A few weeks ago I made my own laundry detergent. I’d heard from friends that it works and is a great way to save money. After doing some research on-line, I decided to follow the Duggar family recipe. I’m pretty sure I’ve made a one years supply (5 gallons concentrated)!!!! This detergent works great and has a nice clean smell but is not overwhelming. I don’t use it on my cloth diapers because it has borax in it and CD experts don’t recommend it.
Laundry Detergent Ingredients:
- Borax
- Washing Soda
- Fels-Naptha Soap Bar
All of the above ingredients I found in the grocery store cleaning supply isle
- Water
- Lavender Essential Oil (optional)——-can be found at health food stores, Earth Fare, etc.
- 5 gallon bucket w/ lid—–can be found at Walmart in the trash can isle. It’s a little over 5 gallons but works.
- Empty detergent container (only need one and refill as needed)
Directions: http://www.duggarfamily.com/recipes.html
*****I put the bucket in my kitchen sink to fill with water and let it sit for a full 24 hours to gel.
All Purpose Household Cleaner Ingredients:
- 2 T Vinegar
- 1 t Borax
- 3 Drops dish detergent
- 10 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
- Hot water
- Empty spray bottle (reuse and empty cleaner bottle)
Directions: Mix all ingredients together in spray bottle with a little bit of hot water until dissolved and then fill top with hot water. Shake well and get cleaning!
Other uses for ingredients:
Vinegar
- Mix a small amount in warm water to mop wood floors
- Use as fabric softener in washing machine
- Pour in a glass and place in room/car/etc. to take out odors
- Mix a little in water to remove pet urine from carpet
- Use in rinse cycle of dishwasher
Lavender Oil or other scent of choice
- Mix in spray bottle w/ just water and spritz around the home for an air freshener. This will also add moisture in the winter.
I tried making dishwasher detergent but didn’t like the way it left my glasses with spots. I didn’t use the vinegar in the rinse cycle as recommended so that would have probably been better. I’ll try again and will post the recipe if it works.
Creative Handmade 
ooh…i may have to try some of these. that’s awesome about the laundry detergent…does it work pretty well?
It works great. I’ll give you some to try before you make it. I let Katie try some and she said it worked great an outfit w/ a blow out.
Oooh, i like this post! I have a whole entire book on homemade natural cleaners that I’ve had fun experimenting with. I’ve mostly made all purpose cleaner (I do this off and on) but have been curious about making things such as detergent. I will have to try this recipe!
I love your blog, by the way!
I’d love to know the name of your book. I’m convinced that we would be best friends if I knew you and we lived near each other. Maybe we’ll meet one day. I’m enjoying your blog too. Thanks Nancy.
I know-I’m convinced of the same thing! Maybe if we are ever in Knoxville we can all get together-I know Wes would love to see Chris.
The name of the book is “Better Basics for the Home” by Annie Berthold-Bond. It is like an encyclopedia of all sorts of homemade, non-toxic things…from home cleaners to bath products…anything you can think of.
I’m glad you posted this, because I haven’t made anything besides just vinegar/water spray for my wood floors and have been buying other cleaners from the store. But you’ve motivated me to make some more things to save money. I love how homemade cleaners are safe and don’t have all those harsh chemicals, which is nice for having babies around :).
Oh, and I’m glad you have enjoyed my blogs as well!
Thanks, Katie!
-Nancy
I know-I’m convinced of the same thing! Maybe if we are ever in Knoxville we can all get together-I know Wes would love to see Chris.
The name of the book is “Better Basics for the Home” by Annie Berthold-Bond. It is like an encyclopedia of all sorts of homemade, non-toxic things…from home cleaners to bath products…anything you can think of.
I’m glad you posted this, because I haven’t made anything lately besides just vinegar/water spray for my wood floors and have been buying other cleaners from the store. But you’ve motivated me to make some more things to save money. I love how homemade cleaners are safe and don’t have all those harsh chemicals, which is nice for having babies around :).
Oh, and I’m glad you have enjoyed my blogs as well!
Thanks, Katie!
-Nancy
Katie, You’re amazing…what more can I say? Can you come down here again and make these things for me?
I really do want to plan a trip to CLT. We’ll make it when I come.