Homemade laundry detergent

I love to save money wherever I can. Laundry seems to be a big expense! It's one of those things hat you'll never stop doing. So, why not try to find ways to save? With all the detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, stain removal, the energy to run a washer and dryer. Not to mention my skin irritations that limit my choices it was a NO BRAINER to not only give up the dryer/use a clothesline but to make my own detergent. 

Here's the story:

$6.00, 2 gallons, 15 minutes and hundreds of loads!!

All you need is:

1 bar of soap (this is what will add the fragrance and color of the detergent so it's okay to be choosy)

1 cup borax

1 cup washing soda

2 gallons of water

(This is a LOT cheaper after the first time you make it. I get several cups from each box)

Large pot

Cheese grater

Long spoon

Funnel

2 empty gallon containers

This is the first step. My favorite! You simply grate one bar of soap!

Then, add to your large pot with 1 gallon of water. Heat this until the soap dissolves. If it hasn't congealed yet let it come to a boil. Then pour in the borax and washing Soda. Stir again until dissolved and Pour the last gallon of water. Leave in the pot together until it's cool. 

Using your funnel pour the detergent into your empty gallon containers. 

This detergent goes a LONG way. You will only need 1/4cup per load of laundry. It IS compatible with high efficiency washing machines and cleans well. 

Some bars of soap react differently. If you find yours is overly thick you can add more water. If you don't think it's thick enough, boil it longer.