DIY: Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergents available in the market today are not only expensive, but they can be harsh on the clothes and, more importantly, the environment. Fortunately, there are some easy and affordable techniques to make liquid laundry detergent at home. So, gather your supplies and prepare an all natural laundry detergent in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients Required
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- Bar of castile soap – 1 (you could either get a scented soap or one that is unscented)
- Borax – 1 cup
- Washing soda – 1 cup
- Hot water
- 5-gallon bucket
- Essential oil (lavender or tea tree oil) – 30 to 40 drops (optional)
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
Method of Preparation
Step 1- Grate the soap with the help of a cheese grater.
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Step 2- Take the soap flakes and put it in 2 quarts of water in a saucepan. Now heat the mixture over medium heat. As the mixture starts to heat up, begin stirring without halting. Keep stirring until the soap completely dissolves in water.
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Step 3- When the soap gets melted, slow down the heat. Add washing soda while stirring constantly. As you add washing soda, a small reaction will take place and the mixture will bubble over a little in your saucepan. In order to avoid mess, lay the wooden spoon across the pan.
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Step 4- Add borax in the mixture and keep stirring. Once all the ingredients get melted and mixed thoroughly, remove the pan from the heat.
Step 5- Fill 5-gallon bucket half with hot water. Transfer soap mixture from the saucepan to this bucket.
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Step 6- Add essential oil if you wish. Stir the mixture well.
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Step 7- Fill rest of the bucket with water and cover it with the lid. Let the solution sit for a while. The ingredients will take an entire night to blend.
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Step 8- After a night, the detergent will become frothy. Transfer the homemade liquid laundry detergent into small bottles. Before using the mixture, shake it well.
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Image Source : naturalthrifty.com
