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Cleaning Up:  Homemade Laundry Detergent  |
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Carolinagirl
True Blue Farmgirl
486 Posts
Kim
Rutherfordton
NC
USA
486 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 15 2007 : 5:06:41 PM
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Luck! I found washing soda at the Publix this weekend! Tomorrow I will figure out a way to grate my soap, and I'm on my way to laundry detergent!
One question: What is considered a non-fatty soap? I've read fels naptha, Kirks Castile and even Ivory. I also bought Pure and Natural (which I also used in my bath last night, and I really liked it).
Thanks-
Kim in NC |
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Carolinagirl
True Blue Farmgirl
486 Posts
Kim
Rutherfordton
NC
USA
486 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2007 : 5:12:57 PM
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Oh- I've got another question...
I've seen a couple of different recipes- they have different amounts to use. Tasha's seems easiest (especially since I have all the stuff now)- she uses only 1 tablespoon versus Aunt Jenny's detergent (uses 1/4 cup).
How much do y'all use?
Thanks again-
Kim
PS- Also, Tasha, what does the added baking soda do?
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4178 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4178 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2007 : 5:34:29 PM
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I found I needed to use close to the 1/4 cup amount of soap. Depending on how dirty of a load I am doing. Sometimes I use less.
Michele |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4737 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4737 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2007 : 5:53:37 PM
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After using the Borax/Washing Soda/Castile soap laundry detergent, given to me by Michele (Windy Pines) I was so impressed with it that I have started making my own. I found the Borax at Home Depot, the washing soda at Jewel Grocery store and the Castile soap at Whole Foods. I use 1/4 cup per load. I have a water softener, so I don't need to add fabric softener, but I do put it in for the clothes anyway. So far, everything comes out sparkling clean, whites white & colors bright!
Dawn in IL |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2007 : 9:27:08 PM
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I only use one tablespoon as use equal amounts of each product. Everything comes out great.
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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MustangSuzie
True Blue Farmgirl
634 Posts
Sarah
New London
Missouri
USA
634 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2007 : 11:52:12 AM
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I usually use one tablespoon for regular loads, 2 or 3 if things are really dirty (I have 3 active boys that bring in more dirt than they leave outside!)
Just a lil tid bit. I picked up some clothes last weekend at a yard sale. It is funny how the smell of mass marketed detergent is so strong to me now as I could smell it on the clothes. When I washed them the water was so greasy, ick! I have gotten so used to my homemade castille powder and I love it!!!!
Blessings....
Sarah
www.mustangsuzie.blogspot.com
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2007 : 12:14:56 PM
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I know what you mean! I don't like store-bought laundry powder any more. I know there are all sorts of fillers in there and it seems wasteful to use huge scoops of the stuff. And now when I feel clothes that have been washed with store made detergent they feel like they have a coating on all the fibers. Ick indeed!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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Carolinagirl
True Blue Farmgirl
486 Posts
Kim
Rutherfordton
NC
USA
486 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2007 : 1:18:06 PM
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About three weeks ago I made a batch of the liquid-gel kind, and it's almost gone (I've kept count... one batch did 30ish loads, same as the store bought kind). I am pleased with it, other than that I can't get the lavendar scent to stay in after the wash. It's like the dryer eats it up.
This time, I'm going to make the powdered version and see if it's any different.
Kim in NC |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2007 : 2:19:36 PM
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Kim-
Make some flannel sheets about the size of a dryer sheet and then put them in a container with lavender water made with lavender essential oil and water. Use more drops for a stronger scent. Use these in the dryer like you would a store brought dryer sheet and don't forget to throw them back in the container after use to recharge. They don't get dirty so will only need washing maybe once a week (so mold and stuff doesn't grow in the water) It won't be as strong scented as say, Downy, but it should leave some lavender scent behind :D
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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prairielandherbs
True Blue Farmgirl
690 Posts
Maggie
Iowa
USA
690 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2007 : 11:46:30 AM
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Just getting ready to make my own laundry soap too, after my last store-bought stuff is gone. Great thread, thanks for sharing your recipes and info everyone!
For dryer scent, I use small muslin bags of herbs...lavender it my favorite, but you can use whatever you like (mint, patchouli, lemon verbena...). Make sure to tie the bag REALLY tight - little lavender buds all over your clothes is not very fun (ask me how I know??). THey can be refreshed with a few drops of essential oil when they no longer have much scent.
