How to Make Laundry Detergent With Fels-Naptha

Fels-Naptha, when combined with other ingredients, makes an effective laundry detergent.

For people who prefer not to use commercial laundry detergents, there are other options that will get clothes clean and keep them fresh. Fels-Naptha soap has been used for decades, and when combined with a few other ingredients, it can make inexpensive and effective laundry detergent. Powder and liquid detergent containing Fels-Naptha are equally effective and safe for high-efficiency washing machines.

Things You'll Need

• Fels-Naptha soap
• Cheese grater or food processor
• Washing soda
• Borax powder
• Plastic or glass container with lid
• Large pan
• Wooden spoon
• 5-gallon bucket

Instructions

Powder Detergent

1. Open one bar of Fels-Naptha soap and allow it to dry for up to two weeks, making it easier to process.

2. Grate the Fels-Naptha soap into a fine powder, using a metal cheese grater or food processor.

3. Combine the grated soap with 2 cups washing soda and 2 cups borax.

4. Store the powder detergent in a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.

5. Mix the detergent before measuring 2 tbsp. powder for each load of laundry.

Liquid Detergent

1. Open one bar of Fels-Naptha soap and allow it to dry for up to two weeks, making it easier to process.

2. Grate the Fels-Naptha soap into a fine powder, using a metal cheese grater or food processor.

3. Combine the grated soap and 6 cups of water in a large pan over medium heat. Stirring continuously with a wooden spoon, heat until the soap is dissolved.

4. Add 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. Stir until dissolved, then bring to a boil and heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.

5. Add 1 qt. water to a 5-gallon bucket, then add the liquid detergent mixture.

6. Add enough water to make 2 gallons of detergent, then mix until combined. The soap will thicken over the next 24 hours.

7. Use 1/2 cup of liquid detergent per load.

Tips & Warnings

• Fels-Naptha, washing soda and borax can be found in the laundry and cleaning aisle of supermarkets and discount stores.

• Save time by making large batches.

References

• The Frugal Shopper: Homemade Laundry Detergent
• Living On a Dime: Inexpensive Homemade Laundry Detergent
• Fels Naptha: About