DIY Laundry Soap: 1 penny/load

Yes. I made my own laundry soap after much investigation. I wanted to see how difficult it was, and if the effort is worth it. Turns out that's a yes. A big yes. It's super easy to make, kinda fun actually. And the bonus is I have the cost down to 1 penny per load of laundry.
Oh heck yeah-more money for fashion! (Which ironically creates more laundry.)

The recipe comes from this lovely blog: Why Not Sew

1 bar of soap

1 cup Borax

1 cup super washing soda

2 gallons jugs ( I use two Liter jugs since that's all I can find.)

I decorated mine cuz I'm silly. Peace signs of course.

Grab a funnel and a grater also. I use these only for artsy/hazardous stuff, just to be sure I'm not going to give anyone a stomach ache.

Step 1: Grate the bar of soap.

While you are busy doing this put a gallon of water into a large pot and begin to boil. Add the soap and "cook it" until dissolved.

Step 2: Add 1 cup borax and 1 cup washing soda. Let it boil for a minutes or two. Turn off the heat.

Step 3: Add another gallon of cold water now, and let it sit a while. It thickens up --so try to get it into the gallon jugs before it gets too thick. I used a funnel and had no issues.

Done. Easy.

Now add 1/4 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle for the softener, if you're a true Hippie.  No, the clothes don't come out smelling of vinegar. (PEEEE-UUUzis.)

OR soak a half a sponge in Downy and squeeze it out really hard into the softener tray for the rinse cycle. I line dry whenever possible, but if it's rainy out, I throw half a sponge that was pre- soaked in Downy (and squeezed out) into the dryer. It makes SUCH a difference in how much softener I buy, but no difference in the clothing softness.

I keep my materials in a bin out of reach of children:

*These ingredients can be found at grocers or general stores like Walfart/ASDA, Target, etc.... If you have trouble finding it, try Amazon.

As for the bar of soap, I've used Zest, el cheapo off brands, and Dove. I think it's safe to say there is really no difference between them. I now pick up a 6 pack of soap at Tesco for a pound (about $1.65). 

I use about 1/2 cup sometimes only 1/4 cup of my homemade detergent for a load of laundry. I live in a hard water area as well, and my washer is not that big. So, experiment and try it out. I search for coupons for the washing soda and borax and buy it in bulk from the military commissary.

Peace out

Try it!

:o)