In the house of Camp Wander there's an on-going evolution of all things laundry. Pinterest is partly to blame, my sister is mostly to blame :) Jillee, of One Good Thing by Jillee, the queen of all things clean, tidy and super economical is a laundry savant. I've learned to accept and embrace it and, steal her stuff.
A few weeks ago, I walked into Jillee's laundry room. OH MY Holy Dryer Sheeeet!! Angels were perched on the appliances and a lilting scent was wafting from stacks of brilliant white stacks of folded laundry, not an armpit stain to be found! Her latest laundry creation was born and I was there to smell it! This is an actual photo of the actual jar of the actual laundry detergent that summons angels...really, it does!
A lofty claim! But it's great stuff and insanely economical so even if it didn't last a whole year, I'm in!
~ PROVISIONS ~
One of my favorite presentations for sharing (and it's likely you'll share too) are 1/2 gal mason jars. I found mine at Ace Hardware.
1 Box of Washing Soda
1 Box of Borax
3 Bars of Felsnaptha Soap
2 Tubs of Oxygenated Bleach
2 Cups Baking Soda
Grate soap in a food processor or blender w/ a little powdered bleach. Jillee's right...it helps the processing go a little smoother.
Now for the fun part!
Start dumping your boxes of ingredients and the processed soap into a very large tub and mix. I would suggest you do this outside because it's a dry mix. You'll have a bit of flyaway powder while mixing. I enlisted my favorite garden trug for the task!
Now you can fill those awesome jars with your ridiculously easy and affordable #1 Laundry Essential ~ the detergent.
Laundry Essential #2 is a new and exciting discovery for me! {Thanks to Lorrie on Camp Wander Facebook!}
How easy is this?
Purchase a one quart glass bottle of white vinegar, add 25 drops of doTERRA Lavender essential oil + 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol (for emulsion). You now have a quart of naturally softening fabric softener! Good for your skin, good for your appliance and good for the planet!
Pour 1/2 cup into the rinse cycle or into a fabric softener receptacle and start the wash cycle.
Laundry Essential #3 is easy, fun and practical. The Lavender Dryer Ball, is made with a pair of crew socks. You can find the directions {HERE}.
Did I mention what a great gift the Lavender Laundry Essentials make?
Give the gift that keeps on giving and ...
Whistle
While
You
Work!
Hello! Do you use BOTH the vinegar and Lavender in the wash and then the lavender ball in the dryer? or are those just two options. I've made the 1 year of laundry detergent with the purex crystals and i LOVE LOVE LOVE it. But I'm thinking of making another batch (winter is coming and we have very little income during the winter months so i like to stockpile what I can) and since I love lavender.. I was thinking of giving all this a try. Thanks for sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteYep...and I love it!
DeleteI have NEVER read a more frustrating recipe.....a box of this and box of that.....WHAT SIZE BOX? ....REALLY
DeleteI'm a huge fan of your sister too...I've been using this detergent for months now and I love it! I buy the large bag of swimming pool baking soda at Sam's(takes about eight cups for this recipe) I use some pink Zote soap for more color and I also add the Purex crystals. It's a lovely, fragrant mix. I use the fabric softener made from Suave conditioner, vinegar and water. I also soak wash cloths in the softener, hang them to dry, roll them up, put them in a repurposed baby wipe container and use them as dryer sheets. Don't you just love Pinterest?
ReplyDeleteI don't even dry the wash cloth fabric softener, I throw them in the dryer wet, with the clothes.
DeleteI like the wash cloth/liquid fabric softener idea, but I ruined some clothes tossing it in wet. Must let it dry, or it could leave "oily" stains on your clothing.
DeleteUm... this looks GREAT, and I really want to try it :) !!! I've never heard of Felsnaptha soap, (I'm Canadian, is it just an American brand?), does it have to be that kind of soap or can I use any bar soap? Also, what size boxes are we talking here? LOL, cant wait to make it! Will certainly try the softener too, I have those ingredients handy already. YAY!
ReplyDeleteYou can replace Felsnaptha with a bar soap such as Dr. Bonners, some people use Ivory. You can even substitute with soap flakes.
DeleteBorax 76 oz.
Washing Soda 55 oz.
Good luck!
i'm Canadian and they don't have it here in Canada..but they do have Sunlight soap bars that you can find in the laundry section at Superstore. I don't see Ivory in the laundry section. I bought Felanaptha soap across the border in the states and like the smell of it better than sunlight; that's just me.
DeleteThere is also Pink laundry bar called Zote. Is that in Canada?
