I made my first batch of laundry detergent around September 2012 and loved it. It lasted us a little more than a year. When it came time to make the second batch (November 2013) I knew I was pregnant and we would be cloth diapering. I wanted to be sure that the detergent would be safe for the cloth diapers because I've read a lot about how certain detergents and soaps can cause build up and lead to less-absorbent diapers. (Note: now that I'm 4 months into cloth diapering I've learned that this is mostly a myth and you can really just use Tide or whatever you want on diapers. Regardless, I enjoy making my own detergent so I've chosen to continue!)
So, I made my third batch last night the same as I did with the second.
My original detergent included 6 ingredients: Borax, Washing Soda, Baking Soda, Oxi Clean, Bar soap, and Purex crystals. In order to make this "cloth diaper" safe and easier, I eliminated half of the ingredients.
I use this detergent on diapers, little human clothes, big human clothes, and all other things that go through the wash. For really dirty loads (non-diaper) I add a couple squirts of Dr. Bronner's liquid pure-castile soap (I use the unscented variety). All ingredients are safe for use in a front-loading HE washer.
Here's what I used (I was able to find everything at my local grocery store in the laundry detergent aisle):
-2 tubs of Oxi Clean Free (3 lb. each)
I use the scoop that comes in the Oxi Clean and use a bit less than 1 scoop per large load of laundry.
So, I made my third batch last night the same as I did with the second.
My original detergent included 6 ingredients: Borax, Washing Soda, Baking Soda, Oxi Clean, Bar soap, and Purex crystals. In order to make this "cloth diaper" safe and easier, I eliminated half of the ingredients.
I use this detergent on diapers, little human clothes, big human clothes, and all other things that go through the wash. For really dirty loads (non-diaper) I add a couple squirts of Dr. Bronner's liquid pure-castile soap (I use the unscented variety). All ingredients are safe for use in a front-loading HE washer.
Here's what I used (I was able to find everything at my local grocery store in the laundry detergent aisle):
-2 tubs of Oxi Clean Free (3 lb. each)
-3 boxes of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (55 oz. each)
-2 boxes of 20 Mule Team Borax (76 oz. each)
-Empty 5-gallon bucket
-Strong spoon for stirring
Here's what I did:
To make the mixing easy, I poured 1/4 of each ingredient into the 5 gallon bucket, mixed with the spoon, and repeated until I had everything mixed in.
(If you pour all of the ingredients in at the same time it will difficult to thoroughly mix everything.)
(If you pour all of the ingredients in at the same time it will difficult to thoroughly mix everything.)
Then, I fill a smaller tupperware container with the detergent to keep right next to the washer and store the 5-gallon bucket where it will stay dry and out of the way.
Happy Laundering!
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