"Homemade" Recipes

I have to admit that I am really thrilled at the interest shown in the homemade laundry soap, oxy clean and fabric softener. I got several comments, e-mails and even one phone call (hey Estelle!!) about the 'recipes' I'm using.

I decided to post the recipes that I am using right now for these three things. I again also want to link you to Tip Nut and The Grocery Cart Challenge which is where I am getting the majority of these recipes. Believe me, I could not come up with this on my own!!!!

Here is what I am using:

Homemade Laundry Soap

1/3 bar Zote Soap*
1/2 cup Borax Powder*
1/2 cup Arm and Hammer Washing Soda*

Grate 1/3 bar of soap into a saucepan. Add 6 cups of water and heat until the soap melts.
Pour 4 cups of hot water into a large bucket. ( I use a five gallon bucket because I also double this recipe when I make it). Add the Borax powder, the washing soda and the soap mixture. Stir well. Add another 22 cups of water, stir well to combine. Let the soap cool for 15-24 hours. Mine looks like watery jelly and while you don't have to stir it again, I stir it every time I use it. (Could be my OCD driving me nuts!!)
I use about a half to three quarters of a cup, depending on the level of dirty I've got. Remember that you're not going to be seeing any suds (another thing I had to get past!)

* Most recipes call for Fels Naptha soap. I can't find that in my area so I use Zote which I am able to buy at Sav A Lot
* I find Borax powder at Wal Mart and most local grocery stores.
* In my area, I cannot find Washing Soda. I was able to order this direct from the company, Church & Dwight--1-800-524-1328. Give them the bar code # 33200-03020

Homemade Oxy Clean

1 cup water
1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
1/2 cup baking soda

Mix together and soak laundry in it for 20 minutes to overnight then wash as usual. You can also skip the water and pour the baking soda/peroxide mixture directly into the wash with your laundry soap and wash as usual.

Homemade Fabric Softener

2 cups water
1 cup vinegar
2/3 cup of any hair conditioner*

Mix in bottle (I use an old fabric softener bottle). Stir or gently swirl. DO NOT SHAKE or you are going to end up with foaming!!!
To use in the washer, I just pour in my Downy ball as usual. To use in the dryer, I keep a small bowl of softener and put a rag in it. Wring out the soaked rag and throw it in the dryer with your laundry.

* Look for hair conditioner that is on sale! It truly doesn't matter which kind you buy!!!

Hope this helps everyone and I'll be sharing more homemade recipes as I come across them!!!