Homemade laundry detergent?

[lpalm]

I would like to share this recipe as I finally got up the gumption to try one of the three I had and I cant believe how easy it was. Took me 10 minutes actual work time and about 1/2 hour waiting for soap to melt in pan. Ok here is one.

1 bar grated soap any kind
1 cup washing soda(arm and hammer in the detergent isle of your local grocery store)
1/2 cup borax
5 gallon bucket

put grated soap in pan cover with water
simmer until melted(I used medlow heat).
stir to quicken melting process
pour into 5gallon bucket. Add washing soda and borax fill rest of bucket with hot water(I used my large stock pot) stir with long stick or handled someting or other. It will gel overnight and look really gross but it can be used right away.I use about 1 cup per load cost averages .39cents per gallon. Not bad! This is a big money saver for me as having a family of 5 I do at least 10-14 loads per week. Good luck.

[srgmom]

I'd like to try doing this. I have the recipe, but can't find the wahing soda locally. What stores carry the washing soda?? Do they have it at Walmart or Kroger,etc??? I always forget to look when I'm in a larger city and I'm not sure anyone there could help...Uh, no I don't we have that..(without having a clue about what I need or what they actualy have.!!))


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We don't have a coupon code, but you can save gas and time by shopping Walmart.com online, right?

[lpalm]

I live in the boonies and my local superone sells it where the borax and liquid bleach are. Your local hardware store may I tried target but they didnt have it. Good luck and just keep trying it is out there somewhere.

[chellem]

i am definitely gonna have to try this

[cashhound]

Great Idea lpalm. I HATE spending so much on laundry soap.

Now, how bout a recipe for dishwasher soap? Not regular dish soap. Cascade is so expensive and I'm so lazy!

[lpalm]

use equal amounts of borax and either washing soda or baking soda

[bulbul]

I'm gonna try this.. Thanks alot for the idea. I'm always out of laundry detergent

[mum23]

Is it liquid?

[lpalm]

yup it is liquid

Lisa

[aiyanak]

Ok, I've been wanting to try this for awhile, but... can you use the pan you melted the soap in to cook food in again? I know it sounds like a stupid question, but I figure better safe than sorry.

[lpalm]

Sure no problem. I have reverware dont know about cheap pans. No one has complained yet!

[elf64]

the book i have on soap making says you use the pan to cook in only if it is a stainless steel or glass pan.alum. or non stick can absorb the soap it will not kill you but it can give you the runs just like eating soap.i use an old pan that i do not cook in.
hope this helps

[dixichik]

I'll try this! I have Revereware, too, so I better not get the runs!!

[Nanc]

I'm curious...since using homemade laundry soap, have you had any problems, i.e. clothes not as clean, skin rashes?
I just made a batch a few days ago.

[elf64]

not any unfixable problems
i once used a bar soap that did not rinse out well so i know to fix that,just add vinager to the rinse water this also helps colors not fade as fast.as far as allergies i follow the rule that i do not use a bar soap that i am allergic too.even my SIL with allergies to almost everything can use this stuff.