DIY Laundry Detergent Victory!

[kitchwitch]

For the longest time (well over 18 months) I have wanted to make my own detergent. You can't beat the price. Well, I have only ever been able to find Borax. Washing Soda was no where to be found anywhere in my area (I checked the Arm&Harmer website) and neither was fels-naptha or zoat soap. So I just clip coupons, watch the sales and never buy detergent for over $1.

Well, yesterday when I was at Wal-Mart getting my $1 detergent I looked over my shoulder and there, on the bottom shelf, sitting next to each other were bars of fels naptha, washing soda AND borax! Of course now I have 10 bottles of detergent to get through first, but I'll have lots of containers for when I start making my own woohoo!

 

[calendula]

For the longest time (well over 18 months) I have wanted to make my own detergent. You can't beat the price. Well, I have only ever been able to find Borax. Washing Soda was no where to be found anywhere in my area (I checked the Arm&Harmer website) and neither was fels-naptha or zoat soap. So I just clip coupons, watch the sales and never buy detergent for over $1.

Well, yesterday when I was at Wal-Mart getting my $1 detergent I looked over my shoulder and there, on the bottom shelf, sitting next to each other were bars of fels naptha, washing soda AND borax! Of course now I have 10 bottles of detergent to get through first, but I'll have lots of containers for when I start making my own woohoo!

I looked a long time for borax and washing soda too and eventually found it at the grocery store. What recipe do you use to make your detergent?

 

[kitchwitch]

I don't know yet

Actually I will probably the basic soap, soda and borax with water recipe. I'm not a fancy person. I may add some Lavender EO just to make it smell pretty. But right now I have a LOT of store bought to get through.

 

[Marianne]

Way to go!
Huge savings, no more plastic coming in the house, etc!

I make two gallons of liquid at a time, pretty easy to do and it's not rocket science. Lots of recipes and variations, but most of them use the same basic ingredients, so like Pat says, have fun!

 

[glenolam]

I'm just waiting until the current container of detergent is empty so I have something to keep it in. I've told my mother and MIL to save up their containers too so I can use them.

 

[TanksHill]

Congrats!!!

I have been looking for Borax to back up my stock. For some reason it's eluding me.

I use a 5 gallon bucket for my soap. Then just scoop straight from the bucket.

Fancy I know.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Our Walmart has always had Borax, and until recently (the past year) had Zote. My sister just said she found Fels Naptha at their Walmart (in NC) for $1 per bar. I'm hoping ours will keep it too. Washing soda is elusive though. She's coming for a visit this weekend and I asked her to pick up a few boxes.

 

[abifae]

There's a thread around on how to make your own washing soda. You basically low heat bake your baking soda.

 

[gettinaclue]

To find washing soda, look in the pool section. Read the ingredients.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

i got our recipe from SavingDog's journal

oh
mi
gosh

we are saving SO MUCH MONEY!!!

we should start calling her SavingDetergent ha!

anyway - its been more than a month and we still arent thru our first batch. i think it cost about $2 to make.

and

i dont feel bad using something "so expensive" - i always dreaded filling the cup in the store-bought stuff - so i wildly just pour it in the washer with glee!

whoooot!