How to Make Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap

Save money on laundry by mixing your own liquid detergent.

Liquid laundry soap is a nice convenience but can be very expensive. Buy basic ingredients in bulk and you can make enough to last months for just a few dollars. Using common ingredients also helps avoid fillers and chemicals that can damage groundwater.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring cup
• 5-gallon bucket with lid
• Grater
• Cooking pot
• Fels-Naptha soap bar
• Washing soda
• Borax
• Essential oil
• Used laundry soap jugs

Instructions

1. Grate 1/2the bar of Fels-Naptha soap. Heat 6 cups of water in a large pot and add the bar of soap. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is all melted.

2. Fill a 5-gallon bucket half full of very hot water. Add the melted soap, 1/2 cup washing soda, and 1/2 cup borax. Stir well until all of the powder is dissolved. Fill the bucket to the top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

3. Add about 30 drops of essential oil once the soap has cooled. Nice scents to use include lavender, rosemary or tea tree oil.

4. Pour into clean, old liquid laundry soap or milk jugs for easy use. Label clearly. Use 1/2 cup for top load machines -- for approximately 180 loads -- and 1/8 cup for front load machines -- approx 360 loads.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you label all containers clearly and keep out of the reach of children.

References

• University of Alaska Fairbanks Extension; Pinching Pennies - Laundry Tips; Roxie Dinstel