DIY laundry soap

About two years ago I decided I was done with purchasing laundry soap and began my mission to find a good homemade one.  One that smelled good, cleaned well and wasn't hard to make.  I knew right away I would never keep up with one I had to boil or cook or whatever you need to do to make it liquid.  Too much work equals me not continuing my master plans in life :)

Well I hit the jackpot with this recipe.  We absolutely love it!

Recipe source 

Ingredients

• 1 (4 lb 12 oz) Box of Borax- Found in the detergent aisle
• 1 (3 lb 7 oz) Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda- Found in the detergent aisle
• 1 (3 lb) Container of Oxyclean- Found in the detergent aisle
• 2 (14.1 oz) Bars of Zote Soap- Found in the detergent aisle (You can also use Fels Naptha)
• 1 (4 lb) Box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda- Found in the cooking aisle 
• 2 Bottles of Purex Crystals Fabric Enhancer- Found in the detergent aisle

Instructions

1. Grate zote soap with cheese grater or food processor.
2. Mix all ingredients together in a large bucket.
3. Use 2 -4 Tablespoons per laundry load.

This past week I have been using vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser with a drop or two of essential oils.  I use purification for work out clothes, lemon to help whiten my whites and lavender on the rest!  Vinegar is awesome as a fabric softener as it not only softens but also helps with odors.

All three of these oils are in the premium starter kit

If you don't want to use the essential oils in the washer you can mix them in a spray bottle with vinegar or water and mist the clothes before drying.  You could also get a washcloth or piece of fabric wet and put some drops of your favorite essential oil on it and toss it in the dryer with the clothes.  Or one more option would be to put some drops on the wool Norwex dryer balls and toss them in the dryer.

So my next batch I will be leaving out the purex crystals. I also looked further into oxiclean and will instead try oxy boost.  I feel better about the product and what is in it.

Ok so this recipe fills about 2 ice cream pails 3/4 filled each.  I do 2-3 loads of laundry a day and this lasts me a couple months!  I love knowing exactly what I am using and knowing it is safe for my family.   I hope you give this a try.  It is super easy to make and the kids love help.