In an effort to save money, I started making my own laundry detergent years ago. But since I’ve gone oily, I have become an avid Ingredient Reader – even on homemade recipes! After researching the ingredients in my old homemade laundry detergent, I learned from the EWG that Borax is a pesticide! Wow! There is a lot of debate out the toxicity and harm it can do to humans – like cause reproductive issues – but if there is a safer alternative – why not?! I have started replacing the Borax with Super Washing Soda! My clothes are just as clean!
I use a combination of the Chemical Free Home recipe and the Duggar Laundry Detergent recipe! To make 10 gallons of Borax Free Laundry Detergent, you will need:
4 cups hot tap water
1 Thieves bar soap (grated or chopped)
1 ½ cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
2 cups Baking Soda
5 capfuls Thieves Household Cleaner
3 Tablespoons Mrs. Stewarts Bluing Agent
empty & cleaned laundry containers (or other large containers, such as distilled vinegar jugs)
5 gallon bucket
My mom and I put the bar of soap in a blender to chop it up quickly! Add it to the pot with hot water and keep stirring until the soap dissolves.
Put 2.5 gallons of hot water in your 5 gallon bucket (you can get these at a large home improvement store). Add melted soap, baking soda, Thieves Household Cleaner, and washing soda. Stir well until all powder is dissolved.
Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
The next morning, add the bluing agent and slowly stir. Fill your empty laundry soap containers half full with soap and then the rest of the way with water. Shake before each use because it will gel.
You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons once soap has cooled. My favorite is YL Lavender! Be sure to use Young Living essential oil. Another brand of essential oil gave my youngest a horrible rash.
This recipe is super easy on our budget — it makes enough for about 640 loads in a front loading machine using only 1/4 cup of detergent per load and enough for about 180 loads in a Non-HE Machine when using 5/8 cup per load!
If DIY isn’t your thing, check out Young Living’s Thieves Laundry Soap!
