Budget Trimming

As a stay at home mom it is important for me to save money whenever and wherever I can.  We have a spreadsheet laid out with every cost and which paycheck will pay what.  Quite possibly a bit anal but it is a great system to keep up in check.  The newest way I have found to save money will be to make our own laundry detergent (assuming we like it), and change out all the harsh cleaners for homemade less abrasive ones.  My 2 year old is getting awfully smart and I feel it is only a matter of time before he can open all the child proof cabinet locks, and having poison control on speed dial doesn't sound like my idea of a good time. Now I made one batch of laundry detergent already and found the initial recipe here.  Though after more research (and personal preference) decided I wanted to do a powder instead with this recipe (they are exactly the same aside from the pot and water, which gave me more confidence to try it) consisting of:





1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing Soda
1 bar of grated Dove soap (I used Dove because I love this soap)





Each load takes 1-2 tablespoons depending on how dirty the load is.  And with a house full of boys my assumption is that I will always use 2 tablespoons.  Of course after making a double batch of the detergent found that Dove probably wasn't the best soap because of the oils it has in it.  Some say it worked well with no issues and others have said the oils can cause stains, so now I'm worried. While it works very well it is a bit of a change, I'm used to the fresh smell of laundry running and all the suds to show it cleaning.  This homemade detergent is concentrated so there are few suds and the clothes come out of the washer smelling almost neutral.  As long as the clothes are clean the amount of bubbles and lack of smell shouldn't matter.  I know that this detergent works because it took out one of those lovely breastfeed yellow pooped all over my clothes stains.  However I want to try one that potentially has a bit more kick to it.  I am going to try yet another recipe and see which I like better, I found the recipe I like here consisting of:

1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing Soda
1 bar Fels Naptha Soap (found in the laundry aisle)
1/2 cup of Oxyclean

Each load will need 2 tablespoons of detergent.  I will be making this recipe as soon as I can find a way to get off the couch and go to the store.  Both recipes will be much more cost effective than you everyday store bought varieties (I could do the math but honestly don't remember the cost of each).  Though we will still use our handy dandy trusted Gain when it comes to washing my husbands work clothes, as they are too expensive to experiment with!  These detergents are super easy to make, you simply get a bowl, grate the bar of soap, or put it through the food processor add the Borax, Washing Soda, and Oxyclean if you choose, stir together thoroughly and your done.  Next mission is to find all the household cleaners I like and try them out, but this feels a bit overwhelming at the moment.

Just wanted to add I found all of the ingredients needed for the detergent at Walmart!