DIY: Laundry Soap 2.0

Way back, I shared another DIY Laundry Soap, one that I have actually used many times.  Here is another recipe I've seen floating around that has added ingredients, including a great smelling fabric softener.  I think I'll give this version a try!


Ingredients:

4 lb 12 oz Box of Borax
3 lb 7 oz Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
3 lb Container of OxyClean
2 (14.1 oz) Bars of Zote Soap (or Fels Naptha if you cannot find Zote in your area)
4 lb Box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
1 or 2 (55 oz) Bottle of Purex Crystals Fabric Softener (or use 3 to 4 bottles of Scentsy Washer Whiffs)

Tools:
- large container to store your soap
- Measuring cup
- Large mixing bowl or bucket
- Food processor

Use a food processor to grate the Zote (or Fels Naptha). Use a very large bucket and combine ingredients using a layering method. Take a small amount of each ingredient and layer it on top of each other, then use a large spoon to mix it all together. Do this about five times, or until all ingredients have been mixed in.

Using the Detergent:When washing, you need only 1 to 2 tablespoons, depending on the size of your load.

Note: If you opted to put the Purex Crystals in your batch, you can scoop the detergent right into your bottle and use the cap as your measuring spoon. There are 3 lines on the side and the middle one is approximately 2 Tablespoons.

Make Your Own Laundry Soap

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.