Making your own natural laundry soap is a great way to save money and become more self-reliant. The process is simple, affordable, and effective. In just 5 minutes, you can mix up a year's supply of laundry soap for under $20! Here’s how you can get started:
Ingredients You'll Need
1. Fels Naptha Soap
This trusted brand has been a staple for decades. You can typically find it in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores. It’s also useful for treating skin irritants like poison ivy—simply wash the affected area to break down the oils. Note that some people may experience skin irritation from Fels Naptha, so proceed with caution.
Price: $1.99
2. Washing Soda
Not to be confused with baking soda, washing soda (or soda ash) is a powerful odor and dirt remover. You can make it at home by heating baking soda at 400°F for about 30 minutes until it becomes grainy and dull in color.
Price: $2.99
3. Borax
A natural mineral, borax is excellent for whitening and deodorizing laundry. It's also versatile enough to clean pots, carpets, and more. Look for popular brands like 20 Mule Team in larger stores or online.
Price: $5.99
Total Cost: $10.97
How to Make Your Laundry Soap
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, follow these simple steps to create your soap mix:
- 3 Bars of Fels Naptha Soap (grated)
- 1 Box of Washing Soda
- 1 Box of Borax
Optional: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender) for a pleasant fragrance.
Mixing Instructions
Combine all the ingredients in a large resealable bucket. Use about 1 tablespoon per regular load of laundry, or 2 tablespoons for large loads. This recipe can last you an entire year, with an estimated cost of just $0.03 per load!
Performance
This DIY laundry soap works as well as store-bought options for everyday laundry. For heavily soiled clothes, consider adding a laundry booster for extra cleaning power. Enjoy clean, fresh-smelling clothes while saving money!
