Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Making Clothes Soap

Yesterday we made another batch of clothes soap, so we decided to take photos of the process and put it here. It is really easy and much more afforable than store bought soaps and much better for you.
Grate fels naptha laundry soap
Any borax will do, and super washing soda
Five gallon bucket
Melt the fels-naphtha laundry soap (2/3 of a bar) in 3 pints water on medium high heat, then add 1 cup borax and 1 cup super washing soda, stir thoroughly until all ingredients are dissolved, turn to medium heat and stir for 15 minutes, it will become the consistency of honey, then put 2 quarts hot water in the 5 gallon bucket and add the soap mixture, mix well, then add 11 quarts of cold water. Let stand for 24 hours before using. I stir it about once a week or so. (I have used it before the 24 hours and it worked fine.)

The finished product (four gallons). Use 1/2 cup in a regular washing machine and 1/4 cup in a front loader.

6 comments:

Becki said...

This may be a silly question, do you use separate pots and such that are only for the use of making this(non food items)? Or is it okay to use my everyday items? Paul and I were talking about me trying this awhile back and he was concerned about me using everyday(food prep) things to make it. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Becki,
That is not a silly question, it is a GREAT question. The only soap you need seperate pans for is lye soap. This is not a lye soap so I just use my everyday pans. I do have seperate pans for my lye soap though. I hope you give it a try it really is easy. If you want a different scent you can add essential oils to it.

Rachel said...

I had to laugh because when I read fels-naptha, I thought it was a typo, until I read it again and realized it was a product. LOL One day I hope to make my own laundry soap--at the rate I'm going, it will be when I learn to can and get a good veggie garden going. :-)

Becki said...

Thanks Lanita! I think I will give it a try. Just need to find a bucket with a lid. I have buckets but no lids! LOL

Miss Serenity said...

We use that same recipe for our laundry soap! I love the smell it gives the kitchen after making a batch. :)

Serenity

Anonymous said...

I love how it makes the clothes smell so clean. I also make fabric softner with vinegar, water and essential oils for scent. The clothes come out so clean and fresh smelling.