You'll need:
1 bar of Fels Naptha soap (Ivory or other bar soap will do, but Fels Naptha is specifically made for laundry)
1 cup of Borax
1 cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Powder
Yield 64 loads
I was able to find all of these ingredients in the laundry aisle of my local Wal-Mart. I stocked up to make a triple batch just to avoid going back, but that's another blog.
Begin by grating the bar of soap into a large bowl.
Add the other ingredients and stir for 5 minutes.
Done. Use 1 tablespoon to normal washes and 2 for heavier soiled loads.
Store in an airtight canister away from heat and moisture. Also, your food processor can be used to quickly grate the soap and mix the ingredients in about 1 minute total.
How's that for easy!? I've been wanting to try making my own laundry detergent for awhile, but thought it was too difficult. I can't believe I waited so long!
Here is the cost breakdown:
1 Fels Naptha bar $.97
Borax 76oz @ $2.98= .03/oz. x 8oz = $.24 per cup
Arm & Hammer Ultra Washing Powder 55oz @ $3.24 = $.05/oz x 8oz = $.40 per cup
TOTAL: $1.61 for 64 loads of laundry or 2.5 cents per load.
You can also use white vinegar as a fabric softener!
