I am a big, big, BIG fan of pretty much every Purex brand product out there, including Fels-Naptha. While I love Purex detergent, I also love making my own laundry soap recipe for a more natural laundry soap. (recipe and instructional video below) And all it takes is 3 little products, sometimes 4, with a rinse of white distilled vinegar. Don’t worry, there is NO vinegar scents left in your clothes and it only takes a tiny bit. I use a Downy fabric softener ball and it releases it for me during the rinse cycle. So easy. Sometimes I make my own soap especially for use in laundry soap, but for the most part, I just grab a bar of Fels-Naptha at Wal-Mart. It’s less than a dollar and goes a long way in laundry soap!
Disclosure: I received complimentary product as a Purex Insider for review purposes. All opinions are strictly my own.
What is Fels-Naptha?
Purex Fels-Naptha is a powerful laundry bar that works overtime to remove greasy, oily stains, perspiration, and ring-around-the-collar. With over 100 years of removing America’s stains, you can rest assured that this laundry bar knows how to tackle your toughest stains.
All you’ve got to do is rub the stain with a wet bar of Purex Fels-Naptha and let it sit for a few minutes. Then wash your clothes as you normally would and say farewell to tough stains for good.
So it is a really useful ingredients in homemade laundry soap. It does all the stain fighting! The other 2 ingredients I use are Arm & Hammer Washing Soda and Purex’s 20 Mule Team Borax (*NOTE this is NOT the same as Boric Acid.) Both are found in the laundry detergent aisle. I mentioned that I sometimes use a 4th ingredient. And I do. Sometimes, I will add a bottle of Purex Crystals for Baby. I love the fragrance and softness, these leave in my clothes.
For stain fighting, the Purex Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar works really well. If one of us has spilled something on our clothes, I will pre-treat with the Purex Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar, let it sit a few minutes, or until I’m ready to do a load of laundry, then wash using 2TBS – 1/3 cup of the homemade laundry soap, depending on laod size. So far, the stains have come out every time and our clothes are fresh, colors are bright and they smells wonderful!
Now for my homemade Laundry Soap recipe. I prefer a powdered version over a liquid. It stores easier and it easier to use.
I have an instructional video but I’m having trouble getting it uploaded. I’ll get it added to this post next week. I also have more photos of the actual recipe to add to this post. I’ll also be making an individual page here on the blog for this and other recipes.
Laundry Soap Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bar (or 4.5 ounces Fels-Naptha (grated and crumbled))
- 1 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax
- 1 cup of washing soda (Arm & Hammer)
Instructions
- Grate the Fels-Naptha into a large container
- Crumble grates soap peels with fingers
- Add 1 Cup 20 Mule Team Borax
- Add One Cup washing soda.
- Mix together well
- Add 2 TBSP - 1/3 C to laundry
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment below letting us know you made this recipe. Then tag @cinnamonhollow on Instagram and hashtag it #cinnamonhollowrecipes Now I’ve heard that this recipe is perfect for HE washing machines because there is no suds. Suds aren’t what get you clean. They just make the soap seem like it is doing more. The soap cleans regardless of suds. Just so you know. Either way, do your research and use your OWN judgement before using it in your machine. We aren’t responsible for damages. We’re only sharing a recipe the we personally use and love.
Is Borax safe? Yes, I think so. Don’t ingest it. It’s a natural ingredient but even natural ingredients can be harmful when consumed or breathed in. It is a powder as is the washing soda. So use with precautions when adding it to your recipe and laundry. I did a little research and came across this Borax article by Crunchy Betty that has some details on Borax safety.
Is washing soda safe? Yes, I think so. Same as with Borax. It is soda, like baking soda so use precautions and do not inhale or ingest.
At the end of the day, you have to make up your own mind about the safety of anything. I can’t do it for you. All I can say is that I personally use this soap and love it. Again, we can’t be held responsible if you don’t use it properly. I’m just saying.
Now, with all that said, GO! Make some laundry soap and enjoy! Let me know if you use our Laundry Soap Recipe!!!!
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I am a stay-at-home- mom, living in KY with my husband and children. I’m a travel and lifestyle blogger encouraging folks to live their life one adventure at a time while also focusing on beauty, essential oils and health. From time to time I also like to showcase my adorable pets along with my family. Along with Cinnamon Hollow I can be found at The Martin Family Adventure … read more
Good Morning! I’m one of your SITS Tribe members stopping by to introduce myself and say hello! How awesome that you and your husband blog together!
I’ll save this soap recipe. Looks good. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Homemade soaps are better. Less chemical and safer
I agree completely! We do still use Purex on my husband’s work clothes because it really gets the grime out. But for everything else it’s homemade all the way. And I often use my own homemade soap in my laundry soap as well. It’s good and scrubby but super gentle on the skin.
Thanks for sharing this soap recipe. Ingredients are easy to find.
Yup, they are pretty easy to find. I’ve found it all at Walmart, Kroger and even the Dollar general.
This recipe is very good. Im going to try todays evening:) btw. I have blog too, its https://simon-questions.blogspot.cz/ , but I dont have any inspiration for new articles:(
Is this OK for he washing machines
Hi Loretta,
I’m not 100% sure that it is but I have heard from other users that they can use the dry mix in their HE washers. Please read your manual or ask the manufacturer if you’re unsure. I’d never want to tell someone that it’s safe and then it mess their machine up. I’ have heard it’s ok but I can’t say for sure.
I have a front loading washing machine. I have only ever used liquid detergent in it. If I were to use this dry mix, would i put it directly in the drum with the clothes? Thanks in advance! 🙂
Yes ma’am, right in the drum! I’d start with a TBSP or 2 and see how it does.