DeleteI use Ivory bar soap or castile soap in my mix (and sometimes I'll get 1 bar of scented soap at Tuesday Morning when I mix this for my 90 year old mother). One tablespoon for top loading washers, one teaspoon for a front loader.
DeleteFor Canadian users- - - Yes, you can substitute Sunlight soap, or basically any other bar soap, but for the best cleaning factor, it is recommended to use Fels, Zote or Sunlight.
DeleteDr. Bronner's Lavender Castile Soap bars worked wonderfully. I've been using my mixture for about a month now, no complaints. And they go right along with the lavender theme...
DeleteYou can also order it from True Value hardware stores online and pick it up in the store or have it delivered. I ordered mine from true value and it was $1.49 a bar and was shipped directly to the store by my house. My clothes smell so fresh and clean between the laundry soap and the fabric softner!
DeleteHow much is 2 Tubs of Oxygenated Bleach?
ReplyDeleteI paid $3 ea. at my local market...store brand!
DeleteIs oxygenated bleach the same as OxyClean?
DeleteYes it is.
Deletehow much of oxygenated bleach? I see several sizes at store. So total pounds or ounces needed for recipe???
DeleteThanks.
How much of the Oxygenated bleach? pounds?
DeleteThe picture above shows 56oz.
DeleteI have never made detergent before. When putting into wash is it the same measurement or do you use less....more?
ReplyDeleteI use 1 1/2 tsp to 2 tsp a load
DeleteOk, semi dumb question.....what is washing soda and what brand do I look for?
ReplyDeleteJulie
www.raisingthreeknightsandaprincess.com
washing soda is similar to baking soda, Arm & Hammer make it and have a find it part of their web site to locate it. looks similar to the big boxes of baking soda, which my local Walmart keeps in the laundry section, good luck
DeleteWashing soda is sodium carbonate; baking soda is sodium bicarbonate--a different chemical compound with different properties and the two are not interchangeable. Washing soda is usually found on the detergent aisle (top shelf).
DeleteYou can make washing soda "sodium carbonate" from baking soda. Its much cheaper, and we also use it for our pool. Bake the baking soda in the oven for about 25 minutes. Stir it several times during that time. It releases the carbon dioxide from the baking soda. Walla, sodium carbonate! You should see and feel a bit of a difference between the two. We also use it in my science classroom :-)
DeleteI am using this laundry detergent from Jillee's blog and I really love it! I didn't use the Purex Crystals. I use the Unstoppables in it instead. Great!
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I have ever seen the softener that you use. Looks interesting!
Thanks for telling us about these! I am gonna get some of those 1/2 gallon jars. My detergent is in ziploc bags right now! :)
Awesome...have fun!
DeleteI would love to make my own washing powder, but am concerned about the impact it will have on my clothes. Will I have to worry about fading or pilling? Is it safe for delicates?
ReplyDeleteIve had good experiences with DIY detergent and bad experiences...but this one I love!
DeleteTrying to pin this on Pintrest - no luck! Did I miss something? BTW - I've used this recipe for years and it's wonderful. I substitute my own hand crafted soap for the Fels Naptha. Yummy stuff
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing this to my attention BarbaraG...working on the link right now :)
DeleteIs this safe for high efficiency washers?
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteHow much did you use per load for HE?
DeleteJust the question I needed to have answered! Do a search for HE Machine and you will find the post where she answers this :)
DeleteI tried the HE search but couldn't find anything on it :(
DeleteAnyone use this in a front loading HE? I really want to try it but we've only used liquid detergent in it!
Oxygenated bleach? Yikes....does it fade/damage dark colors? Hope not cuz i really really wanna try this. Thnx :-)
ReplyDeleteI've used it for years! Just wash your darks in cold water and you're fine.
DeleteSo The Oxygenated Bleach, It Doesn't Mess Up Colors?
DeleteOk, one more time......what is washing soda? and where do you get it?
ReplyDeleteOxygenated bleach? does that have a brand name?
thanks....
julie
Sorry Julie, here's a late answer to your questions!
DeleteArm and Hammer Washing Soda, I found it at Smith's Market...a chain grocery. I've also seen it at Ace Hardware, it's pretty common.
Oxygenated bleach brand name would be OxyClean. Waaaaay too pricey! Just buy a store brand or the Dollar Store.
There you go!
Do you ever use the Dollar Tree "Awesome Oxygen" instead of olyclean? I've made my own laundry soap with this similar recipe (though I don't use baking soda because I read somewhere that it makes the washing soda not work?) but oxyclean is so expensive. I just wondered if Awesome Oxygen was too strong for clothes or ?
DeleteThanks so much Rebecca! I can't wait to try this!
