Homemade Laundry Soap

Well, I've tried out the Homemade Laundry Soap and have good news! It's AWESOME!!! We've washed lots of dirt, vomit, and urine. It's been an interesting week to say the least, but EXCELLENT for testing new laundry soap. Anyone who's washed anything that's been peed in knows it takes a couple washes for the smell to be gone. Same with vomit. But, one wash and it was out!!

Because we don't have grass in the back yard, Lilly's kennel is filthy. I have to vacuum it out every other day at least! So, I decided to wash her blanket with the new soap. I was amazed at how clean it was after washing! There were a couple little stains, but I don't know if they were there from before this wash or not. All I can say is that it looked amazing!

Another bonus - it didn't cost very much to get started!

So, are you ready for the recipe? I've seen lots of variations, but this is the one I used.

Liquid Homemade Laundry Soap

3 Gallons Warm Water (I used hot)

4 C. Water

1 Whole Bar Fels-Naptha* soap, grated

1 C. Washing Soda

1/2 C. Borax

Essential Oil, for scent if desired

Place 3 gallons warm water in a 5 gallon bucket. Bring 4 C. water to a boil. Add grated Fels-Naptha bar and stir until completely dissolved. When melted, add to water in 5 gallon bucket. Add Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until completely dissolved. If you would like to add fragrance, you can add 10-15 drops of essential oils to this mix. (I think it has a nice clean smell already, and I use fabric softener; so, I didn't do this). Place the lid on the bucket and let sit over night.

After it sits, the top will have turned to jelly. Stir well and use 1/2 cup per load. Enjoy!!!

*I had no idea what Fels-Naptha was, but I found it at Ace Hardware. It's a laundry bar not a body bar. Those who I've talked to, who use it, LOVE it. If you can't find it, I've also read that you can use: Ivory, Sunlight, Kirk's Hardwater Castile, or Zote.

Also, the Borax and Washing Soda are found on the Laundry Isle. Washing soda is by Arm and Hammer and comes in a yellow box that's similar to the baking soda box. Just remember, baking soda will not work in this recipe.

****Edited to add: Although I'm still impressed with how well this soap works, and it really is amazing, I think it could use an extra enzyme boost to help with food removal. OR, I could just remember to rub a little extra laundry or dish soap into the spots before I wash the clothes. (Mostly, I'm just adding this as a mental note to help me remember to do it.) Happy washing! :)