Thursday, December 10, 2015

Laundry Soap


Today I thought I'd share with you the laundry soap I make for our family.  It's quick, easy and effective.  I can't remember where I got the recipe or if I tweaked it from an original.  It's been several years and I have it written on a scrap of paper.

In full disclosure, I don't use this laundry soap exclusively.  I also use a homemade liquid laundry soap (which I'll share at another time) and store-bought detergents.  I like Arm and Hammer Sensitive for a store-bought variety.  I try and do what is cheap at the time without getting stuff that will irritate my family's skin.

Not only a great addition to your cleaning arsenal, this homemade soap also makes a great gift.  Just add it to a jar, make a label and tie on a bow.  It's a nice way to spread the joys of more natural living with friends and family

Give it a try and see if you like it.  It's cheap enough!

Laundry Soap

Ingredients:

3 bars shaved soap (Fels Naptha, Zote, Ivory or a combination)
1 1/2 cups borax
1 1/2 cups washing soda
1 1/2 cups baking soda

Shave soap on the smallest holes of a hand grater.  Add borax, washing soda and baking soda.  Mix thoroughly, but be sure not to create a cloud of soap dust in the air.  It can irritate sensitive facial skin.  Use 1/8 cup per load or 1/4 cup for heavily soiled loads.  Use as you would any other powdered detergent.  This soap is for warm or hot water loads as it will not dissolve completely in cold water.

This soap has no fragrance, so some people add Downy crystals.  These are NOT sensitive-skin friendly, but many people like the scent.

TIP!: For a nice rinse with a natural fabric softener, add plain white vinegar to your softener dispenser.  Your clothes will come out fresh and clean and will not smell of vinegar.

TIP!: You can find Borax, washing soda, Fels Naptha and Zote in the laundry aisle of your local Walmart.  Some grocery stores also carry these products.

TIP!: If you want even more cleaning action, add 1 1/2 cups cheap oxygen cleaner from Dollar Tree.

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