Well, after much discussion with a few buddies, and research on the internet, I decided to try my hand at making my own laundry soap today. It is a little bit different than the lye soap I remember Grandma making when I was little! :) I was suprised that it took me only about 1/2 an hour from start to finish! But I will admit, I cheated a bit on my first time. I bought a kit off of Ebay: 1 bar of Fels Naptha (already grated), 1 cup of washing soda, and 1 cup of borax. The price was right, and this way, I figured I wouldn't be stuck with a whole load of ingredients if I decide this isn't for me! The challenge is going to be finding all of the ingredients around here. Thus far I have found Borax at Walmart, and Fels Naptha at a local grocery store. But I think I am going to have to buy the washing soda online. It is manufactured by Arm and Hammer, but different from baking soda...also different from Arm and Hammer laundry soap! So upward and onward to finding the best deal, including shipping and handling! :) For all those who are curious, here is the recipe I used. If I run across some essential oils, I may add a hint of lavender to the mix. I have a few variations from friends, that I will try in the future! I am also considering doing what my friend, Gretchen told me: use half the water to make a more concentrated version. Cuts out and additional step and you use less at a time. Also, another friend mentioned that she uses Zote rather than Fels Naptha, because of the pretty pink color. I can see her point! This one certainly isn't pretty!
1 Cup Borax
1 Cup Washing Soda
1 Bar Fels Naptha (if using Zote: 1/3 bar) grated. This first batch came pre-grated, but I plan to use my cheese grater next time
5 gallon bucket with lid
5 gallons water
Grate your soap first thing. Boil 6 cups water on the stove. After it comes to a boil, add your bar of grated soap and stir until it melts. Then remove from stove and add washing soda and borax. Stir until all dissolved. This will gell over night. Stir throughout the day and it won't gel up as hard. But the gelling won't hurt anything. Just stir before you put into bottles.
Put 12 cups hot water in the 5 gallon bucket. Stir until all mixed together. Then fill your tucket up the rest of the way with hot water. Stir. Put lid on bucket. It will be gooey and watery. You can mix with a stick blender, or even a wooden broom handle. Put into old laundry bottles and shake every time you use it. Use 1/4 Cup for HE washer and 1/2 for top loading. Use a little bit more for heavily soiled laundry.
5 comments:
I've got some essential oils if you want to try them. I haven't used them in years, so you're welcome to them. I think I have orange, peppermint, and (yay!) lavender!
Great job Erica! Also, I know I can get all of the ingredients at the grocery store here. If you want me to pick you up some washing soda let me know! :-) It is kind of fun huh?
I also am pretty sure that mom found some washing soda in Imperial, but it wasn't Arm and Hammer brand. I will ask.
You're so awesome. Let me know how it works. I may have to try it also!
ERICA I just bought washing soda at Super Foods! But I'm going to try Ivory Soap. Think that will be ok??
I also found the washing soda at Super Foods! I am excited! :) I think Ivory would work fine. I am actually not that thrilled with the Fels Naptha, but my mom has tried the soap and loves Zote. She said it really cuts the grease from my dad's clothes. So it's going to be Zote for me from now on! :)
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