Homemade Orange Peel Scouring Powder

 
My mom sent me a link to a homemade grapefruit peel scouring powder.  I didn't have grapefruit but I do have a ton of oranges right now.  So, I thought I'd put my own spin on it. 


The link to the original is on Crunchy Betty's site which you can check out here - http://www.crunchybetty.com/the-great-grapefruit-scouring-scrub

(Click HERE for updates/reviews on all my homemade cleaners)

For some good information on homemade cleaning supplies check out the following -

The Naturally Clean Home: 150 Super-Easy Herbal Formulas for Green Cleaning

Homemade: How-to Make Hundreds of Everyday Products Fast, Fresh, and More Naturally

Here is my stab at a scouring powder -



1) Cut up the peel of two oranges - let dry until brittle

 



2) It will take a day or two to let the peel dry. 
When done it will look something like this....

 



3) Grind peel in your coffee grinder
or food processor until soft and powdery.

 




4) Mix 1/3 cup each of 1) orange peel,
 2) borax, 3) baking soda and 4) washing soda

  



5) Poke holes in a canning jar lid to make a shaker top

 



6) I soaked my sink in coffee to get it really stained up

 



7) I scrubbed for a minute or two and rinsed clean

My opinion of this scrub - 
I liked the way it cleaned the stains up,
even though it took a little more
elbow grease than Comet or Ajax would have. 
I did notice that the grayish scratches
from pans didn't completely come off. 

I would definitely encourage you
 to try this recipe if you would like
 to save a little money and
use simple household ingredients that you have handy.

I'm going to give Crunchy Betty's recipe a try as well.
  It differs in proportions and doesn't include washing soda.
  I'd love to hear from you if you've made her recipe!  

 

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How Much Do We Really Need?

Lately I find myself looking at my belongings and wondering how much stuff I really need. 



What's in your closet?

 

Bathroom cabinet - look at all that junk!





















My closet is full of clothes and yet I wear only a third of them on  a regular basis.  I have tons of shoes (mostly hand-me-downs) but I only wear three different pair on a regular basis. 



Medicine cabinet above my bathroom sink
Clutter!!!

My bathroom cabinet has lots of skin care and beauty products that I never use. 

Most of the excess that I have are hand-me-downs from my mother.  She loves to try new things and has blessed me with her leftovers through the years.  While I'm so grateful to her for the gesture, I realize that most of it goes unused.   

The Simple Life
I've been feeling overwhelmed with all the things in our home lately.  I'm longing for a simpler life but this clutter is making my home feel anything but simple. 

I wouldn't consider myself a pack rat.  Especially after seeing some of the "pack rat" shows on television.  This isn't a money issue for me as I'm not a girl that loves to shop.  It's not causing us financial hardship to have all of these things.  But still I can't help but think that I've got too much stuff in my home. 

I've been asking myself why I hold on to things that I don't use and will likely never use.  I'm not sure I have a solid answer, other than I keep thinking I might use it someday.  Somehow it feels wrong to just get rid of the stuff.  Perhaps there is a deeper underlying issue.  Maybe I hold onto things because they give me a sense of security somehow.

My challenge to me!


So, I'm challenging myself to cut back on my stuff.  I will give away what I can so I don't feel wasteful.  I think I will be better for it.  It'll be great not to have to dig around in my cabinets and closets to find what I need. 

I'll update you soon with photos of my uncluttered cabinets and closets.  Give me some feedback and let me know how you decide what to keep and what to get rid of.  Are you a minimalist or a pack rat?

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A Slightly Different Homemade Fabric Softener

 
A few postings ago, I featured a recipe for homemade fabric softener that consisted of vinegar, baking soda, water and essential oil.  The softener seems to work really well but the fragrance is...well......lacking. 

For those of you who like the stronger smell of a commercial softener, I've experimented today and concocted a formula that I think you might like.  Not only is it stronger smelling, it is more concentrated than the previous recipe (no sense in taking up valuable laundry room space with a lot of water in your homemade products). 



