I wondered for the longest time about Oxy Clean I used it against my own what I call super laundry soap and it was no better and in some cases worse. Have you ever wondered what makes it so good? What makes it different from other detergents? And is their something similar sold for a cheaper price. I have the answers and the recipe for super laundry detergent that works better than Oxy Clean. And to top it off it is cheaper and eco-friendly meaning it does nothing to the environment.

Oxy Clean is nothing more than sodium carbonate hydrogen peroxide and soap crystals—nothing more. You can buy these things at Walmart or your local pool supply—it’s that easy.

So what are the ingredients and how much for eco-friendly super laundry detergent. And what tools do you need and is it poison. You need a blender or food processor that’s it …  well plus a knife.

Sodium carbonate is nothing more than soda ash also known as washing soda or in Walmart Borax from arm and hammer or at the pool supply soda ash it is known by all these names and is easy to find.

• Sodium Carbonate is not baking soda
• Baking soda is Sodium Bicarbonate not the same
• Though you can use baking soda in your wash for added cleaning power add to detergents

So you say what else do I need well a couple bars of soap if you are going to add your own oils then buy unscented soap. If you have a favorite soap us it. Take the soap and cut it up. Now you can make dry or liquid detergent.For dry take the soap cut it into smaller manageable pieces and drop in blender of fool processor. And process it. I bar of soap two cups washing soda add the washing soda after you have blended to soap. Then add your favorite oil mine is gardenia. Blend together till detergent like use 1/8 cup to a full load.

For Liquid Detergent:
2 cups of washing soda
2 bars of soap
2 gallons of waterMelt grated soap in a saucepan with enough hot water to cover. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until soap is melted.In a large pail, pour 2 gallons hot water. Add melted soap, stir well.
Then add the baking soda, stir well again.
Use 1/2 cup per full load, 1 cup per very soiled load.

This can also be used in the dishwasher as soda ash is a water softener as well.

Soap will be lumpy, goopy, and gel-like. This is normal. Just give it a good stir before using. Make sure soap is covered with a lid when not in use. You could also pour the homemade soap in old (and cleaned) laundry detergent bottles and shake well before each use.

You can add 15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons to your homemade laundry detergent. Add once the soap has cooled to room temperature. Stir well and cover.

Add such oils as Gardenia, lavender, rosemary or any other of your favorite oils

Home made stain remover for cheaper than bleach and better in some cases.

A very good home made stain remover is baking soda and water mixed to a paste it can even take out blood and on stubborn stains on whites only add some peroxide to the mix. Keep in mind this will bleach light colored clothes as baking soda and peroxide make a form of bleach. It is supposed to be color safe but try it first in spot you can not see.

Also keep in mind besides making a good detergent washing soda is an all purpose cleaner.

Article originally published on Divine Caroline.

Photograph courtesy of Divine Caroline.