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What you need
100g (4 oz) of pure soap flakes
2 small lemons
1 large tsp of Alum (available from pharmacies)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lemons
Start by chopping two lemons into small chunks. Make sure to remove all seeds (pips) as they can interfere with the blending and smoothness of the paste. The lemon peel is where much of the cleaning power lives, so keep that in.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Add the lemon chunks to a blender or food processor, or use a mortar and pestle if you prefer a more hands-on, rustic approach.
Toss in:
- ½ cup of pure soap flakes (grated Castile or natural laundry soap)
- 1 tablespoon of alum powder (available at most pharmacies or spice shops – this helps set the lemon and boosts cleaning power)
Blend or crush everything together until you get a thick, stiff paste. It should be firm enough to hold its shape when pressed but still pliable like playdough.
Tip: If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more soap flakes. If it’s too dry, a few extra drops of lemon juice will help bind it.
Step 3: Shape the Balls
Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form small balls (about the size of a walnut). You can make them larger if you’d like, but smaller sizes dry and cure faster.
Place the finished balls on a sheet of greaseproof paper (or baking parchment) on a tray or plate.
Step 4: Let Them Cure
Store the tray in a dry, dark place like a pantry or linen cupboard. Let the soap balls cure for 7 days, turning them halfway through if needed. This allows the balls to fully harden and become long-lasting.
Step 5: How to Use
To tackle stubborn stains, simply:
- Dampen the stained area with a little water
- Rub the stain remover ball directly onto the fabric
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes if desired
- Then either soak or pop the garment straight into the wash
These soap balls are especially effective on grease, food stains, and everyday laundry grime.
How many does this make?
I like this idea and I wonder about but haven’t looked at the ingredients in the store bought stain treatment I use. Can you tell me what you mean by “pure” soap flakes? I use castile soap as part of my homemade clothes washing recipe. Is that what you mean? Or are there other less expensive options? Thanks for this post.
Ivory bar soap and fels naptha are both pure soaps. I’m going to try it with the ivory soap because I prefer the smell.
Might give it a go!
It will only be as abrasive as you rub the stain. Long term use could be damaging but it is only for stains so it should be fine. I’ll also look into the recipe.