The Magic Ingredient




Purex Crystals Laundry Enhancer

 I chose to use a product manufactured by Purex for the fragrance component of this recipe.   It is a product called Purex Crystals Laundry Enhancer. 



It is not a softener, rather a fragrance product.   When used as the packaging directs, you add about 1/4 cup to the beginning of your laundry wash cycle, not the rinse cycle.  

I've used this product before as directed and did notice an improvement in the smell of our laundry, however, the bottle which does 15 to 30 loads is $4.76.  I was still also buying fabric softener and felt that it was all adding up to be be a bit much per load. 

Because I am using the Purex Crystals as an additive to the softener which will go into the rinse cycle, I figured I could use a lot less and still get good results.

Since I am using this product in a slightly different manner than the manufacturer intended, I did research the ingredients to be certain they weren't known skin irritants.

What Is In It?

The ingredients in Purex Crystals are as follows -  Sucrose (table sugar), Bentonite (clay), PEG Distearate (binding substance used in many products, including cosmetics), fragrance (?) and Sanolin Blue (commonly used dye).
None are listed as skin irritants, however, with anyone who has sensitive skin, there is always the possibility of irritation.  So discontinue use if skin irritation occurs and persists. 

big things start small tee shirt by Poppyjuice
Browse other Dreams T-Shirts

After experimenting a bit, this is the recipe that I ended up with -




1) Mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Purex Crystals with 1 cup of tap water. 
 Let sit and stir periodically until dissolved (about 15 minutes). 







2) Measure out 1 cup of baking soda.  Put in a large bowl. 





3) Carefully and slowly add 6 cups of vinegar to the baking soda. 
 It will foam and fizz.  Just keep slowly adding and stir often.  





 4) Add Purex and water mixture PLUS one more cup of water. 
Stir carefully. 
Mixture will come together but when you let it sit,
it will separate some. 
Don't be alarmed, just be certain it is mixed well
before transferring to storage containers,
especially if you are dividing the softener
into separate containers. You wouldn't want one container
to have less of the scent than the other. 



5) Cap loosely to avoid an explosion from the mix of the vinegar
and baking soda.  Shake before each use.
I have been using 1/4 to 1/2 cup per laundry load in the rinse cycle.  I am enjoying the fragrance and since there are no sensitive skins in our home I'll probably continue to make this version. 

I've figured the cost per batch to be $1.51.  This made a half a gallon.  I think it is closer to commercial softener than the other recipe but at a fraction of the cost.  I'd love to know how this works for you!  Or if you are like me and enjoy experimenting with recipes, let me know what changes you made and I'll give it a try.  I love trying new recipes! 

(Click HERE for updates/reviews on all my homemade cleaners)



 

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Need Something? Consider Bartering For It!

For many of us who are on a limited budget (willingly or otherwise) there are just some items or services that we don't feel justified paying for.  For us, bartering has been very helpful at times.  I am committed to bartering more often in 2012 as I believe it could help save us even more money.

What is Bartering?

Bartering is very simply defined as trading goods or services without the exchange of money.  Bartering has been used by humans since the beginning of time and is likely used on some level by most of us today.   When I offer to mow the lawn for my husband in exchange for a back rub from him, that is bartering! 

Excluding trades with my hubby, some of the items or services I've bartered for in the past are as follows -

• Evening babysitting for a haircut and color
• Garden produce in exchange for eggs
• Garden produce in exchange for plums and apples
• Babysitting in exchange for babysitting
• Homemade bread in return for eggs
• Homemade grape jam in exchange for grapes

I really haven't pursued bartering as much as I plan to this year.  I've noticed that Craigslist http://www.craigslist.org/ has a barter section with a variety of services and items.   When I looked earlier today, I found land, prom dresses, tools, computers, homes and assorted other items.  I've seen all sorts of services put up for trade too.   I'd venture to say that for virtually anything you have that you don't want, you'd be able to find someone to trade with! 

