Deluxe Homemade Laundry Detergent

Interestingly enough, I have received many questions lately about homemade laundry detergent.  Honestly, I’ve been really skeptical about homemade laundry detergent.  I’ve tried many different recipes and haven’t been pleased with any. So the real question is, why am I posting about it?  Because I’ve CHANGED!  I found this recipe and love it.  It is really the best and the most like “regular” laundry detergent I’ve found.  In fact, the only reason I tried it is because while I was in Utah attending the Parade of Homes (an opportunity to tour million dollar homes and get decorating ideas) and noticed that one house had homemade laundry detergent in their laundry room.  Luckily, the owner was in the home at the time finishing up some items and so I asked her about it.  She was the coolest, most down to earth millionaire’s wife I have ever met.  She was explaining how she had saved so much money on her house and how she loved the homemade laundry detergent (even with her FOUR boys) because it saved her money.  (She also had a very cool food storage room…but that is for another day.)  So I gave it a try again…but this time I documented it so you can see for yourself how well it works.

This is the before and after of my child’s shirt after a family get together where they had a lot of fun and the soda was plentiful (as you can tell by the shirt).  As you can see, it’s like they rolled in the dirt and then had an overfilled glass of orange soda.  Lol.  I knew looking at this shirt, that this was the chance I’d been waiting for to test out this laundry detergent.  I have to say, I was shocked at the results! Amazing, right?!  Even the soda stain is gone and it smelled really great, thanks to the Purex Fabric Softener Crystals.  Anyway, I’m a complete believer now!

Deluxe Laundry Soap and Fabric Softener in One

Dry Makes 210-420 loads; $.05-$.010 per load (1 T.- front load washers; 2 T. – top loaders)

1 (4 lb 12 oz) Borax (cleans; disinfectants; detergent booster; whitens in hot water) – Found in the detergent aisle @ Walmart, Winco, Albertsons, Smart and Final
1 (3 lb 7 oz) Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda ( – Found in the detergent aisle: Walmart, Winco, Albertsons
1 (3 lb) OxyClean or Sun Oxygen (stain reducer, color brightner) – Found in the detergent aisle @ grocery stores, Costco, Smart and Final
2 (14.1 oz) Bars of Fels Naptha- Found in the detergent aisle (hard; hand or food processor) or Zote (soft; mild: hand grate)
4 lb. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda- Found in the cooking aisle (or in really large bags at Costco)
1 (55 oz) Purex Crystals Fabric Softener- Found by fabric softeners (softens; good smell)

Directions:

Finely grate bar soap; if possible grind into powder with food processor. Layer all ingredients in large bucket and mix together thoroughly with hands (easier) or large spoon. Store covered (I store mine in the Purex bottle and then use the top as the measurer.  I got that trick from millionaire’s wife). This is a very low sudsing detergent-so don’t be alarmed when you don’t see bubbles, it is still working). This detergent can be used in top and front loading machines. You can use it in cold water but it works better in warm.

To use: Put 1-2 T dry in bottom of washer (to be honest I use 1/4 C. for a regular large load) OR add to 1 c. hot water, stir to dissolve and add as usual.

Grating Hint: Cut 1 bar soap into 6 chunks; put on paper plate; microwave 3 min; break into powder

Whitening Hint: For whitening: use hot water to unleash whitening power in borax.

Want more laundry tips, including homemade stain remover, starch, OxyClean?

My amazing friend, Debbie Kent, teaches food storage classes all over California, Utah and Idaho and is so nice to share her handout from her homemade laundry class. Everyone leave her a BIG thank you in the comments!
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