DIY Laundry Soap: Powder

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Do you realize the cost of doing your laundry these days? I have been using coupons and paying less for commercial laundry detergent for years, but it was still alot of money going down the drain, literally.
I started looking and checking out recipes over a year ago and have found a few to try. This one I am currently using and love it.

This recipe is so Easy, FAST and Frugal! My 3 favourite words.

I searched many online recipes and this is the one I like the most so far.
What you will need:
  • 1 bar Sunlight Soap (more if desired, 1 is good for HE machines)
  • 2 Cups Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (NOT Baking Soda)
  • 2 Cups Borax
  • 1 container of OxiClean
  • Container with lid to hold 8 cups +
  • Grater
  • large bowl or bucket
  • large spoon to mix

1. Grate the bar of soap (or use food processor). Place in bowl or bucket.
2. ADD Washing Soda, Borax and OxiClean.
3. Mix well and pour into container to store.

Use 1 Tbsp per load. This recipe will yield approx. 125 loads of laundry.

COST BREAK DOWN:
Sunlight soap 2pk $1.99 (used 1 bar) = $1
A&H Washing Soda $3.99 (used approx. 1/8 of box) = $0.50
Borax $5.58 (used approx. 1/6 of box) = $0.93
Oxi Clean $4.99 – $2 coupon = $2.99
TOTAL COST 125 loads: $5.42

Works out to $0.04 per load!

Let’s put this into perspective:
If you are doing 5 loads of laundry a week = 260 loads per year.
At $0.04 per load = ONLY $10.40 per year!!!
 
Let’s DOUBLE the loads to 10/week = $20.80 per year
Let’s say using coupons and sales, you can get your favourite laundry detergent for
$2 / 32 loads = $0.06 per load
260 lds = $15.60
520 lds = $31.20
If you do not use coupons you could be paying much more.
Regular Retail (Walmart’s current price)
  • Arm & Hammer 140 load = $13.97 = $0.10/ld ($26 for 260 ld/ per year)
  • Tide 96 loads = $19.94 =$0.21/ld  ($54 for 260 ld/ per year)

If you choose make this without the OxiClean, it works out to only $0.02 per load. I prefer the OxiClean as I usually add it to my laundry anyway.
Some recipes also include Downy UNstopables or other scent boosters. This is completely up to you.

** TIP: Add Vinegar to your rinse cycle for softer laundry.

If you give this a try, be sure to share your thoughts. I am also making a batch of liquid detergent and will let you know how that works out too.

Enjoy and Happy Saving!
~ Ruth Ann

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