DIY Laundry Detergent

I've been wanting to try making laundry detergent for some time now, in hopes that we could save a little bit of money.  I did a search on pinterest and finally decided on these instructions from How Does She. So I went shopping and about $30 later (not counting the 6-pack of half gallon jars which was an additional $10) I got to putting together the detergent. I was really hoping to use Zote bars, but after looking at 6 different stores and not having any luck I just decided to go with Fels-Naptha. I'll definitely keep my eye out for the Zote in the future!  Also, I really wanted to use the gallon mason jars, but they were pretty spendy, and the whole point of this was to save a little money!  Plus I think the half-gallon jars will be easier to store on the higher shelves in our laundry room. 

DIY Detergent 

from How Does She 

1 (4 lb 12 oz) Box of Borax

1 (3 lb 7 oz) Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

1 (3 lb) Container of OxyClean

2 (14.1 oz) Bars of Zote Soap (You can also use Fels Naptha)

1 (4 lb) Box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

2 (28 oz) Bottle of Purex Crystals Fabric Softener (You could double for extra softener and scent)

I started off by shredding the Fels-Naptha. Next, I layered everything little by little in a lined 5-gallon bucket for easier mixing and stirred it up until it was all blended. This makes your house smell really good, by the way!  Then I just funneled into the jars until I ran out.

I ended up with 5 half gallon jars of detergent.  You use 1-2 tablespoons depending on how big your load is. I'll give an update in the future to see if this is cost effective!