I have had several folks ask how we make our laundry soap. While there are tons of recipes out there, I chose to make powdered laundry soap for the ease of preparation. I usually stock up on the supplies for making it because, for whatever reason, I can’’t find one grocery store that carries all the supplies. I have to go to a couple of different stores to find these everyday supplies.

Ingredients:
2 – 14oz bars Zote soap (or other laundry soap)
6 cups washing soda
4 cups borax
4 cups baking soda

The first thing that needs to be done is that the Zote soap needs to be made into small pieces. At first we used a cheese shredder and did it by hand, but then a light went on and I dug out an old food processor. This makes short work of the shredding process. I cut the soap into pieces small enough to fit into the chute.

First shred the soap,

Then I switch to the processor blade,

And run the shredded soap through again until I the soap is all crumbly and small.

Next I combine everything. I usually mix up half the ingredients in the container by adding the ingredients to a bucket with a lid and shaking it up. Then I add the rest of the ingredients and mix again.

To use, I start the washer, then add ¼ a cup of the soap, then the clothes (I always do large batches). This recipe batch of soap does 52 batches. I did a cost breakdown, and at the prices I paid for the ingredients, it averages out to .12 a batch.

These ingredients are also good for your septic system because there is no detergent in it.

9/2/13 update:  My food processor has since died, so I have moved to shredding using my salad shooter.  Came out great.  Also, I found that if I mix the other ingredients (washing soda, baking, soda, and Borax) together separately, then use my small processor and mix 1/2 cup of the shredded soap with a cup or so of the other mixture in batches, I get a more even mix of ingredients.

Also, we now have an HE washer and only need 2 tablespoons of laundry soap per a batch.  Now a batch of laundry soap lasts a whole lot longer.