I have been asked by a couple of friends to share about my laundry detergent, so I thought I would take that opportunity now.
I have been making my own laundry detergent off and on for several years. The times when I'm off, are only because I am lazy or simply don't have time. It's really not that time consuming, but when I have so many other things vying for my attention, it doesn't always get done.
I started making my own detergent because it is much cheaper. However, over the last few months as I have tried to become more natural, my research has pushed me to be more vigilant about making it.
I have been making my own laundry detergent off and on for several years. The times when I'm off, are only because I am lazy or simply don't have time. It's really not that time consuming, but when I have so many other things vying for my attention, it doesn't always get done.
I started making my own detergent because it is much cheaper. However, over the last few months as I have tried to become more natural, my research has pushed me to be more vigilant about making it.
What you need:
1/2 bar of Castile soap (I like Dr. Bonner's, but they also sell a brand at Wal-Mart)
1/2 cup washing soda (Arm and Hammer soda found on the laundry aisle NOT POWDER)
1/2 cup borax powder (Also found on the laundry aisle)
A small bucket, about 2 gallon size
Grate the soap and put it in a sauce pan. Add 6 cups of water and heat it until the soap melts. Add the washing soda and the borax and stir until it is dissolved. Remove from heat. Pour 4 cups hot water into the bucket. Now add your soap mixture and stir. Now add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water(22 cups) and stir. Let the soap sit for about 24 hours and it will gel. You use 1/2 cup per load.
~The finished soap will not be a solid gel. It will be more of a watery gel that has been accurately described as an "egg noodle soup" look.
~The soap is a low sudsing soap. So if you don't see suds, that is okay.
~I occasionally add an essential oil to mine for a scent. About 1/2 to 1 oz will do.
1/2 bar of Castile soap (I like Dr. Bonner's, but they also sell a brand at Wal-Mart)
1/2 cup washing soda (Arm and Hammer soda found on the laundry aisle NOT POWDER)
1/2 cup borax powder (Also found on the laundry aisle)
A small bucket, about 2 gallon size
Grate the soap and put it in a sauce pan. Add 6 cups of water and heat it until the soap melts. Add the washing soda and the borax and stir until it is dissolved. Remove from heat. Pour 4 cups hot water into the bucket. Now add your soap mixture and stir. Now add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water(22 cups) and stir. Let the soap sit for about 24 hours and it will gel. You use 1/2 cup per load.
~The finished soap will not be a solid gel. It will be more of a watery gel that has been accurately described as an "egg noodle soup" look.
~The soap is a low sudsing soap. So if you don't see suds, that is okay.
~I occasionally add an essential oil to mine for a scent. About 1/2 to 1 oz will do.
I hope this helps some of you. Feel free to post questions and I will do my best to answer.
1 comment:
Hey Amy. Where would I buy the scented oils from? And what scents do you usually use? Thanks! Katie Flynn
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