I am sure most DIY type people have already heard of and likely make the recipe that involves Fels Naptha soap as I once did. Some may use Zote instead if they live on the East side of the states. After using this for years, I finally took the time to research just how natural Fels Naptha is and was not happy with what I found. From what I understand, Zote is not much different.
Then there is the borax issue, there seems to be a bit of controversy on just how safe it is but one thing some may have discovered is that safe or not, it is very harsh on anything with elastic in it.
So it was time for me to come up with my own recipe and mine only involves two ingredients, with an optional one as a third if one likes.
First you need a good natural bar soap. I use my own homemade soap but I recommend Dr. Bronner's for those who do not make their own soaps, or finding some basic hand made soaps that you know are truly all natural.
I make a simple lard soap for use in my laundry powder and hand soap but I also use the flakes, bits, and pieces that fall from the bars and molds when making my herbal soaps. So that is why you will see bits of color in my laundry soap - those are my homegrown herbs.
I cut the lard soap up into small pieces with a knife but you can choose to grate if you prefer, I personally like chopping rather than grating.
The only other ingredient you need is your washing soda.
Into my blender I put one half cup at a time of each of the washing soda and soap pieces. The third and optional ingredient is whatever essential oil one would like. I rarely do this but when I do, I find that the lime is my favorite. Just put a few drops in with the soap and washing soda.
I then process on a medium speed until it is fine grains. I have found that it is best to not go higher on the speed as it causes the soap and soda to clump at the bottom and then freeze up the blender. However, you may have one of those fancy, expensive blenders that this is not an issue so just work with what you have and you will find what speed is best. You may even be able to add up to a cup of each at a time if your blender or processor can handle it.
If the soap and soda do end up clumping, just break it up with a chop stick and pour into whatever container you plan to store it in.
Repeat this process as many times as needed until you have the amount you desire.
I like to store mine in a one quart mason jar and I always have two jars so when one goes empty, I can fill the other when I am ready while having another one to work on.
When I go to wash a load of clothes, be it in the electric machine or in my off grid laundry set up, I use one tablespoon at a time for larger loads, half that much for smaller loads, but again, you can adjust the amounts to suit your needs and how dirty your clothes are. Extra dirty clothes may need a bit more.
I do hope you found this post helpful and possibly learned something new! Thank you for stopping in and have a great day! ~Heidi
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