I just made up my second batch of homemade laundry soap. I switched over to homemade soap back in June. Over all I am happy with the switch. It has definitely saved us money. The soap I made in June lasted a little over 3 months, and trust me, we do A LOT of laundry at our house. Here are a few things that I have observed.
Clothes that are washed must be removed from the washer within 12 hours or so or they will start to develop a stink. When I used commercial laundry soap I could let the clothes sit in the washer a day or so and there was no odor. The perfume used in the soap would make the clothes still smell nice when I finally took them out.
Things that are heavily smelly (like son's football gear) still smell after washing with the homemade detergent alone. I have been adding vinegar to the water but I still get a funk. So, I have reserved commercial detergent for those kind of items. Any suggestions on that?
Like I said over all I am happy with the switch and will continue to use homemade laundry soap. If you are interested in the recipe you can read my post here.
I have the same problem with Christian's football stuff... I have been adding extra washing soda or borax (1/4 cup) to the load and depending on stink level, that might work. But yes, same as you, have some Tide in case they come out still stinking.
ReplyDeleteWe have had the same problem here. I switched from the liquid homemade to a dry mix which I like better and it's easier to store since it's more concentrated and you use less of it.
ReplyDeleteI basically use it only for the kids' clothes and sheets now because our towels and wash cloths were just starting to smell musty and anything with a sweat smell to it was not getting fresh, just continuously getting worse. I tried vinegar, extra washing soda, etc. So, I'm content with using All Free and Clear on heavily soiled or smelly stuff and the homemade stuff on kids' stuff and sheets and things.
Yes, two big suggestions for stinky clothes--we have to use unscented detergent due to allergies and it often doesn't do much for strong smells, so we found out that putting a shot of vodka in the laundry WILL REMOVE ALL ODORS. It will not smell like vodka and it will remove the smelly (oil/grease/gas/sweat) odor! We don't even drink vodka, we just keep a cheap bottle by the washer for this purpose. Another solution is pet spray, there is an all natural one in a white bottle with red and blue lettering and it is AMAZING at getting stains and odors out of clothes (or carpet, etc.). It has a very light scent it leaves on clothes, but it is all natural. Hope these help! -Amanda Y. (ayyogurt)(At)(yahoo)(dotcom)
ReplyDeleteI switched over to homemade liquid soap last November, so almost a year ago. I haven't had a problem with anything smelling after being washed, but then again I don't have kids yet. I do have pets, so I wash their bedding and it comes out smelling fresh. Are you adding any essential oils to your soap? Maybe that will help. I like to add lavender to mine.
ReplyDeleteIt does last a LONG time. One batch will last me nearly 6 months. I think it is a combo of my front load washer and it just being two of us. I am glad you like it!
I forgot to add that I do not use the Fels Naptha Soap. I used it in my first batch, but have since started using a homemade natural bar soap from my local herbal shop. I don't know if that would have anything to do with it, but it is an idea.
ReplyDeleteI am using your recipe (on my second batch). I had a reaction to the essential oil that I put in the second batch so until that is used up, my clothes are being washed in regular detergent. My 1 1/2 yr old son's clothes come out just as clean with store bought or homemade. I spray a stain remover on really dirty ones but I did it on store bought detergent too...no problems here! I used Dove soap the first time and Fels Naptha the second time. I like the Fels Naptha better.
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