Make your own laundry soap!

I have seen many recipes lately on the Internet, but they were all basically the same. This is the way I made mine!

Heat 4 cups of water on the stove to almost boil
Add 1 bar of soap shredded I use Dove
Heat until bar is dissolved
I use a 5 gallon bucket (with a lid)
Add 3 gallons of hot water to bucket
stir in soapy water from stove top
stir in 1 cup of arm and hammer washing soda
stir in 1 cup of borax
Let it sit overnight to cool. I usually wait 2 days.

I bought a large pack of soap, borax, the washing soda, metal shredder, and bucket. All of it cost me under 15$. I don't know how much money I have saved but it is a lot!

I reuse the jug from the last bottle of detergent I bought, and just refill it from the bucket. I will have to keep track this time to see how many times I refill the jug. I know the jug cost me around 5 dollars. I have already saved more than enough to pay for the supplies listed above.

I have not noticed any difference using my detergent versus the store bought. (I still have problems with stains, I have 2 toddlers! I don't know if I will ever get rid of all their stains!) If you have any hints on that let me know! If you like scented stuff you can add oils to the mix, but I don't know how much since I haven't done that yet. I am thinking about using lavender! I love the way it smells.

I have no idea why I didn't start doing this before. I still have tons left to make more! This is so easy and fun! Evie helped me this time. She was so happy to help cook! I measured the water then put it into a large bowl. I gave her a measuring cup and she put the water into the pan before I cooked it! Then she helped stir at the end!