$28.00 For a Year of Clean Laundry!

Laundry soap...lasts a year.....$28.00?!?!

Yes please!!

Every frugal girls dream! I have learned in my frugal adventures that making things yourself is a great way to save money. Sometimes it takes more time because you don't just pick it off the shelf, but in my opinion, the benefits far outweigh any complaints... most of the time.

Now, I found this on Pinterest, of course, which linked to the blog, How Does She. (Super awesome site that you should check out for lots of D.I.Y projects!) The "year" is based on using 2 tablespoons of the powder and washing 6 loads of laundry a week. This is approx. how many loads I do for my family so, the year, should work out just fine for me. If you have a bigger family, the amount of time it lasts may be less but even $28.00 for 6 months of clean laundry would make me happy! 

Now, to the fun part.... making it happen! 

Here is what you will need:

1 (4 lb 12 oz) Box of Borax- Found in the detergent aisle

1 (3 lb 7 oz) Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda- Found in the detergent aisle

1 (3 lb) Container of OxyClean- Found in the detergent aisle.

2 (5.5oz) Bars of Fels-Naptha - Found in the detergent aisle (You can also use Zote soap which is what the site calls for but all I could find was the Fels-Naptha)

1 (4 lb) Box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda- Found in the detergent aisle (If the 4 oz is available. Otherwise, the smaller 2 lb can be found on the grocery section of the store.)

1-2 (55 oz) Bottle of Purex Crystals Fabric Softener- Found in the detergent aisle (I used only one to make this batch but I believe that I will be purchasing another one to add to the mix because i really LOVE smelly laundry!)

 Now, the hardest part of creating this would be grating the soap! I am lucky enough to have a food processor and this is what I used to save time. If you don't have one, no worries! Just use the fine side of the cheese grater and while you do it, remember that you will only have to do this once a year and you are saving LOTS of money!

 I know that as you look at this, you will wonder if it will dissolve in the water. I have found that in my washer, it goes great. I was worried myself. I wash on a medium filth level and there is no sign of the soap on the clothes at all. *Shoo*

Not super fine, still lumpy, but it works just fine.

 Hooray!!! The hard part is over! Now all you have to do it put it all together in your 5 gallon bucket. You could use something smaller if you like, it makes about 2 gallons I would say. (Do with my measuring guesses what you will!) The "recipe" I followed mixed everything in small intervals to make mixing easier. I decided to put it all in and then mix. I'm a rebel, I know. 

 

 OK, now you get the idea! :) It looks great in the pictures but I will tell you, do this in the garage or outside! It does get pretty dusty in the house and that's not something that you would want anyone breathing in! I learned my lesson for sure so now you don't have to! 

I attempted to stir with a wooden spoon but that was SO hard. It was like stirring hardening cement really! My momma taught me to "Work Smarter, Not Harder" so, I decided to just go all in and mix it with my hands, and arms lol. This worked very well. 

 After getting it all mixed up, I removed the paper from the Purex crystals and filled it up with the new mixture. I used the scoop that comes in the OxyClean container (which BTW, I saved because it is a great container for something I'm sure!)

On the Purex Crystals container lid, the middle mark is about 2 Tb. On my first load, I used a full lid because I was worried I guess. Came out smelling great and wicked clean. Even Brian's work pants, and those are not pretty! On the next load, (also had work pants in it), I used the 2 Tb mark. Guess what.... it smells and feels EXACTLY the same. So this tells me to use less and save more! Also, a side note, this detergent doesn't get soapy. So if you're like me, wanting to watch it all mix up, its not going to happen. I thought about it and nothing I used makes bubbles. The bar soap, but there isn't enough in just one load to soap like you might think it should.  (I wish I had a picture of my finished laundry bottle for you but my beautiful daughter got a hold of my camera...... need I say more?) 

All in all, I would have to say that I would recommend this to everyone I know, obviously! This is why I am here telling you about it! I really like the smell and how soft they feel. I will still use my dryer sheets of course but coupons help to aid in their cost!

Soooo....  get to the store and get your ingredients! I'm sure that you won't be disappointed and I know for a fact that your wallet will be happy! If you decide to make this, leave comments on what you think! Good or bad! People are different and we all know reviews help us make up our minds! Thanks so much for reading guys! Come back soon! Until then, <3 Frugaly Yours.