I love, LOVE the show 18 kids and counting on TLC (although they have 18 kids now)—and in one of their first episodes they showed how to make your own laundry detergent and save HUGE, plus you eliminate those harmful chemicals—That’s exactly what I need, especially in this economy!

Cheap, and safe for my family.  It’s not often that the cheap stuff is also the stuff that’s good for you.  But THIS is!!!  So here’s the recipe, thank you Duggar family—God bless!

Introduction

Whether you have sensitive skin or just a desire to save money on household necessities, making your own laundry detergent like the Duggar family does is a simple project that you can whip up in your own kitchen. When you make your own detergent, you leave out the chemicals that manufactures use in theirs, AND your savings will be astronomical (I know one lady who spent less than $10 for an entire year’s worth of laundry detergent because she made her own). Here’s a simple-to-follow recipe that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar use to make their own laundry soap.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need

Steps

1

Step One

Grate your bar of soap. (It’s easier if you use a crank grater. If you use a regular box or flat grater, watch your fingers!)
2

Step Two

Mix the grated soap and 3 pints of water in a sauce pan on low heat, until the soap gratings have dissolved.
3

Step Three

Stir in washing soda.
4

Step Four

Stir in Borax.
5

Step Five

Stir until thickened.
6

Step Six

Remove from heat.
7

Step Seven

Add 1 quart of hot water to the 2 gallon container.
8

Step Eight

Add the soap mixture to the container.
9

Step Nine

Mix well. (If your container has a wide mouth, use a stirrer. If it has a narrow mouth, put the lid on and shake it.)
10

Step Ten

Add more hot water to the container until it’s almost full, leaving just enough room to mix it.
11

Step Eleven

Mix once more.
12

Step Twelve

Let the mixture set for 24 hours, or until it has thickened.
13

Step Thirteen

Use to clean your laundry, using 1/2 cup per full load.

Tips & Warnings

  • Add a few drops of essential oil for scent, if you’d like.

    • 4 cups = 1 quart

    1 pint = 2 cups