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JustJessica's avatar

Does anyone have a good homemade laundry detergent recipe ?

Asked by JustJessica (4054points) August 25th, 2011

Preferably one that you have tried and know it works. I have found many recipes online, but none with testimonials about how well they work.

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2 Answers

kine97's avatar

I make the Liquid version. I’ve been using it since Dec. ‘10 & tested it against Tide. It did as good of a job as Tide, but cost so much less to make. I can make a 5 gallon bucket of it for less than $2. That lasts a LONG time, except I give away a lot of detergent to people that want to try it. My recipe is easy to remember. One bar Fels Naptha, One CUP Washing Soda, One CUP Borax. Grate the bar of soap. Add to a large pan of water (about 5 cups) & heat it until the soap has melted (it does NOT have to boil). I then slowly stir in the Washing Soda, & Borax. Once it all feels like it is dissolved, I pour it into a 5 gallon bucket that is half full of hot tap water. Stir that up, then fill the bucket with more hot tap water (leave enough room at the top to stir it without it slopping over the top). Mix it all again well, set aside for it to gel. Sometimes it takes 24 hours. I like stirring mine while it cools…it makes it easier to mix. It will gel up and separate as it sits. Just make sure to stir or shake it up (if you put it into smaller containers) before each use. I use ½ cup per load…more if it is a very dirty load. I use Vinegar in my downy ball for a softener, altho I have found the homemade detergent does a good job on its own to soften my laundry.

Hope this helps.

wilma's avatar

I have been wanting to try making my own laundry detergent too.
Thanks for the great answer @kine97 , and welcome to Fluther.

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