Homemade Citrus-Orange Laundry Soap (no Borax!)

Here is my recipe for homemade laundry soap. It's easy, economical and enviro-friendly!
1 bar of soap - grated
4 c. washing soda
2 c. baking soda
1 c. white vinegar
1 tsp. orange essential oil
1 Tbsp. liquid citrus orange castile soap 
(like Dr.Bronner's)
8-10 c. hot water

Heat slightly in a large pot on the stove for a few minutes, turn off heat and mix with a whisk or preferably an electric hand mixer. Pour into container of your choice. 


*This will be a very concentrated "paste" to make it more like regular laundry soap, add about 5 gallons of water. I like to make a batch of concentrate, keep it in one container and then in a separate container (an old detergent bottle) make a thin batch with the extra water. I can then avoid having a 5 gallon bucket of detergent, but I can still have a large batch made AND a container of more "liquid" laundry soap. I do give the bottle a shake before using as well


*To make an even easier powdered version, simply omit the water and vinegar. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.