homemade laundry detergent

Making my own laundry detergent is something that I find so much joy in! Its actually fun to do, and it saves SO much money! I have only made it 3 times in a year (5 gallons each time) and the ingredients I bought will last MANY more!!!!

I use a 5 gallon bucket that I bought at Lowe's! 

Ingredients

• 4 cups boiling water
• 1 soap bar (I use Zote, but have seen Fels Naptha or Ivory soap used)
• 1 cup Washing Soda
• 1/4 cup Borax
• 60 drops Lavender essential oil (I've seen recipes where they use lemon oil, grapefruit, clove--Really the possibilities are endless depending on your own personal preference)

What to do: 

• Grate the soap bar using a cheese grater. 
• Slowly add the soap flakes to the boiling water in a saucepan! The slower you add it the quicker it will all melt. Stir until it is all melted.
• Once melted...fill the 5 gallon bucket 3/4ths with hot water.
• Add the melted soap mixture, the washing soda and borax and stir until all is mixed and dissolved.
• Finish filling the bucket with hot water.
• Let it sit over night, the next day stir the mixture then add in the essential oils and stir one last time! 

You are ready to go! For top load washing machines, use 1 cup for front load use 1/2 cup per load! 

I have a smaller container that I use to make it easier. I fill the small container and use that when doing laundry. That way I can shake it before each use and make sure it is all mixed well, plus it is just easier to work with than a 5 gallon bucket!