home made laundry soap?MERGED THREADS

[lightning1966]

Bumping...so the newbies don't miss out on this!

[bbrad]

I don't get suds with my laundry detergent. Could it be because I can't find arm/hammer washing soda, so I just used baking soda? thanks

[rhea0717]

Ok guys. I think I'mm convinced. I would love to try and make this stuff - I, too am going broke spending approx. $10.00 on Tide. I live in an apt. and am worried that this stuff should probably be mixed like in a garage or something. Is it something that I could mix in the kitchen?!? And how is the smell? I LOVE the smell of Tide, so I'm wondering how this other detergent will smell.
So do you think I could go to my local K-Mart and get all of the supplies?
Thanks.
Rhea

[lightning1966]

Originally posted by bbrad
I don't get suds with my laundry detergent. Could it be because I can't find arm/hammer washing soda, so I just used baking soda? thanks

I don't know about using baking soda in it, but even with the arm and hammer, it won't make suds. Suds are not necessary, for the soap to clean. I had to get used to that. The first batch I made, I used a cup and a half at a time trying to get suds, and that still didn't get me suds. LOL Some soaps will cause the mixture to gel up, and some soaps won't. It will just look like soapy water, but it works just the same.

[lightning1966]

Originally posted by rhea0717
Ok guys. I think I'mm convinced. I would love to try and make this stuff - I, too am going broke spending approx. $10.00 on Tide. I live in an apt. and am worried that this stuff should probably be mixed like in a garage or something. Is it something that I could mix in the kitchen?!? And how is the smell? I LOVE the smell of Tide, so I'm wondering how this other detergent will smell.
So do you think I could go to my local K-Mart and get all of the supplies?
Thanks.
Rhea

Not necessary to mix in garage. I would advise to mix it somewhere near where your washing machine is, as that bucket can get pretty heavy once you put the water in. It just smells like whatever soap you are using, basically. It depends on the soap, some smell better than others. You can try going to Kmart, but you may have to shop around. I know where I live, the only place that carries it is my local Kroger. I'm not sure about anywhere else. Just keep looking. If you want to save even more money, use white vinegar instead of fabric softener. It really works and your clothes don't smell like vinegar. If you want the smell of fabric softener, just add a few drops of fabric softener to the vinegar. Just use the same amount of white vinegar as you would ultra final touch or whatever brand you normally use.

[kat]

Bumping up for Teah!

[Teah]

*feeling a little stupid here* LOL I must have been very tired lastnight not to be able to find this thread.....it's so clearly labeled LOL

Thank you so much Kat!

[mum23]

Thanks!! Gonna give this one a try!!

Stacey

[gapper]

Hi, I'm new to this site, and love the great ideas here. I tried the laundry soap recipe, works great and passed it on to friends along with this web site address. Does anyone have a recipe for a softener??? Hope to hear from someone soon. Thanks.

[kat]

gapper -

Try using white vinegar instead of fabric softener. I was leery at first (even thought I knew it wouldn't make my clothes smell funny) because I figured they wouldn't be as soft or static free as when I used my Downey.

But, this does work. The only problem is no smell - so I grab a bottle of the cheap stuff that doesn't really work but smells good and add a couple of drops along with the vinegar.

[andee1]

What is felsnaptha soap? What does it look like and where do you get it? Thanks! This sounds interesting, I keep saying Im going to go to the Frugal section and check it out, but never seem to get there! Staying too long in the Freebie section I think! These are great tips! Thanks again!

[frugalshop]

Hi everyone,

I have been making the Laundry Detergent for more than a year now, and it is the best thing since sliced bread!! We have saved SO MUCH money!!
I am such a strong believer in this stuff that I have the recipes posted on my website. Here is what I know about the questions you guys have:

-- There will not be any suds with this soap, and it doesn't matter. It cleans great.

-- Baking soda SHOULD NOT be used in place of washing soda. They are completely different products. I have a link on my site that will show you the difference.

-- There are no harmful fumes or odors when mixing the detergent. It is safe to do indoors. The detergent will smell like whichever bar soap you use.
I have used deodorant soaps to get different smells - but the deodorant soaps sometimes leave residue on the clothes. Others have used essential oils to achieve the scent they want with success.

-- The supplies for the detergent in my area are found at Publix and Winn Dixie. I cannot not find them at Walmart or Target.

-- After your detergent is mixed it will take it awhile to gel up, but it can be used right away. I usually let mine sit overnight. It is completely normal for it to look like a loose gelatin mixture.

-- We haven't had any skin problems using this soap, and we both have allergies...so we are happy.


I have 3 liquid and 1 powdered recipe for detergent, 2 laundry softener, and 3 stain remover recipes posted on the my site, The Frugal Shopper. Feel free to print them out or email me with any questions.
Have fun!

Sandy Shields
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[mcshelll]

Thanks frugalshop for posting the link to your site! I am going to try this.

[tasker109]

i just made the fels naptha recipe laundry detergent and was happily surprised at the results. not a lot of trouble to make and when i washed test load of white clothes, the results were impressive. i dont really care for the fragrance so i believe i will experiment with another type of bar soap next time. the thing is, its so cheap to make if you dont like it, throw it out and try it again! im not throwing out the fels naptha one.....just not happy with the smell you see. i may add some essential oil to disguise the naptha odor. thanks for the recipe!!

[tasker109]

interesting thought.....as cheap as this detergent is, the water is the most expensive thing in the washing process....