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Thursday, December 12, 2013

A Year's Worth of Laundry Soap (Let's Review)

Last September, I made up a batch of laundry detergent. The original poster of the recipe claimed that this should last about one year.


And, I am here to report...It did! For our family, it lasted for 15 months.


I have used this on all of our clothes. Our whites have stayed white. Our clothes smell great. And I even use it on Hudson's laundry.

Some have asked if it can be used in HE appliances. I am happy to report, it can. Since I add the Purex Crystals, my HE washer suggested putting the scoop of powder into the drum of my top-load washer before adding the clothes. Up to this point, I have not had any issues.


Since my jar was nearing the bottom, I purchased the same ingredients I used last time. You can find them all on the laundry detergent isle at Walmart.


For less than $30, we will have detergent for another year.  We use 2 tablespoons per load. The OxyClean bucket came with a scoop that is the right measurement.

Instead of grating my soap bars, I once again used the microwave method. I cut the bars into large chucks and put a bar's worth on a microwave safe plate. After heating the soap for 2.5 minutes, it puffed up. Once the chunks had cooled, I was able to easily crumble the soap into a powder.


After mixing the ingredients in a five gallon bucket, I then transferred the powder into my 2 Gallon glass jar. It will hold the entire recipe.


The smell that comes from a fresh mixed batch of this powder is pretty great, as well. 

Have any of you tried this method? I can't beat the price! Please let me know if you have any questions - I will do my best to give an honest assessment. 

11 comments:

  1. I was totally looking for this recipe! I've made a different one but, wanted to try this one. I had the picture in my mind and couldn't remember where I saw it! It was YOU! :) Thanks!!

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    1. We really love it. You'll have to let me know what you think!

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  2. Do you still use fabric softener as well?

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    1. I use dryer sheets, but no additional fabric softener

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  3. Just made my first batch. The smell is a bit strong when mixing - people with asthma, odor sensitivities, or dust sensitivities should wear a mask when mixing. Also wish I had worn gloves. It was a bit rough on my hands. I've got my 3rd load in the wash now. The sheets came out smelling wonderful! I'll be interested in seeing how the scent ages. I can't imagine it will be as noticeable in a year. I got 21.5 quarts from this recipe, at 2 T for each load - that's 688 loads for around $30. Not bad at all. I did like that Purex crystals come in several different scents so you can pick one you like.

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  4. Do you ever have trouble with the powder not dissolving during the wash cycle and leaving residue on your clothes?

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    1. No. I put the powder in the drum first, before adding clothes. My machine is an HE. I do not put it in the detergent dispenser on the machine.

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    2. Ok, thanks. Will any temperature of water work?

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    3. I've seen no difference with different temps. I only use 2 tbsp/load. Make sure the bar soap is really broken up. I could see that having a hard time dissolving if the pieces were too large.

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  5. I am a housewife and i have also 2 child. They are school student. Every day i wash my child's and husband's clothes. I use to my washing machine smelling laundry detergent powder. It is very smoothly and easy to use for your fabric. Thanks for sharing this post.

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