[mbpnursy]

I saw the Duggar girls make laundry soap, & Michelle rattled off the recipe, but I found it on The Today Show website. & if you have watched the Duggar's show on DiscoveryHealth or TLC, you will notice that all the kid's clothes, especially the boys, are clean. & yes, those boys do go outside & play & get dirty.

Jim Bob and Michelle: We use Fels-Naptha bar soap in the homemade soap recipes, but you can use Ivory, Sunlight, Kirk's Hardwater Castile or Zote bars. Don't use heavily perfumed soaps. We buy Fels-Naptha by the case from our local grocer or online. Washing soda and Borax can normally be found in the laundry or cleaning aisle. Recipe cost: approximately $2.

Homemade liquid laundry soap

Ingredients:
4 cups hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 cup washing soda
½ cup Borax

Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.


Fill a five-gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.


Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (It will gel.)


Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per two gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.
Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons. Top-load machine: 5/8 cup per load (approximately 180 loads). Front-load machine: ¼ cup per load (approx. 640 loads).

Powdered laundry detergent

Ingredients:
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 cup washing soda
½ cup Borax

Grate soap or break into pieces and process in a food processor until powdered. Mix all ingredients. For light load, use one tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 tablespoons. Yields: three cups detergent (approximately 40 loads).

(On the show, the Duggar girls melted the shredded bar soap in a glass pan on the stove, stirring constantly. Then put the melted soap into a 5 gallon bucket of warm water, then added the washing soda & borax & stirred well, then got another 5 gallon bucket, divided the mixture between the 2 buckets, and nearly filled both buckets with water, stirred well, then put a lid on each bucket. I do not recall the amount used of this mixture to put in the washing machine for each load of clothes. I do recall Michelle saying that the recipe came from a home schooling conference that they had attended & that making this soap saves the family a ton of money.)


Inexpensive fabric softener recipes

Recipe No. 1: Add one cup white vinegar to rinse cycle. Works great. Removes residue and odors. Also helps to keep washing machine and hoses fresh and clean too.

Recipe No. 2:
1 container of name-brand fabric softener
4 inexpensive sponges, cut in half

Pour a whole container of softener into a five-gallon bucket. Fill empty softener container with water twice (two parts water to one part softener). Add sponges to softener/water mixture. When ready to use, wring out extra mixture from one sponge and add to the dryer as you would a dryer sheet.

[daysgoby77]

I thought this was so cool because I just made my homemade powder soap last night before the show. My kids had fun using the grater to grate the soap and measuring out the broax and soda. I used it on my whites and they came out brighter than usual...I was so happy!

[NoahsMomma]

thanks!

[wannasavemoney]

This is something I am going to have to try we do a lot of laundry. even with good deal its still alot of money. Is this gentle enough for baby clothes? also when you melt this in a pot does it leave any kids of residue on your pot/ would it still be safe for cooking after doing this?

OH I can see my husband now. he always jokes and says Im so fugal that i grate bar soap to wash are clothes. he is going to laugh so hard when he sees this.

one last question where do you find borax, Fels-Naptha soap bar and what is a good price for it?

[mbpnursy]

Originally Posted by daysgoby77

I thought this was so cool because I just made my homemade powder soap last night before the show. My kids had fun using the grater to grate the soap and measuring out the broax and soda. I used it on my whites and they came out brighter than usual...I was so happy!

The combination of the Borax, which is a water softener, & washing soda is what makes the clothes brighter. & the softer the water, the less laundry soap is used.
We have a water softener in our house, even in our other house. We've always used half the laundry soap, dish soap, dishwaser detergent tabs, shampoo, etc.
A water softener pays for itself very soon, & keeps your whites looking great, too..

[mbpnursy]

Originally Posted by wannasavemoney

This is something I am going to have to try we do a lot of laundry. even with good deal its still alot of money. Is this gentle enough for baby clothes? also when you melt this in a pot does it leave any kids of residue on your pot/ would it still be safe for cooking after doing this?

OH I can see my husband now. he always jokes and says Im so fugal that i grate bar soap to wash are clothes. he is going to laugh so hard when he sees this.

one last question where do you find borax, Fels-Naptha soap bar and what is a good price for it?

