i'm cheap because i'm poor.

 i don't know if you've noticed, but we love pinterest.  while perusing the pins i kept coming upon this pin for homemade laundry detergent (both liquid and powder), so i thought, "hey self.... you should make this and try it so you can save a ton of money."   so i did just that. i gathered my supplies, went to work and voila! my family hasn't looked back since.

Source: yellowbrickhome.com via Alexis on Pinterest

here's what you'll need:

• arm and hammer super washing soda
• borax powder
• 1 bar fels-naptha 

all of these can be found in the laundry aisle at your grocery store, but i found the best prices at wal-mart.  
each box makes about 5 batches so all you need is to buy the bar (which is about a dollar).
now to make it:
take one cup of each of the powders and grate the bar finely (this takes awhile, so be patient, the smaller you can grate it the better)
mix together and place in a jar or plastic container.


to use:
1 tablespoon per regular load


this stuff lasts a long time and works pretty well.  i've been told that they smell clean after, but don't have a lingering scent, just clean.  you will still need to use a stain pre soak or wash if the stains are bad, but you don't need fabric softener with this.  although i am on the lookout for homemade fabric softener.
i have a whole board dedicated to green ideas on pinterest so as i try them, i will let you know how they go.


alexis