Sue’s Homemade Laundry Detergent: A Budget-Friendly Cleaning Solution

The memory is etched in my mind: the scent of clean laundry hanging on the line, billowing gently in the summer breeze. My grandmother, Sue, a woman of remarkable thrift and resourcefulness, always had clothes that smelled impossibly fresh. I remember asking her once what her secret was, expecting some fancy French perfume or expensive detergent. Instead, she winked and told me, “It’s all homemade, dearie!” Little did I know that years later, I’d stumble upon a very similar recipe, a testament to her wisdom and practicality. This recipe, attributed to another Sue, is a fantastic way to save money and get wonderfully clean laundry.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 24 hours (including setting time)
• Yield: Approximately 15 five-gallon buckets
• Dietary Type: N/A (cleaning product)

Ingredients

• 1 box Arm and Hammer Laundry Detergent (7.94 lbs)
• 2 boxes 20 Mule Team Borax (76 oz each)
• 15 bars Ivory Soap (4.5 oz each)
• 8 bars Fels Naptha Soap (5.5 oz each)
• 1 bar Ivory Soap, grated
• ½ bar Fels Naptha Soap, grated
• 1 cup Arm and Hammer Laundry Detergent
• 1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
• 4 cups Boiling Water

Equipment Needed

• Large 5-gallon bucket
• Grater
• Paint stirrer (optional, for use with a drill)
• Drill (optional, to assist mixing)
• Measuring cups
• Empty laundry detergent bottles or containers with lids for storage

Instructions

1. Begin by gathering all your ingredients. The first four items on the list (Arm and Hammer Laundry Detergent, 20 Mule Team Borax, Ivory Soap, and Fels Naptha Soap) are what you need to purchase in bulk. The remaining ingredients are for the actual recipe.

2. Grate 1 bar of Ivory Soap and ½ bar of Fels Naptha Soap. As a helpful hint, placing the soap in the freezer for about an hour before grating makes the process significantly easier.

3. In a large 5-gallon bucket, combine the grated Ivory Soap, grated Fels Naptha Soap, 1 cup of Arm and Hammer Laundry Detergent, and 1 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax.

4. Carefully add 4 cups of boiling water to the bucket.

5. Dissolve the soaps and detergent in the boiling water. The original recipe suggests using a paint stirrer attached to a drill for this step, as it helps to dissolve the ingredients much more effectively than stirring by hand. You can, of course, stir by hand, but be prepared to put in some elbow grease!

6. Once the mixture is mostly dissolved, add another 4 cups of very hot water.

7. Stir the solution well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

8. Now, add enough water to fill the 5-gallon bucket to the top.

9. Let the mixture sit overnight. During this time, the soap will gel up and thicken considerably.

10. The next day, the soap will have a gel-like consistency. You will need to stir it completely to break up the gel. Again, you can do this by hand or use a paint stirrer attached to a drill for a more efficient process.

11. Once the detergent is smooth and well-mixed, you can fill empty laundry detergent bottles or store it in the bucket with a secure lid.

12. One 5-gallon bucket of this homemade detergent will yield approximately 80 loads of laundry.

13. As a cost-saving point, the recipe indicates that 1 box of Arm and Hammer, 2 boxes of 20-Mule Team, 15 bars of Ivory, and 8 bars of Fels Naptha will make about 1200 loads of laundry for about $35.96.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Freezing the soap is crucial for easier grating. It prevents the soap from crumbling and makes it much more manageable.
• A paint stirrer attached to a drill is a game-changer for dissolving the soap quickly and efficiently.
• If you find the detergent is too thick after setting, add a little more hot water and stir well until you reach the desired consistency.
• Consider using a dedicated grater for the soap to avoid cross-contamination with food.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different essential oils to customize the scent of your detergent.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This laundry detergent is ready to use once it’s been thoroughly mixed after setting. Use approximately 1/4 cup per load for regular washing machines and 2 tablespoons for high-efficiency (HE) machines. Store the detergent in a cool, dry place in sealed containers. It should last indefinitely as long as it’s stored properly. There’s no need to refrigerate or freeze this detergent.

Nutritional Information

Since this is a cleaning product and not intended for consumption, nutritional information is not applicable.

Variations & Substitutions

• Scent: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus are popular choices) for a natural fragrance boost.
• Softener: For extra softening, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
• Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, consider using a fragrance-free version of the Arm and Hammer detergent.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why do I need to grate the soap?
A: Grating the soap increases its surface area, allowing it to dissolve more easily in the hot water and integrate into the detergent solution.

Q: Can I use a different brand of soap besides Ivory and Fels Naptha?
A: While Ivory and Fels Naptha are recommended for their cleaning properties, you can experiment with other brands. However, be aware that the results may vary depending on the soap’s composition.

Q: My detergent is too thick after it sets. What should I do?
A: Simply add more hot water, a cup at a time, and stir until you reach your desired consistency.

Q: Is this detergent safe for HE (high-efficiency) washing machines?
A: Yes, this detergent is safe for HE machines. Just use a smaller amount (about 2 tablespoons per load) to prevent excessive sudsing.

Q: How much detergent should I use per load?
A: For regular washing machines, use approximately 1/4 cup per load. For HE machines, use about 2 tablespoons.

Final Thoughts

Embrace the satisfaction of creating your own cleaning products! This homemade laundry detergent is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to control the ingredients and customize the scent. Try this recipe, share your experiences, and let’s reclaim the simple pleasures of clean laundry with a touch of homemade goodness. And who knows, maybe you’ll be reminded of a loved one like my Grandma Sue, every time you smell that fresh, clean scent.