Laundry Soap

One of the many ways I try to save money is by making my own laundry soap and cleaning supplies. In my house with 2 toddlers and 1 man (with lots of uniforms) there are always piles of laundry to do. The kids also have sensitive skin which means I need a gentle but effective laundry soap. One day I was watching the show 18 Kids and Counting and saw the older daughters making laundry soap on the stove top. I was instantly intrigued...especially when they said that it was about $2 a batch compared to the $11+ I usually spend! Here in California things are more expensive than they are in the rest of the country so it's a little more like $3. (Prices vary so be aware!)

Here's the recipe:

1 bar Zote or Fels Naptha soap ( I use Zote since it's the only thing I can find in my area without ordering online)
1 cup Arm and Hammer Washing Soda (Not baking soda!)
1/2 cup Borax
4 cups Hot water

Other Items Needed:

5 gallon bucket
Long spoon
Several soap dispensers

Directions:

Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan filled with 4 cups of hot water.

Stir continually over medium heat until soap is completely melted.

Fill 5 gallon bucket half full with hot water. Pour melted soap into bucket along with washing soda and borax. Stir until dissolved.

Fill bucket to the top with more hot water. Stir then cover.

Let sit overnight to thicken.

The next day stir and then pour into soap dispenser. Fill dispenser half with soap and the other half with water. Shake before each use!

How much to use:

Top loading washer- 5/8 cup

Front load washer- 1/4 cup

Makes 10 gallons

Laundry Softener
Use 1 cup of white vinegar in with load. Works great!!!

Recipe from The Duggar Family