Post by klsm54 on Mar 17, 2009 18:15:25 GMT -4
With store bought laundry detergent running as much as $7.00-$10.00 for a bottle that will wash maybe 24 loads, I found a way to wash about 80 loads for less than $2.00.....really.
You need 3 ingredients, available at Martin's, in the laundry detergent aisle , probably other stores too.
A bar of Fels Naptha Soap
Some 20 Mule Team Borax
and.....
Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
Oh, and you'll need a 5 gallon bucket to mix it in.
Start by grating the Fels Naptha, it is much easier to disolve this way. Your box grater that you have in your kitchen will work fine. Use the coarser side.
Place the grated soap in a pot, cover with water, place on the stove and simmer, stirring constantly until the soap is completely dissolved.
Dump the soap mixture into your 5 gallon bucket, add 1 cup of the Washing Soda and 1/2 cup of the Borax. Fill the bucket with hot water and stir until everything is completely dissolved and thoroughly mixed.
Sit it someplace to cool. It will gel, fairly thick, when it's done.
5 gallons = 640 ounces.....divided by the 8 ounces (1 cup) that you use for a full load = 80 loads, for well under 2 bucks. There is plenty of the soda & borax for multiple batches.
Don't expect lots of suds, as you didn't add a sudsing agent. But do expect clean good smelling laundry.
You need 3 ingredients, available at Martin's, in the laundry detergent aisle , probably other stores too.
A bar of Fels Naptha Soap
Some 20 Mule Team Borax
and.....
Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
Oh, and you'll need a 5 gallon bucket to mix it in.
Start by grating the Fels Naptha, it is much easier to disolve this way. Your box grater that you have in your kitchen will work fine. Use the coarser side.
Place the grated soap in a pot, cover with water, place on the stove and simmer, stirring constantly until the soap is completely dissolved.
Dump the soap mixture into your 5 gallon bucket, add 1 cup of the Washing Soda and 1/2 cup of the Borax. Fill the bucket with hot water and stir until everything is completely dissolved and thoroughly mixed.
Sit it someplace to cool. It will gel, fairly thick, when it's done.
5 gallons = 640 ounces.....divided by the 8 ounces (1 cup) that you use for a full load = 80 loads, for well under 2 bucks. There is plenty of the soda & borax for multiple batches.
Don't expect lots of suds, as you didn't add a sudsing agent. But do expect clean good smelling laundry.