Four Main Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipes
As seen here:
http://www.thefrugalshopper.com/articles/detergent.html
Recipe #1
3 Pints Water
1/3 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
2 Gallon Bucket
1 Quart Hot Water
Hot Water
Mix Fels Naptha soap in a saucepan with 3 pints of water, and heat on low until dissolved. Stir in Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened, and remove from heat. Add 1 Quart Hot Water to 2 Gallon Bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill bucket with hot water, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load.
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Recipe #2
1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
2 Tablespoons Glycerin
2 Cups Water
Mix all three ingredients together. Add glycerin and water.
Use 1/2 - 3/4 cup per load. Best when used with cold or warm water.
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Recipe #3
Water
1 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated
5 Gallon Bucket
1 Cup Washing Soda
4 1/2 Gallons Hot Water
Place grated soap in a small saucepan and cover with water. Heat on low until dissolved. Fill bucket with hot water, and add soap. Stir to combine. Add 1 cup washing soda and mix well. As it cools it will thicken. May be used immediately. Use 1-2 cups per load.
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Powdered Laundry Detergent
1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
For light load, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 tablespoons.

I've ordered the Fels Naptha soap, but cannot, cannot find the washing soda anywhere here in Okla! If anyone knows where I can get it, please let me know. Thanks!

Has anyone used these? Do the ingredients make a lot? Is it worth the time it takes to make it? Does it clean your clothes good?

_________________
~Karen
Moderator

I use the powdered version I LOVE it!

I find Fels and washing soda at the Homeland on Reno and Mustang rd (though they were sold out the last time I went!)

Also I have started using Lirio bar laundry soap (0.75 at Homeland) which works well, it also makes 4 batches versus the 2 you get from fels (about 1.25 a bar) so it saves money

Its a matter of preference as far as opinions on the soap. go to the frugal shopper forum, they have a lot of info about questions that came up about the detergents. To me they seem to clean just fine, and we have 5 kids! It does take a little time, but I sit and grate while I watch tv

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Kristie M.
SAHM of 5
myspace.com/muskratmorales
wordpress.com/tkmuskrat

Do not rob the poor because he is poor, And oppress not the afflicted at the gate.
For YHWH pleads their cause, And shall plunder those who plunder them. Prov. 22:22-23

Tk~ Thanks for the info on where to get the supplies! I appreciate it.
Steph

Does this have an expiration date like need to be used within a certain time frame if so when or how long can it sit up before going south, i'm talking like mold or fungi, But love the idea I have five children 3 in the home 2 grown and 1 grandson so this is very helpful......... i could send this to my daughter who is Quam in the Navy she loves to save save save The Guyton Family

Crest in MWC Reno & Douglas sells Fels Naptha for about $1 per bar

I ordered Arm and Hammer Washing Soda from Drugstore.com. They have buy 1 @ $6.99 (55 ozs) and the second one is only $3.50. Any order over $25.00 is free shipping. So I got 6 boxes for $30. They don't even charge for sales tax. I am making up several 5 gal buckets for family and friends.