Making own laundry soap

[mac78]

I was reading an article about making laundry soap. Then one of my daycare mom's told me she made it and how much it cost and how much it made. I went and bought all the ingredients to make it and I am going to try to do it today.

I spend so darn much on laundry soap and fabric softener. I was looking on the Duggar's site (the family with 19 kids), and they take a bottle of fabric softener, put it in a bucket, add water, and use a sponge soaked in the softener as a fabric sheet for the dryer. They just saturate it and wring it out.

I was going to buy one of those dryer bars that attach to the inside of the dryer drum, but someone told me they cause build up and can cause a fire...not 100% sure on that.

Does anyone here have any proven money savers on things we tend to use regularly.

Anyone ever made dishwasher soap? The comments I have read on homemade dishwasher soap were not too positive.

[Gigi]

Good tip about making fabric softener! BUT if you use your homemade laundry soap, you shouldn't have to even use a fabric softener- which isn't good for clothing, the dryer, etc...

I've been making powdered laundry soap for years- one of my best sellers. The recipe I use is completely natural, our own version, no fabric softener needed. EVER.

Also- remember most likely if you make your own- don't look for suds in the wash- because the suds in store bought laundry soap is really just a chemical added. AND most store bought laundry soap is not really soap at all- but detergent- ouch for the skin!

Best of luck- I think you'll find it not only fun to make, but economical, and think of all the cute containers you can use to store the laundry soap in!

[vintage girl]

I am with Gigi, I have not used fabric softener in years. Ever since my allergist told me how bad it is not only for our skin, but also as Gigi mentioned, for the dryer, clothes, etc.

[ChapterTwo]

I've been using the chemical free dryer balls (got mine in the dollar store!) for quite a few years. They work fine.

Here's what they look like: http://www.simplygoodstuff.com/dryer_magic-dryerballs.htm

[RoseMary]

I use plain white vinegar for fabric softener. It works great and the clothes smell fresh. I've been making my own laundry detergent for two years, now, and really like it. There are a lot of 'recipes' to choose from. Mine is pretty much like the Duggars recipe, except I make less, as I don't have room for a 5 gallon bucket.

[mac78]

RoseMary, Would you mind sharing your recipe for laundry soap. I also don't want a 5 gal bucket here. Thanks.

[vintage girl]

Rosemary, I have thought about using vinegar, but have not tried it. How much do you use per load and do you dilute it, or use it regular strength?

[RoseMary]

Vintagegirl, I use the vinegar 'straight'. I just fill up the place in my washer where you put the softener--I've never measured:o.

Marie, here is my recipe:

8 cups boiling water
1/2 bar of grated soap--I use Ivory, but you can use Fels Naptha or another kind
3/4 cup Borax
1/2 cup baking soda or washing soda--either works well

Disolve the grated soap in 8 cups boiling water. Stir until dissoved. Then slowly stir in Borax (always stir in the Borax FIRST--or you'll have a volcano:eek:--that being said, it does get your stove extremely clean when it happens:D)

Slowly stir in baking soda. Mix thoroughly and remove from stove. Keep mixture on the counter and stir ocassionally throughout the day. If it separates (watery on bottom, thick soap on top), re-heat on stovetop and stir until all is dissolved. (This usually happens when it is cool in the house). It usually won't separate again.

Keep in a couple of gallon pitchers. If it 'gels' too much or gets very thick, just shake or stir before measuring. I use 1/4 cup of this mixure per large load in my HE washer and it does well.

I love making this, but it is not always the same consistency--sometimes it gels a little more than others and sometimes it is more watery. Not sure what makes the difference, but it seems to clean the clothes either way and saves a lot of money!

[mac78]

Thank you so very much.:)

[mac78]

So I made the laundry soap. I do have a question....I have a regular top loading extra capacity washer....should I use more than 1/4 cup?
I used Ivory, and I had the small bars, so I used the whole thing. Was that ok?

It smells so good.

[RoseMary]

Hi mac, I have a top loading washer, too, and 1/4 cup is what I use. You may want to use a little more if it is a very soiled load, but 1/4 cup seems to work for me. You may just have to experiment with it. I agree, it does smell good made with Ivory! Hope it works well for you:).