You will need:
~Large bucket, at least 2 gallons, to mix in (I bought a 5 gallon rubbermaid tub to mix and store in, but a regular paint bucket with a lid would work.)
~1/3 bar Fels Naptha Laundry Soap
~1/2 cup Borax
~1/2 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (BTW, baking soda and washing soda are different)
1. Cut the Fels Naptha bar into thirds. (Be sure to save the extras for your next batch). Finely grate the soap.
2. In a large pot, heat 6 cups of water and the grated soap over low heat until the soap melts. Don't let the soap boil! Once it has melted, add the Borax and Arm & Hammer. Leave it on the heat, continuing to stir constantly until all the powder is dissolved and the mixture has thickened almost to the consistency of honey. Remove from heat.
3. Pour 4 cups of hot tap water into your mixing bucket. Add your soap mixture and stir. (You can add some essential oils at this time for fragrance, but I found without it smells very clean and nice.) Next add 1 gallon plus 6 cups (that's 22 cups total) of hot tap water. Stir for a few minutes, then cover and let sit over night.
4. The next morning the soap might be a little spongy on top and runny on the bottom. No problem. You can just scoop it out as it, or mix it up with a stick blender or whisk and add to a bottle. You can use a beverage dispenser with a spigot (again available at WalMart) or recycle an existing detergent bottle.
5. Use 1/2 cup per load. It is safe for high efficiency machines.
So happy detergent making! When I find the perfect homemade dishwasher soap, I will pass it along as well.
