How to Make Borax Detergent

Borax is a natural substance that has a variety of uses in the household, including its role as an ingredient in homemade detergents. Borax is environmentally safe and relatively inexpensive--you can make dishwashing detergent for less than a penny per load. By making your own laundry and dishwashing detergent using borax, you can save money on commercial detergents and do your part to help preserve the environment.

Things You'll Need

• 1 quart boiling water
• Bar of soap
• Cheese grater or food processor with shredder disk
• Large, clean bucket with lid
• 3 cups borax powder
• 3 cups washing soda
• Long-stemmed spoon
• 1/2 cup Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup citric acid
• Vinegar

Instructions

Laundry Detergent

1. Boil one quart of water on the stovetop.

2. Grate a bar of soap, such as Ivory or Fels-Naptha, using a cheese grater. If you have a food processor, you can grate the soap with the shredding blade.

3. Add the grated soap to the water once it comes to a boil. Stir the soap into the water. Keep the pot on the stove on low heat until the soap has dissolved into the water.

4. Pour the soap and water mixture into a large, clean bucket equipped with a lid. Do this very carefully to avoid burning yourself with the hot water.

5. Add two cups of borax and two cups of washing soda to the soapy water mixture. Use a long-stemmed spoon to stir the mixture until it is dissolved.

6. Pour two gallons of water into the bucket with the detergent mixture. Stir until well blended.

7. Place the lid on the bucket while storing the detergent. Use 1/4 cup of the borax detergent per load of laundry. Be sure to stir the detergent prior to each use.

Dishwashing Detergent

1. Combine one cup washing soda, 1/2 cup Kosher salt, 1/2 cup citric acid and one cup of borax in a container. Stir the ingredients until they are mixed thoroughly.

2. Store the dishwasher detergent in a covered container. Place one tablespoon into the dishwasher per load.

3. Fill the rinse dispenser of the dishwasher with vinegar to achieve the best results.

Tips & Warnings

• Washing soda and borax powder can be found in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores. Kosher salt is pure salt that can also be found at most grocery stores. Use Fruit Fresh or unsweetened packs of lemonade for the citric acid.

• Although borax is a natural substance, it can be toxic if ingested or inhaled. Always handle borax with care.

References

• Care 2 Make a Difference
• Green Living