The money saved by using homemade laundry soap can add up over the course of a year. However, money is not the only reason to make laundry soap. Using the following homemade laundry soap recipe reduces phosphates and other waste products dumped into the world's water supply. It reduces the number of plastic bottles in use, and is biodegradable.
Soap Versus Detergent
Soaps and detergents are different entities that are made with different ingredients. Detergents use petroleum-based oils, usually along with foaming agents and alcohols. While there are effective low-phosphate liquid laundry detergents on the market, low-phosphate solutions still contain phosphates.
Soap, on the other hand, is made by combining natural fats and oils, either animal or plant-based, with lye. The chemical reaction between the two is called saponification, and the end result is soap. Soap made with the "cold" process cures for a couple of weeks, and retains its natural glycerin. Also, soap made this way is phosphate-free.
To make homemade laundry soap, start with a bar of soap. Olive oil makes the highest-quality soap bars.
Supplies Needed
- Bar of soap
- Grater
- Large pot
- Five gallon container
- Powdered Borax
- Washing Soda
- Measuring cup
- Wooden spoon
Optional Supplies:
- Essential oil
- Liquid Bluing
The Method
- Start with a vegetable-based bar of soap. While any bar of soap will work, Kirk's Castile soap is a popular choice among homemade laundry soap aficionados. Another recommended choice is a solid bar of Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap (or other favorite scent.)
- Pour four cups of water into a pot and heat. The water does not need to boil.
- While the water is heating, grate the soap bar.
- Remove hot water from heat and add grated soap. Stir with wooden spoon until soap is melted.
- Pour in one-half cup of borax. Stir.
- Pour in one cup of washing soda. Stir.
- When the solution is liquid, you may choose to add one-quarter cup liquid bluing. The end result of adding bluing will turn the laundry soap yellow, not blue. Liquid bluing added to laundry soap helps keep whites brighter without the use of bleach. (Feel free to experiment and add more bluing.)
- This is also the time to add essential oils if desired. When using Dr. Bronner's scented soaps, the laundry mixture already has a lovely scent.
- Some people choose to squirt in some liquid castile soap for a little extra cleaning boost and the benefit of scent.
- Pour this solution into a five gallon container.
- Add enough hot water to make at least four gallons, and up to five gallons.
- Finally, allow the laundry soap to sit overnight. In the morning, the mixture will be a gelatinous goo and liquid. Stir again, and do laundry whenever desired.
Tips and Hints
Use a funnel and ladle to transfer homemade laundry soap to empty laundry detergent bottles for easy storage. Shake bottle right before each use.
Homemade laundry soap is appropriate for he washing machines.
Use white vinegar in place of fabric softener. This accomplishes two goals:
- White vinegar has the same benefits and results of fabric softener, costs less money and is less harsh on the environment.
- Borax can, over time, leave a build-up in washing machines. White vinegar rinses this away. People who use white vinegar in the rinse experience no problems with build-up, even after years of use.
Do not dilute this recipe. Feel free to experiment, but cutting with excessive water will result in weak detergent and dingy or not fully clean clothes.
Last, keep laundry soap making utensils separate from food preparation utensils. While this is not entirely necessary, it prevents mistakes such as a little grated soap in the grated cheese.
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