The Amish laundry soap recipe is a testament to the community’s simple and sustainable lifestyle. The Amish emphasize self-sufficiency and traditional practices. It is no surprise that their daily routine reflects these principles.
This homemade laundry soap is a time-honored tradition. It has been passed down through generations and takes advantage of natural ingredients to create an effective and environmentally friendly cleaning solution.
What Do You Need for Our Amish Laundry Soap Recipe?
Our Amish laundry soap recipe doesn’t require much. Here are a few of the staples.
- Fels-Naptha Soap Bar
A bar of Fels-Naptha soap is the core of our Amish laundry soap recipe. This soap is known for its powerful stain-removing properties. It is also gentle and great for removing stains. The soap is commonly used in DIY laundry soap recipes.
- Washing Soda
Washing soda, also known as soda ash or sodium carbonate, is a water softener and stain remover. It enhances the cleaning power of the soap and helps break down stains and dirt on clothing.
- Borax
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral added to boost the soap’s cleaning power. It also acts as a water softener. Borax brightens whites and removes odors from clothing.
- Essential Oils (Optional)
You can customize our Amish laundry soap recipe with essential oils. Add the oil of your choice to add a pleasant fragrance. Lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus are popular choices.
Amish Laundry Soap Recipe
Ingredients
– 1 bar of Fels-Naptha soap
– 1 cup washing soda
– 1 cup borax
– Essential oils (optional)
Instructions
Grate the Fels-Naptha Soap
- Finely grate the entire bar of Fels-Naptha soap using a cheese grater. This increases its surface area, making it easier to dissolve in water.
Mix with Washing Soda and Borax
- Combine the grated Fels-Naptha soap with one cup of washing soda and one cup of borax in a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Add Essential Oils (Optional)
- Add a few drops of your preferred essential oils to the mixture if you like scented laundry soap. Stir well to distribute the fragrance evenly.
Store in an Airtight Container
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight container for storage. You can use an old laundry detergent container or any other container with a tight-sealing lid.
Usage
- Use one to two tablespoons of the homemade Amish laundry soap per load of laundry. This recipe yields a concentrated soap, so a little goes a long way.
Benefits of Amish Laundry Soap
The benefits of Amish laundry soap extend beyond its cost-effectiveness. Let’s explore other advantages of using this traditional laundry soap:
Gentle on Fabrics
Amish laundry soap is made with mild and natural ingredients, making it gentle on fabrics. It is particularly beneficial for delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and lace. It can help preserve their integrity over time.
Reduced Environmental Impact
Unlike commercial laundry detergents that contain harsh chemicals and synthetic additives, Amish laundry soap uses natural ingredients. Fels-Naptha soap, washing soda, and borax are gentle and easy on the environment. Using this soap reduces the environmental impact associated with producing and disposing chemical-laden detergents.
Biodegradability
The ingredients in Amish laundry soap are generally biodegradable. This means that they can break down naturally without harming the environment. This contrasts with some synthetic detergents that may contain non-biodegradable components, contributing to pollution.
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary benefits of making Amish laundry soap at home is its cost-effectiveness. The ingredients are more affordable than store-bought detergents, and a small amount can go a long way.
Customizability
Our Amish laundry soap recipe gives you the flexibility to customize the cleaning experience. You can tailor it to your preferences by adding essential oils for a personalized fragrance. This customizability enhances the laundry experience and makes the chore more enjoyable.
No Harsh Chemicals
Amish laundry soap typically avoids harsh chemicals, optical brighteners, and synthetic fragrances commonly found in commercial detergents. This makes it suitable for people with sensitive skin or those who prefer to minimize their exposure to potentially irritating substances.
Effective Stain Removal
Fels-Naptha soap, a key ingredient in Amish laundry soap, is renowned for its powerful stain-removing properties. This makes the homemade soap an effective solution for tackling tough stains. It ensures that clothes come out of the laundry looking clean and fresh.
Long-Lasting
The concentrated nature of Amish laundry soap means that a small amount is enough for each load of laundry. This results in a longer-lasting product compared to some commercial detergents. It contributes to less frequent purchases and reduced packaging waste.
Versatility
The use of Amish laundry soap goes beyond laundry. It is one of the most versatile DIY soap recipes. The gentle yet effective nature of the soap makes it suitable for cleaning other household items, including carpets and upholstery. It is also an excellent pre-treatment for stains on various surfaces.