Homemade Lavender Detergent
- 1). Unwrap your Fels Naptha or similar bar soap a day in advance and cut it in half with a sharp knife. Set it on a hard surface in a cool and well-ventilated area. This step is required to harden the soap before handling.
- 2). Pour 1 1/2 gallons of water into a large stock pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and let simmer. The less water you use the thicker and more effective your laundry detergent will be. More water will produce a smoother detergent.
- 3). Grate your dried soap using the largest grate on a hand-held cheese grater. If soap melts or becomes too soft to grate, turn off the stove and let your soap dry for another few hours before attempting this recipe again.
- 4). Add your grated soap to the boiling water and stir with a nonwooden spatula until fully dissolved. Your water will begin to take on a gooey, thick feeling as the soap melts. Turn off your burner.
- 5). Wait two to three minutes for your water to cool slightly, then transfer to a large bucket. Slowly stir in your lavender fragrance oil, followed by 1 cup each of borax and washing soda. Keep stirring until all ingredients are dissolved and well mixed.
- 6). Pour the mixture into several small containers such as old laundry detergent bottles, or cover the bucket securely. This combination will thicken and must be stirred before each use. Use 1 cup for a medium-sized load of laundry and 1 1/2 cups for large or very soiled loads.
