Coming Clean

Recipes for homemade laundry products have been all over blogland for years, but I thought I'd share my favorites for powdered detergent and liquid fabric softener.

The following powdered detergent ingredients can be found at any grocery store, Walmart or Target, and are often displayed side-by-side on the store shelf.
 


 
Half a 5# container OxiClean
1 box Washing Soda (55 oz.)
1 box Baking Soda (4#)
2 bars Fels-Naptha or Zote bar soap (grated)
Optional: 1 box Borax 

Pour all ingredients slowly into a large container - a clean, dry 5 gallon bucket is the perfect size.  Mix thoroughly. 

It makes a LOT of laundry powder. We use 2 small scoops per load and store it in our laundry room in a 2-gallon lidded glass jar. 
 
 

 

Observations:

Have made it with and without Borax and didn't see a difference in the way it cleans. Tried both Fels-Naptha and Zote bar soaps and, personally, I like the scent of the Fels-Naptha the best - smells really fresh and clean!


HOMEMADE FABRIC SOFTENER

 


For homemade fabric softener, add 1 bottle of Suave hair conditioner (scent of your choice - I use Waterfall scent) to a large container and fill with water. Any container will work well - above is a 5 quart container with a spiggot for easy pouring. But, large, empty fabric softener or laundry detergent containers work great also. Goes a looooong way and so inexpensive - only the cost of the conditioner which is around $2.
 
If you try either of these, would love to hear how you like them!



 
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2 comments:

  1. I am tempted to try the fabric softener. I have been using dryer sheets, but since my dryer isn't working, I've been air drying everything and the clothes could do with some liquid softener. If I do make it, I'll let you know how it worked out.

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    1. I think you'll like it. Have been using it for a couple of years and am very pleased!

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