|
Author |
Message |
oasismama
Avid Reader
Posts: 198
Registered: Jan 2010 |
 Posted April 14th, 2011 03:52 PM IP   
I know there's a homemade laundry soap thread on here somewhere but I couldn't find it. Anyway, what I want to know is,
Does the stuff really work?
I've heard varying opinions (and I'm sure I'll hear the same here but I want to hear them anyway  ). Here are a few other questions.
Is it worth my time and effort to make it? Does it get your dirty clothes clean? Does it make your whites dingy with long-time use? Does it smell as gray as it looks?  Is it pourable?
Angela
Wife to Abner
Mom of six boys and one girl
|
|
   |
|
damys
Bookworm
Posts: 1316
Registered: Mar 2007 |
Posted April 14th, 2011 03:57 PM IP
NO. NO. NO. Yes. Yes. Yes.  I am sure you will get other opinions.
I really think if the Duggars actually use it for ALL their clothes and they always look nice (on camera) then the water you have must make a difference. It does NOT work for me.
amy
|
|
|
|
bpchecker
Bookworm
Posts: 880
Registered: Mar 2009 |
Posted April 14th, 2011 04:29 PM IP
Have used homemade for 2 years with no problems. I don't know what stuff you saw but mine smells awesome and is a pale yellowish, not grey at all.
I agree that water has to make a difference. My mom's whites turned dingy and mine never did. Same recipe but she hangs her laundry out and I don't so that could make a difference as well.
so, Yes it works, Yes it's it worth my time (20 min for 5 gallons) cost of less then 2 cents per load compared to almost 25 cents per load using Tide. Yes my dirty clothes get clean. Yes it's poarable. ( I store in old Tide containers, give it a good shake each time and pour in the cap).
Judith~ wife to my bff, Tim, mommy to our angel, Kiersten Emily(3/5/09) and Trenton Leland (9/1/10)
|
|
|
|
citymama
Avid Reader
Posts: 235
Registered: Nov 2010 |
Posted April 19th, 2011 09:15 PM IP
I really think it depends on your water. I used it for probably a year and was really happy with it but recently I began noticing that stuff is starting to look dingy. I still use it for some loads but have switched to bought detergent for the most part.
I say that I think it depends on your water because we live in the city and have VERY hard water. I have friends that have used it longer than I have and still love it.
And yes, it is pourable - at least if you make the liquid- and I think it is worth your time if you end up liking it. It is super easy to make and 1 recipe last forever. As for smell, I prefer scent-free detergent so I really like the very mild scent of the homemade stuff I make.
Lydia, wife to Vince and Mom to Logan (7/26/08), Eleni Jo- our sweet baby in Heaven (11/11/10) and Sophia (12/14/11)
|
|
 |
|
JoyInTheJourney
Bookworm
Posts: 1363
Registered: Feb 2011 |
Posted April 19th, 2011 09:17 PM IP
I've enjoyed reading these thoughts, but----would someone please share a recipe? 
~Judi
--Mommy to Kinza Faith
Picture blog--http://bigheartsopenarms.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
bpchecker
Bookworm
Posts: 880
Registered: Mar 2009 |
Posted April 19th, 2011 10:30 PM IP
Here is my recipe. Smells wonderful!
1 bar of Fels-Naptha laundry stain remover (its an old soap and can be found in most chain grocery stores like Krogers in the detergent aisle)
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda (I also found Washing Soda in the detergent aisle at Krogers)
Grate or chop up the fels-naptha bar and add to 2 quarts boiling water. simmer till it is all melted. Add borax and washing soda and mix well. Dump into a 5 gallon bucket and add water to make 5 gallons. Stir well and let cool.
Now I don't have room to store this much so I make half a recipe and divide into 3 old Tide containers. When it cools it will become like a chunky egg white consistency and needs to be stirred or shook well before each use. If it is to thick to pour then add a bit more hot water to your container and mix well.
1/2 Tide cap full is plenty for a large load, less for a smaller or not as dirty load.
If you wish to have powder then grate the fels-naptha really fine in a food processor and mix with the rest of the ingredients. I think you use 1 teaspoon per load. Someone correct me on that if I am wrong since I just use the liquid.
