Homemade Laundry Detergent Questions

I have had a couple of my readers as a few more questions about making homemade laundry detergent and I thought I would answer them here for anyone else who may have questions.

Question: You’re boys grate the soap for the laundry detergent. Don’t you worry about them cutting their fingers on the grater?

The first time I had them grate the soap I showed them how to use the grated and explained that they needed to be careful not to get their fingers to close to the grater.  I was close by in case they had a problem. We have had no incidents to date with hurt or cut fingers.

I was searching around the internet yesterday and I came across a few other blogs that showed how to make laundry detergent.  One blogger suggested using a hand held cheese grater.  This would be a great alternative to a regular box grater if you are worried about fingers getting cut.

Question: Can you still use homemade laundry detergent if you do not have a food processor?

I do have a blender/food processor. It is an Oster just like this one. Nothing fancy. This is not really a true food processor, it is more like a chopper.  It mixes my laundry detergent beautifully.  I think if you do not have a food processor that using your blender might work.

I also searched around the internet and found that many folks who make their own powdered laundry detergent simply blend the ingredients together without the food processor.  Using the food processor just makes a finer powder.

Question: Do you have to allow your grated soap to dry out a bit?

I never have. We grate the soap and I mix it right away.

Question: Doesn't it make a lot of dust when you grind it up in the food processor.

Again I have never had a problem like this. No dust or powder going all over. I give it a few grinds and dump it into our storage containers.

Question: Do you have a problem with the powder dissolving?

No I have never had a problem with the powder dissolving.  I use cold water for all of my laundry and we have no issues with soap residue or un-dissolved detergent.

I hope this is helpful to you. If you have more questions please leave them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them.