Frugal Living Tip - Make your own laundry detergent

This is actually a repost from a couple of years ago, but with the economy as it is, I know more and more people are seeking economical methods of just about everything! So, here it is again. I have used this and it's not bad. I still prefer the niceties of a nicely-fragranced laundry detergent, but I've had suggestions of adding a few drops of essential oils to scent it as well. I've just been well-stocked on name-brand detergent that I got on a super good sale with coupons so I have not tried it yet. 

Here's a way to save some $$ on laundry detergent by making your own.

Here's How:

1. Chop or flake a bar of soap (your choice) into a saucepan of hot water.
2. Heat (don't boil) and stir until the soap dissolves.
3. Add the soap to three gallons of hot water.
4. Mix well.
5. Add one cup of washing soda.(Not baking soda) This can be found in the laundry aisle. The brand I found was Arm & Hammer
6. Mix well again.
7. Let it cool.

Tips:

1. Usually one cup of home made laundry detergent will do a normal size load. Don't use too much.
2. If you're washing in cold water, let the machine agitate a minute to dissolve the soap.
3. Amount of water can vary as much as a gallon, give or take.
4. Use vinegar in the final rinse to remove all traces of detergent and prevent fabrics from graying.