🧺 12 Months of Laundry Soap
Just $20.25 — My Money-Saving Journey
🧺 Homemade laundry soap — 12 months for just $20.25!
📌 In This Article
🧺 My Homemade Laundry Soap Journey
"Just made my next 12 months worth of laundry soap for $20.25. I've been making it off and on for several years but my goal is to only use this in 2025. Such a money saver for me!" 🧺✨
I've been making my own laundry soap off and on for several years. But this year, I set a goal: only use homemade laundry soap in 2025. And today, I made my next 12 months worth for just $20.25!
Let me tell you — the savings are incredible. Store-bought laundry detergent is expensive, and most of what you're paying for is water and packaging. This homemade version is powder-based, concentrated, and ultra-effective. Plus, it's made with simple, natural ingredients that I feel good about using.
I use just over 2 tablespoons per load and do 2-3 loads per week. That's a tiny amount of soap for sparkling clean clothes! And the best part? My clothes come out just as clean as they did with commercial detergents.
💬 My 2025 goal: "I've been making it off and on for several years but my goal is to only use this in 2025." So far, so good — and my wallet is thanking me!
💰 Price Breakdown: $20.25 for 12 Months
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| 🧼 Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar | $1.98 |
| 🧂 Washing Soda | $3.48 |
| 🧂 Borax | $4.98 |
| 🫧 Baking Soda | $1.89 |
| Total | $12.33 |
| Plus: Container/Storage | $7.92 |
| Grand Total for 12 Months | $20.25 |
*Prices may vary by location and brand. Estimated based on current retail prices.
💡 How much do you save? The average family spends $100-$200 per year on laundry detergent. Making your own for just $20.25 saves you $80-$180 annually! That's money in your pocket.
📦 Ingredients
- 🧼 1 bar Fels-Naptha Laundry Soap (or Zote, or any pure laundry soap bar)
- 🧂 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
- 🧂 1 cup borax (sodium tetraborate)
- 🫧 ½ cup baking soda (optional, for extra whitening)
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Grate the Laundry Soap Bar
Use a fine grater or cheese grater to grate the entire bar of Fels-Naptha soap. You want fine flakes that will dissolve easily in your washing machine.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the grated soap, washing soda, borax, and baking soda. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Store Properly
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or glass jar. Store in a cool, dry place. This soap will last for up to 12 months.
Step 4: Use
Use 2 tablespoons (or slightly more) per load. For heavily soiled clothes, you can use up to 3 tablespoons. I do 2-3 loads per week, and it lasts me a full year!
💡 Pro Tip: For extra freshness, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the finished soap. Lavender, lemon, or tea tree oil add a lovely scent!
✨ Why This Recipe Works
Effective Cleaning
Fels-Naptha is a powerful grease cutter. Combined with washing soda and borax, it tackles dirt, stains, and odors effectively.
Incredible Value
At just $20.25 for an entire year, this is one of the most cost-effective ways to do laundry. You'll save hundreds of dollars!
Natural Ingredients
No harsh chemicals, no artificial fragrances, no unnecessary additives. Just simple, effective ingredients that get the job done.
🎨 Customize to Your Needs
- Add essential oils: Lavender, lemon, peppermint, or tea tree for natural fragrance.
- For sensitive skin: Use a milder soap like Kirk's Castile or Dr. Bronner's.
- For hard water: Add an extra ½ cup of washing soda to help soften the water.
- For whitening: Add ½ cup of baking soda or use oxygen bleach as a booster.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does homemade laundry soap work in HE machines?
Yes! Since it's a powder, it's perfectly safe for HE machines. Just make sure to use 2 tablespoons or less per load.
❓ Can I use this recipe with different soap bars?
Yes! Fels-Naptha, Zote, Kirk's Castile, or Dr. Bronner's all work well. Just make sure it's a pure soap, not a detergent.
❓ Will this work in cold water?
Yes, but the soap dissolves better in warm water. For cold washes, use a little more soap and dissolve it in a cup of warm water before adding.
❓ How much should I use per load?
I use just over 2 tablespoons per load. For heavily soiled clothes, you can use up to 3 tablespoons. Adjust to your needs!
❓ Can I make a liquid version of this soap?
Yes! Many people make liquid soap by dissolving the grated bar in hot water with the other ingredients. I prefer the powder because it takes up less space.
❓ Is this safe for septic systems?
Yes! The ingredients are septic-safe. Just use the recommended amount and don't overdo it.
My 2025 Challenge: Only Homemade Laundry Soap
I've been making it off and on for years, but 2025 is the year I'm fully committed. No more store-bought detergent. Just my $20.25 soap and clean clothes!
📄 Printable Recipe Card
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║ HOMEMADE LAUNDRY SOAP ║
║ 12 Months for Just $20.25 ║
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YIELD: ~12 months (2-3 loads/week)
COST: $20.25 total
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 bar Fels-Naptha soap
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax
- ½ cup baking soda (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Grate the laundry soap bar into fine flakes.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4. Store in an airtight container.
5. Use 2-3 Tbsp per load.
MONEY SAVINGS:
• Store-bought detergent: ~$150/year
• Homemade: $20.25/year
• Savings: ~$130/year!
PRO TIPS:
• Add essential oils for fragrance
• Use 3 Tbsp for heavily soiled clothes
• Works in HE and standard machines
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© CanningRebels — Homemade Laundry Soap | 12 Months for $20.25
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