When we were making soap, sometimes….we would goof.  Which would generally mean the soap was a little too harsh for our liking, particularly since Gomi has such sensitive skin.  So what do you do with the goofs?  We made laundry detergent.

This is for liquid laundry detergent as that is what we prefer.  For dry detergent, mix the first three ingredients and store.   We do not add fragrance due to Gomi’s delicate skin but you can add essential oils to give it a nice smell. Eucalyptus essential oil will help repel mites.

For this recipe you will need:
Borax – boosts cleaning power of soap, kills mold and bacteria (keep out of the reach of children and pets.)
Washing Soda – boosts cleaning power of soap, cuts grease, disinfects, water softener.  (Arm & Hammer sells this in the laundry isle.  Be careful, the box looks like a big baking soda box.)

Natural Laundry Soap

1 – 2 bars of soap (about 6 ounces)
1 cup washing soda
½ cup borax

1 quart water
5 gallon bucket
3 gallons hot tap water
(Optional) essential oil – (ex. sweet orange, lemon, tea tree, eucalyptus or lavender)

Grate soap and add to a quart of water heated to almost boiling. Turn off stove and stir until melted.
In a 5 gallon bucket place 3 gallons of hot tap water. Add the hot soapy water.
Stir well. Add washing soda. Stir well. Add borax. Essential oil can be added at this time.
Let sit overnight. Stir in the morning if necessary and on use.

Use 1 cup per wash load. Makes approx 48 cups.