Self-sufficient households; help!

[miss_jayne]

those are significant savings, and we calculated about the same...we used to buy 30 bottles of detergent a year when it was on sale buy 1 get 2 free, so it was $36 a year, but the thing is all the bottles and you had to use two caps and it still didn't work as well.

storage just dropped drastically!

 

[Cassandra]

Quote:
Nice

Cassandra

 

[amyquilt]

Quote:
I always have used 2 TABLESPOONS (or even 1/4cup, which is a little more than 2 TBSP) when I make the powder laundry soap.

I also use equal amounts of BAKING soda (same as the amount of WASHING soda and Borax) in mine.

I then always use vinegar in the rinse cycle, just as I used to use Downy. You can use the vinegar in the Downey ball, in the softener cup on the machine, or add it yourself during the rinse cycle.

Soap can cause buildup on your clothes, but using the vinegar keeps the buildup away.

 

[patandchickens]

To be honest, you generally only need to use about 2 tablespoons of *commercial* laundry detergent *either*. Sure it tells you to use more on the side of the box, but remember they're in the business of sellin' ya detergent

Doesn't take much to get things clean.

Pat

 

[funkychicken]

I got this from someone on the BYC site...I really like it and wont but the store stuff again!!


Laundry Detergent

#1 Buy laundry soap bar like Zote, Felsnaptha, or regular Ivory bath soap.Washing Soda (not baking) Borax

#2 If you use laundry soap*use 1/3 of the bar*,Felsnaptha, *use 1/2 of the bar*, Ivory *use the whole bar*.
Grate soap with a cheese grater.
Mix soap with 4 cups of water over med.high heat until soap *completely* dissolves.

#3 mix in 3/4 cup of borax and 3/4 cup washing soda. It gets thick at this point. Stir/cook until completely dissolved.

#4 Put 4 cups hot water in big container(5 gal bucket works great) Stir in detergent mixture.
Add another 6 quarts water(1 & 1/2 gal) hot water.
Let set until cooled down a bit and stir a couple of times while its cooling.

Divide into 2 gallon jugs. It is thick but dissolves easily. This is a low to no suds formula.

Dishwasher detergent

Mix equal parts borax and washing soda in a plastic container. Use as you would store bought.
Make sure to put white vinegar into the rince compartment to prevent spots.

 

[ninjapoodles]

Quote:
You're not going overboard! That's perfectly reasonable! Now you have freed up money to spend on something else.

 

[Acre of Blessings]

Quote:
You're not going overboard! That's perfectly reasonable! Now you have freed up money to spend on something else.

yep, spend your extra found money on......................more chickens

 

[momma's chickens]

I couldn't find the washing soda at our Wal-Mart or Safeway, can something else be substituted?

 

[crazychickengirl]

I found my fels naptha and the washing soda at an IGA store...not sure if they have those where you are though. I was really surprised to find out that they carried it. We live in a huge Amish area, so maybe that's why they carry it. I did find a person on ebay who sold it and the Fels Naptha for a decent price although it's always cheaper when you don't have to pay for shipping! And when you're doing this to save money, every little bit helps!

Good luck with your hunt!

 

[Crunchie]

momma's chickens :

I couldn't find the washing soda at our Wal-Mart or Safeway, can something else be substituted?

Do you have a Giant grocery store nearby? Ours has washing soda (it's Arm & Hammer, looks like a big baking soda box). I'm sure not all Giant stores across the country carry the same products, of course, but it's worth a try if you've got one close to you...

Quote:
Now the fels naptha I cannot find! What section of the store is it usually in--the laundry section or the personal care section? I've never seen the stuff....