DIY Liquid Laundry Soap: Effective, Easy, and Cheap.

Four boys produce endless amounts of dirty laundry. This is a fact I am slowly coming to terms with and I am finding new ways to make laundry day(s) more enjoyable. I started with my laundry room makeover and I love my laundry room now. I am always reminded to be grateful to have a place to tackle the (sometimes overwhelming) task of cleaning clothes and a door to hide the mess when I just don't have the time to get to it!

Laundry soap was another area I have been looking to change up; from buying store bought to making my own. I have tried a couple different recipes and after a few months of use I have found this one to be faithful and true. Not only is it super easy to make it, it is very cost effective and WORKS SO WELL!

I have tried it on my toughest jobs (like dried on blueberry stains!) and each time the boys clothes come out clean and fresh.

What you need:

• 3 Tbsps Borax
• 3 Tbsps Washing Soda
• 2 Tbsps Blue Dawn Dish Soap
• 2 Cups Hot Water
• One Gallon Container

Find a one-gallon container with a tight-fitting lid. I reused my store bought detergent dispenser and it works perfectly. Pour in the borax, washing soda and liquid Dawn. Add two cups of very hot water. Apply the lid and shake until the soda and borax have dissolved. Now fill the container the remainder of the way with cold water. That's it. You now have highly effective laundry detergent and you didn't have to grate/cook/blend or wait for anything.

This recipe multiplies well. I made 1.75 gallons (the size of the store bought detergent dispenser) using this conversion which is slightly more concentrated, so you can tweak it to your needs:

• 1/2 cup Borax
• 1/2 cup Washing Soda
• 1/2 cup Blue Dawn

I use the cup that came with my store bought detergent and fill it 3/4 full for most loads (it comes to approximately 1/2 cup). I also add 1-2 Tablespoons of Oxiclean to all my laundry. If I remember or happen to catch a stain I try to pretreat with Shout, but it doesn't always happen. I also use Cleaning Strength Vinegar in my rinse cycle. I add it directly to my fabric softener dispenser in my washer. This helps soften and prevent potential soap build up in the clothes.

As I go about detoxifying my home I am planning on making this recipe with Pure Castile soap in replace of the Dawn, but for now this works great and saves a lot of money!

Until Next Time, enjoy saving some time and money and getting clean clothes!

Sonja