Homemade Laundry Soap: Not Just for Hippies Anymore

Okay, so I honestly don't know if hippies make their own laundry soap.  There are many motivations to making your own soap; allergies, concerns about toxins or other chemicals, and economical.  I decided to try making our own laundry soap just to save money with our large family.  I figured that since we are Christians, politically conservative, pro-life, pro-gun, and homeschool our kids that we're already considered freaks so why not let the freak flag fly proudly and start making our own laundry soap!  I know other families that make their own soap too and they're not nearly as weird as we are if that gives any comfort.  It's really easy to make and you'll save about 89% in costs.

This website was great, has step-by-step instructions with pictures and a great cost break down.  The man who  originally posted the recipe tested his soap against Tide and said it worked just as well.  You can use any kind of bar soap you want and add scented oils or not.  You can also make a dry method although I use the gel/wet.  I think it works great, the only thing I miss is that perfumey, artificial smell that you get from Tide with Downy.  I know, some may be disgusted by that but I like that "illusion of cleanliness" smell.

http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/04/09/making-your-own-laundry-detergent-a-detailed-visual-guide/

I still use store bought laundry sheets for the dryer. However, I've heard that you can take a bottle of liquid fabric softener, add 2 gallons of water to it in a bucket, dip a sponge in the bucket and throw the sponge in with the clothes.  If you line-dry your clothes I would still add some fabric softener into the washer.  I personally don't like crunchy clothes.

Anyways, I just thought I'd share.  I know making your own laundry soap is not a new idea, in fact it's an old one but it's coming back in popularity.  I'm also going to try making our own dishwasher soap, I'll let everyone know how that goes!  Good luck if you decide to try and make your own soap and don't worry, you don't need to wear Birkenstocks while making it!