Laundry Soap
I think I've done a post on laundry soap before. I've tweaked my recipe since then.
And I've started using my mixer to grate the soap. I grate at least 4 bars each time I make soap.
The white powdery stuff under the grated soap is...
...washing soda and...
...borax.
1 bar grated Fels-Naptha, 1 cup washing soda, 1 cup borax...
then I add...
1 cup powdered Tide.
I do love my Tide. I like it just fine as my one and only laundry soap. BUT. It's expensive.
Doing it this way I still get the clean smell of tide and the power of Tide but also I get the cleaning power of the homemade stuff too! Together I have an inexpensive, mean-on-stains laundry soap.
For stains I wet the stained area and rub some of this mixture into the fabric. Works like a charm for me!
The fact that it looks neat in a glass jar doesn't hurt anything either.
Have you ever made soap? If you buy your laundry soap what kind is your favorite?
Labels: borax, fels-naptha, homemade, kitchen aid mixer, laundry, laundry soap, tide, washing soda
posted by Sew a Fine Seam at
10:34 AM
9 Comments:
Jill, Thanks for this post! I have a question for you, as I just started making my own laundry soap. I used Fels Naptha, Washing Soda and Borax, but the recipe I used called for melting it all down in hot water and then adding more water to make a liquid soap. Unfortunately, it doesn't work too great on grass-stained jeans. How much dry soap do you add to your washer? I have had to use double the recommended amount on my boys jeans... :P Thanks!
Wow. I must say, that was quite interesting. The stuff you used I have never seen before with the exception of maybe the Tide and probably the Arm and Hammer. I know in Canada we often have different products than other places sometimes. I have never ever thought about making my own laundry detergent. Wow.
Thanks again for sharing.
Mrs White
http://bringingfurmanhome.blogspot.com
Well maybe I could make laundry soap again...with your addition of Tide! My homemade didn't get T's work clothes clean enough...Great Idea! Thanks!
Tide is my favorite laundry soap, hands down. BUT-it is expensive!
The mixer is a great idea for grating the soap. You would think I could've thought of that! I haven't made any soap for a while because I've been using coupons when Dillon's has sales and getting some really good deals. I still have some stuff to make some and I'm going to give it a try with your additions.
Thanks for this "tide additive" idea!! I also like the grating it with the mixer idea... my food processor struggles sometimes. Thanks Jill!! :)
Jill, I made some soap a couple of years ago, but I have an HE washer and had to to the liquid version. I didn't like the way it kept separating- I had to stir and shake to try and get a good mix. If I still had a regular washer, I think I'd make it again, but only to use for very lightly soiled items. I agree with many who say it didn't clean well enough. Guess that's why you're using a commercial detergent as an additive, right? I grew up in a Tide household- it is a good product- just expensive!
I use this same basic recipe except as one other one posted, I melt it and add water. It will make enough to fill a 5 gal bucket of gel soap and is then a fraction of the cost of store bought. Tide would probably make a good add-in to boost cleaning power and scent. I add extra bleach or borax as needed for extra dirty loads.
Hi Jill, I see you're in Ohio. So am I!
I've made this homemade laundry soap before but found that after about a dozen loads or so, clothing would start to smell a little of BO, like it was not getting completely clean. Have you ever noticed this, or is my family just particularly stinky : )
We had that very thing happen after using the liquid. we had used the liquid for over a year before we noticed it though so that is a lot longer than most people who have this complaint. we don't have the issue as mcuh with the powdered. the addition of the tide takes that away completely. i also will add a TBS or two of oxyclean to my whites every now and then just for some extra freshness.
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Thank you for all the 'Fine' Comments! I enjoy them all!
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