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Cleaning Up:  Laundry detergent recipes please  |
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beaglemama
Farmgirl in Training
29 Posts
Andee
Mission Viejo
CA
USA
29 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 11 2013 : 4:25:22 PM
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I'd like to try making my own laundry detergent. I think a liquid detergent would be best for us, but I'm open to suggestions and ideas. Can anyone point me in the direction of recipes and general information on laundry detergent making?
My fears include doing something without enough information and wrecking my machine. We have a front loading HE machine, so any information on that type of detergent would be great.
We have beagles with sensitive skin as well, but I'm sure we all have peeps or pups in our families with that.
Thanks ladies!
All children are gifted. Some just open their packages a little later.
Farmgirl Sister #4836 |
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sjmjgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
566 Posts
Stephanie
Mt. Vernon
Iowa
USA
566 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2013 : 5:09:03 PM
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Welcome Andee! I think you will really like it around here. Lots of nice ladies on this site. Anyways, Ive been using homemade detergent for about 3 years now and I wont go back to store bought. Its probably one of the best decisions Ive made. There are many recipes, but I like the Duggar version myself. Here it is:
1 bar Fels-Naptha (grated)
1 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
Place grated soap in a sauce pan and cover with hot water (as hot as your faucet will go). Stir continually over medium/low heat until soap completely dissolves.**Do NOT stop stirring, unless you want a huge mess all over your stove! Place liquid in a clean 5 gallon bucket. Add washing soda and borax and stir until completely dissolved. Fill bucket with hot water (again, as hot as your faucet will go)and stir thoroughly. Cover tightly with lid and let sit overnight. Stir thoroughly the next day (the soap will be some what gel like before you stir it) and place in empty jugs (I use empty laundry detergent jugs, but whatever you choose is fine). Shake well before using. I use one detergent bottle capful per load.
If you want the soap to have scent, you can add essential oils or do as I do and add about 1/3 bottle of Purex Crystals to the bucket before you put it into separate jugs.
Also, the soap will have little to no suds and will be watery. This is normal.
There are alot of different recipes. Its just a matter of finding what works best for you. Everyone that I know has an HE washer has had no problems with this one. Good luck!
Farmgirl Sister # 3810
Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
- Dalai Lama
April is Autism Awareness month. Autism affects 1 in 88 children (1 in 54 boys, including my son). Go to http://www.autismspeaks.org/ to learn more and help Light It Up Blue on April 2nd!
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2013 : 09:55:01 AM
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Welcome!
I do the same thing, except I leave it all dry and add baking soda, too. Be careful not to use too much. You shouldn't need more than about a quarter-cup per load.
A lot of us are using white vinegar instead of fabric softener. Since my washer doesn't have a softener cup, I put mine in an empty Downey ball to be released throughout the wash cycle. Seems to work fine. You can buy the balls in packets of 2 at places like Walmart very cheap. They last for years.
I also use felted wool dryer balls in my dryer. I bought 6 of them from here: http://wooldryerballs.com/about-us/ |
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Lisa_P
Farmgirl in Training
37 Posts
Lisa
Banks
Oregon
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2013 : 10:15:42 AM
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Hi there!
I use the Fels-Naptha as well. I use a dry mix, and I up the Borax to 1.5 cups, and the washing soda to 2 cups. I grate the soap very fine, and mix it all together. I use an old coffee scoop to measure (about 1/8) cup per load. I haven't tried vinegar as a fabric softener yet. I'll have to give it a try! :) |
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Katlady93
True Blue Farmgirl
361 Posts
Charlotte
Denmark
SC
USA
361 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2013 : 10:33:03 AM
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i used a box of Borax, a box of A & H Washing soda, a bottle of Purex crystals, adn two bars of Fels grated fine. mixed it all up in a big empty bucket with a lid. then filled the Purex bottle and use it's lid as a measure. i have been usig white vinegar as a rinse for some time.
have been using it about a month and i have to say i am pleased. When HandyMan Steve came to put in the new, used, machine we were talking about detergents to use, and his comment when i told him what i used was "Ah the good stuff"
and it doesn't seem to bother my skin like the detergents i had been using.
Some dreams are worth the risk it takes to make them real.
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footsteps on the moon. |
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2013 : 3:16:28 PM
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I used the same recipe as Stephanie when I make liquid but for quickness sake (it is all really quick either way actually) I have been using a dry soap. I use:
1 bar Fels Naptha or Zote (I heard you can use Ivory soap also)
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax
Grate the bar of soap fine and add washing soda and borax, mix well store in covered container. I have a regular washing machine and I use 2 Tablespoons per load. 3 if they are REALLY dirty.
