I make our own laundry detergent and have for a few years. (Yes it works.) Sure it is slightly labor intensive, but the savings far outweigh this small inconvenience, at least in my mind.
Steve is another story. He uses the detergent because it is there, but lies in wait hoping to catch the bucket empty so he can run to the store and buy "real" detergent.
So imagine my surprise when the bucket was empty and he asked if it was hard to make. I calmly assured him it was a breeze, but I didn't make any sudden movements because you don't want to startle or spook such a delicate idea away. Later that night, when he asked again I walked him through the process step by step.
He was a natural though his smile is a fake.
This is our recipe:
Half cup borax
Half cup washing soda
Half bar of grated Zote or Fels-Naptha (I prefer Zote.)
Water to fill approx half a 5 gallon bucket
Melt the grated soap with a couple cups of water over medium heat. Watch and stir carefully. It can boil over. Measure the borax and the washing soda into the 5 gallon bucket and place the bucket in the tub. When the soap is melted, carry the pot into the bathroom and turn the hot water on. Pour the soap into the bucket and immediately start filling the bucket with hot water while stirring. We use a large plastic mixing spoon that is always kept in the bucket. When it is approx half full, turn off the water, stir a little more, carry the bucket into your laundry room and place a lid loosely on top to maintain moisture content. You can use it immediately. The next time you use it the mixture will be solidified. Use the spoon to stir the detergent until smooth. We usually give it a quick stir every time we run a load of laundry.
Steve is another story. He uses the detergent because it is there, but lies in wait hoping to catch the bucket empty so he can run to the store and buy "real" detergent.
So imagine my surprise when the bucket was empty and he asked if it was hard to make. I calmly assured him it was a breeze, but I didn't make any sudden movements because you don't want to startle or spook such a delicate idea away. Later that night, when he asked again I walked him through the process step by step.
He was a natural though his smile is a fake.
This is our recipe:
Half cup borax
Half cup washing soda
Half bar of grated Zote or Fels-Naptha (I prefer Zote.)
Water to fill approx half a 5 gallon bucket
Melt the grated soap with a couple cups of water over medium heat. Watch and stir carefully. It can boil over. Measure the borax and the washing soda into the 5 gallon bucket and place the bucket in the tub. When the soap is melted, carry the pot into the bathroom and turn the hot water on. Pour the soap into the bucket and immediately start filling the bucket with hot water while stirring. We use a large plastic mixing spoon that is always kept in the bucket. When it is approx half full, turn off the water, stir a little more, carry the bucket into your laundry room and place a lid loosely on top to maintain moisture content. You can use it immediately. The next time you use it the mixture will be solidified. Use the spoon to stir the detergent until smooth. We usually give it a quick stir every time we run a load of laundry.
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