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Making laundry detergent/hard water

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  • #19878
    imported_Gette
    Participant

      I was interested in the homemade laundry detergent listed a couple of issues back, but I have some questions.  We have very hard water.  Does the washing soda address this?  If not, would it work to add softner salt to the mixture, and if so, how much?  I sometimes use Calgon or other water softener, but this kind of defeats the purpose of “frugality” at 6 bucks for a 20 load box.

      #20841
      imported_tk625
      Participant

        Washing soda is a water softener for washing clothes and it sold right next to other water softening products in the grocery store.   ;)

        #20842
        imported_Gette
        Participant

          Cool.  I thought that might be the case but couldn’t remember for sure.
          Think I’ll give this a try.  It’d be fun for the kids, too. :)

          #20877
          imported_Breeni
          Participant

            Can anyone repost that recipe?  I can’t find it anywhere on the site.  Thanks! ;D

            #20878
            imported_tk625
            Participant

              I never saw the orig. recipe for making laundry detergent, I just replied to the question of washing soda being a water softener.  Sorry.  tk

              #20928
              imported_Razzy
              Participant

                Here is one of the recipes I use to make laundry detergent…..

                How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
                You can wash most clothing for a very few pennies a load. A bucket, a bar of soap, washing soda and a washing machine is all you’ll need!
                Difficulty Level: easy Time Required: 60 minutes

                Here’s How:
                Chop or flake a bar of soap (your choice) into a saucepan of hot water.
                Heat (don’t boil) and stir until the soap dissolves.
                Add the soap to three gallons of hot water.
                Mix well.
                Add one cup of washing soda.(Not baking soda)
                Mix well again.
                Let it cool.
                Tips:
                Usually one cup will do a normal size load. Don’t use too much.
                If you’re washing in cold water, let the machine agitate a minute to dissolve the soap.
                Amount of water can vary as much as a gallon, give or take.      
                 
                How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
                You can wash most clothing for a very few pennies a load. A bucket, a bar of soap, washing soda and a washing machine is all you’ll need!
                Difficulty Level: easy Time Required: 60 minutes

                Here’s How:
                Chop or flake a bar of soap (your choice) into a saucepan of hot water.
                Heat (don’t boil) and stir until the soap dissolves.
                Add the soap to three gallons of hot water.
                Mix well.
                Add one cup of washing soda.(Not baking soda)
                Mix well again.
                Let it cool.
                Tips:
                Usually one cup will do a normal size load. Don’t use too much.
                If you’re washing in cold water, let the machine agitate a minute to dissolve the soap.
                Amount of water can vary as much as a gallon, give or take.      

                Here is also another one I use.

                Laundry Detergent: Basic Mix
                1 cup soap flakes
                1/2 cup washing soda
                1/2 cup borax

                and another one

                Laundry Detergent: Basic Mix
                1 cup soap flakes
                1/2 cup washing soda
                1/2 cup borax

                this is for the 2 and third recipes
                Mix ingredients and store in a sealed, labeled canister in the laundry room.

                To use, measure 1/2 – 3/4 cup of the mix and wash your clothing in warm or cold water. Use cold water for the rinse cycle.
                Yield: 12 ounces

                                              Enjoy,
                                                    Razzy

                #20935
                imported_tk625
                Participant

                  Thanks Razzy.   I am usually in a hurry and just grab the reg. laundry detergent, but who knows I may need this someday.  Thanks for sharing.  tk625

                  #21571
                  Anonymous

                      What brand of bar soap do you use and how does this home made laundry soap work in a front loader washing machine? (front loaders require much less soap and uses a lot less water)

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