But What Can You Offer?

Use your imagination when thinking of things or services to barter.  What do you have to offer?  This list might help stimulate your imagination - 

• babysitting services
• wallpaper hanging services
• crafty type skills
• setting up a web page
• tax preparation
• sewing services
• floral arranging
• laundry services
• housecleaning services
• garden produce
• excess fruit from your trees
• homemade bread or noodles
• jams, jellies or other preserves
• cake decorating
• home or office organizing
• typing services
• catering services
• entertainment services (do you sing or perform in some way?)
• items no longer in use in your home
• any special skill that you might have from previous job experience OR
• consider offering your current job/business services on the side for trade

As you can see, there are multiple opportunities to barter.   You can make arrangements amongst your friends and acquaintances or advertise. 

Beware Uncle Sam!
One word of caution, the I.R.S. considers bartering as income so be sure to know the guidelines.  You can check them out at the following links -


Four Things You Should Know About Bartering

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205581,00.html

Recordkeeping Tips for Barter Transactions

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=215975,00.html


As you can see, bartering is taxable.  However, to the best of my knowledge, giving a gift to a friend on the same day that they give you a gift in return, isn't taxable.  That is a fine line that can be walked carefully. 

Once more word of caution, a bartering service is under much more scrutiny by the government so before you get all enthused about organizing something for all your friends, make sure you don't appear to be a bartering service or broker.

I'd love to hear about your bartering experiences! 

Have a great day!

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Little Ways to Save Money Right Now

I thought it might be fun to list easy little things you can do right now to trim up your budget.  

Utilities/Energy Savings 

1. Shut off lights!  Open the curtains during the day to let in light.  Only use lights in the rooms that you are in at night.   My husband even went to the trouble to install a skylight in my kitchen because it was so dark during the day.  Obviously this isn't a little way to save money quickly, but it is well worth it in the long run. 
2. Wash your clothes in cold water (this is my hubby's tip - I love HOT water).
3. Dry your clothing on the line, not in the dryer.
4. Take shorter showers. And consider showering every other day.
5. Put a brick in your toilet tank.
6. Keep your refrigerator door closed!  (Mom was right)
7. Set your air conditioner to a warmer temperature than "freezing".
8. Set your heater thermostat to a little cooler than you are used to and put a sweater on!
9. Weatherstrip the exterior doors.  Make sure your storm windows are closed. 
10. Feel around the exterior doors to see if you have cold air coming into the house.  We have a gap in our front door (old house) that the weatherstripping doesn't seal all the way.  If it is windy and cold, our front room is horribly cold.  It isn't pretty but I stuff clean trash bags into the gap with a thin spatula and it really helps keep the house warm. 
11. Drive less.  Plan your trips with the thought in mind of what you need to accomplish.  Don't run to the store for one little thing.   Find someone to car pool to work with.  Walk to the store or anywhere else that is within walking distance. 

Personal Care/Beauty

1. Use a moisturizing liquid hand soap instead of body wash in the shower.  It's less expensive and works just as well.  We purchase the large refill bottle. 
2. Fill a squeeze style water or condiment bottle with your body wash to cut down on the amount that is dispensed at a time.  The opening is smaller and prevents the soap from gushing out. 
3. Buy the foaming hand soap dispensers for your bathrooms.  I think the brand I bought was Aldi's but I believe SoftSoap has a foaming hand soap.  Refill with mostly water plus just a few drops of liquid hand soap.  Shake well and wash your hands for pennies on the dollar!
4. Consider natural beauty products.  My favorite face scrub is a tablespoon of brown sugar mixed with a teaspoon or so of water or milk.   There are multiple online sites with homemade beauty products.  They are often just as effective as but far less expensive than commercial products.

