Self-sufficient households; help!

[TundraChick]

Can't find naptha or Washing Soda

 

[Backyard Buddies]

Quote:
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I may just make some and try it out. I was playing with the figures and it looks like the cost to make your own is about 1/3 the cost of buying from the store, perhaps less depending on which brand you're purchasing.

But, what I like the best about it isn't just the cost. I paid more for my washer because I knew it uses FAR less energy than most machines. I'm all for recycling and reducing my trash, for composting, and growing my own food. With this as my goal, I cannot say how much it bugs me to buy supposedly environmentally friendly detergent in thick plastic containers that I must throw away! Ugh!

BTW, one of my goals is to get my electricity usage down, then to go solar. By reducing my energy first, I'll spend less money on the panels I need for my roof.

 

[TheOLDNewChick]

Wow, this thread grew! Lot's of great information everyone!

 

[Chick_a_dee]

Quote:
Walmart has it, it's made by arm&hammer, its right next to the borax, above the javex colour safe dry bleach, and between the washing soda and borax is sunlight bars

PS, I checked the labels of everything, and they all clearly state they are environmentally safe, or in the case of the borax i believe, is septic safe.

 

[Chick_a_dee]

Quote:
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I may just make some and try it out. I was playing with the figures and it looks like the cost to make your own is about 1/3 the cost of buying from the store, perhaps less depending on which brand you're purchasing.

But, what I like the best about it isn't just the cost. I paid more for my washer because I knew it uses FAR less energy than most machines. I'm all for recycling and reducing my trash, for composting, and growing my own food. With this as my goal, I cannot say how much it bugs me to buy supposedly environmentally friendly detergent in thick plastic containers that I must throw away! Ugh!

BTW, one of my goals is to get my electricity usage down, then to go solar. By reducing my energy first, I'll spend less money on the panels I need for my roof.

we bought a cookie container thing to put our homemade detergent in, and it's made of recycled glass

also, the ingriedients, as far as the packaging (ugh, though it is cardboard!) says, are all environmentally sound, plus one is actually septic safe. I'm just washing a load in it now, to see how it works...but it smells wonderful, is a fun colour combo in a clear container, looks good on the shelf, and it looks like a double batch is going to do A LOT of loads. Our new washer at the new place isn't HE, but it is a front loader, and fairly new...so we needed to get something low sudsing...I'm really impressed with the recipe so far.

 

[Chick_a_dee]

Quote:
Washing soda is made by arm and hammer, you can get it at walmart... and as the poster of the recipe said, in canada we dont have naptha, so instead use sunlight bars..which you FOR SURE will be able to find RIGHT NEXT TO the washing soda at walmart.

 

[Backyard Buddies]

Quote:
What a great idea! I bet that looks great! I can't wait to try it.

 

[Acre of Blessings]

Check with a local Kroger Grocery Store for the A & H Washing Soda if you have one. That is where I get mine. Also you can use just about any type of soap that you like. I use ZOTE (which is made for washing) and I have also used the Octagon (which is pretty strong) I have heard that some people have used Ivory or even Dial and Dove soaps.

Use the soap that best fits you.

 

[amyquilt]

Quote:
One thing I suggest, when using homemade laundry soap is to use vinegar in the rinse cycle (as you would use a fabric softener). It prevents build up, which can lead to smelly clothes.

 

[amyquilt]

Quote:
I know I can get Borax and dry bleach, but where would one pick up washing soda and fels naptha? Do you get them locally or are they on-line purchases?

Thanks in advance-
Em

I'd like to know also....

I can get the FN soap and Arm & Hammer Washing Soda at our local grocery store, not the big chain stores like WalMart, though.