DIY ~ Powder Laundry Detergent

The cost of laundry detergent these days is getting ridiculous. 
You can cut costs by making your own. 
This makes a very large batch, so before starting make sure you have a container big enough to store in. 
I only make half a batch at a time because I don't have a container big enough. 

~ note; prices next to items are approximate and for my area (Canada) ~

What You Need; 

• 1 Box of Borax (4 lb) $6.00
• 1 Box Arm and Hammer Washing Soda (Make sure it is washing soda-not baking soda) (3 lb) $5.00
• 2 Boxes of Baking Soda (Small - regular size ones) $1.98
• 1 Container of Oxy Clean (3lb) (I used the store brand of this) $5.00
• 2 Bars of Laundry Soap (I used Linda brand) (Found in laundry aisle) $4.00
• Bottle of Purex Crystals (Optional but smells yummy!) $5.00

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First, in a large bucket carefully stir together borax, washing soda, baking soda, and oxy clean. I recommend only doing parts of each product at a time to ensure everything is mixed together well. 

Then add grated laundry soap bars and purex crystals(if wanted). Mix extremely well. It's hard on the arms! 

 Store in large airtight container. 

I also store the laundry powder in the empty purex crystal container for easy use in the laundry room. 

Use 1 - 2 tablespoons per load. That's it. 

    You barely need any of this mixture to get you clothes clean. 

And believe me, it will get them clean! 

This stuff is like magic! 

I have notced since using it that my white are much whiter than with store bought liquid detergent and bleach. 

~ * remember this is a no suds detergent. So when you don't see any bubbles forming, don't worry. It is still doing its job! * ~

Reusable Dryer Sheets

Looking for a more frugal, eco-friendly alternative to store bought dryer sheets? 

These make it yourself sheets are cheap, easy to do and actually work. 

Here's what you need: 

~ Old Shirt or Towel

~ Fabric Softener 

~ Bucket or Basket for Storage 

Steps: 

First, take your old shirt or towel and cut it into pieces. Make sure these pieces are not too small. 

Next, put all your sheets into a large bowl and cover with a combination of 2 parts fabric softener to 1 part water making sure everything is covered. 

Leave in bowl over night.

Squeeze out sheets individually and lay out in a single layer to dry. 

Once completely dry, store in a container. 

Throw a few of these sheets into the dryer with your wet clothes. 

Pull them out of your laundry when its finished and put them back in the basket. 

These sheets can be used a bunch of times before you have to re-soak them. 

Frugal and Reusable! 

My kind of project!

How I Stock Pile Laundry Items

Laundry supplies are always something that I have made sure to have extra of. I always hated running out of detergent or softener and then realizing there is none on sale that week and having to pay ... wait for it ... full price! Yuck. By stock piling laundry items I always ensure that I won't be caught with none and that I will always essentially have clean clothes!

•  4 - 6 Bottles of Laundry Detergent (Depending on Size) 
• 4 - 6 Bottles of Fabric Softener (Depending on Size)
• 3 Full boxes of Dryer Sheets 

Laundry Pods