Liquid Laundry Soap Recipe
1 bar Fels-Naptha bar soap
1 cup Arm and Hammer washing soda
1/2 cup Borax
4 cups hot tap water (plus more for later)
Directions:
- Add 4 cups hot water to a small saucepan. Grate the Fels-Naptha soap and add it to the saucepan. Heat over low heat until the soap is melted. Stir the melted soap and water to mix the solution. (Watch closely and stir frequently so it doesn’t boil over!)
- Fill a 5 gallon bucket half-full with hot water. Add the melted soap, Borax, and Washing Soda. Fill the bucket to the top with more hot tap water. Use a large wooden spoon to stir the mixture. Let sit overnight to thicken.
- Stir, and dispense thickened soap into cleaned laundry soap dispensers (use empty containers from commercial brand laundry detergent): fill each bottle 1/2 way, then top the container off with more water. Shake before each use.
This liquid laundry soap recipe yields 10 gallons. For HE machines, use 1/4 cup per load. For top-loading machines, use 1/2 cup per load.
Photo:
www.unsplash.com @chrissie
How does this smell? Just curious before I make that much detergent lol
Smells like Fels-Naptha soap…not a super fragrant detergent though. Typically good for people with allergies. I’ve heard people sometimes use other bar soaps like dove too, although I have only used Fels-Naptha myself. You could do it with friends and all try a little to see how you like it maybe?
Hello Jill! Do you know if this is good for HE washers? Also I was wondering if adding Oxiclean(sorry if I spelled it wrong) could be added or maybe in place of Borax? I’ve heard of people being concerned about dingyness.
I know you are very busy and I understand if I don’t get a reply. I love the updated website by the way!
Jill never mind my question about the HE washers. I saw the directions about how much to use. But I’m still wondering about Oxiclean. Thank you!
Hey Regina,
I’m not sure about the Oxiclean in place of Borax. Anyone else have thoughts? We have the regular top load washing machine, but I know my parents have front load/HE machines and they use this detergent. They just use a little less than the regular cap size I think.
And yes, I’ve heard some people complain about dinginess, but I’ve not personally had problems with that. Maybe using Oxiclean (or another similar whitener) occasionally would help keep clothes bright if you thought they were getting dull.
Thank you Jill!
Great info Jill. Seems like forever since you girls made it on the show. Seems to make a lot of detergent but sharing with others is a good idea. Thanks !
Hello! I was wondering would it be ok to add essential oil drops to the recipe for extra smell if so desired?
I’m not sure. I like essential oils, but I don’t know enough about them to tell you. You could probably look it up on the website for whatever brand of oils you’ve got. I know I’ve heard of dryer balls that you put oils on, but haven’t heard about washing with them.
Not a part of the soap recipe, but I always add a little.of white distilled vinegar to my laundry and see that it comes out brighter, could be a good natural alternative to oxiclean (I’ve know some people are allergic)