Okay, so I went through a phase this winter where I was trying to be one of those crazy coupon ladies. You know that ones who have so many coupons that manage to get hundreds of dollars of groceries for $5? Well, it takes crazy good organization and tons of planning and time, all of which I’m short on. So, instead of spending 40 hours a week clipping coupons and looking for sales I’ve decided to try to save money another way.

As you may already know I have four boys who are very good at getting dirty, and a husband who is just as good at it. To say that I do a ton of laundry is an understatement. I also spend a ton of money on laundry detergent cleaning the ton of laundry. So, after seeing 10 different posts on Pinterest about making your own laundry detergent and how easy and how cheap it is, I decided to give it a try. It so far has lived up to its claims. I’ve even made my own special blend.

1 - box Borax

1 - box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

1 - 4lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

1 - 3lb tub of Oxy Clean

3 - bars Fels Naptha soap

1 – bottle Purex Complete Crystals

Grind Fels Naptha soap in a food processor or blender. Mix all ingredients into a large container. Use 1 Tbs. per load. You want to add the detergent directly to the clothes, not add it to the slot in the door. It absorbs better that way. I have a front load HE and this seems to work great in it. You don’t need to use as much detergent as with store bought detergents because it is more concentrated.

Making your own detergent is something you can do to save money and it’s green, because you’re not always buying a new plastic container every month. I bought a large glass jar at one of the local department stores and just store my detergent in that.

Joy Larson is a mother of four boys, graduate of The University of Montana, animal lover and writer.

 

 

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