I saw the washing machine conversation and thought I would share this. I( have been using homemade detergent for the last 3 or 4 months. It works very well, does not stink like most commercial concoctions and it is cheap. I have used both Ivory and Fels Naphtha for the bar soap part of the recipe. Ivory melts a little easier, but the Fels Naphtha seems to clean a bit better.
1 quart Water (boiling) 2 cups Bar soap (grated) 2 cups Borax 2 cups Washing Soda
■Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted. ■Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir well until all is dissolved. ■Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed. ■Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Stir the soap each time you use it (will gel).
