Homemade Borax-Free Laundry Detergent

I wanted something for my front loader that was liquid and didn't contain Borax. I doubled this recipe, and I also cooked the water, baking soda, and salt on the stove so I didn't have to worry about how to get everything to dissolve. Then I mixed in the castile soap (I used peppermint) and some lavender oil. Really smells terrific--no chemical smell like laundry soap leaves, and it was simple to make plus inexpensive. Recipe courtesy of www.wholefully.com.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Yields: 1 gallon

Ingredients

• 14  cups  very hot water, divided
• 1  cup baking soda, divided
• 1⁄2 cup salt
• 1  cup  unscented liquid  castile soap
• 30  drops  lavender oil (optional)

Directions

1. In a large glass measuring cup or bowl, combine 7 cups of the hot water with half the baking soda (1/2 cup) and half the salt (1/4 cup). Stir well until completely dissolved.
2. The mixture will start out cloudy and fizzy, but when it's completely dissolved, it should be mostly clear. Pour the mixture into a gallon-sized jug.
3. Repeat step one with the remaining water, baking soda, salt, and then add the mixture to the gallon-sized jug.
4. Add in the liquid castile soap and essential oil, if using. Swirl gently, close, and label.
5. To use: Shake the container to mix ingredients, then either pour 1/2 cup or so into washer while it fills in place in soap cup provided in your washing machine.