Homemade Laundry Detergent Concentrate

I have been making my own laundry detergent for years. Typically I make a powder detergent that I am very happy with, but something intrigued me about this concentrate and thought I'd give it a whirl.

Although I am not a strict "use only homemade detergent and never the store bought stuff" kind of girl, I still love using the homemade detergent much more since I know it is free of chemicals, dyes and anything else I don't want on my skin. I'll admit, I do use the brand name detergents on occasion when I am too lazy busy to make a new batch.

Making my own detergent helped me especially when my daughter was younger and had very sensitive skin {thanks goodness she's pretty much grown out of that}.

Laundry Detergent Concentrate (safe for HE washers)
Recipe adapted from Budget 101

1 bar Fels Naptha soap
1 cup 20 Mule Team borax
1 cup Arm & Hammer WASHING soda (DO NOT USE BAKING SODA)
4 cups hot water

*Note: Please make sure you follow these directions carefully. It can turn grainy and not dissolve in the washer if not mixed at the proper time.

Step 1: Add 4 cups of water in a sauce pan over medium heat. While the water is heating, shred the Fels Naptha bar. You can either shred it with cheese grater, shave with a knife or in a food processor with the grater attachment (sorry I don't have a photo of this step).

Step 2: Mix together borax and washing soda in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 3: Add the grated soap to the warm water and stir constantly. The soap should melt within 10 minutes (give or take a few). If it takes longer for the soap to melt, increase the heat on your stove slightly. You do not want this to boil over or you will have a big sudsy mess do deal with.

 

Step 3: Once the soap is completely melted, remove the pan from the heat and add the borax/washing soda mixture and stir continuously until the powder is completely dissolved (about 3-5 minutes). To check if the powder is dissolved, run your spoon along the bottom of the pan. If you can't feel the graininess, it is fully mixed in.

Step 4: Pour the liquid evenly into (2) 1 quart mason jars. I happened to have a canning jar funnel that helped to make sure I didn't waste a drop :)

Step 5: Put the lids on the jars then place the jars upside down (very important that they are upside down to help separate the layers). Let them sit for 4-5 hours. You do not want to let these sit for longer than 5 hours or you will have a grainier texture detergent.

Step 6: I forgot to take a picture of the separated mixture, oops! After 4-5 hours you will need to "whip" the concoction. There are 2 ways to do this.
     1. If you have a traditional blender, the blade attachment should fit perfectly over your mason jar. You can then attached it directly onto your blender and won't have to remove any of the detergent from the jar.

     2. If you're like me and don't have a traditional blender, you will need to  remove the mixture from the jar and put inside your blender. *Note: some of the mixture will be thick. Use a spatula to scrape out as much of the detergent as possible.

Step 7: Blend until smooth. Then blend some more just for good measure :)

Step 8: Put the mixture back into the jar and you're finished!

How to use the detergent
- Place your clothes into the washer
- Add 1 Tablespoon of detergent directly into the drum of your machine (not the detergent compartment in HE washers)
- Run the washer on your normal washing cycle (can be used in cold, warm or hot water, doesn't matter)

That's it, easy right?

Here are some tips & tricks  I've read about this detergent:

- Do NOT use baking soda or OxiClean as an added boost to the jar. I've read the jars will likely explode within 7-10 days in storage (I'm not sure how they know this and I don't want to experience for myself!)

- The jars can be stored indefinitely. It might become slightly firmer but it will still melt fine in the water.

- Only use the 1 quart size jar or your soap will not set properly.