Make 10 Gallons of Laundry Soap for 3 Dollars!

[oneofakind6313]

We also did it for the first time and we are now on our second jug and loving it. We also use one scoop of oxo with every load but we always did with our other soap. Also we do not use half water and detergent. We use it full strength and only make five gallons which is still good price of 3 dollars for five gallons that would usually cost 45 dollars here in canada.> Good soap

[skybirdbird]

@oneofakind6313 so glad you are enjoying it... :-)

[iammetx]

BTW, I added oxyclean to mine and half a bottle (the big bottle) of downy that I had left over. It smelled great, and it might explain why my mix didn't turn into a thick gel like yours, but I really, really loved my home made detergent, so much I brag about it all the time, lol.

[skybirdbird]

@iammetx good deal! yes... i find that if i add a couple cups of "commercial" detergent to the mix it remains liquid... good tip about the softener... will give it a try.... :-)

[iammetx]

I did this for the first time a few weeks ago and I'm just barely running out. However, I don't know why my mix didn't turn gelatinous like yours? Instead, I had to shake it every time before using it because it would split, with liquid on the bottom and a thicker gel on top. I was so amazed at how good this works. It even cleaned the tough stains in the shower that Scrubbing Bubbles couldn't even remove, and the best part is that if you forget your load, it doesn't stink up in the washer.

[skybirdbird]

@iammetx yes... shaking is necessary... cool to hear about the other uses... tkx

[bonjovigirl2011]

can u get washing soda at the laundry area too?

[skybirdbird]

@bonjovigirl2011 sometimes... i have actually had better luck at hardware stores... not sure why....

[bonjovigirl2011]

@skybirdbird It ok i found at super saver

[Allen2045]

I have made this twice. Love it.

[skybirdbird]

@Allen2045 good deal! i have found that adding about 1/2 cup of baking soda to each load helps... you can buy a big 14 pound bag of it at the big box stores for just a few bucks...

[mrshammerhankus]

arm and hammer "washing" stuff? I just heard that (because i am from the city...plz dont laugh) feed stores sell soda for feed really cheap. is this suitable?

[skybirdbird]

@mrshammerhankus what you want is washing soda.... as for baking soda not sure if what is at the feed store is the same... baking soda is a great booster to add to each load as you do it... approx 1/2 cup per load... but you need WASHING soda to make the laundry soap... hope this answers your question... :-)

[ollenbergerstudios]

"Am and Harmer" - good stuff ( =

[skybirdbird]

@ollenbergerstudios lol... the brain goes south sometimes...

[ollenbergerstudios]

@skybirdbird Oh.. we've all done that... thats why it's funny.

[eLoveCR7]

ok i finally made my first batch tonight! yay!

supplies cost me 4.49 borax ralphs pricey!

borax 4.49

w soda 3.29

zote 0.99

essence oil 5.00 plus taxes

total about 15.00

ok now i need to add 50% more water tomorrow? i am confused? seen many other and some ask to fill bottle with half water before pouring detergent then shake?

[skybirdbird]

@eLoveCR7 you can add the water before or after... it is up to you... i usually add the water then fill the jugs... remember when figuring the cost you only use a fraction of a box of borax and washing soda... these will make many batches of laundry soap... you are on your way!

[TheBibManProductions]

I too get the rancid smell, so what I do is rotate. I hear baking soda will take out the smell as well. Vinegar too...

[skybirdbird]

@TheBibManProductions yes... baking soda makes all the difference.... makes the clothes brighter as well...

[tmtx7]

i made this home made laundry soap, it works. the only issue i have is after awhile, the clothes smells rancid, i try to add more softener and still smell rancid. actually only after about five weeks at the closet. i follow all the measurement and the process. is anyone having this issue, or just me? :(

[skybirdbird]

@tmtx7 try adding 1/2 cup baking soda to each load... you can buy large 14 pound bags at big box stores for just a few bucks...

[eLoveCR7]

ok i went o the alice web page and you must order 7 items in order to check out? what gives?

they have the washing soda for 2.99 out of stock on the borax so no help there! it sucks!

