Liquid Laundry Detergents
Recipe #1
3 Pints Water
1/3 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
2 Gallon Bucket
1 Quart Hot Water
Hot Water
Mix Fels Naptha soap in a saucepan with 3 pints of water, and heat on low until dissolved. Stir in Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened, and remove from heat. Add 1 Quart Hot Water to 2 Gallon Bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill bucket with hot water, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load.
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Recipe #2
1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
2 Tablespoons Glycerin
2 Gallons Water (NOTE: This recipe originally called for 2 Cups Water)
Mix all three ingredients together. Add glycerin and water.
Use 1/2 - 3/4 cup per load. Best when used with cold or warm water.
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Recipe #3
Water
1 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated
5 Gallon Bucket
1 Cup Washing Soda
4 1/2 Gallons Water
Place grated soap in a small saucepan and cover with water. Heat on low until dissolved. Fill bucket with hot water, and add soap. Stir to combine. Add 1 cup washing soda and mix well. As it cools it will thicken. May be used immediately. Use 1-2 cups per load.
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Powdered Laundry Detergent
1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
For light load, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 tablespoons.
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TIPS
• Liquid detergent can also be used as a pretreater for stains.
• Ivory Soap, Deodorant Soap, and Beauty Bars can be substituted for the Fels Naptha Soap.
• Essential Oils can be added to soap for fragrance.
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WHERE TO FIND INGREDIENTS
Fels-Naptha® Laundry Soap Bar: Made by the Dial Soap Company, so any store that carries Dial should be able to get it for you. If they carry it, it will be found in the bar soap or laundry soap aisle at your regular supermarket. It is usually on the bottom shelf. If you can't find it in your area, try Ivory Soap instead.
Super Washing Soda: Washing Soda can be found on the laundry detergent aisle of your supermarket. It comes in a 55-ounce yellow box. Baking soda SHOULD NOT be used in place of washing soda. They are completely different products, although they are both made by Arm & Hammer.
Borax: One brand name is 20 Mule Team® Borax. It is also found on the laundry detergent aisle.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Homemade Laundry Detergent FAQ's - I receive many inquiries about the detergent recipes, so I have listed the most frequently asked questions here.
LAUNDRY SOFTENER
Recipe #1
2 Cups White Vinegar
2 Cups Baking Soda
4 Cups Water
Combine slowly and carefully over sink. The baking soda and vinegar will fizz.
Pour into plastic bottle, cover, and shake.
*Hint - Reuse your "Downy" bottle.
Use 1/4 cup in the final rinse or in a "Downy Ball".
Recipe #2
2-3 Cups Water
1 Cup Liquid Fabric Softener
Large Sponge
Combine water and liquid softener. Cut sponge in 1/2 and keep in liquid. When drying clothes, remove sponge, squeeze out excess liquid and place in dryer with clothes. When dry, just place sponge back in liquid to be used for next load.
You can also use these products alone to soften:
Plain White Vinegar - Add 1/2 cup to final rinse.
Baking Soda - Add 1/4 cup to final rinse.
Regular Fabric Softener - Dilute and use normally.
Hair Conditioner or Cream Rinse - Pour 1 tablespoon into damp washcloth and toss in with clothes.
STAIN REMOVER
Recipe #1
1/2 Cup Ammonia
1/2 Cup White Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Liquid Laundry Detergent (Use HomeMade)
2 Quarts Water
Mix well, and store in spray bottle.
*Hint - Reuse your "Spray and Wash" bottle.
Recipe #2
1/2 Cup Ammonia
1/2 Cup Liquid Laundry Detergent (Use HomeMade)
1/2 Cup White Vinegar
1/2 Cup Water
Mix well, and store in spray bottle.
*Hint - Reuse your "Spray and Wash" bottle.
Recipe #3
1/4 Cup Borax or Washing Soda
2 Cups Cold Water
Sponge on and let dry, or soak the fabric in Borax mixture before washing in soap and cold water.
For Heavily Stained Clothing
**NOTE: This is for use with white cotton, nylon and polyester only.
1/2 Cup Liquid Laundry Detergent (Use HomeMade)
1/2 Cup Electric Dishwasher Detergent
1/2 Cup Non-Chlorinated Bleach or Ammonia, Not Both
Soak clothes in washing machine overnight or until stains disappear. Launder as usual.
You can also use these products alone to remove stains:
Plain White Vinegar
Hydrogen Peroxide
Fels Naptha
Castile Soap