A simple and very cheep way to make your own laundry soap!
I use to buy my laundry soap from a friend, but then one day decided to try making my own and discovered how easy it really is. This recipe is for a 20L batch
What you need:
- Borax
- Washing Soda (Different from baking soda)
- A Bar of Soap
- Large container to store detergent
Borax and Washing soda can both be found in the detergent isle at most grocery stores. You can use any bar of soap, I chose Caprina Original (http://www.caprina.com/canada/en/products/caprina/viewbyformula/original/original_soap.html). I really like goats milk soap and this one has a very mild scent that just leaves your clothes smelling clean. It is a little more pricey, I paid 5$ for 3 bars. However they do sell it in bulk at Costco and I'm sure it would be cheaper to buy it that way. For the large tub I used a tub that is used to make beer, they are more durable and have nice measurements along the side. It will run you about $15.00 for a 30L tub at any brewery store. You can also add a fragrant oil to your soap but they have been known to stain clothes so I just bought a nice smelling soap instead.
Step 1:
Grate your entire bar of soap, then add 4 cups of hot water to it
Step 2:
Heat 4 cup mixture in a pot over medium heat until all the soap is melted. Stir occasionally
Step 3:
While the soap is melting grab your Borax, Washing soda, and large tub
You want to put about 10L of hot tap water into the tub, then mix in 1/2 cup of Borax and 1 cup of Washing soda. Then mix it really well, scraping the bottom to make sure everything is dissolved.
Step 4:
Once the soap is all melted and the powders are mixed together pour the hot soap into the tub. Mix it again then add 9L of water. If you have a tub with measurements on the side like I do this step is really easy since you don't really need to measure :)
Step 5:
Once again stir the mixture :) Word of advice though, don't let your toddler try to help. He will drop the spoon into the mixture and then you get to spend the next few minutes trying to get it out without sticking your hand in the hot soapy mixture. Yay :) Now put the lid on it and let it sit over night.
Step 6:
Sit, relax, maybe watch a movie while the kids are finally in bed, and let the soap do its thing...
Step 7:
Now the soap is going to be all chunky and look really funny the next morning. Just stir it really well and it will look all good. If you want really smooth soap like you would get at the store you can always stir it with an immersion blender, or stick a beater in your hubby's power drill :) To store mine I use a juice jug to make it really easy to pour, just stir the mixture before you divide it up.
Step 8:
Wash laundry (yay?). The mixture may of separated in the jug so just give it a good shake. I have a top loader so I add 1/2 a cup to each load.
Enjoy :)
