I have been using my own homemade laundry soap for over a year now. I decided once the last batch of liquid soap was done I would try and make the powder form.The powder detergent takes a lot less time to make up than the liquid version. Here is the directions.
Combine in a bowl:
2 cups borax
2 cups washing soda
1 bar of grated soap (I used Fels Naptha)
I actually doubled the recipe but still only used 1 bar of soap.
That's it. Use 1 Tablespoon per load of clothes. I was a bit skeptical because 1 Tablespoon seems to be such a small amount. So far though I have been happy with the results. I do still use my commercial detergent on the really dirty/smelly items (for example football gear).This stores more conveniently than the liquid soap as well. I can keep it in a jar on top of my washer.
Do you use homemade laundry soap? If so, do you use the powder or liquid?
I recently switched to making powdered laundry soap also. I was a liquid user but at this time in my life I need something that doesn't take as long to make. So far I like the version have made. But I am not sure it last me as long as the liquid does.
ReplyDeleteI agree Melissa it doesn't last near as long as the liquid. I doubled my recipe but it will still run out before I would have with the liquid.
ReplyDeleteI used to make the liquid, but I LOVE the powdered. Not only does it take less time to make, but it is much easier to store.
ReplyDeleteI loved the powder, but it started to leave spots on my clothing. They were similar to what grease/oil spots would look like. It could be because I only wash our clothes in cold water & with my front loader, was not able to dissolve as well. I made 5 batches at a time & was able to make it every 3-4 months. I switched to liquid earlier this year & am on my first batch still! I used an old commercial brand liquid container with a dispenser that I refill as needed.
ReplyDeleteSara--is this the kind that Maria uses?
ReplyDeleteKatie R--I had this problem when I used a commercial powder detergent. I found that if I put the detergent in first with the water started, then added the clothes, I didn't have the spots. Not sure how that would translate to a front loader though.
I make the liquid and powder. I prefer the liquid. I have children that are old enough to throw in a load of laundry and I only allow them to handle the liquid because of how bad borax is if you ingest it. The powder seems to take to the air really easy and i just dont want them breathing that in. I remind them to wash their hands after pooring the liquid also.
ReplyDeleteI have been making my own laundry soap for 3 years and I don't think i will ever go back. Our clothes are always clean and my kids don't ever break out like they did when we used detergents.
Heather, I am not sure if it is the same to Maria's or not. I am sure it is very similar.
ReplyDeleteKatie, that is interesting that you say it left spots. I found that on a few of our shirts too but couldn't confirm if it was the soap or not. Now I think I know.
I like the powder but agree totally that the liquid will last much longer. I just have to have a place to store it. Not a huge deal, just something to think about.
I make a gel version of the liquid. I use the same amount of washing soda, borax, and soap. but just a total of 15 cups of water instead. Then I use 1-2 Tablespoons of gel, depending on how grungy the load of laundry is. I make sure to stir the gel often as it cools.
ReplyDeleteIt's similar to mine, Heather. Mine makes a bit more because it uses more grated soap. Here's the recipe link: http://www.ourheavenlyhomestead.com/2011/04/homemade-laundry-powder/
ReplyDeleteI prefer to use the Kirk's brand bar soap because I stocked up on it when it was on sale for the same price as Fels Naptha and it grates so much easier.
I usually start the washer on hot for just a few seconds while I put in the powder to make sure it dissolves, then switch it to cold. Never had a problem with spots.
I prefer the powder over the liquid one I used to make because it takes less time to make it and it takes up so much less space to store.
I've made and used the powdered version for a long time. What confuses me are the differences among recipes which call for different amounts of the washing soda and borax per bar of grated soap. The last batch I made contains Oxyclean. I'm not sure if it's made a difference or not. I like the way this laundry soap leaves the laundry smelling neutral instead of scented.
ReplyDeleteI just made up a new batch of this. I doubled it and my recipe calls for the Sun version of Oxyclean also. I am going to keep track and see how many loads of laundry I get out of this double batch. Hopefully it last me for a while!
ReplyDeleteI make a liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener at home. My recipe only takes about 30 mins to prepare the detergent, and about 5 minutes to prepare the softener. I tried using the powdered once and I went back to the liquid. I feel like the recipe I use keeps my clothes "cleaner". Maybe the liquid is just better for removing enormous muddy paw prints?
ReplyDeletep.s. I just found your blog and I love it. <3
Silly question, but what do you use to grate the fels neptha? It seems to have a much finer look than what I get.
ReplyDelete