Last year I showed many of you how I make my own powdered laundry soap; The last few months I have been using an overabundance of SoapNuts I got late last fall (for almost free) – I have about a half of a bag left, once they are out I’ll make a new batch of this. I love SoapNuts as well.
Some of you may already make your own laundry soap…….some of you may be laundry soap snobs (like my husband..) – this works fine for us. Do understand that it does not have the sudsing agents that Tide does, so it won’t suds up – but that does not mean that it doesn’t clean…..
Powdered Laundry Soap
- 2 cups Soap (finely grated – you can use Ivory, Zote, Fels Naptha, or Castile soap)
- 1 cup Washing Soda
- 1 cup Borax
- Pan (or Big Bowl), Measuring Cup, and Grater.
Step by Step
- Grate the soap and put in a bowl.
- Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.
- Use 2 tablespoons per full load
I recommend using real soap and not detergent beauty bars with added free oils. (ex. Dove, etc). Body Wash is a no-go — try to stick with Ivory or Fels - they sell Fels at Fry’s or Walmart
Homemade detergent is low-sudsing, which is important for HE machines. I have successfully used both the liquid and the powder form in my HE, and had no issues, but then again, I’m no expert.
This detergent does not hold the same commercial sudsing agents that Tide does…. keep that in mind. Homemade detergents are low sudsing, you won’t see many suds in the wash. No worries, this is normal and your clothes will still come out clean
Lastly, one thing to remember is that Washing Soda is not the same as Baking Soda - washing soda is a highly alkaline chemical compound which can be used to remove stubborn stains from laundry – and also perform cleanup jobs around your home. It’s also known as sodium carbonate. You can find it in your local grocer – in a yellow box, with the words “Arm & Hammer Washing Soda.
I have made the liquid form as well – though with a 12 mo old around my house I feel better having the detergent in powder form.
Please see my disclosure policy.
