How to Save Money by Making Your Own Laundry Detergent
Brew laundry detergent that cleans your clothes for just three cents a load -- a fraction of what it costs with store-bought detergent.
Up next in Stains & Laundry (80 videos)
No matter what you spilled on your clothes or furnishings, we can tell you how to get it out.
You Will Need
- Water
- Bar of soap
- 1 c. washing soda
- 1/2 c. Borax
- Baking soda
- 4 c. soap flakes (optional)
- Covered glass jar (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Heat four cups of water
Heat four cups of water in a large pot on the stove.
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Step 2
Shave some soap
Start shaving a regular-sized bar of bath soap, and begin adding the shavings as the water gets to just below a boil. Maintaining the water at that level, keep adding soap shavings and stirring until the entire bar is dissolved.
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Step 3
Boil more water
Boil three gallons of water, put them into a five-gallon bucket, and add the soapy water. Stir for a few minutes, and then add a cup of washing soda. Stir for a few more minutes; then add a half a cup of Borax. Stir a while longer; then let the mixture sit overnight. Use one cup per laundry load.
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If you can’t find washing soda, buy sodium carbonate from a pool supply store; it’s the same thing.
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Step 4
Make dry detergent
If you’d prefer dry detergent, mix four cups of soap flakes with two cups of washing soda and two cups of Borax. Store it in a covered glass jar.
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Step 5
Save on fabric softener
And while you’re at it, save on fabric softener by adding a half a cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle.
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The average American family does 400 loads of laundry each year.
