Simple recipe I found online.  I've used it for years.  Its environmentally friendly and I can add different scents that I like (lavender, citrus, lemongrass, etc) just by purchasing small bottles of essential oils.  Good for older machines (which I have) and new HE machines (told to me by friends who have them).

I don't know the originator of the recipe, so apologies for not giving proper credit.

I use an old enameled kettle to make mine on the stove top.  I purchased it for 75¢ from a garage sale and I store my soap in a 5 gallon bucket with a lid.  You can purchase them from Lowes or Home Depot.  I bought mine from a garage sale for less than $1.

Liquid Laundry Soap

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 bar of Soap, I used Fels Naptha, but you can use Zote or Ivory
  • 1/2 cup of Borax, I used the 20 Mule brand
  • 1/2 cup of Washing Soda, I used Arm & Hammer
  • Optional: 1/2 - 1 ounce of essential oil (this will be the most expensive ingredient)

Supplies Needed:

  • Grater
  • Saucepan
  • 2 Gallon Bucket for storage (preferably one with a lid so nothing drops into the bucket)
  • Stir Stick/Spoon
  • 1/2 Cup measuring cup (for measuring ingredients as well as using later for washing)

Recipe:

Grate the soap and put in a saucepan.  Add 6 cups of water and heat until soap melts.  Add the Borax and Washing Soda and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. Pour 4 cups HOT water into the bucket.  Add in mixture from saucepan and stir.  Add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir.  Let the soap sit for about 24 hours and it will gel.  Use 1/2 cup per load.

 

This makes enough for 64 loads.  If you don't use the essential oil, the cost is about 77¢ per bucket or less than 2¢ a load.  Not a bad savings.

 

FYI - the liquid doesn't gel solid, it looks like runny egg whites.  It is also low sudsing, don't be surprised if you don't see it froth up in your machine. 

 

 

I have a powdered version as well.  I've made this and works great too.  Same ingredients as the liquid version.  Again, I do not know the originator of the recipe, so apologies for not giving proper credit.

 

Powdered Laundry Detergent

Ingredients

  • 1 cup grated Fels Naptha Soap
  • 1/2 cup washing soda
  • 1/2 cup 20 mule team borax

Mix and store in airtight container or bag. For light or small loads, use 1 tablespoon. For normal loads, use 2 tablespoons. For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons. Cost per load 15¢.

To make a large batch - grate 6 bars of Fels Naptha Soap and then add 3 cups of Washing Soda and 3 cups of 20 Mule Team Borax.  Mix well and store in covered container.