Geek Prepper Survival Skills when SHTF!
In today’s economy, it’s important to save money in all possible ways. That’s why we’re going to show you a recipe for homemade laundry detergent, that only costs a few cents per load!
Homemade Laundry Detergent
Here is a simple recipe to make your own homemade laundry detergent.
Traditional Homemade Laundry Detergent
- 1/3 Bar of Fels Naptha laundry Bar Soap (grated)
- 1/2 Cup of 20 Mule Team Borax Laundry Booster
- 1/2 Cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
- 5 Gallon Bucket with lid
Updated version of the homemade laundry detergent
I like my formula a bit stronger, so this is what I tend to use.
- 1/2 bar of Fels Naptha laundry Bar Soap and
- 1 cup of the Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
- 1 cup of the 20 Mule Team Borax Laundry Booster
- 5 Gallon Bucket with lid
Putting it all together
- Mix Fels Naptha laundry Bar Soap (after grating it) with 6 cups of water in sauce pan. Heat this mixture until soap melts.
- Add Washing Soda and Borax to Sauce Pan Mix. Mix it well until both the washing soda and Borax Dissolve
- Put 4 Cups of Hot Water into a 5 Gallon Bucket and add mixture from sauce pan.
- Add another 22 cups of water and stir well. ( 22 cups = 1 gallon and 6 cups or 176oz )
- Allow 24 hours for soap to gel.
I recommend using a dedicated sauce pan for this recipe. I also have a dedicated soup ladle that I use to dip out my concoction.
I do not recommend using your wife’s good cheese grater to grate the Fels Naptha. This only invites trouble ;-)
A double recipe may be produced in a single 5 gallon Bucket.
Safety: Keep soap and ingredients out of reach of children and keep bucket sealed when soap is not in use.
Directions for use:
Use 1/2 a cup of soap per load, recipe produces approximately 50 loads
PDF Version:
Download the Homemade Laundry Detergent.pdf for offline or off-grid use.
This is my recipe also.
I just mix in a huge bowl Borax and Washing Sodas, grate in the Zote, mix again, and then transfer to a 1 or 2 gallon bucket.
No need to heat or cook.
I have a cheap designated grater just for the Zote…smart move.
I started using powdered homemade soap after 2 attempts and no gel-it was a mess not really necessary.
Dry homemade works great.
How would this work in an “High Efficiency” washer that must use low or no suds detergent ?
@ TexasScout I’ve used it in my front loader/High Eff washer…just use 1/2 the amount. I found that 1/3 c per load works well. Also, use plain white vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser. natural fabric softener, and helps dissipate any soap residue. :-)
Pretty much the same recipe I use to make mine. I always make 5 gallons at a time. You an also add some essential oils if you prefer your detergent to smell. We use Tea Tree Oil and Lavender.