I always add 1/4 cup vinegar in the rinse cycle because its a natural laundry softener!
Mothers are those wonderful people who can get up in the morning before the smell of coffee. ~Author Unknown
http://countryrenaissance.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunflowersAndHoney |
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beaglemama
Farmgirl in Training
29 Posts
Andee
Mission Viejo
CA
USA
29 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2013 : 4:44:31 PM
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Thank you everyone for your ideas, suggestions, and recipes. I just mentioned what I wanted to do to my hubby and he thought it sounded awesome. I started making all our own cleaning products about a year ago and they've been a big hit so this should be an easy addition.
I still welcome any and all suggestions and recipes. I'm one who likes a lot of information before beginning something new. :)
All children are gifted. Some just open their packages a little later.
Farmgirl Sister #4836 |
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
3139 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
3139 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2013 : 6:23:05 PM
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I am thinking of making homemade laundry soap too. I have seen the Borax and use the Soda to help get rid of the barn smell, but I have never seen the Fels Naptha or Zote. Where should I look for it?
Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
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Red Tractor Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
6663 Posts
Winnie
Gainesville
Fl
USA
6663 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2013 : 06:10:42 AM
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I am a new convert to homemade laundry detergent and white vinegar rinse. Wow, what a wonderful, economical change! My recipe was found on one of our farmgirl's webpage plus it is also on the internet. Here is how I make mine: 2 Cups Borax, 2 cups Washing Soda, 2 cups baking soda, 1 bar of Kirk's Castile soap grated fine, 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. I mix all ingredients together, blending the essential oils into all of the ingredients with the back of a spoon till completely combined. Place the mix into a plastic container with a lid and use 1-2 tablespoons per regular load depending on how dirty everything is. I add 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1 drop of the peppermint essential oil to the rinse cycle. For the dryer, I felted some wool into 3 balls and made some dryer sachets ( idea from Mary Jane's special edition magazine about herbs this summer) with lavender and rose petals. So, I place all three felted balls with a sachet ( herbs placed in a muslin bag and tied tightly with a ribbon) and my clothes come out fresh and lightly fragrant of lavender.
YOu can usually find Fels Naptha bars of soap on the shelf with the borax and washing soda. My mom always used this soap to rub on stains and dirty collars before washing so that is how I have decided to use mine. For the regular detergent, I used Kirk's castile soap to keep it gentle on our skin. Give it a try and let us know how you like the results! |
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soapmommy60543
True Blue Farmgirl
2197 Posts
Ann
Oswego
IL
USA
2197 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2013 : 08:16:52 AM
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Easy homemade washing soda to go with your homemade detergent:
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/01/make-your-own-washing-soda-for-homemade-laundry-detergent.html
I have tried this, and I will tell you from experience that you should only do about 1/2 pound/cookie sheet, otherwise it will take you forever. Also, don't do it on a rainy or excessively humid day.
If you buy your baking soda on sale (Walgreen's recently had it for 59 cents/1 pound box), it's a FRACTION of what regular washing soda costs. Plus, my local stores seem to only carry the stuff with fragrance. The sensitive skinned people who live in my house don't like fragrance in anything.
Hope this is helpful!
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 teenagers, a bunny, 1 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
Check out my blog: http://www.suburbanprairiehomemaker.com
and follow me on Facebook (Suburban Prairie Homemaker), Twitter (@sphomemaker), and Pinterest (Suburban Prairie Homemaker)
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solarray
Farmgirl at Heart
9 Posts
Deborah
Texas
9 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2013 : 11:09:55 AM
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For three years now I've been using the following recipe:
1 bar grated lavender soap
2 cups borax (20 mule team)
2 cups super washing soda (arm & Hammer)
mix it all together and your done
I have a front loader as well, I use three tablespoons per load. If the clothes are really bad then I might add a fourth.
Be kind to our planet, it's the only one we have. |
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GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2014 : 8:58:43 PM
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I have made the 1 soap/2 each borax, washing soda, baking soda recipe for years, and love it. I have a "new" older washing machine, and find that the soap, even though it is grated fine, does not dissolve as well in cold water. I try to wash as much as I can cold.
I am wondering if I liquify this recipe it will work better with cold water. It could also be that my washer (top loader) just does not agitate that well. I have not been as happy with the washing results, and wish I had my front loader back ;(.
