Tuesday, August 13, 2013

I just made another batch of homemade laundry soap yesterday. I sure do get that frugality thrill every time I make it. :) So cheap and effective!


Here is the recipe I use:
http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/laundrysoap.htm
These instructions are very clear and easy to follow, however I would add that finely chopping the Fels Naptha soap is easier for me than grating it, and that if you have a big 4 cup measuring cup as I do it is easier (for me) to remember the amount of water to add at the end as 6 1/2 measuring cup fulls (26 cups). I don't generally add any essential oil as I like to save it for other things such as the spray cleaner I make. I think clean clothes smell quite good on their own. If the soap gels too much I find that a really vigorous shake now and again loosens it up.
The bigger container holds five gallons. I got it at WinCo for $5 plus $1.50 for the spigot. It is on its end in this picture. I generally have it lying on top of the washing machine (I have a front loader) and use a 1/4 cup measuring cup for each load. The smaller container is the cheapest laundry soap from Albertson's. It made Big Girl break out in hives (!) so I had to use the rest of it on give away clothes and rugs, etc. That's when I started making my own laundry soap and just refill and reuse the container for a friend.This stuff is so cheap to make that I can share it, even during hard financial times.It is good for the soul to be able to share the wealth.