Is this gentle enough for baby clothes? Not sure, but I would say yes. You can email Mrs. Duggar & see if she replies.
The rerun last night: the washing/folding/clothes storage rm. was shown, & I did not see an Ivory Snow, etc. for a baby. My guess: as long as it is diluted properly, there should not be any problem, as you are Not using a base soap that has a ton of dyes & perfumes. Castile soap: is Great for a base soap if you have hard to very hard well water. Personal experience: that was all we used for hand washing & bathing up at our cabin on the lake, as the water there was very hard, & boy, did this soap produce a wonderful lather when the majority of others could not.

also when you melt this in a pot does it leave any kids of residue on your pot/ would it still be safe for cooking after doing this?
I would suggest washing the pan extremely well & put water in the pan IMMEDIATELY after emptying. Remember: it is just soap you are melting. The Duggars used a glass Corning Ware saucepot, with a handle, to melt the soap. You can find these glass Corning Ware pans at just about any thrift store or rummage sale. Then you can keep that saucepan just for that purpose.

one last question where do you find borax, Fels-Naptha soap bar and what is a good price for it?
The Duggars generally buy in bulk locally. I would start by phoning your local grocery store & ask if they carry it & if so, what is the price. Let your telephone do your work for you when you are comparing prices locally. You have already paid for your phone service, & if the ph. has a speaker ph. option, use that while you keep working around the house, while waiting for the other person to come back with the price, etc. I do this all the time. I have to, as the closest Big Box stores are 35-40 miles from me.
I would take a bet Walmart would carry the Fels-Naptha soap & borax (Brand Name: 20 Mule Team Borax, comes in a box about the size of dishwasher detergent). The washing soda: hmmm, don't know exactly what this is, possibly the stuff in a box made by Calgon, which is basically a water softener?? You can Google washing soda & see what comes up. I do not believe it is regular baking soda. The Fels-Naptha & Borax: are almost always located next to the brand name laundry detergents in a store.

[mbpnursy]

Originally Posted by daysgoby77

I thought this was so cool because I just made my homemade powder soap last night before the show. My kids had fun using the grater to grate the soap and measuring out the broax and soda. I used it on my whites and they came out brighter than usual...I was so happy!

OK dearie, pray tell: Washing soda: what is it, the brand, location in the store & what store?

[onlymadaresane]

I really want to try this! I'm going to be on the lookout!

[sunshinejanie]

OOh thanks, I saw this too!

[PirateQueen]

Arm and Hammer Washing soda is usually found with the other laundry additives like softners, blueing agents, etc. Publix, Walmart, Kroger & Ingles all carry it. The Fels Naptha soap I have only found at Publix, usually on the top shelf. As for leaving a residue in the pot, I really hope not because I've reused that pot at least a hundred times since the last time I made laundry soap. LOL

ETA: Check the Dial website and you can do a search for what stores carry it in your area. That's how I found out Publix carries it in my area. Also you could try calling 1-800-258-3425, the toll free number from the back of the soap package.

[sburkhart]

neat to know and try.

[onlymadaresane]

Originally Posted by PirateQueen

Arm and Hammer Washing soda is usually found with the other laundry additives like softners, blueing agents, etc. Publix, Walmart, Kroger & Ingles all carry it. The Fels Naptha soap I have only found at Publix, usually on the top shelf. As for leaving a residue in the pot, I really hope not because I've reused the pot at least a hundred times since the last time I made laundry soap. LOL

Do you like it? Is it effective at removing stains and such?

[foggy]

I make the powdered version and actually have a tub of it in the laundry made up now.


I use the Zote soap as I can't readily find Fels Naptha here unless I drive one hour to Kroger's.


I use

1 box Borax - size: 4lbs 12oz (76oz)

1 box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda - size: 3lbs 7oz (55oz)

and 1 bar of Zote soap grated - size: not sure exact size... same as a reg. bar of soap though... this looks like a bath bar soap but is a true laundry soap bar


mixed together and I only use 2 TBSP per load.


I don't make the liquid up and never had due to I really don't have a place to put it that it won't get turned over and make a huge mess.

I've been making the powdered version for at least 8-9 years maybe. It works great!!



see http://www.afullcup.com/forums/1070374-post23.html for price breakdown on this.

see http://www.afullcup.com/forums/1071705-post35.html for photos of items in reference Thanks luvadeal!

[mbpnursy]

Originally Posted by PirateQueen

Arm and Hammer Washing soda is usually found with the other laundry additives like softners, blueing agents, etc. Publix, Walmart, Kroger & Ingles all carry it. The Fels Naptha soap I have only found at Publix, usually on the top shelf. As for leaving a residue in the pot, I really hope not because I've reused the pot at least a hundred times since the last time I made laundry soap. LOL

I take it you follow this or another recipe, make it & use it?? I don't believe I know anyone that makes their own laundry detergent. Someday I will have to try this.

[mbpnursy]

Originally Posted by foggy

I make the powdered version and actually have a tub of it in the laundry made up now.


I use the Zote soap as I can't readily find Fels Naptha here unless I drive one hour to Kroger's.


