Laundry Detergent How-to - Natural Homesteading

Laundry Detergent

Washing Soda

12 c. Borax

10 c. baking soda

2 c. shredded soap-Phels Naptha

2 T. orange E.O. sometimes we add lemon, too

1 T. lavender E.O.

1/4 c. bentonite clay (optional)

Mix all together very well in a bucket. Use 1/8 c. per load of laundry. We do a lot of laundry per week living in community and this recipe lasts several months for us. It will last even longer if you only do a few loads of laundry a week.

Tip: Add 1/2 c. vinegar to rinse cycles for soap residue and odors from baby diapers. Vinegar can be used in place of fabric softner.

We absolutely love this soap. If you don't want to ~ or have the time to make it, you can always order it from us! Just send us an e-mail to order.

Borax is best when used fresh or if you have to store it, keep it in an air tight container.

Here, we have some Borax that is older so we needed to break up the chunks.

In this pic. we are mixing the baking soda, Phels Naptha, and Borax.

We've found that the food processor works great chopping up the Phels Naptha.

Next is our essential oils. We added extra this last time we made it to give it a stronger citrus smell. YUM!!

Then, we put it in air tight containers. We use this jar in our laundry room and keep a 5 gallon bucket with the extra that we store in our pantry.

I took a used spice container and labled 1/8 of a cup for a large load and then labled it for a medium and small load. This saves time and our measuring cups!

ENJOY this new economical treasure, we sure do!

Also check out our recipe for Fabric Softener!!!