I Suds You: DIY Project

Hi Everyone,

I have a great addition to UB (Urban Branches) today. My soon to be sister in-law Amy H. sent me a great post about homemade laundry detergent. I can't wait to make as soon as I have a free afternoon! I am already trying to figure out which essential oil I want to add. So here the complete recipe: enjoy, let me know how it works out! Love, Lindsay

p.s. look for more Amy H. posts to come!

My family is always looking for ways to save money and we have discovered that making your own laundry detergent is both eco-friendly and cost efficient. It’s also quite easy, a perfect Sunday afternoon project.
Homemade Laundry Detergent:
Ingredients:
· 4 cups water
· 1 bar of soap
· 1 cup washing soda (Made by Arm & Hammer)
· ½ cup of borax (this is not necessary – but it does kick it up a notch)
· A five gallon bucket with a lid
· Three gallons hot tap water

Step 1: Put 4 cups water into large pot over medium high heat

Step 2: Use a cheese grater and grate your bar of soap – if you use softer soap it will be easier to grate. Slowly add the grated bar of soap to your almost boiling water and stir it on occasion until all of the soap is dissolved.

Step 3: Put three gallons of hot water into the five gallon bucket and add the hot soapy water from step one and stir for about 30 seconds. Add the cup of washing soda – stir for another couple of minutes and if you are adding Borax, do so last and stir for a couple minutes.

** Optional: If you have any essential oils you had can add it to the soap mixture if you want the laundry soap scented. I have used Lavender oil before. Smells great while the clothes are washing!
Let the mixture cool overnight. In the morning you will have thick homemade laundry soap.
Both the Baking Soda and Borax–Borax is marketed as a laundry booster it is a natural mineral and is an alternative to the environmentally harmful detergents commercially sold today.
If you have an extra dirty load of laundry you can add extra borax.
GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY WASHING!! Love, Amy