WhiteBearDog
06-11-2009, 11:36
Wasn't sure what cat to put this in in addition to it's original thread in the womans section so here it is.
This made for me, 2.5 gallons of liquid detergent. I find it best to use empty gallon jugs with screw on lids (will need to shake & mix when you add to washer).
The cost break down is...
So I began and it is quite simple. The trip to the grocery store for main ingredients cost a total of $8.40 and included...
2 bars Fels-Naptha bar soap 5 oz each (.99 cents each)
1- 4lb 12oz box 20 Mule Team Borax laundry booster ($3.43)
1- 3lb 7oz box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda ($2.99)
For one batch, it yielded 2.5 gallons or 320 ounces of detergent.
One load is 1/4 cup or 2 ounces which equals 160 loads per batch.
The end results, one batch costs .0165 cents (less than 2 cents) per load!!!
I searched at a popular online member warehouse and found that this same amount of detergent by the load would cost a range of $45 - 30! :eek:
:bananaCompare that to our cost of $2.64 per 160 loads !!!:banana
Get a bar of soap, I used Fels-Naptha (or you could ivory, etc), using a grater, grate 2 cups of soap and add to ONE quart of boiling water. Stir and adjust heat as neccessary to completely melt the soap.
In a larger tub (needs to hold a few gallons) pour the melted soap water and add 2 CUPS borax and 2 CUPS WASHING SODA... (((not baking soda))) you can find both in the laundry aisle at most any store.
Stir untill mixed very well, may take a few minutes. Then add 2 GALLONS of water. There will be some seperation but that's ok and it WILL start to thicken like store bought detergent. If you like yours scented, just add a tablespoon of essential oils before you add to jugs. Remember to stir & mix as you pour into your jugs.
Use 1/4 cup per load. I use more when I wash the boys baseball muddy clothes.
Happy washing!
WhiteBearDog
This made for me, 2.5 gallons of liquid detergent. I find it best to use empty gallon jugs with screw on lids (will need to shake & mix when you add to washer).
The cost break down is...
So I began and it is quite simple. The trip to the grocery store for main ingredients cost a total of $8.40 and included...
2 bars Fels-Naptha bar soap 5 oz each (.99 cents each)
1- 4lb 12oz box 20 Mule Team Borax laundry booster ($3.43)
1- 3lb 7oz box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda ($2.99)
For one batch, it yielded 2.5 gallons or 320 ounces of detergent.
One load is 1/4 cup or 2 ounces which equals 160 loads per batch.
The end results, one batch costs .0165 cents (less than 2 cents) per load!!!
I searched at a popular online member warehouse and found that this same amount of detergent by the load would cost a range of $45 - 30! :eek:
:bananaCompare that to our cost of $2.64 per 160 loads !!!:banana
Get a bar of soap, I used Fels-Naptha (or you could ivory, etc), using a grater, grate 2 cups of soap and add to ONE quart of boiling water. Stir and adjust heat as neccessary to completely melt the soap.
In a larger tub (needs to hold a few gallons) pour the melted soap water and add 2 CUPS borax and 2 CUPS WASHING SODA... (((not baking soda))) you can find both in the laundry aisle at most any store.
Stir untill mixed very well, may take a few minutes. Then add 2 GALLONS of water. There will be some seperation but that's ok and it WILL start to thicken like store bought detergent. If you like yours scented, just add a tablespoon of essential oils before you add to jugs. Remember to stir & mix as you pour into your jugs.
Use 1/4 cup per load. I use more when I wash the boys baseball muddy clothes.
Happy washing!
WhiteBearDog