Homemade Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent! Make this 5-gallon solution twice a year! This solutions totals at 6 PENCE per load! Check out my youtube for the full tutorial!
WHAT BAR SOAP CAN I USE?
If you are going to the trouble to making your own laundry detergent, you want it to be completely NON-toxic!
I use Kirks Bar soap, an easily sourced bar which is completely non toxic and affordable!
IS BORAX TOXIC?
Borax, is a naturally occurring mineral used for lots of things, which includes laundry detergent.
Borax should be handled with care, and always out of the reach from children and animals. Borax has a lox toxicity however it is advised to store it in a secure, labeled container with other cleaning products. If you choose to use borax for other purposes, follow specific instructions and care.
STORAGE?
The only storage advice to follow is that you need to store using an air tight container. This can be plastic or glass. I use a 5-gallon bucket to store my laundry detergent, and I make the solution twice a year. I pour smaller amounts of the solution into a smaller glass jar which I refill when needed.
THE COST BREAKDOWN:
3 Bars Kirks Soap: £9.79
Washing Soda: £8.23 (8 cups)
3 Pack Borax: £7.13 (6 cups)
£4.89 (1.5 soap bars) + £1.02 (1 Cup Soda) + £1.01 (1 cup Borax) = £7.01 (5 Gallons holding 256 loads)
5 Gallon Total £7.01 holding 256 (¼ cup) loads = 0.06p!!!
HOW TO MAKE Homemade Non Toxic Laundry Detergent {with video}
Equipment
- 5 Gallon Bucket
Materials
- 1½ Kirks Bar Soap
- 1 Cup Borax
- 1 Cup Super Washing Soda
- Handful of fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- OPTIONAL INFUSION: Boil the kettle and fill a glass jug with a handful of fresh herbs. Pour boiling water over (approx 300ml) and allow to steep for 10 minutes.
- Put a large pan of boiling water to boil.
- Grate 1.5 Kirks bar soap and add to your boiling pot. Stir until melted. Add in your infusion and allow to simmer.
- Fill a 5-gallon bucket halfway with hot water. Not boiling, but steaming.
- To your bucket, add 1 cup of Borax and 1 cup of washing soda and stir until dissolved.
- Pour the melted soap mixture into the 5-gallon bucket and continue stirring. Use a strainer to take out the fresh herb pieces.
- Continue to fill your 5-gallon bucket with hot water and stir.
- After 24 hours, your solution is ready to use. It will look cloudy and slightly jelly.
- Use ½ to ¼ cup per load and shake before use.