🧺 Year Supply of Homemade Laundry Detergent
DIY Bulk Project – Save Money, Reduce Waste!
🧺 A year's supply of homemade laundry detergent – ready to go!
📌 In This Article
🧺 The Laundry Detergent Story
"Not truly canning but…today I made our year supply of laundry detergent." 🧺✨
There's something deeply satisfying about making a year's supply of anything. Knowing that for the next 12 months, you won't need to buy laundry detergent – and that you made it yourself with natural, simple ingredients. This is the kind of project that saves money, reduces waste, and gives you complete control over what goes into your home.
Homemade laundry detergent is surprisingly easy to make, and it works just as well as store-bought – without all the harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. Plus, it costs a fraction of what you'd pay at the store.
💬 The satisfaction of self-sufficiency: "Not truly canning but…today I made our year supply of laundry detergent." – Sometimes the best projects aren't about canning, but about filling your pantry with things you made yourself.
🌟 Why Homemade Laundry Detergent is Better
- 🌿 Natural ingredients: No harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances
- 💰 Cost-effective: Pennies per load compared to store-bought
- ♻️ Zero waste: No plastic jugs to throw away
- 🎨 Customizable: Add your own essential oils for scent
- 🧺 Gentle on skin: Perfect for sensitive skin and babies
- 🏠 Self-sufficient: One less thing to buy at the store
📦 Ingredients
For a Year Supply (About 30-36 Cups):
- 🧼 4 bars Fels-Naptha soap – grated
- 🧂 4 cups Borax
- 🧂 4 cups Washing Soda
- 🌿 Optional: Essential oils – for fragrance
💡 Pro tip: "Fels-Naptha is the classic choice for homemade laundry soap – it's been trusted for generations."
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Grate the Soap
- Using a cheese grater or food processor, grate the Fels-Naptha bars into fine flakes.
- The finer the grate, the better it will dissolve in water.
💡 Pro tip: "A food processor makes quick work of grating the soap – just pulse until it's finely ground."
Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl or container, combine the grated soap, Borax, and washing soda.
- Stir thoroughly until well combined.
Step 3 – Add Essential Oils (Optional)
- If desired, add 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil.
- Lavender, lemon, tea tree, or orange are all great choices.
- Mix well to distribute the scent.
Step 4 – Store
- Transfer the laundry detergent to an airtight container.
- Label with the date and usage instructions.
💡 Pro tip: "Store in a dry place – moisture can cause clumping."
Step 5 – Usage
- Use 1-2 tablespoons per load of laundry.
- For heavily soiled clothes, use 2 tablespoons.
- For HE machines, 1 tablespoon is usually enough.
💰 Cost Savings
- 🏪 Store-bought detergent: ~$0.20-$0.40 per load
- 🏠 Homemade detergent: ~$0.03-$0.05 per load
- 💰 Savings: Up to 85% per load
- 📅 Year supply cost: ~$15-$20 for all ingredients
💡 Pro tip: "Buying ingredients in bulk makes it even cheaper – and you'll have enough for a full year."
🧊 Storage
- 📦 Airtight container: Essential for keeping moisture out
- 🌡️ Cool, dry place: Pantry or laundry room
- ⏱️ Shelf life: Up to 1 year
- 🏷️ Label: Include the date made and usage instructions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use a different soap?
Yes – Zote or Castile soap also work well. Fels-Naptha is the classic choice.
❓ Can I use this in HE machines?
Yes – just use 1 tablespoon per load.
❓ Why does my detergent clump?
Moisture got in – store in an airtight container.
❓ Can I add scent?
Yes – add essential oils to the mix.
❓ Is this safe for babies?
Yes – it's gentle and free of harsh chemicals.
❓ How much should I use?
1-2 tablespoons per load, depending on soil level.
❓ Can I make it liquid?
Yes – dissolve in hot water and add more water.
❓ Why don't my clothes smell scented?
This detergent is unscented – add essential oils or use scented dryer sheets.
❓ Can I use it for cloth diapers?
Yes – it's gentle and effective.
❓ Where do I find washing soda?
Most grocery stores carry it in the laundry aisle.
📄 Printable Recipe Card
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║ YEAR SUPPLY OF HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT ║
║ DIY Bulk Project – Save Money, Reduce Waste! ║
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YIELD: ~30-36 cups (1 year supply) | TIME: 1 hour
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 bars Fels-Naptha soap, grated
- 4 cups Borax
- 4 cups Washing Soda
- Essential oils (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Grate Fels-Naptha bars into fine flakes.
2. Combine grated soap, Borax, and washing soda.
3. Mix thoroughly.
4. Add essential oils if desired.
5. Store in an airtight container.
6. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load.
COST: ~$15-$20 for a year supply
SAVINGS: Up to 85% vs. store-bought
"Not truly canning but…today I made our year supply of laundry detergent." 🧺
© CanningRebels — Year Supply of Homemade Laundry Detergent | DIY Bulk Project
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