Household Cleaning Supplies

1. Don't buy paper towels or sanitizing wipes.  We use old rags to clean.  Use a squeegee and a rag to clean your windows.  
2. Rethink your cleaning products.  Is plain ammonia cheaper than Windex? I've found it works just as well on my glass.  What I use most often is a weak dish soap solution and my squeegee.  Vinegar also works well.  If you subscribe to the newspaper, use old papers to clean your windows.  Works like a charm.  Consider making your own laundry soap.

Shopping 

1. If you aren't a devoted comparison shopper make it simple on yourself by ALWAYS choosing the store brand.  Sure there might be a few times that a name brand is less expensive but if you aren't in the mood to comparison shop, you'll come out ahead overall by just choosing the generic or store brand.
2. Even better, shop at Aldi's if the store is available in your area.  We save a ton of money by shopping at Aldi's, even beyond what we save with other store's generics. 
3. Don't assume that buying the bulk size is always cheaper.  So while I understand comparison shopping can be a hassle, just pay attention to the cost per unit when you are trying to decide between bulk or regular size.

Food

1. Make food from scratch. 
2. Don't buy junk food.
3. Don't buy food that comes in little serving sized packs.
4. Buy food with as few ingredients as possible on the label. 
5. Cut meat out of your diet, OR if you live in a meat loving household like ours, plan meals that use less meat.  You can half the amount of meat the recipe calls for in sauces and casseroles and make up the volume difference with extra veggies, pasta or beans!
6. Replace ground beef with ground turkey.  If your family prefers the taste of ground beef (as does mine), you can mix equal parts turkey and beef in dishes like meatloaf,meatballs, chili, burritos, etc.  If it is a fairly seasoned dish, the flavor of the turkey won't be noticeable.  I buy my ground turkey at Aldi's and the cost per pound is usually around $1.49 versus $2.69 per pound for the ground beef.  Experiment to see how much beef you can replace with turkey for your crew. 
7. If you love a good steak, buy chuck roast and have the butcher slice in half lengthwise.  Or do it yourself.  The meat is generally marbled beautifully and tastes wonderful.  This is my husband's brilliant discovery!  We love a tender bloody steak more than any other dish and the chuck roast truly delivers at a fraction of the cost!

8. Stretch meals with the addition of rice, pasta and beans.   These items can make your meals feel "hearty".
9. Gravy helps make a meal feel special without much expense.
10. Pack a lunch for your family.  Not only will you save money, you will be healthier for it.
11. Don't buy individual servings of soda.  If you are a soda drinker, buy the two liter bottles for the same price or less than the individual serving size.  
12. Better yet, drink water or tea instead of soda.
13. If you want a sweet junk food drink, generic "koolaid" is cheap and you can use less sugar or stevia to sweeten it.  I don't give it to my kids very often but for birthday parties and sleepovers we serve it instead of punch or soda.
14. Make your coffee at home, instead of buying it on the way to work.  You will spend pennies a cup versus $1.00 or more.
15. Take cash to the grocery store instead of your debit or credit card if you need help limiting yourself.  You can't spend what you don't have with you!
16. Plan your meals and shop once a month if you have the storage space.  If not, shop every two weeks.  The more often you go to the store, the more you are likely to see something else you "need" and spend more than you had planned. 
17. Plan to make your meals in double batches.  Freeze half for a future meal.  This way you will be making your own convenience foods for those inevitable times that you don't have time to cook. 
18. To reduce the number of leftovers that get tossed, freeze leftovers immediately and serve at a later date.  Most of us get tired of eating the same thing two times in a row.  In the past, I would keep leftovers in the fridge with the intention of eating them in a few days, only to forget they were in there until I cleaned out the fridge.  Since I've been freezing leftovers right away, we've had much less food waste.
19. Save the small bits of leftover veggies in a ziplock bag in the freezer.  When the bag is full, use it to make a vegetable soup.  You can save leftover bits of meat in the same way and throw those into your soup too!  This makes a really easy crock pot meal.  Just dump all your accumulated veggies and meats, add water, seasonings and any other broths/liquids you'd like.  Turn on low and let simmer all day!  Enjoy with homemade bread or crackers.  For variation, you can add noodles, rice or dumplings into your "Scrap Soup".
20. Check out the "day old bread" cart at your grocery store.  If you find a great sale, buy all they have and freeze it!
21. Also pay attention to produce sales.   I once bought 20 of the 10lb bags of potatoes at Walmart for $1 each.  They were beginning to go bad.  I chopped, blanched and froze half of the 200 lbs in ziplock bags, the other half I dehydrated.  That find kept us in potatoes for quite a while.   
22. Plant a garden.  You won't save money right now but you will be saving it later!

