Homemade Powdered Laundry Detergent!

I was looking for a better way to make laundry detergent, because they one I tried first, didn't seem to be getting the job done.  Then, one of my customers put all of these items up on the counter to check out. I knew instantly she was making homemade laundry detergent! She had some items up there I hadn't included in mine and knew it was a better recipe. She gave me the recipe and I made it up the next evening! So, here you go...

Homemade Powdered Laundry Detergent

4 lb 12 oz box of Borax
4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
3 lb 7 oz box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
2 bars of Fels-Naptha soap (or Zote)
3 lb container of Oxy Clean, or two of the smaller ones, to make about 3lbs
1 container Purex Crystals (you can use the Downy or Gain crystals if you prefer those)

You'll need a large container to mix and store it in, as well. I used a 5 gallon bucket and lid I got from the paint department at Wal-Mart.

Before you begin, you'll need to grate the bars of soap, with the fine side of the grater. Or you can use your food processor. Just make sure you run it through the dishwasher afterwards to get all of the soap residue off.  I read somewhere else, that you could put them in the microwave for 1 minute and they'll puff up like a big marshmallow (use a microwave safe plate or bowl). Let them cool completely, then you can just crush them easily into a powder with your hands. I haven't tried this, but I think I will the next time I need to make more detergent.

Pour a little of each ingredient into your storage container and mix well. It seems a bit easier to mix it a little at a time until you have it all added. You can re-purpose the Oxy Clean scoop or, you can re-purpose the Purex Crystals bottle like I did.  The cap has lines on it for small, medium and large loads when using the crystals.  For this detergent you only need to use 1-2 tablespoons, so use the first mark for small loads and the second for large loads.  I removed the label and used a permanent marker to mark the bottle "Laundry Soap, Use 1-2 Tablespoons per load as marked on cap".

You can use this in HE machines, but add it to the tub and not the dispenser. (That's what I'm reading everywhere!) This detergent doesn't created a lot of suds, so it's actually good for all types of washing machines. Low suds are easier on the machine's parts and hoses.

Let me know how you like it! I made this is less than a half an hour for around $20, depending on where you shop and if you have coupons. And! it will do approximately 250 loads of laundry. That's a LOT of savings!

This is what mine looked like after I put everything together.