Homemade Laundry Soap with a surprising bonus

I've seen so many bloggers posting about making their own laundry soap, that I had to give it a try.  About 6 weeks ago I made my first batch.  I followed this recipe from Stonegable blog recipe for laundry detergent, but instead of using 2 of the Downy Unstoppables, I used 1 container of Purex fabric softener crystals.  Two reasons for this: 1) they are cheaper and 2) I usually use unscented detergent due to sensitive skin issues.  I was afraid to add too much scent.  I have had no reaction at all to this new formula of detergent and it had been well over a month.  I was so skeptical of doing this that I made 1/4 of the batch the first time.  I've have since remade a larger batch.  

One of the first things I loved about this detergent was the smell.  Fels Naptha Soap and the Purex crystals smell so good, while making it and while doing the laundry.  I grate the soap bar with a grater first and then put it in my food processor with some baking soda to break it down into smaller pieces.  I really do have to admit that my clothes look brighter and are softer.  My whites are the most noticeable.  I do all of my wash in cold water, except the whites, I use warm or hot because that's what activates the Oxyclean the best.  

So are you wondering what the bonus is?  I have a front loader washing machine.  It is a Whirlpool that I've had for at least 10 years.  While I love my washer very much, it had a bad odor. All of you out there with a front loader are shaking your heads yes right now.  They get that build up inside the drum and they smell, really, really bad.  Shut the door to the laundry room and hold your breath bad.  Especially when you haven't used your washer in a few days.  Am I right or what?  But since I started using this new detergent the odor is GONE!!  Completely!!  I have tried all of the washer cleaners, and the Smell Begone brand, and vinegar and leaving the door open.  Nothing has ever really worked, until now!!  I wasn't even going to blog about making the detergent, but as the odor disappeared (  it will take several washes) I was so happy I had to share!  It's a miracle!!

So hop on over and see the recipe at StoneGable, then make some.  It's not really that hard and it's so much cheaper than buying the pre-made stuff.  I use about a 1/4 cup per load.

Take Care now!

Di