if they are not available in your area.

3. Store in an air tight container.

4. Use 2 tablespoons of mixture for a medium sized load.

Tips & Warnings

• The above recipes will NOT make suds in your washer so don't be alarmed. Fels Naptha Soap is a pure soap and typically makes little or no suds in the water. This makes it perfect for use in the new HE washers as well as traditional washers.
• You will also notice the need to either reduce your laundry softener or in most cases you can even eliminate the use of softener completely.

Resources

• Soaps Gone By - Resource for hard to find Ingredients
• Frugal Patti - Frugal Living Tips

[shannonny]

on 11/1/2008 How cool! thanks for the resources on where to buy washing soda--I've seen this mentioned in old-fashioned magazines but have never seen it in stores. 5 Stars.

[klnygaard]

on 10/29/2008 thanks for info

[princessg]

on 10/28/2008 Neat. Have you figured out how much money you save this way?

[cyclegirl98]

on 10/28/2008 Wow, this sounds great and only two tablespoons is needed!

[RomiH]

on 10/28/2008 This sounds great! I have and HE as well! Thanks! 5*