| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| ChicChick |
Posted - May 20 2008 : 07:42:56 AM
I thought I came across a thread on here about making dry laundry powder, but my search did not come up with anything. 
Anyone have a recipe for a good, basic, dry laundry powder? If not, I'll try the liquid.
Thanks,
-Joy |
| 24 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| samm |
Posted - Feb 05 2009 : 5:44:47 PM
hi ya'll, im new here and thought id share my dry laundry soap recipie with ya'll
2 bars grated fels naptha soap grated in the food processor, then use the blade till it looks like course corn meal
1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax
1 cup oxi clean
mix together, and i use 1 nyquil dose cup per load
works well, and has a nice clean smell
hope ya like it
samm |
| K-Falls Farmgirl |
Posted - Jan 25 2009 : 08:17:56 AM
Alee, Thank you for your chemistry lesson..I had no idea.... I made dry laundry soap and Love it. My clothes come out cleaner & they smell great, I stained one of my cotton dishtowels accidently with beet juice.. Tossed it in the laundry in warm water and I couldn't believe how clean it came out. I have been passing the recipe on to my friends & family, ..So far everyone Loves it too....
http://www.k-fallsfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
Come visit the barn at http://barndoorcreations.blogspot.com/
Cheryl
Farmgirl #309
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." Maya Angelou |
| Alee |
Posted - Jan 25 2009 : 08:05:08 AM
Yes! The homemade soap is perfectly fine for the High Efficiency washers. There are two reasons they want you to use a "special" detergent. 1) most detergents have a sudsing agent in them so because people expect to see suds in the wash. With the High Efficiency washers this can cause too many suds. 2) The detergent brands basically thought it would be too confusing to consumers to have two sets of instructions on the bottle for amounts to put into the machine. One set for the normal top load and one set for High Efficiency. So the "special" detergent is really only mainstream detergent with less sudsing agent and smaller quantities uses.
The Laundry soap that we have been talking about is naturally low sudsing and is so effective that you don't need to really adjust the amounts too much for a high efficiency washer. The concern with using to much would actually be if the soap wouldn't wash out because they use so much less water. So I would suggest using about a tablespoon and a half for regular loads and up to a quarter cup for really gross loads if you are using the powder and about half a cup to 3/4 of a cup if you are using the liquid.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
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| Mother Hen |
Posted - Jan 25 2009 : 12:11:03 AM
I have been thinking about making my own laundry soap, but DH bought me one of those front loading machines that uses HD detergents. I have to use the dispenser to put in my soap and anything else I want to add. Do you know if you can use the homemade laundry soap in a front loading machine? Does it matter? Does anyone else already use it in their front loader??
Cindy
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1 |
| Alee |
Posted - Jan 23 2009 : 6:02:05 PM
The chemical composition of borax is: Na2B4O5(OH)4·8(H2O)
And it turns into Hydrogen Peroxide (in part) when the water is hot enough so it can act as a natural bleach that you don't have to worry about hurting you darks when washed in cold water
and Washing Soda is Na2CO3 so while they both have Sodium as the base (NA)
Borax has Sodium, Boron, Oxygen, and Hydrogen
Washing Soda has Sodium, Carbon, and Oxygen.
What Borax Does:
Borax has many chemical properties that contribute to its cleaning power. Borax and other borates clean and bleach by converting some water molecules to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This reaction is more favorable in hotter water. The pH of borax is about 9.5, so it produces a basic solution in water, thereby increasing the effectiveness of bleach and other cleaners. In other chemical reactions, borax acts as a buffer, maintaining a stable pH needed to maintain cleansing chemical reactions. The boron, salt, and/or oxygen of boron inhibit the metabolic processes of many organisms. This characteristic allows borax to disinfect and kill unwanted pests. Borates bonds with other particles to keep ingredients dispersed evenly in a mixture, which maximizes the surface area of active particles to enhance cleaning power.
