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Cleaning Up:  A Question for Liquid Laundry Soap making Sisters  |
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mywunderfullife
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Amanda
Douglas
WY
USA
113 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 26 2011 : 7:11:40 PM
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I made some homemade laundry soap yesterday, using the Duggar family recipe. It had grated Fels Naptha, melted in hot water on the stove. Then adding washing soda and borax to a 5 gal bucket along with melted soap, stirring and then filling bucket with more water and letting it cool.
Anyhooo....this morning it is gelled and has gloppy, gluppy, chunky stuff in it. Is this normal? Did I mess things up? I have made the powder before but the recipe I used didn't make enough so I thought I would try this.
The recipe says to then fill a used laundry soap container half full with soap and then add water. Shake every time you use it. That's what I am doing, just wanted to know if I did it right.
Thanks so much for the help!!! 
"don't outsmart your common sense and never let your praying knees get lazy"
Farmgirl #2424!! |
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gypsy goat
True Blue Farmgirl
673 Posts
mary jo
michigan
673 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2011 : 06:01:50 AM
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nope that's how it's suppossed to look just stir it real good and dissovle it in hot water in the washing machine. maybe next let the fels naptha melt a little more-but it will still work
farmgirl#1362 whatever you are be a good one-abe lincoln |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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mywunderfullife
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Amanda
Douglas
WY
USA
113 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2011 : 11:38:37 AM
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It really wasn't what I was expecting!! Glad to know I didn't mess it up! Thanks so much ladies.
"don't outsmart your common sense and never let your praying knees get lazy"
Farmgirl #2424!! |
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Farmgirl2482
Farmgirl at Heart
1 Posts
Tricia
Orangevale
California
USA
1 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2011 : 7:06:07 PM
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| I love this laundry soap! I have been making for almost a year and a half and have been able to switch a few friends to it. When their buckets are empty they bring the bucket back to me and I just give them a new full one. I love that it makes the whole house smell super clean! My next task will be to get them to try making it themselves! I think it's relaxing! |
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missusprim
True Blue Farmgirl
400 Posts
Karen
Fostoria
Ohio
USA
400 Posts |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 6:35:04 PM
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I am so glad to have found this thread on the laundry soap. I am just weeks away from finally using up my Gain liquid soap and canNOT wait to use the above mentioned 'recipe'. I've got my 5 gallon container all ready and waiting. I'd hate to have gone through all that trouble to mix up a batch only to think that I've done something wrong.
I sure hope this makes my cotton whites whiter than my Gain does. I use vinegar, bleach and even line dry everything and they're still getting grayer. Don't know what I'm doing wrong.....I don't think it's our water. IMO it's either the Gain or it IS our water.
I will be sure to date the mixture so we know how long a batch will last us. And because hubby is laid off and we're pinching our pennies - it'll help with our budgeting.
Farmgirl Sister #2984
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://farmchicatheart.blogspot.com/
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mywunderfullife
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Amanda
Douglas
WY
USA
113 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2011 : 11:53:23 AM
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Karen~ I think that you will really like it. I know that I do. I think that my clothes seem cleaner. I haven't hung anything out on the line yet, been a bit too windy and cold lately. Anyway, I am anxious to see how they do with the whiting power of the sun and this new laundry soap. Plus it makes ALOT!! Especially when you consider you dilute it again in a smaller container. I added some Lavendar oil to it as well and I just love the smell of my clothes, very faint, but yummy anyway!!
Have fun, and now you know that the "gloppy, gluppy, chunky" stuff is just fine!! :) I would recommend making sure that you get the Fels Naptha totally melted, I know that mine didn't totally get melted (I tend to get impatient) :) Good Luck!!!
"don't outsmart your common sense and never let your praying knees get lazy"
Farmgirl #2424!! |
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coloquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
214 Posts
Susan
Co
USA
214 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2011 : 11:24:22 AM
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I have a powdered version that I love. it's so easy and makes a huge batch. It is also very economical to use !
Susan |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2011 : 3:25:00 PM
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I think it's outrageous that certain catalog stores* specializing in old-fashioned homemaking, charge a bundle for Fels Naptha bars, calling them rare and impossible to find and blah blah blah. Rubbish! They're everywhere around here for about a buck apiece. Maybe in the city they'd be harder to find, but most cities -- especially in older, traditionally African-American neighborhoods -- have shops that cater to folks who still use the old-time, more economical ways of cleaning.
* I won't name names, so the folks at Lehman's and Vermont Country Store needn't worry. Would someone help me off this big old soapbox (!) now? I got a little crick in my back.... |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2011 : 3:33:38 PM
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Karen, in addition to getting washed in better soap, your graying whites might benefit from a little Mrs. Stewarts blueing. Mix a few drops in a pitcher of water and dump the result into the wash water. Swish it around to mix it thoroughly before you put the clothes in. Bleach is a dangerous chemical to have in your life, and it wears down the fibers of your white cottons something awful, ironically making them harder to keep clean. Bleach will also weaken elastic.
