I made a reference in the Seeds of Change blog post that I clean with natural products. I especially take delight in learning how to make things myself.
Laundry soap. I cannot begin to tell you how much I hate to buy laundry soap. I mean, really hate buying laundry soap. It comes in this HUGE plastic container and you have to choose between types. Do I want the one for dark colors, whites, with bleach, with fabric softeners, scented, unscented, the one that claims to be eco-friendly and the list goes on.
In the book by Michael DeJong Clean: The Humble Art of Zen-Cleansing
I had wondered years ago if I could make my own laundry soap. However, I had dismissed the notion as I just assumed it was this difficult process that I really did not want to bother with.
It is not a difficult process! It is so darn simple, I was a little upset at myself that I had not looked into it more. I have been making my own laundry soap for almost two years now. This is a more sustainable option and will save you a decent amount of cash in the future. Additionally, all the ingredients can be purchased at most grocery stores.
The Ingredients:
Borax (20 mule team is the brand I use)
Baking Soda
Ivory Soap (or soap of choice)
Mix equal parts of each.
My Recipe is as follows:
3 cups Borax
3 cups baking soda
1 bar Ivory Soap
To shave the bar of soap I use a fine cheese grater. I mix all the ingredients in the container I intend to store the laundry detergent in.
Use one tablespoon per large load. Use two tablespoons per load if it is really soiled.
As a side note, finding bulk quantities of baking soda proved to be rather difficult for me. I ended up going to a restaurant supplier called Cash and Carry. They carry five and ten pound bags of baking soda.
I have heard suggestions to substitute Ivory soap with Dr. Bronner’s Bar Soap (5 oz Bar, Unscented)
I have heard this mixture can also be used as a Dishwasher Detergent (I do not have a dishwasher). The difference is you omit the bar of soap when making a batch. Instead use two tablespoons of the powder mixture in the powder section and two tablespoons of white vinegar in the liquid detergent portion. The white vinegar is to eliminate food and water spots.
~Kera~
I am able to buy bulk 50# bag of baking soda (also Epsom salts)at the local Del’s feed store.
That is good to know! I do not have a good place to store 50 #s of baking soda at current. But, I will keep that in mind to split between friends. How much does the 50# bag cost?
Thanks for the laundry detergent recipe, so simple, mine was a bit more detailed, I’m switching. I get my soda at Sam’s Club. 10# bag, pretty reasonable, I can’t remember b/c it’s been so long since I bought any. Another good book is The Naturally Clean Home by Karyn Siegel-Maier, although I didn’t use their recipe for detergent. Love your blog, I ran across it on the Tiny House Blog.
You’re welcome! I am glad that came in handy! It was one of those posts that had not received much feedback. I have been using that recipe for a few years now and it works wonderfully.
Have you heard of Soapnuts? Less work, fewer utensils required, can be stored dry and transported easily, customizeable scent, 100% natural, fun, and I would think a great hit at SCA. =)
I have actually seen those at the Eastside Olympia Co-op. I had considered trying them but had heard mixed reviews. I had forgotten about them. I may give them a try here soon now that you’ve reminded me. Thank you!
Here’s one place to buy them:
http://www.laundrytree.com/about-soapnuts.html