What Washing Soda Does:
In domestic use, it is used as a water softener during laundry. It competes with the ions magnesium and calcium in hard water and prevents them from bonding with the detergent being used. Without using washing soda, additional detergent is needed to soak up the magnesium and calcium ions. Called Washing Soda or Sal Soda[2] in the detergent section of stores, it effectively removes oil, grease, and alcohol stains. Sodium carbonate is also used as a descaling agent in boilers such as found in coffee pots, espresso machines, etc.
Hope that helps- and no you shouldn't wash Silk or wool with Borax- not sure about the washing soda side though.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| rabbithorns |
Posted - Jan 23 2009 : 5:01:32 PM
Although the original recipe I had called for grated soap, borax, and washing soda, I heard the borax and washing soda are so close in chemical nature, you really don't need both. I chose to use just washing soda because borax is stronger, more caustic.
Probably ought to check for sure if you're making it. But that's why I only use one. I've also heard you shouldn't use wash silk or wool with borax or washing soda.
http://www.rabbithorns.etsy.com & www.wayofthewife.blogspot.com |
| Alee |
Posted - Jan 22 2009 : 9:43:33 PM
My recipe is 1 large box of baking soda, one large box of borax, one large box of Washing Soda and 3 bars of soap! I grate/mix it all together and use a couple of table spoons per wash. It comes out to around 4 cents per load. Also if your whites start getting a little less than bright, you can put an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup borax in, wash on hot and put lemon juice in the rinse. Borax turns to peroxide if the temperature gets hot enough and lemon juice will gently bleach in the sun!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| rabbithorns |
Posted - Jan 22 2009 : 7:37:52 PM
I never did see a recipe here in this thread. I just grate a bar of Kirk's Castille lye soap. I used to use Ivory but they just started putting perfume in it....ick! I put a tablespoon of the grated soap and 1/16 of a cup of washing soda in the washer.
Then I got tired of having them separate and just mixed it all in a large jar and scoop out a small amount for each load.
That's it. With Ivory, it cost me about $1.35 a month to wash the clothes. With Kirk's it's now about $2.
I changed when DH said the "free and clear" detergents left clothes still smelling sweaty, but I can't handle fragrance oils, so I switched to plain soap and washing soda. His shirts never smelled sweaty again.
http://www.rabbithorns.etsy.com & www.wayofthewife.blogspot.com |
| Contrary Wife |
Posted - Nov 30 2008 : 2:57:26 PM
Yes, the downy ball idea is great, I've tried it and I love it, but I try not to put too much vinegar into my septic system.
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
MJ's Heirloom Mavens Badgebadger
MJ's Heirloom Mavens Bookclub Coordinator
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
| Alee |
Posted - Oct 13 2008 : 08:06:06 AM
Terri- You will love it!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| 5 acre Farmgirl |
Posted - Oct 13 2008 : 05:00:27 AM
Awesome!!! I am trying some today....
Farmgirl Sister #368
http://froccsfrillsfurbiloesandmore.blogspot.com
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| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Aug 08 2008 : 4:27:41 PM
Wow! I've been making my own laundry detergent for a few years and you all still have more gems.
Alee - the Downy ball idea is great! I add vinegar to the rinse cycle too but sometimes I miss it and have to send the load through the rinse again. This will solve that problem!
Cecily - I love the scrapbook idea! I was just thinking the other day that I really need a section in my recipe notebook for cleaning recipes but scrapbooking it would be so much more fun. Of course, I haven't really scrapbooked much - nothing in years - even though I did go on a binge when I first got interested so I have tons of materials. You girls are getting my creative juices flowing big time!
Cathy - I grate my soap with the food processor and then pulverize it in the processor with the blade. If drying it means I don't have to go through the hot water dissolving process, that would be wonderful. I don't mind it tremdously but I'm for anything that saves time and cabinet space.
And yes, Michelle - this is definitely green because it has no phosphates or petroleum-based surfactants (dirt-releasers) in it. I've been using it for the last few years and my laundry is just as clean as the commercial brands - and most of the time it's even cleaner. You won't have the suds but those were actually added so that women would know they added the detergent - they don't really affect the cleaning power. Who knew??????