Are your less-than-pure whites 100% cotton, or are they cotton/poly or some other blends? The latter can go yellowish when washed with bleach. |
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mywunderfullife
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Amanda
Douglas
WY
USA
113 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2011 : 05:11:07 AM
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Mara, Thanks for the info on whitening. We have ALOT of iron in our water and it tends to turn whites orange. So I think I will get some of that and give it a try. I am so tired of dingy, orange colored whites!
"don't outsmart your common sense and never let your praying knees get lazy"
Farmgirl #2424!! |
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2011 : 07:41:14 AM
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I actually found Fels and Kirk's at my grocery store in the soap aisle! I used to make the liquid soap and it always kind of reminded me of egg drop soup! I make the powdered version because it's easier (quicker) all I do is mix a box of washing soda, borax, 2lb box of baking soda and 2 1/5 bars of grated Fels and I have my soap. The only thing is I have a regular washing machine. I don't know if you can use the powdered in an HE. Someone else would have to answer that! I do know you can use the liquid in an HE, my parents have one and they use the liquid version. I also use a rinse of white vinegar in the wash and they come out nice and soft, super white and super fresh :)
~We can make the world a better place for our kids and future generations by what we do today!~
http://countryrenaissance.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunflowersAndHoney |
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mywunderfullife
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Amanda
Douglas
WY
USA
113 Posts |
Posted - May 22 2011 : 9:53:37 PM
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Krystle~ Thank you so much for that recipe! I didn't mind the powder version that I had made, but the recipe I had didn't make very much at all. And you are so right, the liquid soap does look like egg drop soup!!!! :-)
"don't outsmart your common sense and never let your praying knees get lazy"
Farmgirl #2424!! |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2011 : 2:44:39 PM
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Do you all remember Ivory Flakes? There was also the Lux brand. They're gone now, but the company that used to make the stuff for different companies still sells it under their own name. I'm tempted to try it. Go see what you think -- or better yet, let us know if you've already bought from these folks and what your experience was:
http://www.msodistributing.com/soapflakes.html |
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Tammyb
True Blue Farmgirl
511 Posts
Tammy
Bluffton
Ohio
USA
511 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2011 : 10:15:38 PM
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You are going to love this soap ... I have been making my own for so many years now. I also use plan white vinegar in the rinse! Started doing this when my oldest who is now 26 was in diapers.
Tammyb
Live to leave a legacy
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missusprim
True Blue Farmgirl
400 Posts
Karen
Fostoria
Ohio
USA
400 Posts |
Posted - Jun 08 2011 : 09:10:11 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Rosemary
Karen, in addition to getting washed in better soap, your graying whites might benefit from a little Mrs. Stewarts blueing. Mix a few drops in a pitcher of water and dump the result into the wash water. Swish it around to mix it thoroughly before you put the clothes in. Bleach is a dangerous chemical to have in your life, and it wears down the fibers of your white cottons something awful, ironically making them harder to keep clean. Bleach will also weaken elastic.
Are your less-than-pure whites 100% cotton, or are they cotton/poly or some other blends? The latter can go yellowish when washed with bleach.
Farmgirl Sister #2984
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://farmchicatheart.blogspot.com/
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missusprim
True Blue Farmgirl
400 Posts
Karen
Fostoria
Ohio
USA
400 Posts |
Posted - Jun 08 2011 : 09:18:42 AM
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Oops, dang phone. Anyway, Mara - hubbies undershirts are all cotton. Occasionally he does the wash and puts them in the dryer so I suspect some of the grayness comes from that. I'll never break the man of this!
But this evening is the big day. DD and I are going to make the soap tonight. Can't wait to try it. I may let it stand a bit longer so the bar soap dissolves better.
I'll let everyone know how it goes.
Farmgirl Sister #2984
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://farmchicatheart.blogspot.com/
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missusprim
True Blue Farmgirl
400 Posts
Karen
Fostoria
Ohio
USA
400 Posts |
Posted - Jun 08 2011 : 5:43:45 PM
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You know you're tired when.....
I was standing at the stove this evening melting the bar soap in the water for the Duggar liquid laundry soap. There I was stirring and stirring and stirring - all the while thinking that it's NEVER going to dissolve. It took me over five minutes to realize that I had the wrong burner on. DOH! My only excuse is that it was a loooong, hot (101 degrees), boring day at work that obviously did more to my brain than I thought.
Tomorrow when it's cooled I'm going to date the container. We'll use the Duggar's suggestion and use 1/4 cup per load and see how it goes. I do want to see about getting some essential oil and add to it. I believe I saw some at WalMart. I'd also like to put some of the oil in with my vinegar and see how that goes, too.
Hopefully the rain passes over us and I can try it out tomorrow morning and hang it out on the line.
My Mom (now in her mid 70's) recalls the Fels Naptha (sp) from her childhood and wasn't too surprised to learn that it's regaining popularity. In fact, when I went to our Kroger in Findlay there was not a bar to be had in the store.
