Sponsored Post: This post is brought to you by Blendtec and Dr. Bronner. This is the third of a three part series that intends to find out whether high powered blenders can actually save us money in the long run. In part one (pasta sauce) and part two (pecan butter) I compare whether the homemade version is cheaper than the store-bought version.

DIY laundry detergent has intrigued me for ages because while I admit that I love the smell of Tide, it a) is expensive and b) contains carcinogens. Sure, the company says it's not a large enough amount to be harmful, but if there's a more natural alternative that does the same job, then I'm game to try it. Especially if it's cheaper. So I made my own using a Blendtec blender, and the end result was not only cheaper, but dare I say better smelling? I might never go back.

Pin it! How to make your own laundry detergent

Ingredients for DIY Laundry Detergent

1. Washing Soap (two parts)

2. Borax (two parts)

3. bar soap (one part) (I used Dr. Bronner's, which I love because it's organic and fair trade, and the Peppermint smells ah-mazing)

Directions for DIY Laundry Detergent

Cut the bar soap into four pieces, and then put them into the Blendtec twister jar. Pulsate until the soap is chopped up. Set aside, and then measure out half a cup and put it into the regular Blendtec blender. Add in one cup of washing soap and one cup of borax and pulsate until it is all mixed together and the bar soap pieces are finely ground. Store in a jar and use 2T per load.

Cost of DIY Laundry Detergent

Borax: .14/oz

Washing Soap: .16/oz

Bar soap: .81/oz

I made 2.5 cups of detergent by using 1/2 c bar soap ($3.24), 1 cup borax ($1.12) and 1 cup washing soap ($1.28). This is 20oz and rings up to $5.65, or .28/oz.