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Liquid Laundry Detergent
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DIY Liquid Laundry Detergent

A homemade laundry detergent that costs less than $.01 per load.
Total Time1 day 30 minutes
Cost: $2.21 per batch

Equipment

  • 5 Gallon Bucket
  • Cheese Grater
  • Saucepan
  • Kitchen Scale
  • Measuring Cup

Materials

  • 6 oz Zote Laundry Soap grated
  • 1 cup Washing Soda
  • 1 cup Borax
  • 4 cups Water

Instructions

  • Add water and Zote Laundry Soap into saucepan over low heat to melt soap flakes.
  • Fill 5 gallon bucket a little over half way full with hot water. Add Borax and Washing soda and mix until completely dissolved.
  • Pour melted soap and water mixture into 5 gallon bucket. Add more hot water to fill bucket completely, leaving at least an inch or 2 of head space. Mix thoroughly.
  • Place a lid on bucket and leave alone for 24 hours to allow the soap to form a gel.
  • Remove lid and mix once again. Now your liquid laundry detergent is ready for use. Use 1/2 cup per load.

Notes

I've heard of people using Ivory soap, Fels-Naptha, and Castile soap bars with good results. I've only used Zote for our family's liquid laundry detergent, so I can't speak on the effectiveness of those other detergents. You are welcome to substitute with any one of these detergents if you desire.