Entertainment

1. Disconnect your cable television.  It may be tough at first if you are hooked on some shows but you may find that you can watch them on youtube or other sites for free.   Our family really doesn't miss it.  We are a little out of touch with what shows are currently playing but we get all the television "fix" we need from PBS and our local stations.
2. Check out movies from your public library.  Just be sure to look at the discs prior to leaving with them.  It's very annoying to get home and realize the disc is scratched up.  Even worse if the library charges you for the damage.
3. Take your kids to free places, such as the park, the library or just go "site seeing" in your area.
4. Spend a night playing board games with your friends and family.  Make some popcorn and have a blast!
5. Have friends over for a beer (or beverage of your choice) and VISIT!  Those are usually the best memories for us!   And remember, your friends come over to see YOU, not your house or your things.
6. Cut back on eating out.   Or don't eat out if you are really hurting.   We let ourselves get a little out of hand at times because we really enjoy trying new restaurants. 
7. Explore the free attractions in your own city.
8. Consider starting a babysitting pool with your trusted friends.  Take turns watching each others children for free and exchange have them return the favor.  For parents, hiring a sitter can make a night out even more daunting.  
9. For a really cheap date night, consider a romantic evening "in".   Sometimes just having a night without the kids can be TRUE entertainment!
10. Attend festivals and enjoy the free stuff but pack a cooler with snacks and beverages.  You'll save a bundle and still get the experience.  Unless it is a food festival....or a wine tasting....

Fashion

1. Consider shopping at second hand stores, vintage shops and garage sales.  We've found so many fantastic things at Goodwill through the years.  I'm always surprised at the current styles that we find! 
2. Don't turn down "hand-me-downs".  We've been blessed through the years with "hand-me-downs" for me and my children.  I am very thankful to get a bag of clothing from a friend!  I sort through and put away what is too small or large for another time or child, give away what I know we won't use and recycle what is not in good repair.
3. Always check out clearance sales with the next season/year in mind.  I've found end-of-season clothing items for as low as a $1 many, many times at retail stores.  I just pack them away for the next year!  Those finds are better than second hand shop treasures at times!
4. Don't pay full price for anything that you can't use in multiple ways.   Some items are classic and can be worn in multiple ways and in more than one season.   It's appropriate to pay full price if the item is good quality and versatile.
5. Learn to sew.  Some items can't be sewn as cheaply as purchased but if you know how to sew, you can make repairs, alter for a better fit or alter slightly to update to a current style.   Sewing can be very fulfilling!
6. Remember that it is better to have a few versatile pieces of clothing that you will wear, than a bunch of stuff you never wear.  I am guilty at times of hoarding old clothing with the thought that it MIGHT come back in style.  Or clothes that I MIGHT fit into again! 

Household Purchases



1. When you are in need of an item for your home, whether it be furniture, appliance or decor, think "used" first.   My husband usually prices the item new, then we check out Craigslist, ebay and Goodwill.  We've found many items at half the retail price or less that were in excellent repair. 




My clothes dryer/pasta drying rack


2. Be creative in finding other uses for household items.  If you need a desk, look around your house to see what you have to "construct" one.  For example, two bar stools and an old door can double as a desk in a pinch.  Or cinder blocks stacked and a sheet of plywood can work as well.  A wooden clothing dryer (the kind used to dry delicates) makes a great pasta drying rack.  Use your imagination.  See what you can find in your own home before you head off to the store. 

