Making your own laundry soap is much easier thank you might think -- and it's super-cheap! You just need a few ingredients and a food processor and you're good to go.
Ingredients:
- bar soap *see note below*
- Washing soda - not baking soda
- Borax
Tools:
- large container to store your soap
- Measuring cup
- Large mixing bowl
- Food processor
Making Your Detergent:
Your mixing ratio is simple: 1 bar of soap (or 2 cups soap shreds) to 1 cup Borax and 1 cup Washing Soda.
1. Grate your soap using your food processor or a hand grater. The finer the shreds, the better.
2. In large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups soap shreds with 1 cup Borax and 1 cup Washing Soda. Mix well.
3. Scoop your the soap mix into the food processor and use the chopping blade to finely pulse the soap mix. You want the soap shreds to mix well with the Washing Soda and Borax, and create a fine crumb-like mixture. Once finely processed, transfer to your container for storage.
4. Continue through remaining soap shred mixture in bowl, until all have been finely processed and well mixed with the Borax and Washing Soda. Transfer to your storage container as each batch is finely pulsed.
Using the Detergent:
When washing, use about 1/8 cup for medium loads and 1/4 cup for large loads. This soap does not bubble, so don't be alarmed when you don't see suds! Also, note the type of bar soap you use will have different stain-removal properties. Use Fels Naptha if you rely solely on your detergent for stain-fighting.
Soap Suggestions:
Ivory is a good choice, but I've been known to use whatever blows my hairback when I'm shopping. For the all natural route, you can choose Dr. Bronners bar soap, but at $4+ a bar, it is too rich for my blood. Other options are Fels Naptha (great for stain removal) or Zote.
