How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is unnecessarily expensive, and in these difficult and uncertain economic times finding a way to wash clothes and dishes without emptying your pockets is a pragmatic cash saver that can never outlive its utility. Laundry detergent costs anything from KES 725 in Nairobi and some days that’s just not pocket friendly. UP Magazine has a simple and accessible recipe for both the liquid and the powder detergent depending on your style. The ingredients can be found at your local grocery store. Here you go:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Laundry Powder (works best in warm or hot wash water)

Ingredients:

2 cups soap flakes or grated plain bar soap

1 cup borax/vinegar/baking soda

1 cup washing soda

Directions:

Combine ingredients well and store in a jar with an airtight lid.

Use 2 tablespoons per load.

Liquid Laundry Detergent

Ingredients:

2 cups of bar soap

2 cups of washing soda (or soap flakes)

2 cups of borax/vinegar/baking soda

Directions:

1. Boil one quart of water and add the bar soap, mixing until it has completely melted.
2. Pour the soapy water into a large bucket or jug and add the borax and washing soda, mixing until it is all dissolved.
3. Add 2 gallons of water and mix thoroughly.

Use about 1/4 cup per load.

By Ondi Madete