Laundry Detergent..

Micah - posted on 02/26/2009

Wow! These sound like great ideas. THis weekend I'm going ta try the fabric Softener and laundry soap idea. I go through both of these so fast and they are way overpriced! Especially Tide. I love it, I am never sure if the really cheap brands are going to clean as well, but now I don't have to worry. I'll just make it myself. Thank Ya'll

Sondra - posted on 02/26/2009

I just posted the homemade laundry detergent online too. I also use the fabric softener with the cut up sponges. I started using the softener in October and it is now the beginning of March and I have not gone through it yet and we are a family of 5! Plus with the laundry detergent, it makes your clothes so soft.

Lisa - posted on 02/26/2009

I found all the stuff at my local Hannaford! The washing soda was the tricky one and I called the Arm & Hammer 800 number and they told me where it was sold locally! The local grocery stores all sell the Fel's Naptha soap here in MA. Hope that helps!!!

Sandy - posted on 02/26/2009

Wow this sounds great. Where can I find these ingredients...Fel's Naptha Soap? 

Lisa - posted on 02/25/2009

These are the recipes I used, I got them from the Duggar Family webpage and have been using them for a month or so! I have found stains coming out better!! I love it and it is easy to make!!!

TIPS FOR LAUNDRY SOAP: 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 on the laundry or cleaning aisle. Recipe cost approx. $2.

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value

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 5 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. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 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 (Approx. 180 loads)

-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

Inexpensive Fabric softener

1  Container of Name Brand Fabric Softener
4  Inexpensive sponges, cut in half

Pour entire container of softener into a 5 gallon bucket. Fill empty softener container with water twice. (2 parts water to 1 part softener) Add sponges to softener/water mixture. When ready to use take one sponge and squeeze it a little  and add to the dryer as you would a dryer sheet. 

Gayla - posted on 02/25/2009

I would love the recipe!!

Heather - posted on 02/25/2009

Quoting Nicolle:

I decided just to post the recipe for the laundry detergent for everyone to see. It isn't a family secret or anything! To answer everyone's questions, it does work for a front loader washer. I am not sure if it would work on cloth diapers..we don't use them so I am not sure. That would have to be a trial you would do..it's worth a try tho! I would recommend trying Oxy Clean on your poopy cloth diapers. I use it on my son's formula stained bibs and clothing and it works like a charm.

 

Homemade Laundry Detergent

(Makes approx. 5 gallons)

 

1 bar Fel's Naptha Soap (grated)

1 cup borax

1 cup washing soda

 

Melt the soap in hot water - DO NOT LET BOIL. Pour into a 5 gallon bucket. Add hot water and borax and fill the bucket full with hot water. Stir well and frequently for the first two hours. Stir occasionally after that. Let set overnight. Stir really well in the morning and put in bottles.

 

If you don't want to buy Oxy Clean...I've heard it's basically just peroxide and water mix! ??? Haven't tried it but I use peroxide for mouthwash and mix with water to clean my cutting boards and kitchen stuff too!

Heather - posted on 02/25/2009

Quoting Lisa:

I make mine too!! It is SOOOO easy and so much cheaper than buying it!! It cost me about $2 to make a recipe that will last about 180 loads!!! I have a recipe to do fabric softener too if anyone is interested.

I am interested in a recipe for laundry detergent and fabric softener if you care to share please! Thx

Nicolle - posted on 02/25/2009

I decided just to post the recipe for the laundry detergent for everyone to see.  It isn't a family secret or anything!  To answer everyone's questions, it does work for a front loader washer.  I am not sure if it would work on cloth diapers..we don't use them so I am not sure.  That would have to be a trial you would do..it's worth a try tho!  I would recommend trying Oxy Clean on your poopy cloth diapers.  I use it on my son's formula stained bibs and clothing and it works like a charm.

Homemade Laundry Detergent

(Makes approx. 5 gallons)

1 bar Fel's Naptha Soap (grated)

1 cup borax

1 cup washing soda

Melt the soap in hot water - DO NOT LET BOIL.  Pour into a 5 gallon bucket.  Add hot water and borax and fill the bucket full with hot water.  Stir well and frequently for the first two hours.  Stir occasionally after that.  Let set overnight.  Stir really well in the morning and put in bottles.

Nicolle - posted on 02/25/2009

I would love your recipe for fabric softener.  My husband and I have been looking for a good one but haven't found anything we really like.

Lucia - posted on 02/25/2009

hi there nicolle what a georgous baby , does your recipe work on baby poop stains, if it does if you find the time can you email me the recipe thank you .  luciamaragliano@hotmail.com

Lisa - posted on 02/25/2009

I make mine too!! It is SOOOO easy and so much cheaper than buying it!! It cost me about $2 to make a recipe that will last about 180 loads!!! I have a recipe to do fabric softener too if anyone is interested.

Andrea - posted on 02/25/2009

I'd like the recipe. Can it be used with cloth diapers?

Rebecca - posted on 02/25/2009

Hey... i was just looking for sales on laundry detergent as we will be out in about 2 weeks. Is what you use good for a front loader? id love to get the recipe if so and if you are willing to give it up.