Creating a 10-gallon recipe for natural soap-based laundry detergent without borax or washing soda can be done using castile soap as the main ingredient. Here's a simple recipe for a large batch:
Ingredients:
- 2 bars of natural soap (Castile soap or olive oil soap)
- 10 gallons of water
- Essential oils for fragrance (optional)
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Cheese grater or food processor
- Mixing spoon
- Funnel
- Empty and clean 10-gallon container or several smaller containers
Instructions:
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Grate the Soap:
- Use a cheese grater or food processor to finely grate the 2 bars of natural soap. This will help the soap dissolve more easily in water.
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Boil Water:
- Bring approximately 1 gallon of water to a boil in a large pot.
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Add Grated Soap:
- Gradually add the grated soap to the boiling water, stirring continuously to help the soap dissolve. Continue stirring until the soap is completely dissolved.
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Cool the Mixture:
- Allow the soap mixture to cool. It will thicken as it cools.
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Add Essential Oils (Optional):
- If you desire a pleasant fragrance, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Stir well to distribute the scent.
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Transfer to Storage Container:
- Once the soap mixture has cooled, use a funnel to carefully transfer it to a clean and empty 10-gallon container or divide it into several smaller containers.
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Top Up with Water:
- Add the remaining 9 gallons of water to the soap mixture in the container. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
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Mix Well Before Use:
- Before each use, give the detergent a good stir or shake to make sure it's well-mixed.
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Use in Laundry:
- Use approximately 1-2 cups of the natural soap-based detergent per load, depending on your laundry needs.
Note:
- This recipe is free of borax and washing soda, making it suitable for those who prefer an alternative formula.
- Adjust the amount used per load based on your washing machine and laundry needs.
- Experiment with different natural soaps to find a scent that you enjoy.