To make your own laundry detergent, you will need:
Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (55 oz)..............$4
Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap (1).....................$1
Ivory Soap Bars (10 pack)............................$5
a cheese grater (the finer it grates, the better!)...free (I used an old one that I rarely use in the kitchen)
a large bucket.......................................free (I used an old cat litter bucket)
First of all, you will need to shred the Ivory soap with the grater. Yes, it's a lot of grating--but the soap is very soft, and it's easy. Seriously, it's not bad; I did all 10 bars in about 15 minutes (while shooing toddler fingers out of the bowl).
Next, grate the Fels Naptha bar soap into the Ivory. This is a bit harder--be glad that there's only one bar this time! When you're finished, mix the shredded soaps with the borax and the washing soda in a large bucket. Mix thoroughly. That's it! You've made your very own laundry detergent!
I use about two tablespoons per load in my HE frontloader.
Why make my own laundry soap? Because it's more economical AND allows me to control the ingrediants (no added scents, chemicals, etc). I've used this detergent on several loads of laundry, and it's worked wonderfully. My real test was a full load of dirty cloth diapers and wipes....and it passed with flying colors! There was no odor, residue, or grime left on any of my laundry! If you're interested, you can use white vinegar in place of fabric softener, and it will make your clothes softer (no, there is no vinegar smell). Both are safe for HE washers.
I saved my receipt because I wanted to include my exact cost for making this detergent, but my husband threw it away. The prices above are all approximate (averaged to the next dollar amount). I found all of the ingrediants in my local grocery store's laundry section (except Ivory soap, which was in the hygiene section). My total cost for the homemade detergent was <$15, and it made about double the amount of powdered detergent that I usually buy (for about $15).
