So we have to improvise...
Arm and Hammer baking soda - yes,
Washing soda - not so much.
I've tried cooking the baking soda at high heat to get a version of the washing soda, but I don't feel confident it's the same.
I'm going to give you my made-in-Canada version of the recipe:
Needed:
- 1 container Oxi-Clean
- 3 bars Ivory soap (don't substitute with another soap - Ivory is known for not leaving a residue)
- 1 box Borax
- 1 box Arm & Hammer baking soda
- 1 bottle (you'll only use as much as you like) of essential oil in the scent of your choice. I like fresh linen from Bath & Bodyworks
- 1 small box of laundry detergent
You caught that last ingredient didn't you?
Seems redundant to make laundry detergent from laundry detergent - but in the absence of the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda, I like to use a mini-box of no-name soap just to be sure I have some detergent in the recipe.
Put the Ivory bars in the food processor to finely grind.
Put all of the dry ingredients into a large bowl and mix with a hand mixer to make sure everything is evenly incorporated.
Add in drops of the essential oil to your taste and mix again.
you only need 2 tbsp of this mixture per load of laundry - where the store-bought will tell you to use a half cup or more.
Depending on the volume of laundry at your house, this recipe could last you up to a year!
For our family of four - 3 of which are Diva's and wear more than one outfit per day - this will last 6 months.
Have a great one!
Interesting. So you used baking soda and super-cheap-laundry det in place of the Washing soda? I realize that you are in Canada, so maybe the local stores just don't carry the fels naptha? I prefer the Zote bars. With the influx of Hispanics in the area, stores are carrying products they prefer...apparently Zote is one and I love it! Also, I use 1 Zote bar with my mix of 1 cup of each of the dry ingredients. I'll consider making a full batch with full boxes with two bars of Zote. This would definitely help with the number of times I make my detergent.
ReplyDeleteI use sunlight laundry bar. I have found it in superstore, some safeway stores as well as home hard ware stores. Super washing soda was available at walmart. You do a bit of driving but you can find everything depending on where you live in Canada. Good luck
ReplyDeleteIt's the washing soda I can't seem to find - but I'll keep an eye out in the stores you suggested. Thanks for taking the time to let me know!
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