30dropsessential oil of choiceI like lavender or anything citrus
Instructions
Shred a 5 ounce bar of Fels Naptha Soap with a cheese grater.
Put the soap in a saucepan with 2 cups of water, over medium heat, and stir constantly, until the soap is all melted.
Fill the five gallon bucket 1/2 way with water.
Add 1/2 cup Washing Soda, 1 cup Borax, and your melted soap water mixture.
Give it a stir, and fill the rest of the bucket with water.
Add essential oils for scent. I do 25-30 drops for a 5 gallon bucket.
Let it sit overnight with the lid on.
In the morning give it a good shake, or stir to mix well. Stirring it with a drill paint mixer attachment, or an immersion blender, really helps to get the clumps out!
To Use:I use 1/2 cup per load in my HE washer, so it lasts a VERY long time.
Notes
You can add any variety of essential oils that you like. My favorite is wild orange.
The type of water you have may impact the effectiveness of homemade laundry detergent. It may not work as well if you have hard water.