This is a great recipe. I have been using it for a while now and absolutely love it! It leaves your laundry smelling clean and soft without any fragrance. You can add fragrance if you would like. But it is great as is. It cost about $1.25 for 2 gallons of this detergent of the amount used in this recipe. Of course all ingredients cost about $7.50. You will have alot left. Probably enough for the entire year (with the exception of the zote).

Step 1:

Measure 2 cups of this arm & hammer super washing soda and put it in a large bucket. 5 gallon bucket with lid works good.

Step 2:

Measure 2 cups of this borax and add to the bucket of washing soda.

Step 3:

Take the Zote and grate it into a powder, about the consistancy of instant mashed potatoes. You will need 2 cups of this powder. In a large pot, put the 2 cups of powdered zote into pot. Add 4 cups of cold water. Heat mixture till boiling while stirring. Be careful, the foam may overflow so make sure you use a large pot. Once it is melted, carefully add the mixture to your bucket. Mix all ingredients well.

Step 4: Add 2 Gallons of Tap Water.

Now add 2 gallons of tap water to your bucket. I use it room temperature. Mix altogether. That's it!

When you are ready to wash your first load, just mix it with a large spoon. I use 1/2 cup in my LG "he" washer. Yes I use it in my high efficiency washer. As far as I can tell there are no problems. Hardly any suds at all. Try using more in top loaders. Maybe 1 cup.

Others have been using a downy ball full of white vinegar as a rinse aid and fabric softener. It helps rinse out any soap residue. I use it in my "he" washer in the tray to the full mark.

If you are wondering if the clothes have a vinegar smell, they don't. While we're on the subject of vinegar, it works awesome as a rinse aid in your dishwasher!