I Made My Own Laundry Soap!

As some of you know I enjoy making things at home, and need having minimal chemicals around me as possible, my health is so much better with less chemicals it amazes me. Since I said online that I was going to make soap I have discovered many of my friends are already doing that, but even more asked me how, so I thought this would be a great way to share with everyone at once!

My prior knowledge of soap-making comes from reading about it in the Little House books, which I have read more times than I can count, I wore my first set out. I am happy to tell you there is no lye or ashes involved, although I do have a sore throat today, which may be the change in the weather, but I think it’s from breathing in the soap, next time I will wear a face mask or a scarf, you may want to do that too. I didn’t bother with gloves, part of the reason I wanted to do this myself is so that I know it’s not harmful to my skin, and has less environmental impact. And cheap, did I mention it’s cheap? I bought 4 lb. boxes of borax and washing soda and 3 large bars of soap in a kit (from a popular online retailer) for about $26, delivered, and the jug of vinegar is about $1, I am not sure how many loads of laundry that is, but for the bar soap I am estimating 150 minimum.

Now for the good stuff, I found 2 recipes that are almost identical, links to both at the bottom. You will need:

• 1 cup borax
• 1 cup washing soda (not the same as baking soda, which is why I ordered it)
• 1 cup shredded bar soap (this is a personal preference, I bought a kit with Fels Naptha, I know several people who prefer the smell of Zote, and I believe some use Ivory or castile soap)
• 1/2 cup and a sploosh of white vinegar (I found the recommended half-cup to not be enough, I added a tablespoon or so more, sploosh is my term for that)
• 15-20 drops essential oil of choice (again, totally a personal preference, I like the smell of the soap but may change my mind someday and want lavender/vanilla or something)

Tools:

• large bowl
• grater
• measuring cup
• large spoon
• ice cube tray

Grate your soap on the smallest setting, add the 2 dry ingredients and stir, slowly add the vinegar until it’s a crumbly thick paste-like mess. Place by tablespoonfuls into a clean dry ice cube tray, press it down tight, you should fill a 16 cube tray exactly. Set aside and let dry at least 12 hours, pop them out of the tray, place in an airtight container, and use as you would a pod.

I washed my first laundry with it today, I am super impressed with how clean and soft my clothes are, and everything smells good, and making it myself felt pretty cool. So that’s it, if you try it let us know how you liked it and how it worked for you.

Love peace & hugs… Mama