Homemade Laundry Soap- Saving $$$

I recently posted about homemade laundry soap.  I have since found a better recipe:

2 c. Fels Naptha Soap -approx. 1 bar (finely grated-you can also try other soaps...I will list those specifications at the bottom of the post)

1 c. Washing Soda

1 c. Borax

Mix well and store in an airtight container.  Use 2 tablespoons per load.

I purchased all of my ingredients at M&W (Nyssa).  I tried ordering them through Walmart and it proved a headache.  M&W carried everything I needed already on the shelf.    I paid $4.19 for the box of Borax, $3.29 for the box of Arm and Hammer Washing Soda (which in NOT baking soda) and $1.69 for each of the Fels Naptha bars.  After adding everything together and dividing it into batches each load cost approx. $ .04 (or $2.57 per batch = 64 loads).   The recipe also states this can be used in 'He' washers also.

 Attached is a wonderful link to help you customize your own detergent and to answer any questions.  Making homemade laundry soap isn't for everybody but it does save money.  You can even personalize it with essential oils creating your own scents.  Kind of fun!

http://tipnut.com/homemade-laundry-detergent/

Cinnamon Roll Simmering Potpourri

Need a quick pick-me-up or have company coming last minute?  Here is a great recipe for a fresh and wonderful Porpourri.

4 cups apple cider (juice)
1 orange, cut into 1/2 inch slices
3 whole cinnamon sticks
1 T. whole cloves
1 t. ground allspice
1 t. ground ginger
1/2 t. ground nutmet

Combine all ingredients in a soup pot and bring to a boil on the stove top.  Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, adding cider as needed to keep the pot from going dry.

Thrifty Tip

"Thrifty" is always nice...espcially when money is tight.  Below are two recipes for making homemade Laundry Soap and Dishwasher Soap.  All you need is borax, baking soda, and washing soda.
 For the dishwasher: Mix borax and washing soda half and half. That's it. Just keep it in a bucket under the sink with a little scoop and fill only one side of the soap compartment. For the laundry: Mix washing soda and baking soda half and half. Again fill a bucket near your washer and use about the same amount as you normally would. Cold water is fine. Both of these recipes are mild but effective. You can find borax and washing soda in the laundry aisle of your grocery store. If you're looking for bulk quantities (which are more cost effective), try a warehouse store to stock up.