That Was Easy! {Homemade Laundry Soap}

There are a few things that I have tried lately that leave me saying, "Well, that was easy!  Why didn't I do that sooner?!  Why did I put that off for so long?!"

Perfect example...Homemade Laundry Soap.

I didn't have the need to make my own for a while as we had gotten a large supply of soap "free" when we purchased a water-softening system for our home in Oklahoma.  I had run out shortly before we left Texas, but knew the movers would not move any liquids, so I just did store-bought the last few months. 

I was hesitant to try it since moving over here.  Not to mention that they don't even carry all the ingredients you need at the Commissary (and there's only 3 to choose from!)  My friend, Marque, though had already ordered what was needed and she shared the wealth!  I went out in search for 5 gallon buckets and was only able to find 2.5 gallon buckets.  But, it actually worked in our favor since we don't have a lot of extra storage space for a 5 gallon bucket and I can pick up the 2.5 gallon bucket!!!

I had previously marked my friend's blog for her recipe to use when I was ready, but since Marque had all the ingredients, she just measured out what I needed, wrote down her recipe for me, and I did the rest.

Even after having it handed over to me like that, I put it off for probably another week and a-half/two weeks.  I like to take my time on projects...especially when trying something new.  I'm always afraid I'm going to miss a step and mess something up.  I had other projects that required my full attention during nap time/after the boys' bedtime, so this one kept getting put off.  Finally, one Monday morning I told myself I'd just do it.  It probably took me about 15 minutes total!!!  Leaving me saying, "Well, that was easy!"

Here's the recipe we used (Keep in mind this is for 2.5 gallons!! So if you have a 5 gallon bucket just double it, or use the other recipe I listed)....

1 bar soap, grated  (A lot of other recipes will say Fels Naptha, but they don't carry that here so we used a bar of Ivory soap.)

1/2 cup washing soda  (they don't have that here either.)

1/2 cup borax

Easy enough...

1. Melt all your ingredients in a pan in 3 cups of water over medium heat
2. Pour into bucket and add water to make 2.5 gallons.  Stir.
3. Let it sit overnight to thicken.
4. Stir.  Fill empty bottle half full with detergent and half full with water.
5. Shake bottle well before each use.
6. Use 1/2 cup per load.

Makes about 180 loads!!!!

I've used it for the last two weeks and it seems to be working great!