We Made Some Soap!

Last night after a long last minute trip to Wally World on Christmas Eve Eve Eve :) I decided I would round up the family and we were going to make some laundry soap.  Usually I do this by myself or Kenzie joins in, but I am worn out here lately.  I have made liquid laundry soap for about 2 years now. I started making it when I was trying to find something to help get rid of the girls awful eczema. So of course I got on Pinterest and searched for home made, natural, DIY eczema friendly laundry detergent. It didn't completely cure it but I would have to say its made a world of difference.  After buying the supplies the first time, making it and seeing how long it lasts our family I could not believe the money we were saving monthly. Normally I would buy whatever detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets had a coupon or was on sale. Still on average I was spending about $20 a month totaling around $240 a year or so.  Well I don't spend but about $30 a year now!!! If you are anything like me that puts a huge smile on your face.

I have had many people ask me about both recipes, so here they are!

Ok, my first batch I ever made was off of the Duggar website.
Its simple and very cheap! 
Here is a link to the recipe.

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value - Duggar Recipes - The Duggar Family


After making it once or twice I began to double the batch and make 20 gallons at a time which lasted us about 4 months. 
I also started adding one cap of Gain softener to each gallon before using it. I love Gain and it gave it more fragrance, but not enough to upset the girls skin.

This is a GREAT recipe and washes everything pretty well.

Here lately I have wanted to give the powder detergent a try, but I have been hesitant due to how well this has worked with both girls skin.  The powder lasts much longer and I think its easier to make and you don't have to let it sit over night and gel.  I also don't have a lot of storage room.  The 20 gallons were taking up a bit of room if you can imagine!

Well I decided to mix and match a few different recipes that I found on good old Pinterest and this is what I came up with.

Ingredients:

1 (4 lb 12 oz) Box of Borax- Found in the detergent aisle

1 (3 lb 7 oz) Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda- Found in the detergent aisle

1 (3 lb) Container of OxyClean FREE- Found in the detergent aisle. (This is optional but seemed like a good idea to add) I used the FREE kind because its better for my girls skin.

1 (14.1 oz) Bar of Zote Soap- Found in the detergent aisle only at Wal Mart (I used the white bar, because I had it on hand) 

2 Bars of Fels Naptha- Found in the detergent aisle only at Wal Mart.

* you can use any variation of 3 soap bars.

1 (4 lb) Box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda- Found in the laundry aisle

1-2 (55 oz) Bottle of Purex Crystals Fabric Softener- Found in the detergent aisle OR 3-4 Downy or Gain softener beads ( I used 1 bottle of Purex Crystals this time)

Directions

1. Grate bars of soap with cheese grater or food processor.

2. Mix all ingredients together in a large bucket then transfer to any type of container.  I chose this 2 gallon jar from Wal Mart.  You can use almost anything.

3. Use 1-3 Tablespoons per laundry load.

It smells fabulous and washes VERY well!! I am impressed so far!

I was introduced to Zote a while back from a dear friend for stain removal.  It has saved us a pretty penny not having to buy Shout on a weekly basis..  Just wet the stain and the tooth brush rub it on the bar and then on the stain until you see it start to go away. I have used the same bar for over a year now and barely put a dent in it.... and you know who's clothes I wash :))

I hope this is helpful and useful for everyone!

Happy Laundry Day y'all!!

Meg