Laundry Mishap

A little over a month ago, Noah- being typical made a mess. He got into my laundry detergent and dumped it all over my carpet in the hall way! I spent hours trying to clean up that mess. I ran our carpet cleaner over and over the puddle. It just got bubblier and bubblier. I was finally left with a faded blue stain. Luckily my laundry detergent wasn't full. It was actually less than half way full.

The next day I went to the store and bought a new jug of detergent. I came home and placed it on the dryer. Sure enough later that week, Noah dumped the full, brand new detergent on my carpet again! What a waste. Laundry detergent isn't cheap either. I was out another $8+ and I spent another two hours trying to clean the carpet.

I kept hearing about people making there own "homemade laundry detergent." I had no idea you could do that. I had my doubts about it too. Does it work? Is it worth the effort? Where do you get the ingredients- Amish country? In the end, is it actually cost effective? Well, I found out for myself.

First, here's the recipe I used.

Hot water
1/2 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1/3 bar Soap (grated)

In a large pot, heat 3 pints of water. Add the grated bar soap and stir until melted. Then add the washing soda and borax. Stir until powder is dissolved, then remove from heat.
In a 2 gallon clean pail, pour 1 quart of hot water and add the heated soap mixture. Top pail with cold water and stir well.
Use 1/2 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).

I've been using this for just over a month now and it is FABULOUS. First of all it was cheap to make. The total cost of all the ingredients was cheaper than the $8 bottle of detergent I was previously using. Plus, I still have enough ingredients to last a year!

It was so easy to make. It only took like 10 minutes to throw it together. The first batch that I made lasted about 5 weeks. I can live with 10 minutes every five weeks. Also, I noticed my laundry was much brighter after the first load. It makes sense though. I mean look at what my old detergent did to my carpet!

By the way, you can find the ingredients at your local grocery store too! I had to go to a second store to find the Washing Soda though. They don't carry that at Walmart. Check Ace Hardware if you have one nearby.

Anyways, If you're interested in savings some $$$ or you have a two year old that enjoys pouring out laundry detergent give this a try.

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Tips
~The detergent won't be bubbly so don't worry when it isn't!
~You can add a scent if you want.
~I recommend using Fels Naptha or Ivory for the soap.
~For inexpensive fabric softener add two table spoons of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
~1pint = 2 cups