God bless -
Karen |
| Michelle Meeks |
Posted - Aug 08 2008 : 2:41:09 PM
Is this homemade detergent considered "green"? |
| okiequilter |
Posted - Jul 17 2008 : 06:03:49 AM
Denise and Tracy,
My daughter grates the soap, spreads it on baking sheets for a day or so to dry out, then blends it in the food processor so it's fine, and mixes it into the rest of the ingredients. She prefers not to have to dissolve it is hot water before each load. I'm going to try that with my next batch. I wash in cold water so I mix my laundry powder in a cup of hot water first and then add to the washer.
You are going to love how much cleaner your clothes will be and yes, it's a lot cheaper!
Another tip: this one came from Farmgirl Alee - put a small amount of white vineagar (about 1/4 cup) into a Downy Ball and add to your load. It will open in the rinse cycle and soften your clothes.
Cathy (okiequilter)
www.AuntDaisysCottage.blogspot.com
www.AuntDaisysCottage.etsy.com
A friend loves at all times. |
| iloveprims |
Posted - Jul 17 2008 : 05:08:41 AM
I am going to try and make the powdered kind, I've heard it's alot cheaper and lasts so much longer, thanks for the info.
http://wantingtobeme.blogspot.com |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jul 16 2008 : 9:52:09 PM
Yes!! It is real important to grate it really fine (I use a rotary hand grinder that is made for grating parmesan or other hard cheese) It is almost a powder when I add the soap to the other ingredients. It melts really well in warm water. If washing in cold I dissolve it in a little warm water first and then add it to the wash.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Georgia Girl |
Posted - Jul 16 2008 : 6:02:31 PM
I have a question about the dry...when I make the goo, it takes a while for the soap to melt. Does it melt well in the washer? Do you grate it really fine?
~Denise~
Proud Farmgirl Sister #113
http://mybigcityfarm.blogspot.com/ |
| Sitnalta |
Posted - Jul 15 2008 : 8:00:22 PM
Hi Joy,
Did you find the answer you were looking for? My Mom uses a mix of baking soda and borax. I can't remember the exact. Its 1 part soda to 2 parts borax, I think. I think she posted on the thread that was already given to you.
hugs jess
Farmgirl Sister #235
http://crshelpmeet-heartssong.blogspot.com/
Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.
The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. -- Mark Twain |
| BarnChickCecily |
Posted - May 31 2008 : 5:17:01 PM
Thanks Alee! I can always depend on you for advice... you have helped me so much since I have been a member here. Thank you so much for everything! I have already printed tons of info for the detergent. I think I am going to start a sort of scrapbook for household info that I learn from everyone here.
|
| Alee |
Posted - May 31 2008 : 06:49:16 AM
Hi Cecily-
It's really great, doesn't leave spots (and might even remove some stains that others left behind!), you can make it smell however you want with essential oils and the clothes come out smelling so fresh! Not perfumey like some brands do (though I add enough lavender EO that they do smell like lavender when I pull them out of the washer! :D)
You will find all the answers to your questions and more in the links provided above! :D
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| BarnChickCecily |
Posted - May 31 2008 : 01:53:42 AM
Hello! I was just thinking that making this laundry powder would be a great project for my chapter. Could someone tell me about it... how well does it work, does it leave spots, smell good, how long does it store, how do you store it...etc? |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - May 20 2008 : 11:08:54 AM
Exactly!! I just emailed you Joy....you will love the dry. I make it way more often than the liquid now...(liquid is a relative term...goo is the best way to describe it!!)
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Alee |
Posted - May 20 2008 : 08:51:29 AM
PS- the short answer is- for the powder recipe- use the same ingredients as the liquid- just don't add the water. Use between 1-3 tablespoons per load.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| Alee |
Posted - May 20 2008 : 08:50:45 AM
Here are the links I think you were looking for:
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12281&SearchTerms=laundry,soap,
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15558&SearchTerms=laundry,soap,
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=19352&SearchTerms=laundry,soap,
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15769&SearchTerms=laundry,soap,
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=19729&SearchTerms=laundry,soap,
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11201&SearchTerms=laundry,soap
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=971&SearchTerms=laundry,soap
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