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lovelady
True Blue Farmgirl
533 Posts
Toni
Indiana
USA
533 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2007 : 2:39:40 PM
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Maggie-
I just ordered some soap and other goodies from your shop this morning. So excited I can hardly stand it!!! My parents are moving back to SE Iowa this winter and am definately going to make a drive to visit your shop when I am at their house.
So much fun that you are here, too!
Friends,
Toni |
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prairielandherbs
True Blue Farmgirl
690 Posts
Maggie
Iowa
USA
690 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2007 : 5:09:33 PM
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Toni, you're a sweety! I will look out for your package and try to put some extra goodies in!! (I have afriend helping me pack boxes so if I didn't it's only cuz he got to the box packing first - but I will do my best!)
Come to our farm when we're doing a "3-farm tour" - it's a blast! Within a 6 mile stretch of road there's our herb farm, a Jersey cow dairy that has foods from 90 local family farms (plus the most amazing butter and ice cream you have EVER had in your life), and a Nubian goat dairy that makes amazing cheeses and has a fantastic selection of local wines...plus we all have guest vendors and sales and fun things. |
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lovelady
True Blue Farmgirl
533 Posts
Toni
Indiana
USA
533 Posts |
Posted - Oct 09 2007 : 1:42:25 PM
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Maggie, you MUST let me know when you are having another tour like that, sounds like so much fun! I love Jerseys, milked 'em in college and they are just the sweetest girls. I was pretty excited about my parents moving back up there, but now with all this, WOOHOO!
It is so much fun to be able to meet cool people like you! |
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MustangSuzie
True Blue Farmgirl
634 Posts
Sarah
New London
Missouri
USA
634 Posts |
Posted - Oct 09 2007 : 3:14:15 PM
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Maggie, what part of Iowa are you in? Those farms sound awesome.
Blessings....
Sarah
www.mustangsuzie.blogspot.com
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prairielandherbs
True Blue Farmgirl
690 Posts
Maggie
Iowa
USA
690 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2007 : 06:49:53 AM
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We have a 3-farm tour once a month! :) We call them "sample sundays' because they are on sunday afternoons, and we all offer free samples of stuff. :) You can always see our dates on my website at http://www.prairielandherbs.com/events.htm - the dates for the next few months are on there already. :)
Sarah, I'm in central iowa - pretty close to Des Moines. :)
-maggie |
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JoyIowa
True Blue Farmgirl
273 Posts
Joy
273 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2007 : 05:31:49 AM
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Question for any of you: Is it true that white vinegar is actually a by-product of the petroleum refining industry? I seem to remember hearing that's why cider vinegar is better, but I might have dreamed it!!!! At any rate, will cider vinegar hurt clothes in anyway?
Thanks!
quote:
Originally posted by Trace
I just use plain old white vinager, the cheap brand and use about 1/2 cup for a load of wash.
pics from my world.. http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y144/tra-dun/
If it's not illegal, unsafe, or immoral, why not try anything once? Who knows? You may come back for a second helping! |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2007 : 11:33:28 AM
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Maggie - have you ever gone by the name Mugwort Maggie? I have been trying to get some laundry soap from there with no success. I hope I have found you. What is your shop name?
Jeannie
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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Leezard
True Blue Farmgirl
950 Posts
Elizabeth
Novi
MI
USA
950 Posts |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2007 : 6:32:18 PM
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Tasha posted some good information. Vinegar is just soured wine at the most basic.
Mineral oil is a by product of the oil industry however.
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
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garliclady
True Blue Farmgirl
274 Posts
Reidsville
NC
274 Posts |
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campchic
True Blue Farmgirl
312 Posts
Erin
Nebraska
USA
312 Posts |
Posted - Nov 25 2007 : 10:14:40 AM
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I have been using the homemade detergent for awhile now. I'm not sure if I'm getting my clothes clean. I've been noticing alot of linty white stuff on my dark colors & my husbands shirts still have the dirt rings on the collars and cuffs. I've been using about 2 tablespoons of detergent. Is this too much or too little. Also, having a static problem with the synthetic fabrics. But it is also dry around here. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Erin |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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campchic
True Blue Farmgirl
312 Posts
Erin
Nebraska
USA
312 Posts |
Posted - Nov 25 2007 : 12:56:45 PM
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Here the recipe I have been using: 1 cup grated Fels Naptha soap, 1/2 cup Washing Soda, & 1/2 cup Borax. It says to use 2 tablespoons for light loads & 3 tablespoons for heavy loads. I also add 1/2 cup baking soda per load to soften the water. Hope this gives you any ideas.
Erin |
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Cleaning Up: Homemade Laundry Detergent |
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Homemade Laundry Detergent
