Tuesday, July 24, 2012

DIY Powder Laundry Detergent

After reading countless Laundry Soap recipes online I found a mix that works for us.  I'm posting this mainly for my own reference because I cant seem to find my original recipe... Plus this makes a smaller amount (avg 1/3 of other bulk recipes) than many of the online recipes so it fits in my storage container. I have a long, narrow laundry room leaving little room for a 5 gallon pail. 

1 bar Ivory Soap
25 oz Borax
20 oz Washing Soda
20 oz Baking Soda
16 oz Oxy Clean (generic is fine)
1/2 bottle Purex Crystals (optional)

Put Ivory bar in microwave for 2 mins.  It will puff up like a marshmallow.









 Allow to cool completely. Soap will easily crumble into a fine powder (kids love this part).  You can put powder in a food processor (I use my Ninja) to blend finer if needed.



Add & mix all ingredients in a large bucket, transfer into a storage container.  I use the Mainstays 1 Gal Canister from Walmart to store all of this in our laundry room.  I like the fact that the lid screws on so there less chance of a spill should it drop or fall (plus it is super cheap).

 Add 1 heaping Tbsp to your wash & viola! Super soft, clean clothes at a fraction of the cost.  You can use Fels-Naptha if you like, I dont really care for the smell.  Zote is always an option too.  One batch usually lasts us about 4-5 months with five people living in our home.  We use vinegar for a fabric softener or deodorizer when needed.  Will never go back to expensive detergent. 

This mix will not create suds.  We have an HE machine and have not had any problems yet.