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| Mine is a nice sherbet color as I make a double batch and use both Fels Naptha and Zote (orange and pink) |
Quick and easy, and after the initial investment of about $9-$10 for supplies, you have wonderful and frugal laundry detergent that works as well as the commercial brands, but for far less money. Essential oils are optional. I used them, but it really does smell good even without.
Homemade Laundry Detergent
1 bar either Fels Naptha or Zote laundry soap (bar form)
1 c Arm & Hammer WASHING soda
1 c 20 Mule Team Borax
1 c Oxi-Clean
1 1/2 teaspoons essential oil in your favorite scent (optional)
1 container to store it
Grate the soap bar into a large bowl. Fels Naptha to be harder to grate and is worth using a food processor or salad shooter with the shred disc. Zote is easily grated by hand. When grated, add 1 cup each of the Oxi-clean, washing soda and Borax. Add oil to scent if you are using. You can use the mixture as it is, I suggest making a fine powder of it to ensure it's mixed equally all the way through, and is quickly and easily disintegrated in the laundry. Put 1 cup at a time through your blender and blend smooth. Only do 1 cup as the soap particles might clog your blender. Place in a container and use about 1 tablespoon per normal sized load, or 2 if it's large or heavily soiled.
For the container - I found a simple "flour storage" container at a local retail store that works great for a double batch. Any tightly sealed container will work to keep out moisture and keep it from spilling.
