laundry soap

[Acre of Blessings]

If you can't find the Fels Naptha soap you can also use the ZOTE soap which can be found basicly at any Mexican store. I works good for me

 

[Vikkisrooster]

I have never tried to make my own laundry detergent but you all are inspiring me to do so!!! Also what do you all use for fabric softener? Homemade??

***Vikki***

 

[Acre of Blessings]

Quote:
You can actually just add vinegar to the wash for a fabric softner. I will post my two recipes for laundy det. and fabric softner.

 

[Acre of Blessings]

Here is the recipes that I use......I love them both

Homemade laundry detergent. This fills a 200 ounce detergent bottle. Please read all instructions before making.

What you Need:
1/3 Bar ZOTE soap (you can get this on the spanish isle at Dollar General for $1 a bar and you get 3 helpings from it)
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax (you can get this at you local grocer for about $3 in the cleaners isle)
1/2 cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (this should be near the Borax for about $3)
3 Quarts of boiling water (you will also need 5 more quarts of boiling water)
Big "old" pot

Directions:
Put 3 quarts of water in the pot and bring to a boil. Grate soap into the water and stir until melted. Add Borax and stir until dissolved and then add the washing soda and stir until dissolved. Cook for about 1 hour until it begins to resemble honey (it will stay pink). Put 1 quart of boiling water in a 5 gallon bucket and then add the mixture and mix well. Add 4 more quarts of boiling water and mix well. Let stand for 12 hours before using. Let cool for a couple of hours and then you can use the top of a milk jug for a funnel and fill your detergent bottle. Pour slowly. When it is set it will resemble chicken fat, but don;t be concerned, you can put some in a small pot and heat it up slowly on the stove top and bring it back to a liquid. This is what I do because I have a front load washer and it works well for me. Use 1/2 to 3/4 cup per load.

If you would like to have a scent, just add about 10 drops of any essential oil that you may have.

This is a low sudsing detergent which is great because it helps lengthen the life of your washer

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Homemade Fabric Softner

What you need:
1 cup baking soda
6 cup white distilled vinegar
8 cup warm water
10-15 drops of essential oil (optional) for scent
1 gallon empty container ( I use an old fabric softner jug)

Directions: FOLLOW CAREFULLY
1.) Put soda in container
2.) Add 1 cup warm water and swish
3.) Add all 6 cups of vinegar A LITTLE AT A TIME because it will foam up quick (all I do is swish it around in the jug).
4.) Add 7 cups of warm water and swish some more. MAKE SURE TO VENT IT.
5.) Add essential oils (optional) for scent

Store and use as you would use store bought. Hope this helps you save some money. I just go ahead and stock up on the ingredients for both the detergent and softner.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 ~~ KJB

 

[Scoop]

I had trouble finding the Naptha also, then found all three ingredients just a couple miles from home at a local grocery store. I found I am spending a LOT less on laundry soap. I never itch from this and my clothes smell fresh. I discovered years ago I was allergic to any liquid detergent in red plastic bottles. Weird. I have a front loader now and need to use powder anyway.

 

[calicokat]

I can't find the washing soda -- can someone post a pix of the box? Maybe I'm looking at it and not "getting it" - but all I see at my stores in "Arm and Hammer Detergent", not washing soda.

Thanks for the help, I've had the other ingredients for awhile now and I'm itching to get switched over

 

[CedarRidgeChicks]

I want to make this soap badly..I finally had ACE Hdw. order a case of Naptha soap.. but I am having trouble finding the washing soda too..but I haven't given up..

 

[Vikkisrooster]

Thanks so much for the recipes!! Things are so tough that it would be great to try this. It would be great to start a topic of nothing but recipes like this for around the house!!!!
Vikki

 

[Morgaine]

Do a search because I think there is a thread like that.

 

[Acre of Blessings]

I have known the "Washing Soda" to be at wither Wal-Mart or Kroger Grocery Store. Its a yellow box about 2 1/2 inches thick and about 8 to 10 inches tall and it will clearly say "Washing Soda". It should be located somewhere near the Borax. Sure hope you all can find this.