How to Make your Own 'Green' Laundry Detergent

Green detergent is really not hard to make! It is super easy and takes as little as 30 minutes for up to 6 months worth of detergent (for a family of 4!). Follow these simple steps and you could be going green easily and cheaply!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 1/2 cups borax
• 1 1/2 cups 'arm and hammer' super washing soda
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 bar 'fells naptha' bar soap (in the same aisle as laundry detergent)
• 5 gallon bucket (as little as 5 dollars at Home Depot)

1. Shave the 'fells naptha' soap with a cheese grater.

2. Using a large pot, put 12 cups water and all of the shaved soap into the pot.

3. Stir on medium heat until the soap is COMPLETELY dissolved.

4. Add the borax, the washing soda, and the baking soda.

5. Stir until these are also COMPLETELY dissolved.

6. Pour 8 cups of HOT water into 5 gallon bucket.

7. Add the soap mixture; which contains all of the now dissolved ingredients.

8. Add 2 gallons and 12 cups of water. (Does not matter if the water is hot)

9. Stir briskly.

10. Cover and let sit for 24 hours.

11. Whisk if desired. Your detergent's consistancy will range from jello-like, to a chunky or syrup-like liquid. It all works the same!

Tips & Warnings

• All of these things can be found at Harris teeter (except the bucket)
• You can also add essential oils to your mix by adding a few drops at the end just before whisking
• Each batch will look a little different after standing for 24 hours; don't worry! It still washes clothes wonderfully!