DIY: Laundry Detergent

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)
-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.)


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.


I use the scoop that comes in the Oxi Clean and use a bit less than 1 scoop per large load of laundry.
Happy Laundering!




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