Homemade Laundry Detergent

So this isn't a food recipe but I consider saving $$$$ yummy so I think it still qualifies for my blog! I got the recipe from a friend over a year ago...and we've only had to make it twice since then. We figured out the cost to make (since you use all the ingredients except the bar of soap more than one) to be just over $4 for 10 gallons of detergent! Now THAT's a Deal! Another friend recently saw a recipe for a powder version and I'm considering trying that, so I'll let you know!

Homemade Laundry Detergent.
I ordered the Fels-Naptha on-line because I happen to live in the middle of nowhere (and quite enjoy it except when I have to shop online for things!) Everytime I order I have to google for the best price (and then I usually buy a few bars at a time to have on hand).
The washing soda I found at the Commissary but I'm sure can be found at other stores or online as well. The borax I found at walmart or the commissary.
Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value

4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water.
Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved.
Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

24 Hours later, this is what it looks like.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.

-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)

-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!