I figured my cost savings. It cost me almost .25 per load with Tide. With my homemade it is less then .02. That is another reason to love it
Judith~ wife to my bff, Tim, mommy to our angel, Kiersten Emily(3/5/09) and Trenton Leland (9/1/10)
|
|
|
|
lovinglife
Bookworm
Posts: 969
Registered: Nov 2008 |
Posted April 19th, 2011 11:10 PM IP
Thanks for posting this Judith. How much does one batch make? I know you said you use old Tide containers, but I guess I'm wondering about how many loads one batch would wash? We are soon moving into a house we built and Les said some laundry detergent you use can be bad for some septic tanks. I know I can't buy these ingredients here but I could have someone bring them. Right now, I'm using Charlie's Soap for my diapers and Les would like if I would use that for all our clothes but I have to have that brought or sent as well.
Tonia
wife to Les
mom to Victor (14), Vincent (13), Juliana (12), Zachary (5) & Anika (2)
|
|
|
|
Ozarkmama
Bookworm
Posts: 579
Registered: Dec 2009 |
Posted April 20th, 2011 07:46 AM IP
For those of you that have trouble with your laundry being dingy w/this homemade detergent, here's what I started doing... I add a 100 oz. bottle of Tide to a 5 gal. batch of detergent, and my laundry really brightened up. I figure it's still cheaper than using straight Tide.
Gina- happy wife of Lavern, blessed Mama to Amanda, Lane, Trent, and Allison
|
|
|
|
bpchecker
Bookworm
Posts: 880
Registered: Mar 2009 |
Posted April 20th, 2011 09:07 AM IP
Tonia, it is hard to say. In my best guess... I do approximately 12 loads a week and 1/2 batch lasts me 3 months or so? One batch makes 5 gallons. You use about 1/2 what Tide recommends so go by how long a jug of Tide lasts you and double it and that would be about right I would say.
Gina, that is a great idea to add a jug of Tide to it.
Judith~ wife to my bff, Tim, mommy to our angel, Kiersten Emily(3/5/09) and Trenton Leland (9/1/10)
|
|
|
|
Becuz_of_Jesus
Bookworm
Posts: 1447
Registered: Jul 2008 |
Posted April 20th, 2011 09:51 AM IP
I used the recipe that Judith posted above.
I had good results except for 2 problems.
1. It would not get out the sweat smell from the underarms of my dresses.
2. It would not get the grass stains out of my boys jeans. I like Fuller Brush's laundry soap called Fuller 86 - it gets the grass stains out of all their jeans without even being treated.
Other than that it worked great. Maybe if I would have added Tide it would have worked.
My 5 gallon bucket usually lasted aprox. 10 weeks. I do aprox 11 loads of laundry per week.
Gloria wife to Jason.
Mom to Cody, Jessenia, Jace & Ravi
|
|
|
|
mother21
Bookworm
Posts: 478
Registered: Oct 2008 |
Posted April 20th, 2011 10:02 AM IP
It does not work with hard water,so if you have hard water save yourself the bother of making it! My clothes got dingy,and after being folded and back in the drawer for a week or so it started smelling like an old grampa's greasy shirt collar that hadn't been washed in a week of wearing.....blechhh!! I guess I should try it again now that we are in Colorado.
Beth
|
|
|
|
winter babies
Bookworm
Posts: 787
Registered: Feb 2011 |
Posted April 20th, 2011 10:08 AM IP
Does this work ok with front loading washers? I think too water can have something to do with it, cause my whites tend to get dingy even if I use tide!
~Mary Jane
wife of Ken
& mother of Kenyon, Kimbria, Cherokee, & Havana
|
|
|
|
rachi882
Bookworm
Posts: 2643
Registered: Jun 2007 |
Posted April 20th, 2011 10:17 AM IP
Quote:
mother21 wrote:
My clothes got dingy,and after being folded and back in the drawer for a week or so it started smelling like an old grampa's greasy shirt collar that hadn't been washed in a week of wearing.....blechhh!!
|
Ha ha! I had to laugh at this! ^^^^ I tried the powder one time and didn't like it. I also tried the liquid once and cant remember if I liked it.
