Monday, June 20, 2011

homemade

We made and used the homemade liquid laundry detergent for about a year. This time I’m going with the powdered version. It’s easier, less messy, and if I might add… cuter to display. Will this cute factor make laundry any more enjoyable? Doubt it. But it’s worth a try, huh?

laun_soap1
laun_soap2
I made a sheet of labels, sealed them and glittered them (yah.. you’re right.. glitter was probably a bit much but I like it). Now I’ll have cute labels at the ready when I need a quick little gift to give. Laundry soap for a gift? Why, of course!

“homemade clothes soap ~ 1 Tbsp per Load, 2 Tbsp per Extra-Grungy Load”
label1

Here’s the recipe I used:

Powdered Laundry Detergent—

1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
1 grated bar of laundry soap, such as Fels Naptha or Pink Zote
5-10 drops of essential oil (I used grapefruit essential oil, and it smells just yum)

Just mix it all up with a big spoon, deposit it all in a pretty jar.. and there ya have it. Your own lovely mix of laundry detergent, and the added bonus is it’s much cheaper than buying anything ready-made. Use 1 tablespoon for each regular load, and 2 tablespoons for extra dirty or extra large loads.

Also, I doubled the recipe and grated one bar each of Fels Naptha and Pink Zote. I found Pink Zote at a local Latin Market. Makes for a pretty mix! I also added a 2 Tbsp coffee scoop.

**Updated to Answer some Questions about HE machines. I do not have one - mine is "old school" (but yet, not the washboard in the pic.. hehe). I've done a little research just now and I see this recipe seems to be fine for HE machines also -- due to the low sudsing effect. I also read where some people use this product monthly in their HE machine, no matter what detergent is used (to clean out any remnants of detergent & be on the safe side).

Next up, baby gifts! I’ve been making these little appliquéd Onesies for little boy gifts.

onesie1

So easy! I’ll direct you to a fantastic tutorial at Crap I’ve Made blog. She has definitely covered all the bases. I’ve also used some camo fabric, and I do have some rockin’ guitar fabric to try next. Soon I hope to try out some baby girl onesie ideas (I think they should include lots of ruffles).

So many homemade ideas, so little time & energy. But I’m workin’ on it!

sig3

27 comments:

Elle Bee said...

Oh I love the gift idea! And I totally think the glitter was right on the mark! :o) Where did you find essential oil? I have all the ingredients except for that.

Jackie said...

Tammy, I'm so excited to try this. I've been totally intimidated to try the liquid version but I think I can handle this and my dungeon laundry room could stand a little cuteness. I'm also wondering about the essential oil...where did you find it?

Stay Cool!
Jackie

Leah said...

Great idea - wonder about HE machines.... thanks for the idea on the "Crap I've Made" blog - can't wait to check it out!

libbyquilter said...

love the idea of homemade laundry soup (uh, i mean soap~!) and will have to give it a try.

cute little onsie idea. can hardly wait to see the girly version.

:-)
libbyQ

Janet @ My Miniature Donkeys said...

Yes, Tammy, I'm also wondering about HE machines -- is yours one?

Jenny said...

Tammy. I see others wondered about the HE machines as well. Love the use of the pink Zote in there. I always see that at our store. And grapefruit scented?

Wow. It would make doing laundry almost a pleasure.

Almost.

Rita said...

That will most definitely make laundry more fun!! You betcha!! :):) Cute Onesie, too!

Blondee said...

Oh, I love my powder detergent over the liquid anyday. It's easy to store and isn't the gluey mess that the homemade liquid can be. I love your labels! The glitter is perfect! lol

Gone Country said...

I actually enjoy doing laundry and your homemade soap would make it even better! I'm going to give it a try! Love the gift idea too!

Also like the cute onesie ideas you have!

You're so creative!

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

We have a HE machine and I think I might just make this laundry soap. It is so pretty and the grapefruit oil seems like it would scent the laundry nicely. Thanks this is going to be fun!!!

mountain mama said...

i love to make that recipe too but it's sure not as cute as yours!!! =)

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

I had to quit using the homemade liquid in my HE washer, thing just weren't coming clean. There goes my life savings now buying store stuff.

Wednesday is still free here!!!

Melinda said...

The glitter adds pizzazz (sp?) to it!
May have to try this but i still don't think I'd enjoy doing laundry any more than I do.
Love the onesie. too cute.

Melinda

Ironstone and Pine said...

wow, I love this! it's so pretty in the jar too.....I cringe everytime i buy regular detergent but have been using borax and baking soda for a boost, i think im just going to start using your recipie, better for the earth too!!

Unknown said...

I've been collecting these recipes for a few months, now to pick one and go for it! :)

Thistle Cove Farm said...

I need to make some detergent; just one more thing on a very long to-do list! -grin-

McVal said...

LOVE the idea of using colored soaps in the detergent! Wonderful! And I am so going to make these for gifts too.

Anonymous said...

You never cease to amaze me, Tammy! You're awesome. :) I love your header!!!

Unknown said...

I love your idea of color soaps. I think I’m going to try and make this. Sounds very easy and comes out beautiful.

—cindy

Catherine said...

It's a lovely idea!

Linda Stubbs said...

He sweetie farmgirl friend, I sure am lovin being HOME! Oh my love it! Had to come over and say hello......been awhile. Thought about you yesterday......so here I am today. I have wanted to try some of this homemade soap.......guess if you can do it........so can I. I will let you know how I do.

Your little onsie is soooooo cute!
Well I need to go out and check on the baby chicks. I got 16 little banties. Hope I got at least one girl and one boy. I bought them in 3's. Turned them upside down by there feet when I got them......seems like I did......we will see.
Hugs, Linda

Victoria said...

Thank you for this recipe. This is the first time I've been inspired to make my own homemade laundry soap because of your pretty version of it.

Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm said...

Lovin that onesie. So adorable!

Karen said...

I would love to receive this for a gift! I've seen recipes like this before, but never with the essential oil. I like that idea.

Unknown said...

Yep, I've been using homemade powder in my HE machine for over a year and nary a problem. Love it AND it's so quick to make.

Love your labels!!

~Andrea

GardenOfDaisies said...

The pink makes it sooo pretty! And i love grapefruit scent!

Gwenieann said...

I am going to search through my stash of jars and make a batch or 2 of the soap. Thanks for sharing the recipe with us. Also the Onsie is ADORABLE. I have a friend who is is expecting twins and I am anxious to see what you come up with for the girls ideas. Apparently one of the twins is a boy and one a girl.

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