Laundry Detergent Update

Last June I posted about making my own laundry detergent.  I still have people ask questions about it and have been meaning to do an update about it. 

After using this homemade detergent for nine months now I have to say I still LOVE it.  I am still on my first batch and have some left in the bucket.  I think it will probably make it to at least late April maybe even May or June.  It's hard to judge.  That's a YEAR'S worth of laundry detergent for about $5!!

Here are some question/comments I've heard
Does it clean as well as a regular detergent?   YES!  For tough kid stains I usually presoak in OxyClean powder and warm water.  I usually did that with store bought detergent as well.  It works wonders!  Sometimes I will also sprinkle in some OxyClean in the washer.  I bought the OxyClean tub (larger size) when I got the detergent supplies.  I still have plenty!

Do you add a scent? No, I did not.  The recipe says you can, but I like the smell that it has naturally.  It's just a fresh clean smell. 

Also, try to find a place to store the detergent in the house, because it is fine outside in the summer months.  But I have noticed over the winter the detergent has started to congeal.  Some of that is okay, but mine got a solid ring in the middle.  Now, I have to heat up the detergent before I refill the small detergent bottle.  It really only needs to be done every month or so, but still It would have been easier to have just brought it inside if I can find a spot for it.