FarmGirl Sister #2245
"A journey back to the roots..."
http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one."
http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on FB: http://www.facebook.com/theGoddessintheGroove |
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Cozynana
True Blue Farmgirl
1123 Posts
Kem
1123 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2014 : 04:04:33 AM
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| I made the Duggar family laundry detergent recipe and have been using it. It works great and I love not having to smell so many chemicals because I am sensitive to them. This works much better. I will see if I still like it in 6 months. I wonder if there will be residue or will they stay clean. I guess I can always add vinegar for a rinse. |
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sunflowercritters
True Blue Farmgirl
1102 Posts
Debra
Springfield
Maine
USA
1102 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2014 : 06:09:26 AM
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I make a liquid home made laundry soap. one bar of Fels-Napth soap grated(I also have use goat milk soap), 1 cup borax, 1 cup washing baking soda.
one gallon of water on stove heat to boiling, and add Grated soap ,mix well until desolved. then add the cup of borax, and cup of washing baking soda. mix well and desolve as well. then shut off stove and add another gallon of cold water. mix well and let it set to thickens.
us 1/4 cup for a large load. Just love this one as well...does a great job.
enjoy Deb
I Thessalonians 5:16,17
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Deb-farmgirl sister #462
http://sunflowercritters.blogspot.com/
Be like a Sunflower, Turn your Face to the Son. |
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Dapple Grey Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
725 Posts
Betty
Goodrich
Texas
USA
725 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2014 : 10:16:34 AM
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Debra, I will have to try your recipe. Thank you for sharing!
~ Betty ~
Farmgirl Sister # 5589 |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9438 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9438 Posts |
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Madinet85
True Blue Farmgirl
94 Posts
Elizabeth
Indiana
USA
94 Posts |
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GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
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GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2014 : 8:39:51 PM
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Deb,
do you have a top or a front loader?
I just made a batch and hope it will work better with my washer than my dry version :).
Greetings,
Heike
quote:
Originally posted by sunflowercritters
I make a liquid home made laundry soap. one bar of Fels-Napth soap grated(I also have use goat milk soap), 1 cup borax, 1 cup washing baking soda.
one gallon of water on stove heat to boiling, and add Grated soap ,mix well until desolved. then add the cup of borax, and cup of washing baking soda. mix well and desolve as well. then shut off stove and add another gallon of cold water. mix well and let it set to thickens.
us 1/4 cup for a large load. Just love this one as well...does a great job.
enjoy Deb
I Thessalonians 5:16,17
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Deb-farmgirl sister #462
http://sunflowercritters.blogspot.com/
Be like a Sunflower, Turn your Face to the Son.
FarmGirl Sister #2245
"A journey back to the roots..."
http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one."
http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on FB: http://www.facebook.com/theGoddessintheGroove |
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beaglemama
Farmgirl in Training
29 Posts
Andee
Mission Viejo
CA
USA
29 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2014 : 08:47:42 AM
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I can't believe it's been over a year since I originally posted this. Time flies!
I looked and looked, and read and read and finally settled on the Duggar recipe. Most recipes seem to be very similar, with minor changes. I halved the recipe (we're only 2 people in the house and I didn't need to make 10 gallons). I used an old kitty litter tub for the 5 gallons. The recipe worked perfectly and my clothes are clean! The 5 gallons lasted almost a year. I use about 1/4 cup per load and add OxyClean if needed for most boost. With using vinegar as a rinse, each load of laundry costs mere pennies.
Thanks for all the input and help. May our laundry piles never be mountains. :)
All children are gifted. Some just open their packages a little later.
Farmgirl Sister #4836 |
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April Whitehair
Farmgirl at Heart
6 Posts
April
Salem
WV
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - Mar 15 2014 : 5:18:16 PM
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Hello. I found today Kirk's Original Coco Castile soap today in my local grocery store. Will this work instead of the soap(Fels Naptha or Zote)in these laundry detergent recipes? Also I was wondering if, I use this this soap in laundry det. would it be considered 'green'? It says on the package Natural, hypoallergenic skin care with no animal by-products or synthetic detergents, pure botanical coconut oil soap. Ingredients are: coconut soap, water, vegetable glycerin, coconut oil, natural fragrance. I am new to all this 'green' way of thinking and I am so confused. Please help.
AW |
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Cleaning Up: Laundry detergent recipes please |
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Laundry detergent recipes please