I use

1 box Borax
1 box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
and 1 bar of Zote soap grated


mixed together and I only use 2 TBSP per load.


I don't make the liquid up and never had due to I really don't have a place to put it that it won't get turned over and make a huge mess.

I've been making the powdered version for at least 8-9 years maybe. It works great!!

OK foggy, on the average, what is the total price of your ingedients & averaging again, how many loads per single recipe??

[mbpnursy]

Originally Posted by PirateQueen

Arm and Hammer Washing soda is usually found with the other laundry additives like softners, blueing agents, etc. Publix, Walmart, Kroger & Ingles all carry it. The Fels Naptha soap I have only found at Publix, usually on the top shelf. As for leaving a residue in the pot, I really hope not because I've reused the pot at least a hundred times since the last time I made laundry soap. LOL

OK, now I can picture the box in my mind: Arm & Hammer Washing Soda. I knew I had seen it on store shelves & probably my grandma's used this, but for the life of me I could not think of what the box looked like. Thanks PirateQueen!

[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??

[luv2sav]

If I am remembering correctly,the arm and Hammer washing soda is what I used to wash my sons cloth diapers way back when.

I can't wait to give this a try, thanks so much for posting!

[PirateQueen]

I've done this in the past, but like another poster said I really don't have any place to put the 5 gallon bucket and not enough small containers to hold it all. I've read on other frugal forums that some complained it didn't do a good job on stains but I never noticed that. The only drawback I've found is that there is NO scent once the clothes are washed, they only smell like water. Since my hubby likes a scent, I used to add regular scented detergent to the mix.

Originally Posted by onlymadaresane

Do you like it? Is it effective at removing stains and such?

[lesliec]

I've been using the Vinegar in the wash and spin cycle for a while now and love it. I will caution you though. I read that if you have a front load washer you shouldn't use vinegar b/c it will dissolve the seals over time. just an FYI.

[PirateQueen]

Nope, 20 Mule Team is a borax and the Arm & Hammer is a washing soda. And if you do the dry or liquid formulas you will need both.

Originally Posted by mbpnursy

A&H washing soda; I have seen it sold as "20 Mule Team Borax". So these 2 are the same??

[onlymadaresane]

Originally Posted by PirateQueen

I've done this in the past, but like another poster said I really don't have any place to put the 5 gallon bucket and not enough small containers to hold it all. I've read on other frugal forums that some complained it didn't do a good job on stains but I never noticed that. The only drawback I've found is that there is NO scent once the clothes are washed, they only smell like water. Since my hubby likes a scent, I used to add regular scented detergent to the mix.

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...

[foggy]

Originally Posted by mbpnursy

OK foggy, on the average, what is the total price of your ingedients & averaging again, how many loads per single recipe??

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.

[NoahsMomma]

[foggy]

Originally Posted by wannasavemoney

This is something I am going to have to try we do a lot of laundry. even with good deal its still alot of money.

Is this gentle enough for baby clothes?

also when you melt this in a pot does it leave any kids of residue on your pot/ would it still be safe for cooking after doing this?

OH I can see my husband now. he always jokes and says Im so fugal that i grate bar soap to wash are clothes. he is going to laugh so hard when he sees this.

one last question where do you find borax, Fels-Naptha soap bar and what is a good price for it?

Is this gentle enough for baby clothes? Yes. I used to use it in the cloth diapers. Can't get any closer to a baby's skin than that. I don't use cloth diapers anymore now that I have one who is close to being potty trained and the other is headed in that direction of wanting to go to the big potty. We're going to have a No Diaper Party when the last one is out of diapers.

also when you melt this in a pot does it leave any kids of residue on your pot/ would it still be safe for cooking after doing this? The "SNOT" as the liquid version has been affectionally called for years around various frugal boards can leave a residue if you use the wrong type of bar soap (heavily perfumed soap will do that)


one last question where do you find borax, Fels-Naptha soap bar and what is a good price for it? Walmart carries Borax for $2.99 (it's a green and white box from Mule Team and is found in the laundry aisle).

Winn Dixie used to carry Fels Naptha. All their stores around here closed. I recently found the soap again though at a Kroger store. It was $1.79

Originally Posted by mbpnursy

OK dearie, pray tell: Washing soda: what is it, the brand, location in the store & what store?

Arm and Hammer Washing Soda (yellow and white box - found in the laundry aisle. Kroger carries it I know for sure. Walmart does not. It's a laundry booster basically.

Originally Posted by onlymadaresane

Do you like it? Is it effective at removing stains and such?

Yes. If you have a bad stain you can pre-treat it with this and let it set a few minutes before putting it through the wash cycle.

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.