ReplyDeleteJulie
I am SOOOOOO excited to try this! Is it ok for kids clothes?
ReplyDeleteYes, unless there is some unknown allergy. We haven't had any problems at all!
DeleteOne of the benefits of the vinegar/softener in the rinse is that it cuts any soap residue...so actually it works wonderfully for sensitive skin.
DeleteAwesome :) I'm actually buying everything today to make it since luckily we are getting low on our detergent. The only problem I'm running into is that I don't have a food processor. But I'm sure I can make it work :)
DeleteYou can use a grater or even a blender...enjoy!
DeleteSomeone said 1/2 cup...isn't it supposed to be 1 tbsp? And 2 tbsp for extra dirty clothes?
ReplyDeleteI am also Canadian and have had good luck finding ingredients at health food stores...even soap flakes! Does anyone know if the laundry soap is safe for front load washers High Efficenty (HP) machines?
ReplyDeleteHow much of the laundry soap do I put into my machine? Made this yesterday.
ReplyDelete2 heaping tablespoons :)
Delete2 heaping tablespoons for HE washers?
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this recipe and have been using it for months now...never going back. Although this one is lightly different than mine. I am intrigued and going to try it. I would like to add the Purex Crystals though. I can't find how much to add though. Do you know how much to add?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Yes, the original recipe calls for one bottle of Purex Crystals.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI hope this isn't a repeat question, but I didnt see this info - how many 1/2 gal jars would you be able to fill with the laundry powder recipe? I see 6 in the photo, but want to make sure I have enough jars...
ReplyDeleteApproximately 5 jars...1/2 gal size. Less if you don't add the Purex Crystals. 6 jars will be plenty!
DeleteLavender (and also vanilla) are migraine triggers for us. Could you suggest a different essential oil?
ReplyDeleteBergamot or Wild Orange would be nice!
DeleteWhere would you buy the essential oil for the fabric softner?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteAshley, It looks like she has a link on the top right side of the page.
DeleteThanks Amy.
DeleteI was wondering something. If you use oxygenated bleach does that not act like bleach and bleach clothes?
ReplyDeleteAutumn, it acts as a brightener and stain lifter. If you're nervous about your darks, try a test wash and be sure to use cold water.
ReplyDeleteIs there lavender in the laundry soap? Did I miss it?
ReplyDeleteNo, I think that post was referring to the fabric softener...which smells wonderful!!
DeleteI was wondering what size/how much oxygenated bleach to use? I don't want to add too much!!
ReplyDeleteMe too. How much is one tub? Several sizes are at the store. So how many ounces or pounds are required for recipe? Thanks.
Deletethe picture above shows 56oz.
DeleteIs this only for whites or for colors too?
ReplyDeleteI use mine for colors too!
DeleteAfter reading all the questions I still don't see how much Oxygenated bleach. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIn the picture above the tub looked like 56 oz.
DeleteHi there! 2 tubs ~ at 56 oz.
DeleteI am so excited to make this! Thanks for the recipe :)
ReplyDeleteHow much of the softener would you put in a load and would you add it during the rinse cycle or could you use a Downy ball for dispersal?
ReplyDeleteI fill up my Downy ball half way for a full load of laundry!
DeleteWould this be sage to use with cloth diapers? I have made my daughter some aio snap diapers and don't want to make this and ruin her diapers. I will defiantly try it on my clothes though!
ReplyDeleteDoes the addition of bleach cause a fowl reaction with any of the ingredients. Just wondering because I have a stack of sheets that smelled terrible even after several washings, and I believe it was the addition of bleach and possibly Oxyclean to the wash that caused it.
ReplyDeleteYou mention bleach AND Oxyclean? Can you elaborate on this? The formula calls for oxygenated bleach only and after months of using this formula...I've never had an odor issue.
DeleteHi how much of the soap would you use for a regular load of laundry? I believe someone else also asked how much for a front loader HE washer. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteDepending on the state of the dirty laundry...if it's extreme ~ 1/2 C. If it's just normal everyday dirty ~ generous 1/4 C. Absolutely fine for HE washers, it isn't sudsy :))
DeleteJust to clarify, it really isn't sudsy? I would definitely have expected suds with soap flakes being part of the recipe. I would love to try this but I'm nervous I'll ruin my HE machine.
DeleteIt really IS NOT sudsy. It's your call on using with your HE machine...all I can say is thousands of people are using this which was first introduced by One Good Thing by Jillee (my sister).
DeleteHow much of the bleach? it says 2 tubs but they come in different sizes
ReplyDeleteI'm confused. You mentioned 1-2 Tbsp, then 1/4-1/2 cup laundry soap. Other recipes say 1-2Tbsps. What amount do I use?