[skybirdbird]

@eLoveCR7 thoought it was 6 items... but i do not consider this an issue considering how many items they have... also you can order 3 of the same item and it counts as 3... but to each his own... i like them... :-)

[eLoveCR7]

@skybirdbird well yeah but they dont have the borax out of stock! lol great! ha,ha,ha

so i went to walmart got the washing soda for 3.49 but borax was out of stock! lol

so i got it at ralphs so expensive i got it on sale for 4.49! yeah on sale! lol

oh the naphtha smells so good! wow! ok I'm ready!

[sherryindera]

@eLoveCR7 What is the web page? I cant find it?

[skybirdbird]

@sherryindera look in the more info section under the vid...

[eLoveCR7]

@sherryindera ok if youckick above where he wrote the details you will find the web page address let me see if i can post it here!

w w w dot alice dot com / referral / 25EBCACB

if you can see it just copy and paste and change the dot to the actual dot. lol

ha,ha, good luck

[eLoveCR7]

@sherryindera i gave you the address above alice dot com try it again! or look right below the video click on the "show more" and there it is the link.

[eLoveCR7]

i doubt it for 3 bucks? only the borax is like 5.00 , tell me how/ i need to know! lol

[eLoveCR7]

@eLoveCR7 oh i cant find the arm and hammer wash soda!

[chivone21]

I wonder if there is any buildup in the pipes. This would be TRAGIC if it gels up in the pipes on the way out to the sewer lines, god forbid it was going in to a leechfield, You may have problems. Any ideas dear? Nice video. I love the things that can be learned or seen on Youbube. :)

[skybirdbird]

@chivone21 i doubt it... i have been using this for over a year (i am on septic) and have had no issues...

[01Woof]

where did you find the washing soda? I can't find it anywhere except online, and the shipping price is crazy

[skybirdbird]

@01Woof a hardware stoe believe it or not.... but i have since found alice dot com i love it.... shipping is always free!

[URSUGRBABY1226]

@01Woof you can find the washing soda @ any grocery store in the laundry area.. i have found everything for this recipe @ walmart

[skybirdbird]

@URSUGRBABY1226 i just added a link above in the more info section... great price, instant coupons, shipping is always free and it comes straight to your door... :-)

[skybirdbird]

@skybirdbird i just added a link above in the more info section...

[jca0420]

how does this detergent smell? Is it possible to add something to it to give it a scent (like lavender)?

[skybirdbird]

@jca0420 it has a very neutral aroma... and yes... you can add essential oils to it...i think you add them after it gels... but i am not sure...

[jca0420]

@jca0420 thanks! :-)

[shatteredporcelian]

high fives to you for life!!! money savin is gooooooood :) thanks

[skybirdbird]

@shatteredporcelian yes... it is!

[tylerreed321]

I thought you used pyrex when you made crack? lol... Not sure if anyone else caught it but she says am and harmer.. haha..

[skybirdbird]

@tylerreed321 yes... i misspoke ... you are on top of your game!

[RedSandCottage]

I often wonder over those four years how many containers I've saved and imagine how much space they would have taken up, e.g. how many trips to the store have I saved. It might seem like it's a chore, but it really only takes a few minutes every few months and less time, money and effort than going to the store.

[skybirdbird]

@RedSandCottage i completely agree... have only been doing this about a year.. but it is easy as can be and as you say, little effort. :-)

[RedSandCottage]

Great! I've been making it for nearly 4 years now and even ran a small B&B using it. I'm still on the same box of Borax and Washing Soda I bought back then! Now it's just the two of us I just make up a 2 gallon batch at a time. Only takes about 10 minutes. I grate my small bar of ivory soap using a cheese grater which takes less than 1 minute and use 1/3 cup each of Borax and washing soda. The next day I use a stick blender to blend the gel and pour it into my containers.

[RealRECReal100]

All that under $3??? Where???



