Welcome to Marmee's Pantry

Welcome to Marmee's Pantry

Friday, November 30, 2012

Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent

OK . . . as much as I have enjoyed using my gel-type laundry detergent over the years, I'm often asked if I have a recipe for a liquid laundry detergent. And I have to admit, I'm interested in trying it, myself.

Well, my friend, sweet Nanny Dearest, was the one who pushed me over the edge & caused me to research an easy-to-make, easy-to-use, EFFECTIVE liquid detergent recipe. And I believe I have found it . . . with, as always, a little tweaking of my own. lol ~ you KNOW I have to. O:-)

***This recipe makes 2 gallons, it's VERY EASY to cut in 1/2 if you only want to make 1 gallon.
You will need:

~3/4 c. LIQUID castile soap ~I always use Dr. Bronner's because it's a product that I trust for quality & effectiveness. If using "green" products is important to you, this is the one for you, too. I also usually buy the UNscented/Baby soap. These products are available at health food stores & many major grocery stores that are adding "healthy" areas (like Kroger) now carry them.
~1/2 c. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (NOT baking soda!!!)
~1/2 c. 20 Mule Team Borax
~25-50 drops of your favorite essential oil. I usually use Lavender b/c it is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal & it smells lovely. If you would like some ideas of other essential oils for the laundry check out this post.
~2 gallon bucket, dedicated only to making soaps & laundry products. Be sure to LABEL it so that no one in your family accidentally uses it for cooking. 
~HOT water
~Measuring cup for liquids
~Large-mouth Funnel
~large spoon or whisk
~2 empty gallon jugs or old liquid laundry bottles OR 1 if you are using the 1/2 recipe. 
Directions:

1) In the bucket, mix the 2 powdered products WELL. Whisking blends a little better than using a spoon.
2) Add enough HOT water to cover the dry products. Whisk or stir until the powders are COMPLETELY dissolved.
3) Slowly add the Castile soap; if you add it too fast it will suds. Using a large spoon, stir to mix completely.
4) Using HOT water, slowly fill to the 2 gallon mark OR 1 gallon mark for 1/2 recipe.
5) Add your favorite essential oil & mix well, using the spoon.
6) Use the measuring cup & funnel to fill your container. As these photos (from Google Images) shows, you can use nearly anything that hold liquid & has a good cap/lid for your detergent. :-)
 To show you what you can use, this is what I used to keep my gel-type detergent in. It would work for the liquid, too.
To Use:
1) Shake well before each use.
2) Use approximately 1/3 c for each load. 2 gallons is good for about 90-100 loads!!  

I will up-date this next week w/my own photos. :-) 

Let me know how you LOVE this!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

17 comments:

  1. thank you so much!!! I will try this next!! I have both and even some castile soap! I just ran of my lavendar essential oil.. can't wait! Thank you so much, Kim!!!

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  2. oh , those jugs looked like they could be some homemade boiled custard.

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  3. Excellent share! I own a green cleaning service and make our products. As well, I share a lot of recipes too.

    Thanks for linking to the Holistic Homeschooler!

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  4. Nice share , i think these products are so much goods thanks for share . . . . :)
    Cleaning Equipment

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  5. Why can't I just use baking soda? Its essentially the same thing right? I asked an older lady in the store & she says the only difference is the strength of the clean... So could I just double the amount & use baking soda? (that's what I bought sooo.....)

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    Replies
    1. I am always been told not to, so I don't. If you try it be sure to let use know.

      Blessings from Ohio . . .

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    2. This is a good post for turning baking soda into washing soda. http://naturesnurtureblog.com/2012/05/08/ttt-turn-baking-soda-into-washing-soda/

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    3. Thanks, Glenda! Can't wait to read it. I'm sure it will help others.

      Blessings . . .

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  6. This is very cool! Do you use this in an he washing machine. Castile soap is usually so sudsy for me, that I am afraid it would make too many suds for my he machine. I would love your feedback on your personal experience with it.

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    Replies
    1. It does suds but not as much as you think it would. And I only use about 1/3 c per load ~ that's not very much ~ BECAUSE of the suds. A little of this goes a LONG way. :-)

      Blessings . . .

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  7. Just checking to see how well this laundry soap has been working for you. Do you still like it? I am planning on making some tomorrow and my sister commented that she was afraid to use the liquid castile soap because it lathers so well. Does it lather too much for an HE machine?

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    Replies
    1. Wow ~ the same question twice in one day. lol. I just use 1/3 of a cup for a full load because it does give a good suds, although not as much as you might think. A little bit of this goes a LONG way, another reason to enjoy the cost savings.

      Blessings . . .

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  8. Love this recipe! It works great!!

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  9. Since the last comment on this page was over a year ago, I just wanted to know if anyone saw any adverse effects on their HE washing machines.

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    Replies
    1. My advice would be the same as the homemade gel-type detergent ~ I just pour it directly into the machine with the clothes. When you are not dealing with all the chemicals in mass produced products, you also do not have the chemicals that reduce clogging. If you put your detergent (both liquid and gel) into the drum with your clothes, it will wash out with the dirty water. I've NEVER had a problem and I've been making my own detergents for years.

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