Small Step II: Make Your Own Laundry Soap (Updated)

Ok, so a few people felt ripped off when I didn't actually post my recipe, step-by-step, so here you go.  These are the jars I use for making my laundry soap.  They were $4 ea. at Wal-Mart, and I stenciled the designs on them myself (from an idea I saw in an old decorating magazine, I think from BHG.)

Here are my ingredients: 1 part Borax, 1 part Washing Soda, 2 parts Soap

I use Fels Naptha, because I like the results.  (Update: for best grating results, set Fels Naptha out to dry for several weeks.  I set new bars out as soon as I get a batch made.)  These can all be purchased at Kroger.  I've tried Zote soap, I mean, what's not to like? It has a cool name, and is PINK!  However, it has a higher moisture content, and so curls rather than grates, and, as I have a top loading washer, it required me to play in the soap too much while the washer was filling to get it to go in.  My sister used to use Pure & Natural (she can't find it now) and also has used Kirk's Castile Soap with good results.  I've even heard of people using homemade soap or Ivory with good results.  So anyway, pick a soap you like and use it in the ratio I listed.  OKAY?  Okay.

Here's what else I use: a grater just for soap, and an old dish pan I found at an antique store to grate into.  The rest of the time the pan sits in the laundry room for everyone to put their cloth napkins into to wait for washing.  Everything has to do double duty in a house this size!

 Now you need to grate your soap.  Little kids come in handy for this, just watch the fingers!

See?  Grated soap, just like magic!

Now measure your two parts soap.  I bought a one cup measure at the Dollar Store just for this.

Next: 1 Part Soda.

And then one part Borax.

Add your lid and SHAKE!!
You want this to get mixed in really well.  I suppose a wooden spoon would work, too, but this is what I do!

Now, use two tablespoons per load, unless you're married to a mechanic, then you may need 3 scoops to get  work clothes clean! (Maybe even a little Oxy Clean, too.) Especially if he wears light gray uniforms like a 1950's gas station attendant.  Ahem.  Enough said?  Ok.

And, finally, this is what I use for fabric softener, just add it to the rinse cycle or the softener cup!  I actually use vinegar for lots of things, but that will have to be another post!  Buy it by the gallon, you will use it!
OK?  So there you have it.  Laundry soap by me.