Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
I’ve been making my own laundry detergent for years, ever since my first son was less than a year old. We noticed he was getting mild rashes all over his body, but we couldn’t figure out what was causing it. We bathed him every day and put lots of healing lotion on him, but nothing helped.
Since diapers and formula can be pretty expensive, we were looking for ways to save money. One way we saved a lot was by making our own products, and one of the easiest things to make at home is laundry detergent.
As soon as we started using the homemade detergent, our son’s rashes went away. Turns out, it was the store-bought detergent that was causing the rashes! Even though we had bought the regular unscented type, there were still harsh chemicals in there that his skin didn’t like. He hardly ever gets rashes anymore.
Want to save this post for later? Click Here to Pin It on Pinterest!
There are many ways to make laundry detergent. For example, you can make a powder detergent by mixing one part borax, one part washing soda, and one part grated soap. But you’ll save even more money by making liquid detergent.
In this video, Becky from the Youtube channel, Becky’s Homestead, explains how to do it.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 5-Gallon Bucket
- Large Paint Stirrer
- 14.1 oz of Zote
- Large Grater
- One Cup of Borax (optional)
- Measuring Cup
- Gallon Plastic Jugs
Step 1: Grate the soap into the bucket. It will take some effort but it’s worth it.
Step 2: Pour two gallons of hot water into the bucket and stir.
Want to start a homestead but not sure how?
Sign Up & get a FREE book, "How To Homestead No Matter Where You Live."
Step 3: At this point, you can add the borax. But again, this is optional. If you have delicates or baby clothes or just don’t want the soap to be too harsh, skip this step. Otherwise, pour it in and stir.
Step 4: Add another two gallons of hot water. Keep stirring until the soap and borax are completely dissolved.
Step 5: Add one more gallon of hot water, stir, and let it sit for 24 hours. Here’s what it should look like.
Note: This is double strength soap, so before using any, mix it with water. Fill a gallon jug halfway up with water, fill it the rest of the way with your soap. Before using your soap, shake the bottle.
Watch the video below for more information and more detailed instructions.
do I have to use zote or will home made soap do for this? I prefer to know whats in my stuff.