Laundry Detergent... perfect for cloth dipes! :)

As you know, I try to do my share of "greenery"... we recycle, bake our own bread, make our own deodorant, body butter and laundry detergent.  We use cloth dipes, upcycle clothes and, one of my faves, have "clothing swaps" to get "new-to-me" clothing. *so chic*

Anyway, when hubbs and I started cloth diapering, we found that the detergent that is supposed to be used for the dipes was super expensive. Like, WHOA. Silly really, when you think about it. So, I set off on a journey of "detergent freedom".... I'm noticing I'm using a lot of quotes today... Go me!

Here is my recipe for laundry detergent. I revamped one I found, so that's why I say it's "mine". Enjoy!! The original recipe can be found here:

http://frugallygreen.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-soap.html

• Laundry Detergent 
• 5 gallon bucket 
• 1/2 bar of Fels Naptha Laundry Soap  
• 1/2 cup Borax 
• 1/2 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (NOT baking soda – they’re different)

Step 1: Cut your bar of Fels Naptha Soap in two and finely grate one half of it.
Step 2: Put your grated soap in a pot with 6 cups of water and heat on low until the soap melts. Don't let the soap boil. Once all the soap is completely melted, add the washing soda and the borax and stir until it is dissolved. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens (almost as thick as honey). Remove from heat.
Step 3: Pour 4 cups of hot tap water into your bucket. Add the soap mixture and stir it up. Here's the point where you can add essential oil if you wanted. We add Tea Tree Oil. You don’t have to add any oils, it smells amazing either way.
Now add one gallon of hot tap water plus 6 more cups. I used an old gallon milk jug. Works perfectly.
Stir a spit more, then let it sit overnight.