Anyone out there know how to make laundry soap? I know there are many websites on this, trust me, I've looked. I'd just like someone's opinion who has actually done it. If so, where have you gotten your supplies? Was it worth the hassle? Thanks in advance. Stephanie-- mom to 7 (soon to be 10!!!)
I tried it for a while using a recipe that included Fels Naptha and Borax. It worked okay but I felt my whites ended up kind of dingy and it wasn't good for stains.
I know you said you've seen a lot of websites, but if I were to try it, I would go here: http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/ There are LOTS of comments and suggestions at the bottom. This one is the FAQ for homemade laundry soap: http://tipnut.com/homemade-laundry-detergent/
My BFF and I make our own laundry soap and we use the Duggar's recipe. Both of us like the homemade stuff better than store-bought and it costs pennies a load! Not to mention, it's SO easy to make! A side note, we really like the scent that the Fels-Naptha soap gives the detergent. We used Ivory the first time we made it because we couldn't find the other and it worked just as good as the other. Whichever you can find! From: http://www.duggarfamily.com... 4 Cups - hot tap water 1 Fels-Naptha soap bar 1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super 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) *Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - in some stores or may be purchased online here (at Meijer.com). Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!
If you're doing it to save money, I have another suggestion. The laundry detergent they sell at Sears is supposed to be really good. It comes in a huge container, and frequently goes on sale for half off. The Wind Fresh at Sam's is supposed to be really good, too. Also, unless the clothes are really dirty, you can use half of the recommended amount and still get your clothes clean.
The guys at ACE told me 1/3 of Fels-Naptha(finely grated), 1 cup of Borax, and 1 cup of A&H Washing Soda(I use the dry recipe). Everything is sold at ACE and it is pretty effective and easy. If I have stains I pretreat by rubbing the area with some of the Fels-Naptha and letting it sit for a while. I have also used Dr. Bronner's soap, peppermint and lavender, and that gives a nice scent but I have heard you have to be careful with fragrance b/c sometimes the oils will leave spots. I just use a couple of tablespoons per load.
Can this be used in HE washing machines? I have one now, but am going back to an old fashioned top load soon.
