How To Guide: How do I make laundry soap?
Making your own laundry soap can be a fun and cost-effective alternative to store-bought options. Not only does it give you control over the ingredients, but it can also be a great way to reduce waste. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to create your own homemade laundry soap.
Materials you will need:
- 1 bar of soap (castile, Fels-Naptha, or any other suitable soap)
- 1 cup of washing soda
- 1 cup of borax (optional)
- Essential oils (optional)
- Grater
- Mixing bowl
- Airtight container for storage
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step 1: Choose the soap
Select a suitable bar of soap for your laundry soap recipe. Castile soap or Fels-Naptha soap are popular choices due to their effectiveness and availability. Grate the soap using a cheese grater or food processor until you have approximately 1 cup of soap flakes.
Step 2: Combine the ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of soap flakes, 1 cup of washing soda, and 1 cup of borax (optional). Washing soda and borax are natural cleaners that help enhance the cleaning power of the soap. If you prefer a fragrance, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil at this stage.
Step 3: Mix thoroughly
Use a spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. Ensure that the soap flakes, washing soda, and borax are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Store the laundry soap
Transfer the homemade laundry soap into an airtight container for storage. Mason jars, reusable plastic containers, or zip-lock bags are all suitable options. Make sure the container is clearly labeled, indicating its contents and the date it was made.
Step 5: Use the laundry soap
To use your homemade laundry soap, simply add 1-2 tablespoons to each load of laundry, depending on the size and dirtiness of the load. For heavily soiled clothes, you may need to use slightly more.
Additional tips:
- If you have sensitive skin or prefer a fragrance-free version, you can omit the essential oils and use a mild, unscented soap.
- If you find that the mixture becomes clumpy or hardens over time, simply give it a good shake or stir before each use.
- Experiment with different types of soap or soap combinations to find the one that works best for your laundry needs.
Making your own laundry soap can be a rewarding and eco-friendly alternative. Not only will it save you money, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into each load of laundry. Give it a try and see the difference it makes in your cleaning routine!