Here's the homemade laundry detergent questions

[Guest guest]

Since my hubby is a plumber I asked about # 3 and he says:

 

" Theoreticaly it could, but it would take a really L....O......N......G time.

 

Margaret

 

-------------- Original message --------------

" susan " <ripple95

OK, here's some questions. I have made it before but was wondering

some things about using the soap itself. I used Dr. Bonners Lavendar

castile soap and added the 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax to

the mixture. It came out fine but...

1) Since there's washing soda and borax in the soap can it still be

added to the washing machine for extra cleaning just as if you were

using laundry detergent?

2) Also, I've read that long-term use of soap cleaning your clothes

wears them out faster than using detergent.

3) Can soap scum build up in your plumbing causing problems?

4) If I'm using the borax and washing soda do I have to worry about a

build-up on the clothers?

5) Can I use any soap I want to or are there some soaps that just

won't work well and shouldn't be used. I've seen many recipes using

the Fels Naptha but I wanted to use a more " natural " soap.

 

If you have any other helpful info I'd love to have it. Susan

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

0% superfatted soap works best.... if you are using scraps, you can add

more lye and then some water and melt it down (you have to figure out

from your soap how much more lye to add).Some people find that soap made

with mostly lard works best for laundry soap, but vege soap is ok too.

Adding citric acid or vinegar to the rinse water should take care of any

build up of scum, and as a plus, it adds softness to the clothes.

The main trick with most laundry soaps is to not use too much (its not a

good thing).

Just my 2¢

Shelley

susan wrote:

> OK, here's some questions.

>

[Guest guest]

I have been using mine for about 6 months with no problems, I have actually

heard that it is gentler on clothes. I have not experienced any quicker wear

and tear. I have three children and they can wear and tear quickly, lol. I

use mine just as I would laundry detergent, but find I do not need as much.

 

I have not been able to find washing soda in my area, so I use equal parts

powdered lard soap, baking soda, and borax.

 

I have very old pipes here, and in the six months I have been using it, (I

know that is hardly long enough for a case study but all the experience I

have) there have been no problems.

 

I have had no build up on my clothes, but again I do not have washing soda

to use. I do add a scoop or two of off brand oxygen cleaner powder to my

batch of powder after I mix it all up. I also use orange essential oil.

 

I use some scraps (very dried out if possible) with a hard batch of 100%

lard soap.

 

I also agree with the site that was posted for you to peruse, I was reading

it before I made my first batch. But I can tell you with a family of 5 here,

three children full time my husband and I and then 2 more children on

occasion I save tons of money by doing this.

 

I also do my own sheets in the dryer. I don't have a problem with static

cling, but I like a fresh scent so I put a couple of drops of whatever

fragrance oil I am in the mood for on a washcloth and throw it in with the

clothes, it lasts a couple of loads. I had some not skin safe FO's I have

been using for this as I do not make candles

 

 

 

I am sorry I could not be more helpful, but hope some of that helps!

 

 

 

Phaedra

 

 

 

1) Since there's washing soda and borax in the soap can it still be

added to the washing machine for extra cleaning just as if you were

using laundry detergent?

2) Also, I've read that long-term use of soap cleaning your clothes

wears them out faster than using detergent.

3) Can soap scum build up in your plumbing causing problems?

4) If I'm using the borax and washing soda do I have to worry about a

build-up on the clothes?

5) Can I use any soap I want to or are there some soaps that just

won't work well and shouldn't be used. I've seen many recipes using

the Fels Naptha but I wanted to use a more " natural " soap.

 

If you have any other helpful info I'd love to have it. Susan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all your replies. They were helpful. Susan

[Guest guest]

Susan,

 

I made the mistake of using too much liquid soap one time and can we say

Brady bunch episode? It seemed the bubbles went haywire. I didn't use

borax or washing soda in the washer, cause well I'm just a scientist that

way. Do it one time without and one time with. The soap curd stayed on

some of the clothes without borax. One way to keep that from happening is

add the borax to the soap while making it... I'm sure there's a recipe out

there that has it in it. I tend not to wash the clothes unless Hubby is

feeling bad or out of town so He's the one that should be talking about it,

but he's a tried and true " buy it at the store " yadda yadda yadda <rolls

eyes>. Kinda person.

 

Just the act of washing your clothes causes them to wear out faster

using softener wears them out even faster. Unfortunately since I no longer

handle the washing I cannot tell you. But if you think about it you are

trying to chemically break down a stain (sweat, etc.), and chemically the

material will get broken down too. Anyway...

 

 

I guess it all depends on what you're going for as to what you use on your

clothes.

 

----

 

susan

11/24/06 12:51:36

 

Here's the homemade laundry detergent questions

 

OK, here's some questions. I have made it before but was wondering

some things about using the soap itself. I used Dr. Bonners Lavendar

castile soap and added the 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax to

the mixture. It came out fine but...

1) Since there's washing soda and borax in the soap can it still be

added to the washing machine for extra cleaning just as if you were

using laundry detergent?

2) Also, I've read that long-term use of soap cleaning your clothes

wears them out faster than using detergent.

3) Can soap scum build up in your plumbing causing problems?

4) If I'm using the borax and washing soda do I have to worry about a

build-up on the clothers?

5) Can I use any soap I want to or are there some soaps that just

won't work well and shouldn't be used. I've seen many recipes using

the Fels Naptha but I wanted to use a more " natural " soap.

 

If you have any other helpful info I'd love to have it. Susan

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

When I package/sell my laundry powder, I include a packaging insert with

instructions to use white vinegar in a Downy ball or add 1/4 cup to the rinse

cycle to get rid of soap scum and work as a natural fabric softener and your dry

clothes do not smell like vinegar

Paula .......... in Michigan

coming soon - Farm Fresh Soaps and Candles.com !!!

 

 

 

Susan,

 

I made the mistake of using too much liquid soap one time and can we say

Brady bunch episode? It seemed the bubbles went haywire. I didn't use

borax or washing soda in the washer, cause well I'm just a scientist that

way. Do it one time without and one time with. The soap curd stayed on

some of the clothes without borax. One way to keep that from happening is

add the borax to the soap while making it... I'm sure there's a recipe out

there that has it in it.

.