Homemade Laundry Detergent

Many of you have been asking me for the recipe of the homemade laundry detergent that I made this weekend. I got this recipe from the Duggar family (they have a show on TLC called "17 Kids and Counting"). Here is the recipe. I will say that it was very easy to make! I have not used the detergent yet, but I have a friend who has made it as well and said that it works great! Let me know if you give it a try!

Ingredients:
Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value
4 Cups hot tap water
1 Soap Bar (pick one with a mild scent)
1 Cup Washing Soda (The only grocery store I was able to find this at was Harris Teeter)
½ Cup Borax

Directions:
- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)
-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.
-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

I am eventually planning on making all of my cleaning products myself. I have ready how much better it is. As a migrain sufferer, I am looking forward to getting rid of the strong odors that many cleaners have! Unfortunately I have stocked up on cleaning supplies from triple coupon days that it will take me a while to go through them all.

If you are interested in saving money on fabric softener as well, you can cut your dryer sheets into thirds. They will still work just as well...and last three times as long! Another idea is to mix up a solution of 1 part liquid fabric softener and 3 parts water into a spray bottle. Keep a stack of washcloths in your laundry room and spray a washcloth with the mixture. Then, just throw the washcloth in with your load of clothes to dry. Works well and it will save you a ton!