Laundry Soap

I was running low on laundry detergent and finally got to the store (Bi-Mart) to get the ingredients to make another batch.  If you've never made your own laundry detergent, why not?  It's less expensive than pre-packaged, lasts longer and is so easy to do.  Yes, you can use it in HE machines...not that I have one (sigh).  The last batch I made lasted me 11 months and cost me $15.50.

I got the recipe from Being Creative.  The first batch that I made did not have the washing soda because Bi-Mart didn't stock it then.  I also couldn't find Fels-Naptha soap so I used Ivory.  This time, I was able to get the soda and Fels-Naptha!

Here's what it cost me for the ingredients:

• Borax - $3.79
• Washing Soda - $3.99
• Fels-Naptha - $2.97
• Sun Oxi-clean - $4.98
• Baking Soda - $4.36
• sales tax - $1.73

That puts the grand total at $21.82.  This also made more than the last batch so instead of 2 jars, I have 2½ jars.  Well, actually 3 jars but one is about half the size of the others.  I kept the little scoops from the oxi-clean to use as my measuring cup for each load.  For a regular load, I use ½ a scoop.  For a really tough load, I use a full scoop.

I bought the jars at Bi-Mart last year. I decorated the two jars using stickers as stencils and used paint pens to apply the black.  I then removed the stickers to leave the clear areas.

The laundry room smells really good right now 'cause I just finished mixing it all up and putting it in the jars.  I shouldn't need to buy or make detergent for over a year!

Here's my lovely detergent:

Happy Stitching and washing!

Stacy