Trying new things

To many people's surprise, I am somewhat apprehensive when it comes to trying new things. I'm not afraid of change so much as afraid of failure.

But that's a topic for another day altogether.

So when I decided to attempt making my own laundry detergent, I really had to work myself up to it. And thanks to a dear friend, I had all the ingredients necessary. So, I did it and I am going to share the easy process with you!

 Here's what you need:

1 Fels-Naptha Soap Bar (Rural King for about $1.79) 

4 Cups hot tap water

1 Cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda 

1/2 Cup Borax

 1- 5 gallon bucket

 Empty, clean laundry detergent dispenser 

Grater (if I would've been thinking I would have bought one from Dollar Tree)

Saucepan 

Long spoon or stir stick 

Here's what you do:
-Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a five gallon bucket half full of hot top water.

-Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved.

Fill bucket to the top with more hot water.(I forgot to take a picture of this step, but, is it really necessary?) Stir, cover and let sit over night to thicken.
 -Stir and fill a used, clean laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and add fill the ret of way with water.

-Shake well before each use (will gel).
Optional: you can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled.
Yield: liquid soap recipe makes 10gallons.
5/8 cup per load for top load machines
1/4 cup per load for front load machines

Easy as that!!