If you know me, or have ever glanced at this blog, you know that #ihatelaundry. I love cleaning. I love having all of our clothes everything clean. But I despise the above mentioned task.
I have toyed with idea of making our own detergent for a long time. Regardless how disgusted I get about it, it’s a part of life. It must be done. And unfortunately, it is just one more means of chemicals being in our home.
No longer, though. We have made our own detergent. I have no worries about the harshness it may bring or the unknown ingredients hiding in it. It is pure. It was simple. And I don’t think I will ever again pay $$ for chemicals in a jug. Nope. Never.
What we used: Water, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, Borax and a bar of soap.
(Bryan bought me *free of everything* soap at Dollar Tree. 3 bars/$1.)
We boiled 3 cups of water, and slowly added the grated soap to it. Stirring until it was all dissolved.
It was like a soap-soup.
We heated another 3 gallons of water until it was luke-warm.
In a 5 gallon bucket, we poured the 3 gallons of water and added the soap-soup, 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 of cup borax.
Stirred it well.
We added cute die-cut letters and a little modge-podge, (’cause it’s gotta be cute, right??) and VOILA!
Be sure to put the top on the bucket and let it sit for 24 hours before using it.
Our clothes are clean and smell yummy!
The most expensive part for this was buying a new bucket ($3.97) and lid ($1.47) at WalMart.
I’m telling ya’, it’s brought a little sunshine into doing laundry. And that’s a good thing. 
Are you kidding me?? Does it really work as well as Tide or Gain?? Crap I need to try that!
Girl, I am not kidding! Bryan swears our clothes smell better than they used to. And, yes, they are SUPER-CLEAN!
How does it work for front loading high efficiency washers. I’m nervous to try as we already had an issue with the washer and needed fixing. I have started to use much less detergent then is recommended and happy with results. Let me know if anyone uses this stuff on he washers, I’d lve to try!
Happy washing everyone!
Kathy
Hey, Kathy!
We actually have the Kenmore HE 3T – and we have used this detergent for a couple of years with no problems. I just use it as I would any liquid detergent. (and have realized I don’t have to use as much)
Hope that helps you!