Laundry Detergent

Well this is it, our first post!  My husband and I have wanted to start blogging for quite some time now but like other things in life it has been put on the "I'll get to that later" list.  I thought I would start posting and just maybe he will start to feel sorry for me and take over the typing. *sheepish grin*


We spoke at a Mom's of Multiples group last night and had a wonderful time sharing our experiences with them.  We received a warm welcome and loved the Q & A during the chat.  One of the topics we spoke on was cutting your budget by making your own laundry detergent.  Several of the ladies were interested in the recipe so here it is.

CONCENTRATED LAUNDRY POWDER 
1 bar grated laundry soap ( use a regular cheese grater)
2 cups borax
2 cups Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and store in a plastic container with a lid. Use 2 tablespoons per wash. This powder will not make suds and this is perfectly okay. 

LIQUID LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Makes 5 gallons 
You may add any essential oil of your choice to these homemade cleaners. Oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender or rose are ideal. They are not necessary to the recipe but do not detract from the effectiveness by adding them. Use essential oil and not a fragrant oil.



Ingredients
8 cups water
1 bar laundry soap or any similar pure soap, grated on a cheese grater
2 cups washing soda (Arm & Hammer)
2 cups borax



Tools
Saucepan
5 gallon bucket
Slotted spoon or wooden spoon for mixing

Method
Into a medium sized saucepan add 8 cups of water and the soap. Over a medium heat, stir this until it is completely dissolved. Make sure the soap dissolves properly or the mixture will separate when cold.  Add the washing soda and borax.  Stir until thickened, and remove from heat.  Pour mixture into your bucket then fill the bucket with hot water from the sink.  Stir to combine all the ingredients.



The laundry liquid will thicken up more as it cools, just stir before pouring into your old laundry bottles.  Use 1/2-3/4 cup of mixture per load or monitor to see what works well for you.