Have you ever considered making your own laundry soap? If not, here's your chance to give it a try ...
Secrets of Homemade Laundry Soap by Mary Hunt
Please leave a comment and let us know how it works for you.
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I have made this recipe before, in gel form. I plan to try the powder as I think it would be easier to store. Thanks for posting!
I found that it cleaned well. And it sure saves money for a large family.
Hi,
I have been using this recipe for just over a year now, and it is great for us. I usually use the powder version, and 2 Tbsp per load is what works for us. You really do have to get used to not having suds as a visual confirmation that you have soap in the water!
I do encourage you to make sure your soap fully dissolves in the water before loading clothes.
We have extremely hard water... so early on I did do some experimenting. The only change I have had to make is that I add about 1/2 cup regular salt to the mix. This does not soften the water (it does not produce the same chemical reaction that a water softening system would), but it does seem to give a little extra "oomph" to the cleaning action.
Don't forget, a few drops of vinegar in your rinse dispenser/cycle will soften wonderfully!
~Shirley
Saturday is my shopping day and I'm going to try this. I have one question. What is Washing Soda? Will I find it easily enough in the laundry detergent aisle at the grocery store along with the Fels-Naptha and Borax.
Hi,
Washing Soda is sodium carbonate (different from Baking Soda, which is sodium bicarbonate).
The brand carried in our stores here is Arm & Hammer (yellow box - not orange!) It is usually right next to the Borax on the shelf in our stores.
Thank you!
According to the website the liquid (gel) is way cheaper than making the powder (3 cents vs. 15 cents per load) so I think I'll try that. We'll see how it goes -- it is more work and like you said not as easy to store. But you can't beat 1/5th of the price!
-- Alice
I use the gel form and have for a year. I have a front load HE washer and use 1/4 cup per load which ends up costing me 1/2 cent per load. My box of borax and washing soda have lasted me a year. Since their combined price together at my Kroger was about $5, its a price that can't be beat. I store mine in a 5 gallon bucket with lid (icing bucket I got at bakery, free for asking). My mom also saves me her laundry detergent bottles and I fill them up with my homemade detergent. Its less messy than the bucket and measuring cup method.
I've been making this for several months now, but my recipe uses quite a bit less borax and washing soda,,,one cup of washing soda and 1/2 cup of borax I believe. Hmmm...now I'm wondering if I should be using more! It is a bit of work, but one bucket lasts our family of five for two-three months, including cloth diapers. If you have trouble finding washing soda or fels-naptha, try smaller grocery stores. I can't find either at big box mart here, but our local chain carries both.
I have been making my own soap for over a year and love it. It cleans well and is cheap. I store a double batch in a Rubbermaid tub in the basement and keep refilling my jar as needed. If you miss the smell of laundry detergent you can purchase a small bottle of cheap laundry soap and add to the mixture for a little burst of scent.
I've found all three ingredients at a very small town mercantile, but not at our local big box store. Stock up when you find it, especially the Fels Naptha. Good Luck!
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