Laundry Detergent

Hi Everyone!

I felt it was time for me to finally share my wonderful laundry detergent recipe. It is extremely gentle but works wonderfully. Plus, it makes enough for 128 loads for under $2.00.

Now, I cannot take credit for the recipe, but I can do nothing but give praises about it. I have been using it since August, and will not go back.

I found it on Budget101.com (this is an awesome site – be sure to check it out) and now see that there is a couple other more simple options to make it that don’t require cooking it on the stove. I’m going to give one of those a try next time I whip up a batch.

The original recipe can be found here: Mom’s Super Laundry Sauce.
With the no cook alternatives here: Super Laundry Sauce for Dummies.

One thing to note: this recipe makes a very thick detergent. Once it is first whipped, it’s very light, but then it does thicken a little bit as it sits. To use, I scoop out 1 Tablespoon with a spoon, add it to the water, then toss in my clothing. Works simply enough for us.

One of my favorite things that I learned from making this:
BLENDER BLADES FIT ON MASON JARS!

That is a handy little tip that I have used many times since. 😉

Be sure to check it out! It’s a great way to cut costs . It can also be a stepping stone for you if you are interested in living more frugally but don’t know where to start.

Personally, I got started because of the expense of dishwasher detergent. I hated the price, so with a little research, I decided to try to make my own. I experimented and ended up with my own recipe that I love and the savings was very appealing. That triggered looking into making my own soaps, detergents, and household cleaning products. And the more research I did, the more I realized that there were ingredients in things that I didn’t like bringing into my home. That led me to start watching the ingredients of our food as well. We have started the process of eating less processed food.

Continue to follow us as we transition.
It’s an exciting journey!

Dishwasher Detergent

As people get to know me more and more, they begin to realize that while I may live in the big city, I do a lot of things from scratch, what they call ‘the old-fashioned way.’ I love being considered that way in what I do.

One thing I do to help our bottom-line is to make our own cleaning supplies, everything from a general cleaner, disinfecting spray, wood cleaner, air freshener, laundry soap, fabric softener, and dishwasher detergent. The latter of which, I will be sharing with you here.

Next time I go shopping for the ingredients, I will break the cost down to give you an idea of what it costs to make your own and what you can be saving, simply by spending about 15 minutes to make your own.

Now here’s the deal…
There is a certain order to combine these…
if you want to prevent an overflow of gritty suds. 🙂
I have learned that one the hard way.
The best thing you can do is to mix these in the following order!

INGREDIENTS:
3 Cups Water
1/2 Cup Liquid Dish Soap (my favorite is Seventh Generation)
4 Tablespoons Salt
4 Tablespoons Citric Acid (found by the canning supplies)
2 Tablespoons Washing Soda (found in the laundry supply isle)
1 Cup White Vinegar (Be sure add a little at a time while stirring to avoid overflow)

Combine ingredients in a pan over medium heat, mixing until everything is dissolved.
Remove pan from heat and let it cool. Stir store in a glass container.
Always shake before using it!

On a side note since I have been asked:
As a rinse agent, I use White Vinegar. It’s cheap and works extremely well.

After you try it, let us know what you think!