There are many more ideas I'm sure I will think of so look forward to future postings.  Please feel free to share your own tips for saving money.  I'd love to hear them!  

Have a wonderful day!   



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Is It Worth It to Work Outside of The Home?

I'm going to step into some controversial ground now so I apologize in advance should I happen to offend anyone. 

As some of you may already know, we operate a licensed childcare in our home.   I am so grateful for our business and for the amazing families that entrust us to care for their precious children.  I love each family as if they are an extension of my own.  I believe they appreciate and love us too, as we usually have a child from 6 weeks old until kindergarten age.  The low turnover rate tells me that we are doing something right here. 

This business allows me to stay home with my babies while earning a living.  Ultimately, this is the reason we choose to operate a daycare.

Now that I've said so much positive about my situation, I'm going to say something a little crazy......Get ready for it........

The Big Revelation

It often doesn't make sense for both parents to work outside of the home.   I know, if it weren't for working parents, we wouldn't have a business.  Crazy thing for me to say, right? 

I do understand that not all parents are in a relationship, much less a supportive relationship with their child's other parent.  So please take single parents out of this discussion for a moment.  Or leave them in if you wish. 

Childcare is Expensive!

One of the most compelling reasons for a parent of a small child to stay home with them is.....ME!  Oh, I don't mean that a child won't get love and good care with a daycare provider.  Although quality of care is a concern, we'll save that discussion for another time.  I'm simply talking about the cost of childcare! 

I don't know what the current national average childcare tuition is, however in our region of the nation, $100 to $200 weekly is a common range. This varies based on the age of the child and the type of facility.  Centers are generally more expensive than in-home providers.  

Our average fee is $150 a week.   That adds up to $650 a month per child and a whopping $7,800 a year!  That is ONE child.   

Is it Worth Your Time?

You can do some simple calculating to decide whether working outside of the home is worth it for you and your family.  I'll give you an example situation based on a mother of a child enrolled in our daycare.  For the sake of privacy, she will remain anonymous.  Her income is based on $10 an hour - 40 hours a week.

  Mom's Income and Job Related Expenses-

------------------------Weekly               Monthly
Income  -                   $400.00              $1,733.00
Deduct Income Taxes -$ 58.00              $  251.00 
Net Income weekly   $342.00           $1,482.00 
Reduced by
Childcare fees           -$130.00              $   563.33
Cost of fuel              -$ 32.94              $   137.24
Insure 2nd vehicle    -$ 30.32               $   131.42
Loan on 2nd car       -$ 46.15               $   200.00
Net Income              $102.59           $    450.01

As you can see, my anonymous daycare mother was ultimately contributing only $102.59 a week toward the household income.  That calculates out to approximately $2.56 an hour! 

These figures aren't taking into consideration her commute time, nor the money she was spending for lunches and convenience foods.  Also not being included in these calculations are the money that she spent on professional clothing, haircuts, etc.   I suspect if we were able to factor in those numbers, she likely would be spending money, instead of making money to work. 

With our encouragement, this family made the very wise decision to have Mom stay home with their baby.  Now, convenience foods and eating out are the exception in their household instead of the rule.    The whole family is eating healthier because Mom has time to prepare home cooked meals and pack a lunch for Dad.   Dinner time is now a relaxing experience for them instead of the mad rush it used to be.

They sold their 2nd vehicle and are getting by with one until they save enough cash to purchase a quality used vehicle.   This is huge savings for them each month.

Mom said she feels much more at peace being with her baby.  And although she worries about money still, the extra money savings they've realized just in their weekly grocery bill alone more than make up for that $102 she gave up. 

Being a stay at home parent can be a career to be very proud of.   Sometimes we let society's expectations tell us how we should live our lives.  We may feel we aren't contributing if we don't have a job.  We might buy into the stereotype of the lazy "bon bon" eating wife and let that turn us off to the idea.  But as you can see, NOT working can actually add income to your family's budget.  Just remember the old adage, a penny saved is a penny earned. 

