Since elementary (I won’t mention how long ago that was) I have always heard “Save Our Planet”, “Be Sure to Recycle”, or “An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away”.
Admittedly, I went on without thinking twice about what these phrases really were trying to tell me.
They were telling me to do my part in taking care of our planet and my health.
Now that I’m older I’m heeding these warnings as something more than just a saying on a poster taped to a dingy wall.
I’ve started recycling, using products labeled “green” or “eco-friendly”, and I eat fresh veggies as much as possible.
Recently, I’ve started saving (my husband may say that I’m collecting) almost every single plastic container I can because I know it can be reused.
I have quite a few liquid laundry detergent bottles, baby water bottles, and the plastic containers for baby formula.
I’m not at the point of hoarding (yet), but I knew I had to start using them for something.
I decided to make my own liquid laundry detergent to refill the bottles and to save loads of money on loads of laundry.
Everything cost less than $10 and I have enough diy liquid laundry detergent to last a couple of months. Enjoy!
DIY Liquid Laundry Detergent
What You Need: 2 Bars of Soap (Scented or Unscented), Shaved w/ a Grater, 2 Cups Washing Soda, 1 Cup Borax, Liquid Laundry Detergent Bottle (Empty and Clean), Funnel
Directions
In a large pot, over low to medium heat, warm 12 cups of water and slowly pour in soap shavings, while stirring.
Continue stirring until soap has completely melted.
In a medium bowl, mix washing soda and borax.
Slowly pour powder mixture with soap and water mixture while stirring.
Remove pot from heat and let cool. Once cooled, if the mixture is too thick, add water until it gets to the consistency you like. (After adding additional water, I ended up with almost 4 gallons.)
Using funnel, pour mixture into detergent bottles.
*Use ½ cup detergent for small loads and 1 cup for full loads.*
Thanks for sharing with us at “In and Out of the Kitchen”
I make my own detergent as well.
Thank you so much for hosting, Dawn!
What kind of soap did you use? Was it a hand washing bar of soap?
It was bar soap that I shaved down with a grater.
I just tried this today. I did everything the recipe directed. I’ve been letting the soap cool, but noticed that it has all hardened and has no consistency of liquid laundry detergent. Suggestions?
Hi, Dena! Add water until the detergent gets to the consistency that you like. I ended up with about 4 gallons that worked great! Let me know if that works.
Hi!
Love this idea! Quick question – will this laundry detergent work in HE washers?
Thank you in advance!
Donna
Hi, Donna! Thank you so much! I’m not sure if this will work in a HE washer because I use a Whirlpool Supreme and it’s not HE.
Good to know, Kendra! Thank you for the prompt response- looks like I need to Google HE requirements!
Happy Holidays!!!
You’re very welcome, Donna!
I have this cooling right now. Went to check on it and it is gelled only on top. I stirred again. Am I doing something wrong?
Hi, Donna! Let it completely cool. It may take a while. The top usually cools faster than the rest.
iam from india.senior citizen .can i use same or change any
Hi, Janakiraman! I’m not too sure if you’re able to use the same ingredients. I apologize.
Good to learn how to make DIY liquid laundry detergent! I am glad that I found your post from “Grow Your Blog” via Facebook group. I already tweeted to share your post with my followers. Have a wonderful weekend + happy 4th of July!
Joyce @ Live Laugh Love Post 🙂
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