[skybirdbird]

@RealRECReal100 you used 1 bar of soap...$1.59 and about a cup each of the washing soda and borax... the box of each is about 3 or 4 dollars...but it lasts for many batches... :-)

[mirlen23]

I have been using it dry just a little amount in the washing machine with warm h2o and it disolves

[skybirdbird]

@mirlen23 thank you... i know several people who use it dry and they love it... i prefer liquid, but maybe i will give it a try... takes up much less room...:-)

[AuntDuddie]

Hi Sky! I am kicking myself for not filming my laundry soap making! Easy Peasy and it does a great job! Thanks for the demo and I will be making this forever! I shared it with my niece who has tons of laundry and three little ones plus a big kid (hubby).

[skybirdbird]

@AuntDuddie lol on the hubbie... me too.. think how much i could have saved over the years!... but i am saving now! your canning dried beans recipe is still one of my all time favs! LOVE IT!

[skybirdbird]

@Dalidinu you're welcome... :-)

[skybirdbird]

@SDupe44 you could use the blender just to powder the soap then add it to the water... also, i can't remember if it is mentioned in the vid... but add soao to cool water and then warm on the stove.. this will help keep the soap feom clumping before it dissolves...

[skybirdbird]

@SDupe44 if you try the blender let me know how it works out...

[starlight9771]

I just made this today and I'm really looking forward to the savings I'll be making. Thanks for making this video.

[skybirdbird]

@starlight9771 you are very welcome... enjoy! it is so easy...

[chefcolby1]

i personally don't use the fels naptha i use what smells really good and it works the same...

[skybirdbird]

@chefcolby1 yes... there are many choices... i like zote too... and will soon try the octagone...

[zolumpus]

I also make dish soap out of mine.I used 2 bars of Ivory,and 1 bar of pink zote,2/3 cup vinegar, 1/3 cup of both the washing soda,and borax added after soap was melted and poured into the bucket.Also added 16 oz of regular dish soap for bubbles as I like bubbles in mine,but not needed,and food coloring.It is in a ice cream bucket now setting up.I will probably get many gallons of liquid dish sink soap.I use it all the time.Works great for me.And I made 10 gal of the laundry tonight.

[skybirdbird]

@zolumpus excellent! have not done dish soap yet, but am getting ready to try it...:-)

[GingaSlappa1]

@zolumpus How much water do you use with your ingredients? With the ingredients you've listed? Dish soap is one of the things besides laundry soap that I want to learn how to DIY. Thanks in advance.

[skybirdbird]

@GingaSlappa1 check out TheMrsVolfie here on yt... she has a nice dish soap recipe... :-)

[GingaSlappa1]

@skybirdbird Thank you for that reference, I appreciate it. I'll look her up.

[zolumpus]

@GingaSlappa1 I used 3 gal of water total.Make it the same as the laundry soap meaning melt the soaps in a pan of water on the stove,don't boil tho.Put the rest of the water in a 5 gal bucket.Then dump the melted soaps in the water,then the washing soda and borax.It gels up nicely and is a pretty pink and smells really good.It really cleans the dishes and my hands smell good and are really clean.You do have to use a little more of this soap tho,than store bought.And is low suds,but works great.

[zolumpus]

@GingaSlappa1I did a new recipe last night.Use the same soaps,2 ivory and 1 zote.Used 14 qts water total,1 cup washing soda,1 cup borax,and 3 cups Baking.Soda.Make same as laundry soap.Makes about 3 gal.This will last me a long time.I combined 2 recipes I found last night.This is the best one yet I've made.It's really nice.Just stir from the bottom up as their is some water on the bottom of bucket,and is thick so needs good stir after sets 24 hrs.Then bottle.Skake before use.

[KayakFisher01]

I was able to find all the recipe ingredients at Walmart. The Felsnaptha soap bar was hiding but it was there. Dollar a bar.

[skybirdbird]

@KayakFisher01 fantastic!

[DixieGirl9876]

Go to tipnut.com for loads of cleaning recipes.You can also use same soap,borax&washing soda for a powdered mix.Its one half cup each borax,washing soda &1 cup grated soap, mix together and use 1-2 tablespoon per load for h.e. washers.shake before each use.

