I have had a few people request the recipe I use for Homemade Laundry Soap. I started making my own soap about a month ago and wish I would have done it sooner. My good friend started making her own soap a while back and inspired me to do the same. (Thanks arrow sparrow) My recipe is different than hers in that she uses the powder version and I use the liquid gel version. They both use the same basic ingredients. The cost comes out to be about .71 cents per 2 gallons. That is about .01 cent a load. It works very well and smells great! Enjoy.
Homemade Laundry Soap
1/3 bar Fels Naptha or other type of bar soap. (I use a little more than 1/3 of a bar as it contributes to a better gel. Ivory works well for those with sensitive skin)
½ cup washing soda
½ cup borax powder
~You will also need a small bucket, about 2 gallon size~ (Or you can save a laundry detergent container to refill)
Grate the soap and put it in a sauce pan. Add 6 cups 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 and stir. Let the soap sit for about 24 hours and it will gel. You use ½ cup per load.
I also use a few tablespoons of vinegar per load as a fabric softener. No, this does not make your clothes smell. It does not soften as well as commercial bought softeners but is still a good alternative.
