Making Laundry Soap

Since i posted the ingredients and tips for automatic dishwasher soap, i needed to also do this for laundry soap. In our quest to become slightly more self sufficient before we make our move out west, learning how to make our own cleaning products was pretty high on my list (right next to canning, which i have yet to do). This recipe i have been using for quite a few months now, still using my first batch too. We consist of myself, my trusty man servant, and our three kids, so you know we need some heavy duty stuff that does the job without being expensive and also will be good for the environment, since our plans for the Nyn Acres homestead include a grey water system. This also applies to our hair and body products as well as other cleaners - i will delve into that at another time. Now with that being said let's take a look at what you'll need....


1 bar of Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 cup Borax
1 cup Washing soda
Box grater
5-7 gallon bucket with lid
Large pan
Wooden spoon and measuring cups

Start by grating the soap into a large pan (fill the pan with water, about 3/4 full so it won't boil over. trust me on this one!) Heat to boiling stirring until dissolved.

Once the soap has dissolved completely pour the mixture into the five gallon bucket. Please be careful, the mix will still be boiling hot! Then add the Borax and washing soda, stirring until dissolved.

At this point i carry the bucket to the bathtub since that's the easiest place for me to fill a five gallon bucket with water. Fill the bucket with water and put the lid on, carry (or have someone else carry for you since it will be heavy) to the laundry room and let sit for 24 hours.

After 24 hours you will have some really yucky looking goo in your bucket, but that's what the laundry soap looks like! i carefully swish the bucket around, with the lid secure, to mix everything up a bit, then fill a smaller container (this is what you will keep on the shelf for regular use - i reused a mrs. murray container since its easy to handle and the lid works as a measuring cup) halfway full, then top off with water.

Give it a good shake to completely mix the soap with the water (i also recommend giving a lighter shake before each use just to give everything another chance to mingle) and pour into whatever you are using to measure with. I typically fill my lid twice, it equals 1/2 cup, for a regular load, more for really dirty boys clothes!

I also like this recipe because i can add my vinegar directly to the wash water at this time. the vinegar works as a clothes softener, i will see this spring how it works on my clothes that dry outside on the clothesline.

In hindsight i should have taken pictures of the process, and since the mix has lasted so long i don't need to make any more (plus i have no room to store another bucket!). The next time i do though i will repost this with photos to make it easier to follow.


cheers, Nyn