Rachal
|
|
|
|
damys
Bookworm
Posts: 1316
Registered: Mar 2007 |
Posted April 20th, 2011 12:57 PM IP
Quote:
mother21 wrote:
It does not work with hard water,so if you have hard water save yourself the bother of making it! My clothes got dingy,and after being folded and back in the drawer for a week or so it started smelling like an old grampa's greasy shirt collar that hadn't been washed in a week of wearing.....blechhh!! I guess I should try it again now that we are in Colorado.
|
I have soft water, but this description make me lol and totally nod my head in agreement. I always thought it smelled wonderful when I was making it, but shortly there after I would almost be choking putting a dress on that was washed in it.
sorry Rachel, I posted just after you apparently.
amy
|
|
|
|
naters
Bookworm
Posts: 1301
Registered: Mar 2009 |
Posted April 22nd, 2011 10:09 AM IP
Mary Jane, it does work with front loaders.
Nate's love Scotty, Trevor, Nekoda's mom
|
|
|
|
naters
Bookworm
Posts: 1301
Registered: Mar 2009 |
Posted June 8th, 2012 04:06 PM IP
Bringing up an old thread...
My sister's in-laws (several different families) used this and in the last year have had more drain problems and one of them had a washer go bad. All of them had to do with gunky build up. They are wondering if the homemade soap was the problem. Anyone heard anything like it?
Nate's love Scotty, Trevor, Nekoda's mom
|
|
|
|
Momof2
Bookworm
Posts: 3025
Registered: Mar 2007 |
Posted June 8th, 2012 08:01 PM IP
I use the powdered soap. Love it and have hard water. Here's the recipe I use:
http://beingcreativetokeepmysanity....undry-soap.html
If you have hard water, you need to add baking soda to the mix. For a better smell, add some of the Downy Unstoppables that are an extra smell booster.
Amber
Mama to Carson, Brooklyn, Avery & Alena
|
|
|
|
damys
Bookworm
Posts: 1316
Registered: Mar 2007 |
Posted June 8th, 2012 08:41 PM IP
I am wondering for those of you that think that soap stinks after a while... like I do, do you make the liquid? That is what I have always made and I agree, with the blogger in that article that your house smells wonderful while making it, but I always made liquid and in two months or so the clothes smell awful. Could powder keep a better smell?!!
Just a little light bulb idea. My husband has commanded I never try the stuff again, but if I would have hope for better results maybe...
amy
|
|
|
|
mother21
Bookworm
Posts: 478
Registered: Oct 2008 |
Posted June 9th, 2012 07:31 AM IP
I had used the powder the time I made it.....sorry-probably not what you wanted to hear.=)
Beth
|
|
|
|
Mikeswife
Bookworm
Posts: 888
Registered: Jan 2009 |
Posted June 9th, 2012 08:26 AM IP
I use the home made liquid and like it fine. I do spot spray my clothes too but i do it with all soaps I use. I use fabric softner too.
~VaLita
|
|
|
|
blestmommy
Bookworm
Posts: 766
Registered: Mar 2007 |
Posted June 9th, 2012 10:43 AM IP
I had the same stinky smell when I used the liquid. I now use this powder.
http://www.howdoesshe.com/cheaper-a...undry-detergent
No problems. I really like it and plan on making more. Oh and we do have hard water.
~Freida
Erin's wife
Jasmine, Tucker, Wyatt, Jade and Josie's mama
|
|
|
|
mommy2boys
Bookworm
Posts: 796
Registered: Apr 2007 |
Posted June 9th, 2012 12:46 PM IP
This recipe looks fabulous! Has anyone tried it with a front loading washer? I know she says you can use it; just wondering if anyone on here has.
Another thing- I always add fabric softener when I hang my clothes out. Do you still add it with this soap?
I've been using Judith's recipe and I like it fine. It's just the idea of a powder vs. liquid sounds kind of appealing to me.
::JUDY::
|
|
|
|
Momof2
Bookworm
Posts: 3025
Registered: Mar 2007 |
Posted June 9th, 2012 01:33 PM IP
I do add fabric softener. And she uses one scoop, I use 2. I use the one that was in the Oxi-Clean box that I dumped in. I personally like the smell and I mixed it up the first part of Feb. I double grind my FelsNaptha in the food processor and it dissolves right away in the water when I dump it in.
