Homemade Laundry Detergent - Updated

I am disgusted with how expensive laundry detergent has become, especially if your family has sensitive skin like mine.  I became increasingly convinced there had to be a better (and cheaper) solution to this problem.  I found a plethora of options online but was not convinced of how effective any of them would be.  I finally decided to jump in and give it a try... I will NEVER go back! You should be able to find all of the items you need in your grocery store detergent isle.

Here is the recipe - enjoy the savings and the superior washing capability:

Use 1 Tablespoon per load for a regular sized washer or 2 Tablespoons for an over sized washer. I know that does not seem like enough but this recipe does not have fillers like the store bought detergent so you need less. Also note that this detergent does NOT create suds which can actually redeposit dirt and grime back onto your clothes.  You may also notice a film on the top of the water of your first load which is the old soap residue left behind by your old detergent.

This makes enough detergent for approximately 210 loads for $12.63 or $.06 per load!  This does not include the initial investment of the glass jar and scoop. (If you include those, the first batch works out to be $.11 a load for the first load.)

1 box Borax 4 lb 12 oz (76 oz) ($3.39)
1 box Arm and Hammer Baking Soda 4 lb (64 oz) ($2.12)
1 box Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda 3 lb 7 oz (55 oz) ($3.24)
4 bars of Fels-Naptha soap  (16.5 oz each) ($3.88)

One time purchase to scoop and store your detergent:
2 gallon glass jar (in the kitchen isle for $9.98)
2 Tbsp metal coffee scoop (in the kitchen isle for $1.67)

Mix all the ingredients in the glass jar except for the Fels Naptha soap (there will be extra room to mix).  You may want to wear a mask while mixing, since these powders are very fine and may cause respiratory irritation to some people.  Grate your Fels-Naptha soap just like cheese with a cheese grater.  This last time I made a batch, I found out that my Ninja blender will "grate" the Fels Naptha soap for me!  I put it in and pulsed it like I would to make "shaved" ice.  It came out much smaller and finer.  However, I did find that I had to add about a cup of the other mixed ingredients to keep the soap from sticking together and to the sides.  Then add it to the rest and mix well.   Don't worry - either way, the Fels-Naptha will dissolve in your washer even if you only use cold water.  

This recipe is HE washer safe, in fact, that is what I have.