How to Make and Thicken Laundry Detergent

Most individuals are use to store-bought laundry detergent that is nice and thick. Switching to homemade laundry detergent can be somewhat of a shock because the detergent is often thin and watery. Fortunately, there is a little trick you can use to thicken your homemade laundry detergent to get it ready for use in your washing machine.

You will need the following items:

2 1/2 quarts hot water
Pot
1/2 cup grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 cup Borax
1/2 cup washing soda
Bucket
Empty laundry detergent containers

Follow these steps to make your thick laundry detergent:

Step 1:

Pour 1 1/2 quarts of hot water in a pot. Add 1/2 cup of grated Fels Naptha Soap.

Step 2:

Heat the water and soap over low heat, stirring constantly.

Step 3:

Add 1/2 cup of Borax and 1/2 cup of washing soda once the soap combines with the water. Stir until the Borax and washing soda have dissolved and become thick. Remove from the heat.

Step 4:

Pour 1 quart of hot water in a bucket and then transfer the mixture in your pot to the bucket. Stir until combined. Add more hot water until you have a total of 2 gallons of homemade laundry detergent.

Step 5:

Separate the homemade laundry detergent in to empty laundry detergent containers and set aside for a period of 24 hours without placing the lids on the containers. During this time the laundry detergent will thicken.

Step 6:

Shake the container before each use and measure out 1/2 cup for each load of laundry.

Tips:

You can substitute the bar soap for liquid castile soap.

Add your favorite essential oils to the homemade laundry detergent. The Duggar Family suggests 10 to 15 drops of either rosemary or lavender essential oils.

References:

Tipnut: 10 Homemade Laundry Soap Detergent Recipes
Duggar Family: Favorite Family Recipes
The Frugal Shopper: Homemade Laundry Detergent