To take the step to become a stay at home parent is a big decision.   I believe both Mom and Dad must be supportive of the idea.  Both must see the value that a stay-at-home parent adds.  The stay-at-home parent should understand the importance of their position and realize the impact they are capable of having on the household budget.

So, if you've been contemplating staying at home with your child(ren), or if you've wondered if your family will ever get ahead, even though you are both working hard, you should put pencil to paper and calculate your actual take home earnings.  You might be surprised at how little you are earning for each hour you work.

Please feel free to share your personal experience.   I'd love to hear how your family makes it work.

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Homemade Fabric Softener - Inexpensive and Effective!

To soften your laundry inexpensively, try this recipe.  It's all natural and does a really great job for pennies.

To make this recipe, you will need -

• 6 cups of white vinegar
• 8 cups of tap water
• 1 cup of baking soda
• 15 drops of essential oil (your preference - optional)

In a large bowl or pan, mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of water.

Slowly add 6 cups of vinegar.  It will bubble up.  Just stir gently and remember to add a little at a time. 



Add vinegar carefully



Add the remaining 7 cups of water to the mixture.  Combine thoroughly. 

Add 15 drops of essential oil.  I used lemongrass this time.  Lavender would be nice too.  I bought my essential oil at the health food store.  There are so many varieties of oil that one could create virtually any scent.

Adding essential oil

To use, add to wash cycle as you would any commercial softener.  1/2 to 1 cup to per load seems soften sufficiently. 

Store in a loosely covered container.  I just used an old fabric softener bottle with the lid not on all the way. 

We're very happy with this softener and it only cost around $1.20 to make 112 ounces.  

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Homemade Laundry Soap - Effective and CHEAP!

I am thrilled!  I was perusing Mooberry Farm's blog the other day and found her recipe for homemade laundry soap (See link below to Julie's posting).  I've made laundry soap in the past but I wasn't happy with the recipe.  I didn't feel it was adequately getting our clothes clean. 

I decided to give Julie's recipe a try. 

I purchased the ingredients at my local grocery store -

(Please note, you will be able to make multiple batches of laundry soap with these ingredients)

• Borax - 76 ounce box for $3.38
• Arm & Hammer Washing Soda - $3.24
• Fels Naptha Bar Laundry Soap - $.98 a bar
• Essential Oil for Scent (Optional) - Lemongrass - $4.50 vial

This is how I made my laundry soap -

1. Chop 1/2 bar of Fels Naptha soap into small pieces

2. Heat chopped soap and 6 cups of water in a sauce pan over medium heat.  Stir until well soap is dissolved completely.


3. Add 1 cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, 1 cup of Borax and 6 cups of water.  Stir well until dissolved.

4. Pour soap mixture into a large bucket or stockpot.  Add 20 cups of water to soap mixture.  Stir completely.  You will have approximately 2 gallons of soap.

5. Add 10 to 15 drops of essential oil of your choice, if desired. 
6. Let sit overnight.

7. Transfer to your storage containers.  (I used an old gallon sized laundry detergent bottle and an old plastic gallon sized ice cream tub). I like to use hot water to wash our laundry.  This soap seems to dissolve well in the wash water.  I don't know how it would work in cold water as it is thick. 

BIG Money Savings!

I calculated the cost of this homemade detergent and the cost is only $0.69 per gallon!  That is an amazing savings over store bought laundry detergent.   I was paying almost $7 per gallon of the cheaper laundry detergent from the supermarket! 

I use approximately 3/4 cup per wash, adjusting for the load size and depending on how dirty the laundry is. 

As you can see, it isn't difficult to make your own laundry soap.  And it is such a good feeling to know you are saving your family so much money! 

Thanks Julie for your recipe!  I really appreciate your frugal tips! 

To see Julie's soap recipe and to pick up more helpful tips from her, click on this link http://www.mooberry-farm.com/ . 


(Click HERE for updates/reviews on all my homemade cleaners)

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