[PirateQueen]

If you don't like it or don't like the cleaning it does for your regular clothes, use the remainder for kitchen rags, dog towels, curtains, or anything you would wash that doesn't require the good stuff! LOL I got several bottles of the Wags detergent that I use in this manner, because hubby doesn't like the vanilla lavender scent, so I use it for everything else.

[sar1]

Just adding a link to this older post b/c I know I've seen the homemade laundry soap recipe floating around here before. People do seem to love it, but I haven't tried it yet. There may be more tips in this thread for anyone interested...

http://www.afullcup.com/forums/savin...detergent.html

[OldTinGrl]

Great information here. Thank ya'll!!

[mbpnursy]

Originally Posted by onlymadaresane

I thought about adding the essential oils. I've got two kiddos and thinking it might be a good way to get a smell without having to worry so much about it irritating their skin. Tide doesn't work for us- they break out. So I'm curious if we could use this ..I'd have to make a big bunch and then have to toss it because we can't use it!!

Thinking if I can find the stuff- making a batch of plain - testing it. Then if it's ok adding oil to a small amount and testing it again...

Sounds like a good idea.

[mbpnursy]

Originally Posted by PirateQueen

If you don't like it or don't like the cleaning it does for your regular clothes, use the remainder for kitchen rags, dog towels, curtains, or anything you would wash that doesn't require the good stuff! LOL I got several bottles of the Wags detergent that I use in this manner, because hubby doesn't like the vanilla lavender scent, so I use it for everything else.

Good idea!

[mbpnursy]

Originally Posted by sar1

Just adding a link to this older post b/c I know I've seen the homemade laundry soap recipe floating around here before. People do seem to love it, but I haven't tried it yet. There may be more tips in this thread for anyone interested...

http://www.afullcup.com/forums/savin...detergent.html

[mbpnursy]

OMG, I had NO idea how BIG this sugject would be once I posted it!! Thank you Everyone for sharing your info, especially foggy for her time & calculations for the final end cost per use.

Now, some more from the other homemade laundry detergent post that I failed to see, so I do apologize for being "blind".

Here's the link for the soapsgonebuy, especially helpful if you cannot locate the ingredients locally or if buying locally is more expensive than buying from an online store: Soaps Gone Buy - Where Soaps of yesterday are found Today!
They even sell PreGrated Fells Naptha!! How about that, ladies??

I really do like Mrs. Duggar's idea of pre diluting the laundry softener & using new, clean sponges. I had heard of people using old, clean washcloths in place of the sponges. Dryer sheets are expensive!

[foggy]

You're welcome! Glad I could help answer a few questions, etc.

[arlenes]

This is very interesting, I may have to try this. Thank you for all of this information.

[luvadeal]

maybe this will help you know what to look for

[marbear]

great tip about putting the liquid fabric softener in a sponge in your dryer. We got free liquid fabric softener and I had no idea what to do with it because I was not gonna sit around waiting for my rinse cycle.

[Mavourneen]

Originally Posted by mbpnursy

OK, the research bug bit me again, found these to share:

ARM & HAMMER® Super Washing Soda is 100% sodium carbonate and is used as a laundry booster and general household cleaner. ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda is 100% sodium bicarbonate and has a myriad of household cleaning, personal care, and deodorizing uses, as well as being a leavening agent. It is important to note that these two are two distinctly different products and cannot be substituted for one another.
Editor's Note: Bicarbonate of Soda or Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) can be used in baking, for an upset stomach and for the refrigerator. It's good for many cleaning uses. Washing soda Sodium Carbonate is NOT edible, is caustic and is good for laundry and some cleaning mixtures (not for the refrigerator).

Also another:
You can buy Washing soda at your local southern states of farm supply store. It is commonly known as soda ash. I comes in large quantities so share with your friends and split the cost. Washing soda is sodium carbonate and shouldn't be comsumed. we buy a large bag and split it with frienda to defer the cost.
Hmmm, did not know it is called Soda Ash.
And one more:
A&H washing soda; I have seen it sold as "20 Mule Team Borax". So these 2 are the same??

I had A LOT of trouble finding the A&H Washing Soda here in the DC area. Then, I did further research and discovered it is soda ash, and then discovered Soda ash is a common ingredient for pools.

I found a big bucket of soda ash at my local pool supply place, then also found it at Kmart during the summer int heir pool care area.

[sar1]

Originally Posted by marbear

great tip about putting the liquid fabric softener in a sponge in your dryer. We got free liquid fabric softener and I had no idea what to do with it because I was not gonna sit around waiting for my rinse cycle.

Just be careful that it's soaked into the sponge or washcloth pretty well and not drippy. My mom did this w/an old washcloth all the time while we were growing up and it was pretty normal to find a streak of it on your clothes.

[The $mall Change]

Another reason to make sure it is squeezed well and not drippy - it will coat your lint filter and overheat your dryer which can cause a fire!!!

Dryer fires freak me out - I NEVER leave the house with my dryer running!

[superk]

This is a great post everyone. Thank you so much. I must have missed the episode where they talked about laundry soap (love this show, it has replaced Jon and Kate!)