And if you want a pretty glass jar to store it in like the pic? Wal-Mart has them for $10.
Amber
Mama to Carson, Brooklyn, Avery & Alena
|
|
|
|
rallyjan
Bookworm
Posts: 2798
Registered: Jun 2007 |
Posted June 11th, 2012 12:04 PM IP
I hadn't noticed more going on on this thread, until I can over to check about 'homemade' laundry soap.
I'm certainly not impressed with the idea of smelly and dingy. Maybe the soap with all the water added starts to smell bad from setting around so long, as water gets stinky??? Clothes smelling clean is a must, and a slight scent is good.
I am concerned about too heavily perfumed soaps with the skin issues my children have. I used melaluca laundry soap at one time, and thought over time the clothes began to look dingy, in spite of the fact it was supposed to have natural color brighteners in it. I use oxyclean as a booster, and currently use Arm & Hammers liquid laundry soap.
I will def. be trying this recipe though, once I need more soap.
Jan
Mama to Zachary, Leandra and Kandace
|
|
|
|
mommy2boys
Bookworm
Posts: 796
Registered: Apr 2007 |
Posted June 11th, 2012 04:32 PM IP
Quote:
Momof2 wrote:
And if you want a pretty glass jar to store it in like the pic? Wal-Mart has them for $10.
|
Definitely need the glass jar! It looks so much more attractive than the ice cream bucket I'm using right now! And with all the money I'm saving by making my own detergent, I can totally justify buying a jar!
Another question- Do you use this for your baby clothes?
With two weeks left until my due date, I probably should start washing up baby stuff sometime soon?!
::JUDY::
|
|
|
|
JoyInTheJourney
Bookworm
Posts: 1363
Registered: Feb 2011 |
Posted June 11th, 2012 04:39 PM IP
I'm wondering how much you save making your own vs. buying like Tide?
~Judi
--Mommy to Kinza Faith
Picture blog--http://bigheartsopenarms.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
mammaof5
Bookworm
Posts: 538
Registered: Oct 2010 |
Posted June 11th, 2012 05:31 PM IP
It saves a LOT!!! I spent around $3 for 10 gallons of liquid laundry soap. And I've been using it for quite awhile and I like it!! The next time I make it I think i will add oxyclean to it too.
Susie wife to Ben, mom to Darren 14,
Cheyanne 13, Jared 10, Hannah 8,
Jacob 3 and Brooke 2 month
|
|
|
|
Momof2
Bookworm
Posts: 3025
Registered: Mar 2007 |
Posted June 11th, 2012 09:15 PM IP
Quote:
mommy2boys wrote:
Another question- Do you use this for your baby clothes?
|
I do.
Quote:
I'm wondering how much you save making your own vs. buying like Tide?
|
It was around $20 for my big jar full and I've been using it since the first of Feb. and have a month's worth left prob. I wash at least 5-6 loads/week.
Amber
Mama to Carson, Brooklyn, Avery & Alena
|
|
|
|
janedi
Bookworm
Posts: 919
Registered: Jun 2009 |
Posted June 12th, 2012 09:23 AM IP
Quote:
naters wrote:
Bringing up an old thread...
My sister's in-laws (several different families) used this and in the last year have had more drain problems and one of them had a washer go bad. All of them had to do with gunky build up. They are wondering if the homemade soap was the problem. Anyone heard anything like it?
|
I don't think anyone answered this question. I'm curious too!
-Janelle
Joe's wife and mom to Katie (11.26.10) and Jill (06.15.12)
|
|
|
|
Momof2
Bookworm
Posts: 3025
Registered: Mar 2007 |
Posted June 12th, 2012 10:44 AM IP
I've not noticed any build up in my washer. We have hard water, so I battle rust stains but not 'gunk'.
Amber
Mama to Carson, Brooklyn, Avery & Alena
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Page in the Life of A Mom :: Search by Subject :: Housekeeping :: Homemade Laundry Soap--Does it work?
Page: 1 2 |
