The Adventures of Olive & Gallon: Really Makin' Some Laundry Soap

I posted once before about how I was going to try to make my own laundry detergent and over the weekend, I did! This is the liquid form which may be used in front and top load washing machines.

HERE IS THE RECIPE I USED:

4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

½ Cup Borax

(I found ALL ingredients at Reasor's)

Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

First, grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. I let hubs have this job!

Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water.

I purchased the bucket at Lowe's for $4.06.

Next, add the 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 the way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

YIELD:

Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons. (Only one 5 gallon bucket needed)

Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)

Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST...THE BRAND NEW WASHER AND DRYER SET WE BOUGHT THIS WEEKEND! I'M SO EXCITED TO USE THEM. HMM...FUNNY HOW THE THINGS YOU COULD HAVE CARED LESS ABOUT AS A KID, BECOME TOYS WHEN YOU ARE AN ADULT.

This was my actual receipt after purchasing the ingredients

-with distilled white vinegar included! I use the vinegar as a fabric softener.