Homemade Laundry Detergent
A three-ingredient powdered laundry detergent made from grated Fels Naptha soap, borax and super washing soda, stored in an airtight container.
Yield: 4 cups (32 to 64 loads)
Materials
- 1 bar about 5 ounces Fels Naptha laundry soap
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup super washing soda
Instructions
- Run the whole bar of Fels Naptha over the fine side of a box grater. It makes about 2 cups of shreds.
- In a large bowl, stir both powders (the super washing soda and the borax) into the soap shavings until evenly mixed.
- If a finer texture is wanted, pulse everything in a food processor until powdery, then let the dust settle for a minute before lifting the lid. This step is optional.
- Keep the detergent in a labeled container that seals airtight, and shake or stir it before each use.
- To wash, use 1 tablespoon for a regular load, including in high-efficiency (HE) machines, or 2 tablespoons for a large or heavily soiled load. Add it to the empty drum before the clothes.
Notes
The ingredients are generally found together in the supermarket laundry aisle.
An old detergent container can be reused to hold the finished powder; relabel it clearly.
Grated soap dissolves slowly in cold water. For cold washes, stir the detergent into 1 cup of hot water until dissolved and pour the liquid into the drum.
The powder makes few or no suds, which is normal for this kind of detergent.
Safety: borax and washing soda can irritate the skin, eyes and lungs. Wear gloves if your skin is sensitive, avoid breathing the dust, and store the detergent out of reach of children and pets. Use a grater and food processor bowl kept for household projects, or wash them thoroughly afterward.
Check the washing machine manual first; some manufacturers call for commercial HE detergent only.