DIY: Laundry Detergent

I'm so excited about today's post! This is something that I have wanted to do for a long time, but I was waiting until my stockpile of store-bought detergent was gone. I love my new detergent and want to show you how it's done! 

 Some want to make their own laundry detergent because it can be made without all of the harsh chemicals in most store-bought detergents. Others  (like me) like the cheap price that DIY detergent offers per load.

If you want a "greener" detergent with fewer chemicals, then leave out the optional items that I added to my detergent. You'll still get wonderfully clean results!

Step 1: the supply list

Here's what you will need:

• 1 box of Borax (4lbs. 12oz.)
• 1 box of Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda (55oz.)
• 1 box of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda (4lb.)
• 3 bars of Fels-Naptha soap
• Oxy Clean (3lb. tub) *Optional
• 1 small jar of Downy Unstoppables *Optional
• Grater

Step 2: grate

Grate the 3 bars of Fels-Naptha soap. I bought a cheap grater at Wal-Mart so that I didn't have to use my nice food grater. You can use the large grater or the finer grater. Above you can see the difference. I chose to use the smaller because I felt it would mix more efficiently. 

Step 3: mix it up

I lined a small trash can with trash bag, put everything in, and stirred, and stirred, and stirred, and stirred. It's important to make sure that everything is evenly and well-mixed. 

After everything was mixed well, I poured it into the large glass jar that I bought to hold the detergent. 

Step 4: scoop and wash

Keep your supply in your washing machine and use 1-2 tablespoons per load. Works great even in cold water. 

I decorated my jar with vinyl cutouts from my Cricut!

Pretty easy huh? I thought so! Enjoy the freshness!