Farmgirl Sister #2984
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://farmchicatheart.blogspot.com/
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Jun 08 2011 : 6:39:43 PM
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| Your story struck home here -- it's hot enough today to fry anyone's brains! I buy Fels Naptha bars by the case. My hardware store orders for me. The, when I've got nothing better to do, I grate a few bars for the next batch. I've found that wetting fabric & an edge of a FN bar makes the best stain-getter-outer ever. I've even gotten rid of those semi-faded stains that seem washed-in and hopeless. GreaT stuff. Many people will say it's too harsh, but I think the way we use it, mixed with borax, baking soda and sometimes other things, then using just a small scoop of that per load, is pretty safe. Any thoughts on that, girls? |
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missusprim
True Blue Farmgirl
400 Posts
Karen
Fostoria
Ohio
USA
400 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2011 : 08:38:57 AM
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My DH - who is a butcher and comes home from work with VERY yucky meat coats - had a few for me to try with my 'new' Duggar liquid laundry soap. Alas! They came totally clean without my having to even pre-treat them! So, can I just say that we're sold on this stuff? ;]
Yes, it's gloopy and clumpy (mine was still warm this morning) but give it a good stir and you're get to go. I wish I had a paint stirrer thingy they attach to a hand drill to stir paints in the big buckets - that would do the trick. I used 1/2 a cup as it was a big load and it did just fine. It's runnier than the store bought detergents. I put the solution in my old Gain dispenser and it came out quickly from the spigot ( Gain is thicker and obviously the thing is intended for that and not runnier liquids ) so if you use one of these you'll have to keep that in mind. Also, having to shake the mixture in a full container (especially a big one) is a bit cumbersome so I'm going to use a smaller container next time. It's a learning experience but I'll modify and do whatever it takes to comfy using this stuff as I am impressed as to how well it cleans.
Am going to take some up to my parents tomorrow and see what Mom thinks of it. At the moment I'm doing a load of white (without bleach as someone on here said that bleach really compromises fabrics ) and so I'm anxious to see how that turns out.
Farmgirl Sister #2984
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://farmchicatheart.blogspot.com/
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2011 : 11:12:09 AM
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| Impressive success, Karen! I'm the one who said bleach compromises fabrics (waekens the fibers); it can also yellow the elastic on "tighty whities" and some fabrics that aren't 100% cotton. It's also a no-no for those of us on septic systems. I like the idea of getting one of those paint-stirrer things -- I think there's a kind that fits onto a 1/4" like a bit. No too expensive. I'll have to go hunting for your "Duggar" recipe now and see if it's different form mine. Is freshness an issue? I mean, will it keep long enough to warrant making big batches? I suppose you could put citric acid in it as a preservative. |
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missusprim
True Blue Farmgirl
400 Posts
Karen
Fostoria
Ohio
USA
400 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2011 : 3:51:14 PM
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You know, Mara, I wondered about the shelf life in my big bucket. Does it lose it's cleaning strength? But then, store bought liquids seem to last forever once they're opened so maybe I'll be okay. If not, I might try the powdered version. I'm only doing laundry for DH, DD and I - not a whole troop - so I'll probably still have some of the stuff the same time next year!
Glad you mentioned the dangers of bleach for septic tanks, which is what we have. I'll be sure to pass this on to DH as he is a stickler in being careful.
And as for the runniness - I wonder if I can't just use half of what we would normally use considering that it's diluted with water? It would be more gel like, but I'd be fine with that. Guess it'd be just as easy to use half the normal amount required straight from my bucket (and do away with having to have that extra container of diluted mixture) and be done with it.
Here is the link from the Duggar website. http://duggarfamily.com/content/duggar_recipes/30455/Homemade%20Liquid%20Laundry%20Soap-%20Front%20or%20top%20load%20machine-%20best%20value
Also, they have a version of the powdered kind. I imagine that would have a much longer shelf life. ;)
Farmgirl Sister #2984
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://farmchicatheart.blogspot.com/
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2900 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2011 : 5:21:57 PM
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| Not sure about the shelf life, but I doubt you will use it up as fast as the Duggars! |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Jun 10 2011 : 7:29:51 PM
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| Seems to me like the liquid version is more trouble than it's worth. I'm very happy with the powdered version -- I checked the Duggar recipe and it's exactly what I've been using all along, except I add baking soda too. Might be overkill, but it makes me happy. |
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missusprim
True Blue Farmgirl
400 Posts
Karen
Fostoria
Ohio
USA
400 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2011 : 1:56:59 PM
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Could this stuff be used in the dishwasher?
Farmgirl Sister #2984
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://farmchicatheart.blogspot.com/
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Jun 16 2011 : 2:40:08 PM
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| Dishwasher? Hmm, I wouldn't. It doesn't suds much, but it might be too much for a dishwasher to rinse completely, even if you're careful to throw in a cup of white vinegar to help with that. The residue would be gross! I think just the borax would be okay, and throw in some baking soda. And still use your vinegar. I've done that in a pinch and it worked fine. I'm glad you brought this up, because we're running low on store-bought, so I'll have to make up a batch :-) |
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Cleaning Up: A Question for Liquid Laundry Soap making Sisters |
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A Question for Liquid Laundry Soap making Sisters
