Homemade Detergent


 I've been asked about the homemade dry detergent I make, and this is the one I use. It works great! I haven't tried the liquid detergent yet, but this is the recipe I will be using when I do. 



Homemade Dry Detergent

2c washing soda
2c borax
1/2 a bar of  Fels Naptha (grated)
( A whole bar of ivory may be used as a substitute)

Stir together & use 2tbs per full load.




Homemade Liquid Detergent

1/2 Cup: Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda {not Baking Soda}
1/2 Cup: Borax  
1/3 Bar of Fels-Naptha Soap {you could also use Ivory soap, but if using Ivory… use the whole bar} 
Bucket {2 gallon size or larger}
Empty laundry detergent containers or bucket with lid to store detergent.

What You’ll Do:
  • Grate 1/3 bar of Fels-Naptha Soap over large pot or saucepan…
Add 6 cups of Water.
  • Heat over medium-high until soap dissolves and melts.
  • Add Washing Soda & Borax, and stir until dissolved.
  • Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Pour 4 cups Hot Water into bucket, then add Soap Mixture.
  • Stir, then add 1 Gallon + 6 Cups of additional water.  Stir.
Transfer to a bucket with a lid, or pour into empty laundry detergent containers.
  • Set aside, and let it sit overnight, or up to 24 hours, to thicken and gel up.
  • Consistency and color will vary depending on your soap & water ~ it may be lumpy and watery… kind of like a watery gel, but it works great!
  • Stir or shake before each use, as it will continue to gel.