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
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}
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.