THE COMPLETE {PHOTO} GUIDE TO MAKING YOUR OWN HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT
There have been a lot of questions posted lately about the whole laundry detergent-making process. Which I take as a great sign that more and more people are getting fed up with the ridiculously high-priced brand name stuff and turning to time-tested, “mother-approved” formulations that date back to before most of us were born! 🙂 And workJUST AS WELL, if not better than the over-priced, over-packaged stuff we are forced to lug home from the store in huge plastic bottles that chances are won’t be recycled. *deep breath* (Stepping down off soapbox….for now).
In any case, I thought it might be helpful to post another “update”, if you will, on the Homemade Laundry Detergent project with more pictures!
Keep in mind, however, there is no “right” way to make this stuff….this is just the way it works best for me. I would suggest if you want lots more VALUABLE INPUT from other readers….visit one of the followingORIGINAL POSTS and read the comments. GREAT information there!!
Let’s start with the basic recipe again:
- 1 bar grated Fels Naptha soap (or whatever soap you like.)
- 1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
- 1 cup Washing Soda (not BAKING soda)
- water
Many people make this in a big, 5-gallon container, but call me lazy, cuz I don’t like to drag in a 5 gallon bucket from the garage. When it’s time to make soap, I just pull out my 4-quart saucepan like I’m cooking up a double batch of rice. 🙂
I “cook” the soap soup at on medium low until all the little bits of soap are completely melted. To make sure of this…I will let it come to a boil for just a minute. That way I’m pretty sure no pieces of soap will be floating in my finished product.
I then add the 1 cup of Borax and the 1 cup of Washing Soda. Once again, we are only “cooking” it long enough to make sure it is all a combined and smooth texture. I try not to let it actually come to a boil because it will “boil over” very easily! (Not that I would know about that.)
When it’s all nice and combined and sorta creamy looking (if kind of reminds me of cooking pudding at this point)…it’s time to pour it into your soap containers.
I THINK it ends up being about 4-5 cups in each bottle but I haven’t actually measured it. I just keep adding a little to each until they are all at the same level (and the pan is empty.)
They should look SOMETHING like this. But remember…this is not exact science…if they are a little thicker or runnier…don’t worry. It will still be a great laundry detergent and as you continue making and using it…you’ll figure out just what works for you.
TADA!! You just made your own homemade laundry detergent for PENNIES a load!!!!! Sure it might be a little lumpy…but who really cares?? It works! Pure and simple.
Honestly, I love this stuff. I don’t miss the store-bought stuff one bit! Especially since I started using just a tiny bit offragrance booster in each load. I kind of missed the scent of the old stuff…but I’ve found most people prefer this unscented version, especially those with sensitivities to that sort of thing.
There you have it. I really don’t think I could have taken any MORE pictures of the whole process. I tried to cover every single step. Hopefully this is helpful for those of you who are trying this for the very first time. You “old-timers” shouldn’t even be reading this…what are you doing here anyway? Just teasin’. 🙂 I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the “old-timer” comments when people have questions because I can’t always keep up AND your answers are usually better anyway! 🙂
Thanks to everyone who participates in my little corner of the world wide web, and for your support of One Good Thing By Jillee! I hope it continues to be a
A photo tutorial for us “visual learners” is today’s…..
Jillee
Jul 09, 2012 @ 16:02:39
Hi there! 🙂 I’m glad you liked the post on homemade laundry detergent. I appreciate your credit at the bottom of the post to One Good Thing By Jillee…but I didn’t notice any actual LINK that goes from your post to mine. I would appreciate if you could update that. Thanks! 🙂 Have a good day!
pregnantyogamoms
Jul 09, 2012 @ 23:47:50
I am still figuring this all out. I will see if I can figure it out. I love the idea and did not even think about it, sorry.
terminators
Dec 18, 2012 @ 06:09:57
Hey! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!