[skybirdbird]

@DixieGirl9876 thank you!

[jennyor]

Would love if you found a dishwasher liquid recipe.

[skybirdbird]

@jennyor there is a powder recipe... equal amounts borax and washing soda... use 2 tablespoons per load and be sure to use white vinegar in the rinse (where the jet dry would go)... hope that helps... :-)

[hollyzone]

I bet it will get your clothes "squeaky" clean. I use a borax solution like spray & wash and man, can it get out stains! Good luck and TY.

[skybirdbird]

@hollyzone lovin it so far!

[KasinH]

You know of all the survival groups I'm a part of, I've never actually seen anyone make this soap. Good for you! I've heard about it and read recipes for it, but never seen it done.

You said you're supposed to fill up the bucket before it sets overnight? Fill up with what , water?

Do you know if this safe for gray water systems?

[skybirdbird]

@KasinH yes... after mixing just fill the rest up with water and let sit overnight ... as for the gray water...not sure, but i don't think there are any phosphates if that helps... i really like it so far... will be doing an update report soon i hope... it is REALLY easy to make!

[cv1122]

great info. i have never heard of the fels naptha soap, gonna have to try to look for that one when I can....do you think most hardware stores carry it??

[skybirdbird]

@cv1122 not sure... i got mine at ace...

[vivaloriflamme]

I have the ingredients. I'm going to try this this weekend.

[skybirdbird]

@vivaloriflamme great... fyi... it makes a LOT ... you may want to do a smaller batch!

[Fromplefeet]

Hey skybird, some real good information here. Thanks for sharing! :) Peace and Love!

[skybirdbird]

@Fromplefeet you're welcome...

[AgrippasNotebook3336]

Mighty handy there girl! Can't wait to see how well it works.

Thanks for posting : D

[skybirdbird]

@AgrippasNotebook3336 will let ya know!

[LeathermanFan]

Why don't you buy whatever laundry detergent is always on sale?

[skybirdbird]

@LeathermanFan it still wouldn't come close to being this cheap! i mean really $3 for 10 gal.... you let me know the cheapest you find... on top of it there is less support to some corp and probably less environmental impact....:-)

[LeathermanFan]

@skybirdbird Fair enough, but how great does the home made laundry detergent smell?

[skybirdbird]

@LeathermanFan there really is no smell...which i prefer... but fragrance can be added if you prefer... will mention that in my update on how well it works...:-)

[cv1122]

@LeathermanFan i have also heard that when doing it using these products you dont get that foul smell in your washer, and great for people sensitive to fragrance & other chemicals in major brands

[freemansbunker]

this will get out cat urine,,just soak in machine,,,

[skybirdbird]

@freemansbunker tkanks... if it can get that out it can get out anything!

[mopme2008]

Cant wait to hear the results. If it cleans as good as regular detergent, Im sold.

[skybirdbird]

@mopme2008 will let you know...

[sharpsteve2003]

Great info. A paint stirrer or drywall mud mixer that is attached to a drill would be great for mixing. I'm thinking of adding lavender from the garden in the heating process then strain it out before the next step to add a nice scent.

[skybirdbird]

@sharpsteve2003 sounds good!

[skybirdbird]

@cometodoyourwill actually yes... i forgot to mention so will do so in the follow up... you would add a sent once added to the water...before it jells.... it really doesn't have much of any fragrance... which is fine by me!

[theeastwatch]

Wait wait wait, leme get this straight, you're suppose to wash your clothes?

-TEW

[skybirdbird]

@theeastwatch noooooo... not YOU -tew... this is for us NON smUrfs... yes, that is right... i figured it out... you don't want to be on camera 'cause then EVERYONE would know... is ok... you secret is safe with me...*-*

[theeastwatch]

@skybirdbird absolutely smurfy!

-TEW

[RunAMuckGirl2]

Brilliant!! Fabulous! Thank you! :o) 

[skybirdbird]

@RunAMuckGirl2 you're welcome!

[Iwillbedurnd]

I looked allll overrr the store and I could not find ANY amm and harmer! LOLOLOL!!

