I've been trying really hard these last few months to find ways to save money. I feel it's my responsibility to help my husbands dollars go as far as they can. I've been clipping coupons, receiving free samples in the mail and now am starting to make my own detergent. Next I'll try my hand out on making dishwasher soap, hand soap and fabric softener sheets. (stay tune as I try those babies out.)
Homemade laundry detergent
5 gal. bucket
1 bar Fels Naptha soap
1/2 c. borax
1 c. Arm and Hammer washing soap
Grate and melt bar of soap in 4 c. water on stove. Add to other ingredients in the bucket. Fill bucket with hot water and stir. Cover and let sit overnight. (it will turn into a thick, jello-like consistency)
Stir and then pour your homemade soap into left over laundry detergent bottles. Only filling 1/2 way. Add water to fill to top.
Shake before each use.
Use a full cup with each load.
*I was able to find all the supplies at Walmart.
Savings...
fels naptha soap... $0.97
borax... $2.98
arm and hammer washing soap... $3.24
The box of borax yields about 12 batches. The box of washing soap yields 6 batches. I'd have to buy a bar of fels naptha soap for each batch. If I make 6 batches that's a total of $11.13. With the detergent that I use now it costs me $7.97 for 96 loads. The homemade recipe makes 10 gallons which is about 960 loads (if you use 1 cup.) To get 960 loads out of the store bought detergent I'd have to buy 10 bottles which would cost $79.70. Take the $79.70 I would have spent on the store bought minus the $11.13 I will now be spending and I save $68.57. Sign me up!!
2 comments:
I've done it w the same ingredients, but mixed it all together and used it dry. It worked quite well :) I think the only difference was that is used a whole cup of borax. Just in case you wanted to try it dry :)
Thanks, Allison! I might have to give that one a try too.
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