ReplyDeleteJohanna, you'll get a feel for your own laundry, washer etc. Use it a few times and be the judge for yourself :))
DeleteThank you :-) I'm very excited to try this.
DeleteI follow your recipe for laundry detergent but in cold water the soap didn't dissolve. What you suggest me?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Katerina
Usually if that happens Katerina, the soap pieces are too large. Next time, try to get them a little smaller. But, in the meantime...you can add your measured laundry soap to a cup of HOT water before adding to your Cold Water laundry load. This will give the soap a chance to soften first.
DeleteI am definitely making this! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGoing to try this, I've been making smaller batches of a different recipe for laundry soap for a while, this is basicly the same, only...if you are using washing soda, why do you need to add baking soda also? Just curious. Oh, and for those looking for where to buy- I get the Zote soap from my local 99 cent store, and the other items from my local Ralph's grocery store(Calif.)I also have an old kitty litter "jug", that I cleaned out and store my laundry soap in it. Hope that helps =)
ReplyDeleteI Love lavender but sometimes want something a little different, can you also use a different fragrance with this recipe?
ReplyDeleteI have a front loader. will it be ok to use in it. apparently you are suppose to use detergent made just for them??
ReplyDeleteLike Cher I am a bit concerned about doing this for a front loading machine with HE (low water) loading. The soap dispenser in it is really for liquid soaps. Any ideas? Also allergic to Borax, any alternatives? Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteHi, when washing whites with this home made detergent is it ok to add liquid bleach?
ReplyDeleteWith all of the oxygenated bleach in this formula I don't think liquid bleach is necessary...just let the load soak for 30 minutes for extra brightening.
DeleteNO do not add bleach when using oxi clean! Bleach is bad for you anyway!
Deletehow much do i use per load?
ReplyDeleteThis varies. If I have a really dirty load, I add approximately 1/4 cup. I have that if the load is light and not too dirty.
DeleteMade this today! Thank you so much!!! Love it!
ReplyDeleteIm allergic to arm & hammer laundry soap. Will a&h washing soda cause a reaction?
ReplyDeleteJenni, you can make your own Washing Soda by simply baking BAKING SODA on a cookie for an hour at 400 degrees :)) One ingredient!
DeleteJust out of curiosity, could the tubs of oxygenated bleach just be left out altogether? I know the clothes wouldn't get as bright, but could it be added as needed to individual loads? I can't wait try the softener and lavender balls! Thank you for a great post! :)
ReplyDeleteMy recipe is simpler and works great. I use a coffee measuring scoop as it is two tablespoons. I have a front load HE washer. 6 cups borax, 4 cups washing soda, 4 cups baking soda, and one and one-half bars fels naptha soap. Laundry very clean and smells great for less than four cents a load. adding oxygen bleach and purex perfume beads just drives up the cost.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Mrs. Rebecca. Just made my first batch. Can't wait to try it. But it only came out to 7 1/2 quarts. Is it only a total of 56 oz oxygenated bleach and 2 cups if baking soda? Those are the only two items I had a question about. It smells awesome!! Thanks
ReplyDeleteThis is probably a dumb question but will the bleach damage any of my colors? I've always had terrible experiences with anything that had the name of bleach on it, lost a many many favorite shirts so I'm a no bleach what-so-ever kind of girl.
ReplyDeleteKendra, you might want to wash your darks in something else then. I do on occasion, depending on the items :)
Deleteoxi clean is NOT chlorine" bleach, it is color safe
DeleteI recycle my oxyclean tub(I use the 56 oz Sun Brand oxygen cleaner) and my Purex crystals bottles. I fill the tub up with soap to sit out on my dryer, and I store the rest! I use the Purex crystals scoops for perfect measurement, and store some in the bottles for a quick refill when I need it! Just an idea for those who are environmentally friendly and don't want to throw out the plastic :)
ReplyDeletewhat kind of powdered bleach do you get..
ReplyDeleteThe cheapest brand of oxygenated powdered bleach you can find!
DeleteMade this today, now I can't wait to do laundry...not sure I've EVER SAID THAT!!! Thanks so much.. I've now make 11-1 Qrt Mother's Day Gifts!!!
ReplyDeleteFor smaller batches whaddayathink.... I currently use 1 c washing soda, 1c borax, 1 bar Fels Naptha. My whites are dingy. I was thinking of adding 1 cup Oxygenated bleach and one baking soda to the mix
ReplyDeleteThe oxygenated bleach is very "green" and, will whiten those dingys!
DeleteCan't wait to try this! I've been doing my own thing ...probably wasting a lot. Thank you so much for your blogs!
