Some of the best ways we can better save money for our families; is empower us to create our own supplies. The cost savings involved with creating your own Shampoo, lotions, soaps and detergents is without a doubt worth the effort.

Some of these projects can be time consuming of course, especially the first time you do it. Depending on if you have children, and how old they are is a factor in this. I myself have a one and two year old. While the youngest naps; the two year old and I have time together doing some of these projects.

The idea of teaching my kids a way of being self sufficient, is another huge pay off. Not to mention as they get older, due to cost savings; their pay off will include more of the toy section of the department store.

These recipes are subject to a few things: 1) your sense of smell; it's up to you to choose to fragrance these crafts how you would like. 2) Safety first- wear appropriate clothing and gloves to protect your skin from heat, and some chemicals (Lye if you're making soap that calls for lye). 3) Eye protection may be a good idea to and 4) as with every cooking item, always wear an apron.

The first one we'll start with is Laundry Detergent. Is it me or do the loads never seem to end? This is by far the easiest craft to start with, and in general similar in process to the other more complicated cosmetic products.

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Recipe

3 Items that you MUST have in order to create laundry detergent:

1) Borax - should be in the laundry aisle; it’s a white powder like washing soda.

2) Washing Soda (or Soda Ash); I use the Arm and Hammer brand; they are a lot easier to find in the local grocery store. Look in the laundry aisle- if you can't find it; ask the manager.

3) Soap- generally any BAR soap should work. However, if you use a bar that is scented to high Heaven- then so wills your cloths. I try to get the most natural bars of soap I can find. That way I can scent the detergent on my own later. Imagine have 20 bottles of shampoo that you mix and match.

To make 2 gallons of detergent use the following-standard recipe:

At Least 1/3 of a bar of soap. IF you use Ivory soap I've been told to use the whole bar.

1/2 Cup of Washing soda/Soda Ash

1/2 Cup of Borax

4 Cups of hot water (to melt bar of soap on the stove)

4 Cups of hot water (to pour over mixture in bucket)

1 Gallon of water +/-

One (1) 2 Gallon Bucket

Step 1~ save you some heart ache- Measure everything out first. Then all you have to do is mix.

Step 2~ Grate your soap. Again, rumor has it name brand soaps you need the whole bar- organic natural soaps use about a third of the bar.

Step 3~ using a spaghetti pot- mix your soap and 4 cups of water together. Stirring it constantly until the soap melts. Medium heat seems to do the trick- exercise judgment based on how hot the water is to begin with- you don't want this to boil. I've done that before..... My husband wasn't too pleased with the amount of work it took to clean.

Step 4~ Remove pot from heat- once the soap is melted. Add your dry ingredients: Borax and Washing soda to the water mixture. Make sure it mixes and dissolves.

Step 5~ Remember that 2 gallon bucket you have hiding in the corner- yep time to pour the mixture into there. PLEASE pour it slowly as to not splash you, children, floor or nosy dog that may be nearby.

Steps 6~ immediately add 4 more cups of hot water to the bucket- stir mixture together.

Steps 7~ add the remaining water to the bucket.

TIPS

At this point is when you need to decide for sure what if any scent are you going to add to you detergent. Lavender and Tea Tree are my favorite. I buy them in the essential oil droppers where I can find them. The craft store carries them; also try the organic markets like whole foods and new seasons. Another place to try is also your local farmers market.

Tea Tree is great if you have children school age or in day care. In beauty school I learned that Tea Tree is a natural pesticide.... but not really. It's harmless; lice don't care for the smell. If you wash your hair once, a week, with a Tea Tree shampoo; that does the trick too.

To be honest I don't measure the scent out by any means. Experiment and see what you like. I like a lot, so I use a lot.

So here's your final product- you have a watery/jelly substance. Don't worry if you have more water then Gel. It means you need to add more soap next time; it will still work how it is. Give it a stir every time you go to use it.

ALL YOU NEED IS 1/2 cup of soap to do your laundry.

Happy Savings and Happy Savings!!