After draining yet another $25 tub of Tide Free and Clear, I decided to give homemade laundry detergent a try. I’ve been reading quite a bit about it lately—benefits include cleaner laundry, a huge cost savings and product that’s better for your skin and the environment.
I found hundreds of recipes online—some for liquid detergent, some for powder. I decided to go with powder—fewer steps and less messy to manage. Here’s the adapted recipe I used:
- I bar Fels Naptha, grated
- 2 cups Arm & Hammer washing soda
- 2 cups Borax
- 1 cup baking soda
I found all of the ingredients in the laundry aisle of the grocery story. The hardest part—by far—was grating the soap. I read that Ivory is a good alternative to Fels Naptha, and so I may try that next time.
I mixed everything together, and with about $2 of ingredients, I have enough soap for about eight weeks of laundry (40-50 loads). Each load uses an 1/8 of a cup of detergent.
I used it this weekend, and I was pretty surprised at how well it handled dried mud and other stains. Olivia’s less rashy than usual, too. Plus, the laundry smelled terrific. I suppose though, that could be the new Bounce bar in the dryer. Stick it on the side of the dryer drum, and you never have to worry about adding dryer sheets.
Clearly, this type of efficiency is of utmost importance to someone who spends 45 minutes shaving soap.
Smith Family Weblog 
Posted by Doug Smith on June 22, 2010 at 9:26 am
These products were ancient when I was a kid. Ronald Reagan used to host “Death Valley Days” after The Old Ranger stepped down. It was Reagan’s last TV role. 20-Mule-Team Borax was the sponsor. Borax was mined in Death Valley and brought to the rail line by wagons pulled by 20 mules. Is that the brand you use? Fels Naptha used to get some advertising support way back when, too. I suppose now Bryan will start using Burma Shave and you’ll all start drinking billion-bubble soda.
Posted by Rebecca on June 22, 2010 at 9:30 am
It’s because we’re watching so much of Mad Men!
I am using the 20-Team brand—we had it on hand from our days in Wisconsin. I was a little worried about washing clothes in something that killed creeping charlie so easily, but it worked quite well. I’ve noticed Gramma always has a box in her laundry room, so I figured it was good stuff.
Posted by Gramma Great on June 22, 2010 at 9:51 am
Yes, Gramma always has a box of 20-Team on hand! It works great as a laundry booster. Keep us posted on how the homemade soap works. Boxes of detergent are getting pricier and pricier all the time. If you have the time to make your own, I surely should have too!
BTW, wasn’t it Fels Naptha soap that was recommended for poison ivy relief and prevention? I believe it was a remedy passed along to us by a Minnesota friend. (Am I correct, Linda???) I don’t think the store I normally shop in carries that product. Will have to look elsewhere.
Posted by Rebecca on June 22, 2010 at 9:52 am
Yes, I do remember hearing that! I’d be happy to snag a bar or two for you, Gramma.
Posted by Katie on June 22, 2010 at 1:51 pm
I was annoyed by the price of detergent the other day, so I just bought the store brand. Clearly, I’m impressed by your efforts.
Posted by Dawn on June 22, 2010 at 2:52 pm
I’ve been reticent to give up Tide so it’s good to know you think it works. Do you think you’ll switch permanently?
Posted by jsmith425 on June 22, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Rebecca, you seriously have to stop being so great. I bow to your continuous ability to amaze and surprise me.
Posted by Laura on June 22, 2010 at 10:30 pm
That’s awesome, Rebecca! I’ve seen Fels Naptha around here, too, so I can send a few bars you way, Martha, if you need more : )
When the babies were born, we bought a five gallon tub of powdered laundry detergent and have barely made a dent in six months. I am so happy to be done with buying expensive detergent at the store, lugging it home, and recycling the bottles afterward. It was all just too much work. But maybe when we eventually do run out, I’ll have to try your recipe!
Posted by Rebecca on June 23, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Jess, there’s a chance you might be giving me too much credit for being cheap. 😉
And, Laura, I thought of you when I was making this! I can’t imagine how many loads you must do a week. I do like the powder–I’ve read that powder generally cleaners better than liquid (and doesn’t gunk up your machine).
Posted by Karyl on June 25, 2010 at 7:38 pm
I will never be the woman that you are. I might have been 40 years ago, but alas, I am totally into convenience right now. Shameful!