I’m trying to be more frugal. It can be so hard to clip coupons, make your own this and that, but it is totally worth it. I keep seeing and hearing about everyone making their own laundry detergent and I kept convincing myself that it was not for me. After all, I’ve always been pretty faithful to Tide just for the way my clothes smell after they’ve been washed. Not to mention the first few recipes I came across involved melting and stirring and whole lot of  steps I knew I wouldn’t commit to. It wasn’t until I came across this recipe that I decided it’s worth a shot, especially since the grand total costs less than 1 jug of Tide and is supposed to last much longer.

Ingredients:

ONE 4 lb box of Borax

ONE 4 lb box of Pure Baking Soda

ONE 55 oz box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

3 bars of Fels Naptha Bar soap or Pink Zote grated

*Optional {I added this} 2.5 lbs Oxy Clean, just because I add this to my washing cycle anyway

I lined a metal bin of sorts that I had laying around with a garbage bag and dumped all of the ingredients in. This took a total of maybe 10 minutes and 9 minutes and 45 seconds of that was occupied by the grating of the Fels Naptha. Then I used a large bamboo spoon to kind of sift it all around. When I finally got over my fear that the garbage bag wouldn’t split open if I lifted it out, I did just that and mixed it by moving it in a back and forth kind of motion making sure that it was all combined.

At one point Rob came in, afraid for my sanity I’m sure, because he watched me grate the Fels Naptha and it looks just like a block of cheese.

I’ll store the bulk of it in the garbage bag, but am using a re-purposed Oxy Clean container to store above my washing machine.

Most articles I read say to use 1 tbsp/load, but I am using 2 tbsp/load in my HE washing machine. Speaking of HE washing machines, if that is what you’re using, make sure to put your scoop of detergent right in the barrel before loading your linens/clothing.

I’ve officially finished 2 loads using this and am so incredibly pleased. 1.) It took out this stain, without any stain lifters from Olivia’s Mattress Pad. This stain was caused by an exploding gel ice pack and I really wasn’t certain it would come out at all. 2.) My clothes and sheets smell like a fresh spring day and are so soft yet crisp. I’m definitely using this from now on.

Total Cost: $16.69 including the Oxy Clean

I’ll update when I know how long my batch lasts.

I’m always looking for something new to do to spruce up rooms in our house. I can’t stand to leave a room the same color or the furniture in the same position for very long. I like to change out picture frames and trade out decor like it’s nobody business.  I find myself at the local craft store at least once/week and shopping online for crafty stuff even more often. My favorite place for inspiration? Pinterest.

Now, because this can be an expensive hobby and I’ll never be able to afford my dream home if I don’t stop buying stuff, I’ve had to learn to improve on what I already own. This bench project took me all of 10 minutes. This bench belonged to my grandmother and was used for a vanity once upon a time. I’m not really sure where the vanity and ended up, but I have the bench {insert happy face}. I felt that the fabric of this bench was bringing it down though so I reupholstered it and voila! Like new. I may add a little more if I find some time and give the wood a white wash look to brighten it up a bit. Here are the steps I took:

What I started with, I really wish I would have taken a picture from the top down. This is an orange and brown velour print. Not horrible, but completely clashes with everything in my kitchen/dining room, which is where this now sits for people when they enter.

What you will need: Furniture, staple gun and the fabric of your choice.

Pull the fabric taught around the edges and start stapling!