| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Lisa_P |
Posted - Sep 23 2013 : 12:19:55 PM
I've been using homemade detergent (felths/borax/washing soda) for a couple years, and it seemed to be working okay. My whites aren't as clean as I'd like them to be. I'm wondering if it's the detergent, or if it might be something to do with the water? I moved about a year ago, and we now have water straight from a spring. Is is something to do with hard or soft water? I'm not really sure what I have. Should I switch back to another detergent? |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - Apr 23 2014 : 7:25:48 PM
My newer HE washer is TERRIBLE about getting things clean!
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| knittingmom |
Posted - Apr 23 2014 : 10:33:54 AM
I'm also thinking hard water (we have that where we live).
Have you tried vinegar yet?
Farmgirl Sister #3759
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| Lyndell |
Posted - Mar 20 2014 : 07:17:36 AM
If you do not have a water softener, then your water is "hard." However, hard water isn't the same everywhere. Different minerals are prevalent in different areas. We live in an area with very hard water in the form of iron. If we don't soften our water, orange rust stains appear in the toilet, sinks, and tub within a day or two after cleaning. If you've ever noticed this, then you probably have a lot of iron in your water too! This will affect whites in the laundry after time. For this reason, we do use a water softener for our house.
I've never made my own detergent, but I do know that most recipes tend to be less strong than a commercial detergent. You may need to reformulate your recipe to get more results.
Another idea - what kind of washer do you have? If it's a newer energy efficient one, see if there's a setting that allows you to use more water per wash and/or rinse cycle. Many newer washers don't use much water, which is great for conservation, but not great if your clothes are actually dirty and need serious washing.
Finally, I know a lot of people use vinegar in the laundry, but be wary of how much you use. After doing a bit of reading I found that regular use of vinegar in your washing machine will eat at the seals in your washer over time. It's probably alright in small amounts, but for this reason I only use vinegar in the laundry if I'm trying to get rid of odors.
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| lovecatsandsunshine |
Posted - Jan 12 2014 : 1:55:33 PM
I use liquid castile soap to wash clothes, sheets and towels. And I add vinegar to area for bleach.
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| Dapple Grey Lady |
Posted - Jan 10 2014 : 10:15:03 AM
Do you ever have soap scum buildup in your washer? How do you get it off in the washer. I found that using the blur dawn and vinegar in the tub got it off good. I made it thick to start with and let it set aand it wipes off. BUT the washer was not that easy. It is like a ring around the top.
~ Betty ~
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| GoddessintheGroove |
Posted - Jan 09 2014 : 9:42:43 PM
Having the same issue!
I have baking soda in my home made detergent, but only add vinegar in my rinse. Will try in the wash water too!
Thanks!
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| Chatty Wren |
Posted - Nov 12 2013 : 1:29:26 PM
I've had the same experience and it was the hard water from our well. 1/2 cup of vinegar in the washwater softens it and clothes come out white and smell fresh, not like vinegar.
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| GypsyChar |
Posted - Nov 06 2013 : 3:22:22 PM
I'm thinking water as well - especially since you're using borax. I just dug deeper into the water ph while learning about how to set dyes in fabric.
Do a batch presoak in baking soda - 1/2 c for 1/2 an hour. Then use ACV in both your wash and rinse cycles. If you don't have a liquid fabrics softener dispenser on your machine those little blue Downy balls work just fine.
Oh and your Extension Service will test your water for free. You can also buy ph testers at health food stores.
Peace be with you and all that jazz..... |
| sherrye |
Posted - Oct 07 2013 : 06:52:16 AM
my thought is hard water. I use vinegar to soften the water here. it seems to help the clothes come cleaner. just a thought.
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| rough start farmgirl |
Posted - Sep 24 2013 : 5:49:36 PM
We have hard water with rust and our whites turn dingy eventually and our colors just get dull. I bet it's your water.
Marianne |
