Saving More Money with DIY Lanudry Detergent

Being a family of eight on one income can have its challenges. All of which are always worth it. It forces you to evaluate what's necessary, what you can do without, and what things (though maybe not necessary) are worth some sacrifice to get.

While there are definitely exceptions to this rule, I have found that if you can make it or grow it yourself, you will save a ton of money! About 4 years ago I started teaching myself how to sew. It's so fun to be able to make things that before I could only wish I had. I'm still learning (and always will be) but I have also started to make more of our food from scratch. I am still looking for the perfect bread and tortilla recipe, but for the most part we now make our own breads for the week. I can't lie, it is not convenient and it does take time but we do it together as a family and it is time well spent.

The latest thing I have started doing to make our dollar stretch is making my own laundry detergent. Believe me, I had my doubts about this one but I am so glad I gave it a try! I love it! And yes, it really does work. Not to mention the money I save! I purchased all the ingredients I needed for just under $10. At about 12 loads a week, I have enough for at least 3 years! I know, right!? Anyway, this is the recipe I used. It's the Duggar recipe which can be used in top loading or front loading washers.

I found all the ingredients at Smiths. You can get the bucket at Home Depot.
You will need:
4 Cups - hot tap water
1 bar of soap (I used Ivory. Do not use heavily perfumed soaps. Some other suggestions are: Sunlight, Kirk's Hardwater Castile or Zote bars.)
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax

Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

 

Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved.

Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use.

Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

I did not add any oil to the detergent. I love the smell of fresh laundry but I find the best way to get that smell is with the fabric softener rather than the detergent. This detergent has no scent but when I use it with Downy it definitely has that fresh laundered scent.

I have been using this recipe for about three years now and love it! I like to add half a scoop of oxiclean powder to the load with the clothes as well, but not with darks.

What are your favorite recipes and what are your favorite saving tips?