Anyways, both my boys still wet the bed at night and laundry soap (even Tide) doesn't always cut it.

The one question I have, can I use this in a HE washer? I guessing so since the Duggar's appliances are all new. Any suggestions?

[foggy]

I don't know much about an HE Washer but I've heard you have to use detergent that is low suds.

The powdered version has no suds whatsoever.

[LindaCheema]

Im going to try this! Thanks soooomuch. 364 loads for under or around $6 is GREAT! Im assuming its ok to store in a plastic kind of container/bucket with a lid?

[foggy]

Originally Posted by LindaCheema

Im going to try this! Thanks soooomuch. 364 loads for under or around $6 is GREAT! Im assuming its ok to store in a plastic kind of container/bucket with a lid?

Yes. That's exactly how I store mine.

[mmtinga]

Ok so I guess this will be my new project for this week. Being out of work on medical leave is making me go stir crazy and broke since I am not getting paid. It will be interesting to see how this does on the boys clothes that they took camping and caving, there is mud in those shirts that may never come out.

[The $mall Change]

Originally Posted by superk

Anyways, both my boys still wet the bed at night and laundry soap (even Tide) doesn't always cut it.

We have the same issue, and I can tell you from years of testing - if you add a 1/2 - 1 cup of white vinegar to your wash it will cut the odor!

Years ago when my wonderful DH decided to wash ALL of the clothes for me, he washed them all together and unwittingly made EVERYONE'S clothes smell like pee. Took me FOREVER and lots of $ trying to find something to take it out. Then my 95 yo grandmother overheard me taking about it and told me to use a cup on vinegar in EVERY load. Works like a charm!

Gotta love the grammy!!

Edited to add: the vinegar will whiten your whites like crazy, too!

[mbpnursy]

Originally Posted by Mavourneen

I had A LOT of trouble finding the A&H Washing Soda here in the DC area. Then, I did further research and discovered it is soda ash, and then discovered Soda ash is a common ingredient for pools.

I found a big bucket of soda ash at my local pool supply place, then also found it at Kmart during the summer int heir pool care area.

I never thought of checking the pool supply section!
Oooh, the lightr bulb just went on: check the places like Kmart & Walmart that carry pool supplies as seasonal items, & if they clearance them out. Would be a sweet deal if you found the soda ash on clearance!! Even More Savings!!

[poshpoodle]

This recipe is posted here at AFC on the main page I believe. I have made both the wet and dry version of this. I personally like the dry better. The wet version is not a firm liquid but they describe it like egg drop soup. It really is like that too! It truly only takes a small amount- I too need to add a fragrance as I like a clean smell instead of no smell- hTH! I have picked up Fels Naptha at my local publix- it is in the laundry aisle on the top shelf here. My neighbor got the Arm and Hammer at BJ's in a large bag for me- Borax is at walmart. My neighbors thought I was crazy- but as much laundry as I use- I love it! Hubby loves that it saves money too! For the money I save I could even buy some fancy smell good fabric softener if I wanted!

[poshpoodle]

Oh, I forgot to add- not sure if this has already been mentioned- but this will NOT suds- it does not have the SLS that is in many things as a sudsing agent- you do not need it- it does work!

[Alexdur85]

Originally Posted by foggy

1 box of borax $2.99 at Walmart (Bi-Lo also carries this but it's $3.29)

1 box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda $1.99 at Kroger

1 bar of soap, grated (you can use Dial, Ivory, Fels Naptha, or Zote) Zote soap can be found at the Hispanic stores as well as Save-A-Lot for .69 and up. (used to be .49). It's an actual laundry soap and not a body soap like Dial and Ivory is. Kroger carries Fels Naptha for $1.79

So going by the least expensive ingredients

$ 2.99
1.99
+ .69
_____
$ 5.67 for all ingredients

{I've had coupons recently for the Borax from the company - contact them and they will send you a variety of coupons for products - Dial hand soap, Borax, Zout, and others}


If memory serves me correctly, I was able to get 364 loads out of that which averages to .02 per load. (ok it's .0155... but rounded up). You're only using 2TBSP per load so it goes a long way. Also it will not suds up so don't think it's not cleaning because there's no suds.

One of my children tore off the piece of tape from the bucket lid where I had written the amount, prices etc. from when I first made this soap years ago. So the prices I had wrote down then was prices that was based on the Zote soap being .49. I remember that much.

Homemade Powdered Laundry Soap

1 box of borax

1 box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
1 bar of soap, grated (you can use Dial, Ivory, Fels Naptha, or Zote)


Combine all ingredients and store in a container.

To use:
2 tbsp per load of laundry (no that's not a typo)

If the laundry is really dirty, I will add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the wash. This helps with smell as well as gives a little grime cutting action going on.

That is so awesome! i'm going to write to the companies now and see what kind of coupons I can get! I Can't wait to try this! We're trying to buy a house and once we do we need to cut down as much as we can on costs.. this is going to work out so great!

[onlymadaresane]

so in general- those who have used it---liquid or powdered?? does one work better over the other??