A suggestion or what I;m gonna do is get that weed puller that goes on a drill motor that Billy Mays ads on the tv for after it turns to gel!

[skybirdbird]

@Iwillbedurnd lol... i know...i'm such a goof... was hoping no one would notice! sssshhhh.......

excellent idea... a paint mixer would work too! really, next time, in about a year when it is finally gone....i'm gonna make a smaller batch!

[desire4liberation]

not sure if you have seen my soapmaking vids... from a couple of years ago... i will be making some soon and intend to make new vids since the first series i did not know how to edit and was too lengthy...

thanks so much for the post birdy:)

[skybirdbird]

@desire4liberation no i haven't... but i and i'm sure others would love to see them!

[grafdale1]

great stuff...you never cease to amaze!

i always look forward to whatever you have to share...never disappointed and always come away better for having taken the time.

thanks.

God bless

[skybirdbird]

@grafdale1 wow... thanks!

[skybirdbird]

@cometodoyourwill lol... yes... this is about as chemical as i get... :-)

[xeena67]

thank you! do you happen to know of a vid that tells how to seal food rice, beans, etc. in a 5 gallon container? Seems like I watched one but I can't remember who made it?

[skybirdbird]

@xeena67 no, sorry... have you tried searching it? just watched a guy using a 55 gal drum... does that count?...lol

[2boddah]

When I checked on mine the next day it was so gel like that a mouse couldve walked on top. I couldnt believe how good it worked

[skybirdbird]

@2boddah yes... mine was pretty solid too, but loosened up a lot with stirring... then my son got in there with his hands and really got it moving...:-) how long have you been using it?

[happygalmarried]

LOL I just made some the other day. I tried it once on towles, but I made the dry version. And I really liked it. They say, that using this soap, you might not have to use softne.rPS you can go to soapsgonebuydotcome for the dry recipe, but I sure didn't buy the soap from them, way too costly ; )

[skybirdbird]

@happygalmarried yes... i ran across them when i was looking for the fels naptha... agree... way expensive! i am on my third load and so far so good ...:-)

[CosmicDramaQueen]

Great video...my husband loved this because I retrieved several hard bars of laundry soap from my dead Grandma's house that's about 30+ years old...I saved them for their vintage labels and the ole man wants to make soap now :) Waiting for part two!

[skybirdbird]

@CosmicDramaQueen lol... i wish i could truly find the "old" soap... dial bought out fels naptha.. added color and fragrance so now it smells like dial...aaarrrggg! any way... just but new soap...keep the old... but don't make as large a batch as i did!

[Maynardsat]

Awesome video! This is the kick ass video of the week on my next show! I will be trying this for sure.

[skybirdbird]

@Maynardsat wow...tkx! do yourself a favor though... make 1/2 batch! ... it makes a LOT!

[TheMysticGuard]

great video! thanks for sharing!! peace

[skybirdbird]

@TheMysticGuard you bet!

[Boomer1949]

Great video Skybird ! Keep the tips coming.

[skybirdbird]

@Boomer1949 would rather this than all the other mess really...

[MrBuckwilliam]

great vid sky. i think i'll have fun searching for those ingredients.

btw, my youtube homepage is blank today. instead i have this...

"Your friends and subscriptions haven't done anything recently.

Once your friends and your subscriptions start uploading, favoriting, and rating videos, we'll show it here on this page."

why doesn't that seem true?

[skybirdbird]

@MrBuckwilliam really strange... this made me check my page...seems ok.. i was having trouble with other things yesterday... hope it all works itself out... hope you find the ingredients....

[desire4liberation]

@MrBuckwilliam same here mrbuck

[Onlyabreathaway]

Wow, how sweet is that? Thank you so much, I would never of thought about being able to make laundry detergent. Yes, please let us know how well it works & more so what I'm wondering what if any skin affects it might have. I am about to get my 2 yr old Grandson & my Daughter & the laundry that comes with them! But the little guy is sensitive to certain soaps. Awesome vid...

