Powdered Laundry Detergent

I shared with you in a post about some of my kids that suffer with eczema. I have heard a lot about people making their own Laundry Detergent, not only is it a great idea for saving money but really a great idea if you suffer from allergies or eczema.

Powdered Laundry Detergent
`
2 - Fels-Naptha bar soap grated (comes out to about 4 cups) You can find this in the grocery store laundry aisle. Grate it on a cheese grater 

2 cups - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*

2 cups - of Borax comes from the grocery store laundry aisle and some hardware stores.

1/2 cup - OxyClean or Baking Soda (not necessary, but we add it) 

Grate soap or break into pieces and process in a food processor until powdered. Mix all ingredients. For light load, use 1 Tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 Tablespoons. Yields: 6 Cups detergent. (Approx. 80 loads)

*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - in some stores or may be purchased. Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!

 TIPS FOR LAUNDRY SOAP:
`
We use Fels-Naptha bar soap in the homemade soap recipes, but you can use Ivory, Old Fashioned Handmade Lye Soap, Sunlight, Kirk's Hardwater Castile, Zote White bars. Don't use heavily perfumed soaps. We buy Fels-Naptha by the case from our local grocer or online. Washing Soda and Borax can often be found on the laundry or cleaning aisle. Recipe cost approx. $2 per batch.

Inexpensive Fabric Softener Recipes
`
(instead of fabric softener which is so bad for you and the environment, you don't even want to know)

1  Cup White Vinegar - Add vinegar to rinse cycle. Works great. Removes residue and odors. Also helps to keep washing machine and hoses fresh and clean too.

25-30 drops essential oil – optional. (Straight vinegar works just fine though.)

A great website - 10 Homemade Laundry Soap Detergent Recipes & Homemade Laundry Detergent FAQ