The recipe is:
1/2 Cup borax
1/2 Cup arm and hammer super washing soda (NOT regular baking soda)
1/3 bar of Fels-Naptha soap, grated (You can substitute 1/2 bar of Ivory soap)
water
1. Pour 6 cups of water into a pot with grated soap. Bring to a slow boil until all soap dissolves.
2. Stir in 1/2 C borax and 1/2 C washing soda. Let dissolve for a few minutes.
3. Pour mixture into a 5-gallon bucket or pot. Add 4 cups hot water. Stir. Add 1 gallon plus 6 cups cold water. Stir.
4. Let mixture set for 24 hours. Do not stir again.
5. Use a measuring cup and funnel to distribute into easy-pour containers. I am reusing an old detergent bottle, a large Hawaiian Punch bottle, and a large coffee container. Note: It will be goopy! But it's great detergent.
Use 1/2 C for each load.
I purchased the materials about a year ago and still have plenty left. Each load is less than pennies. It sure beats buying detergent for $5 a bottle that only lasts a couple of weeks. Plus, it's great for people with sensitive skin. And, as an added bonus, borax and washing soda will not harm the environment.