ReplyDeletePlease tell me where you are getting everything for $30. I just tried on Amazon, I am located in a rural area so takes about 30-40 mins to get to places, and the total was about 80.....Please let me know. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI found everything at Walmart. In the washing area. I spent less than 30 - much less I think. I would have to add it up to be sure. It might be a drive, but the next time you drive by a Walmart remember this recipe!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone used this mix on a front loader or is it safe to use in a High Efficiency washer (HE)?
ReplyDeleteIs there a liquid version? I am a bit scared to use in my Meile HE washer....Has anyone else done this?
ReplyDeleteI have a liquid version somewhat like this that I have been using for a couple of years now:
Delete4 cups hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha Soap bar
1 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing soda
1/2 cup Borax
- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
- Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
- Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)
Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled.
Yield: recipe makes 10 gallons
Top Load Machine: 5/8 cup per load
Front Load Machine: 1/4 cup per load
I use more than 1/4 cup in my front loading machine for large or heavily soiled loads. I also usually add oxygenated bleach separately, because I don't think the laundry soap alone gets my clothes as clean as I'd like. I'm interested to try this dry version and see if I like it any better!
Do you have a problem with soap residue on clothes or the mixture causing itchy skin. I used this recipe for about 6 months and had to dump the rest because of these issues.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteis the oxygenated bleach color safe?
ReplyDeleteYes it is.
DeleteCan you leave out the baking soda, or is it totally necessary? I Forgot to add it in and just wanted to see if I need to dump all of them out and add it in.
ReplyDeleteSarah, the WASHING soda is important :))
DeleteI've read all the comments/questions and my question is does the Washing Soda and Borax come in one sized box? If not, what size box is used? If it does, then duh on me lol I've been wanting to try a more natural laundry detergent after watching Hungry For Change, actually I'd like to change to using all-natural-as-much-as-possible for what I use in life.
ReplyDeleteHere, in my world...Borax and Washing Soda come in one size only. Good for you for embracing a greener way!
DeleteFri is when we bought all the supplies and put it together! Needless to say shredding the soap was kind of a pain in the butt :/ And we only have 2 gallons worth, not nearly enough for an entire year-it's only my husband and I-but I did mark it on the calendar when we started using it to see how long it lasts. It's gotta last longer then the Tide we buy! We both do wish there was a powder form of the soap, or some kind of soap like it, instead of chopping it in a chopper
DeleteAnd for those who live in a country that doesn't carry some of these items, I found all 3-Washing Soda, Borax and Fels-naptha Soap (3)-on Amazon, all wrapped up in a pretty bow together for $39.99 :o)
ReplyDeleteExcellent! Thank you :))
DeleteIf I am making the liquid version, can I still use the oxygenated bleach in he liquid?
ReplyDeleteYou could experiment with that Sherri or, just throw in a scoop of the dry bleach before starting the wash cycle :))
DeleteYour title says 3 Lavender Laundry Essentials, but I don't see any lavender in the detergent recipe. Is the Fels Naptha lavender scented? Or was that a mistake in the recipe or in the title as to the detergent being lavender scented? My washing machine doesn't have a softener dispenser, and I have never used a Downy Ball before. Do you add the Downy Ball at the beginning of the wash or do you have to wait for the rinse cycle? Looking forward to making this, thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Heather! Lavender isn't added to the laundry soap because the best scenting opportunity comes at the end of the cycle, in the softener that's released and, in the dryer :))
DeleteMy machine doesn't have a softener dispenser either, I've been using a "downy" ball for years...it's awesome! I add the ball with softener at the beginning of the wash cycle unless, I'm going to let the load soak overnight (my white towels and washcloths)....I'll throw in the ball when I start the machine again. No fuss :))
I have a question about the bar soap.. Can you use anything or should it be a laundry bar soap? Im not sure if you can use soap like you would in the shower? or would it build up? or whats the difference? thanks!
ReplyDeleteMake sure the bar of soap you choose is a hard soap with simple ingredients like fels naptha or Dr. Bonners - Dove or Irish Spring could be a problem :))
Deleteok so try avoiding soaps with words I cant pronounce? haha
DeleteWhat is the measurement for the Purex Softening Crystals?
ReplyDeleteIs there a substitute for the oxygenated bleach thar for sure won't harm clothes? My husband and I are very cautious when UT comes to washing clothes. If you could email me the answer: southernbelle04132@gmail.com thanks
ReplyDeleteIs this safe to use on infant/toddler's clothes?
ReplyDeleteYes, the ingredients are simple and natural...no dyes, artificial scents or chemicals :))
Delete