[skybirdbird]

@Onlyabreathaway i suspect it is better for sensitive skin because less fragrance... but i really don't know... i hear you can use ivory soap too... you might want to make a smaller batch though...makes a lot! will do another post after i have used it a bit... doing laundry with it now!

[Onlyabreathaway]

@skybirdbird After I watched yours I saw another one on this & she had some kiddos & she said it is great for sensitive skin... I am so excited to try this... Thanks again. ; )

[skybirdbird]

@Onlyabreathaway you are very welcome... yes... there are lots of vids out there and some variations on the recipe... see comment below ... she makes it into a powder... that would be much easier to store i think... good luck!

[CanadianPatriot1973]

I do this, I use 1 bar soap, 1 cup borax, I cup washing soda. Grate soap. and put in food processor, so it is powdery, then add the washing soda and borax. I use it dry, and add 1-2 tbs of mixed powder to wash, and wella! No cooking, water etc.

I also use 1 cup borax, 1 cup soda. to make dishwashing powder for dishwasher. Use 1 Tbs. per dishwasher. Have to put vinegar in jet dry hole. CHEAP CHEAP!

[Onlyabreathaway]

@CanadianPatriot1973 The soda. Is it the kind she has here or regular baking soda?

[CanadianPatriot1973]

@Onlyabreathaway must be washing soda, not baking soda

[Onlyabreathaway]

@CanadianPatriot1973 I thought so, but just checking. I have never heard of washing soda before. Guess it is true, you learn something new everyday...lol

[freemansbunker]

@Onlyabreathaway ..baking soda can be altered just with boiling water..google it

[skybirdbird]

@CanadianPatriot1973 excellent!... i wish i could use powder soap in my washer... sure would be simpler... will have to pass that on when i do an update. how do you like the dishwasher soap? i was going to try it but saw some bad reviews.... will probably just give it a try and see for myself... tkx hun! how are you feeling?

[CanadianPatriot1973]

@skybirdbird most bad reviews are because people dont use vinegar in the rinse recepticle. I LOVE it! Try it out!

[skybirdbird]

@CanadianPatriot1973 gonna try it tonight!... i already have vinegar in the rinse hoosie so all i have to do is mix the borax & soda!

[SimplyIncredulous]

Looking forward to that review! I buy generic for so much now, but am still brand loyal to my detergent. That might change soon! :)

[skybirdbird]

@SimplyIncredulous yes i have been too, but ya know.. if it is even close i will be happy... what a HUGE savings!

[doobsta]

awesome video...

Do more like this!

Handsoap?

[skybirdbird]

@doobsta was actually wondering if in the gel state it would be a good hand degreaser... i seem to remember a hand soap like that... as for handsoap... not sure i'm ready for that...:-) maybe a body wash...:-)

[CanadianPatriot1973]

@skybirdbird the undiluted is AWESOME as a degreaser, AND stain remover, you put the gel on your clothes, works great! Just take some out before you add extra water.

[dfrancia37]

wow, let me know how it works...thanks for sharing.

[skybirdbird]

@dfrancia37 sure will...

[heidisweep]

great vid thanks skybird

[skybirdbird]

@heidisweep you're welcome...

[NibiruMagick2012]

Great thing to barter with... Skillz that pay the bills*****

[skybirdbird]

@NibiruMagick2012 yepper... and let me tell ya ... it makes a LOT... there will be plenty to barter with... i think next time i will make a smaller batch... in a year when this is gone...lol

[fal2grace]

thanks erica

[skybirdbird]

@fal2grace y/w...

[CTOL1]

Dang you R O C K !

I will have to get off my duff and make some, I had a hard time finding the washing soda, where did you get yours?

[skybirdbird]

@CTOL1 lol...well you see how long it took me to get to it...:-) i found the soda and borax at an amish store, but i never even looked at the grocery store for it so not sure if they have it or not... the fels naptha was the toughie for me ...only reason i knew you could get it at the hw store was by going online... maybe they have the soda too. if you make this DO NOT make a full batch... holy smoke! it makes a lot!

[skybirdbird]

@skybirdbird but it was SUPER easy!