Laundry Detergent

Well today I took the plunge, I made liquid laundry detergent. I have been making powder for a while, last batch was made prior to Thanksgiving and using 1 tbsp per load we just finished it this past weekend (Jan 17). Don't ask me how many loads I did, I had a bucket that held 96 oz (6 lbs) and used a tbsp per load for a family of 5 with occasional visits from a grandchild. The cost was about $1.50 for the bucket. I got this recipe from Sherrie Graham.

1 bar grated soap (Fels Naptha or Ivory)
1 cup baking soda
1 cup borax

Mix everything and store in an airtight container. Use 1 tablespoon per load. Use 2 tablespoons for heavy soiled loads.Note: Add powder to empty washing machine and start water. Once the powder is mixed with the water a bit, then add your clothes.

I loved it and actually I prefer powder to liquid and loved the baking soda in my laundry (keeps hubby's clothes, and him fresh) but got tired of making it and did not feel like making a big batch of this. Last batch was a double batch by the way.

Making the liquid I could make more at one time and just keep some baking soda in the cabinet above the washer and sprinkle as needed.

Sherrie also had 50 uses for vinegar on her site that is awesome. I use the 1/4 cup vinegar for my fabric softener, just put it in my Downy ball and shut the lid of the washer. I will be picking up some essential oil this month for smell, put it is not necessary, I mean after all what does clean smell like? Most of what we call fresh and clean is perfume and chemicals.

Okay, on to my liquid recipe, I got this one from the Duggars, yes I am a Duggar fan. For this one I am gonna send you to their site, they have several options for detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets.

I made the liquid yesterday, and gooped it into containers today. I knew I wanted to try the liquid soon, so I saved 1 lg liquid laudry detergent container, 2 gallon vinegar jugs, and a small liquid laundry detergent container to keep on the bottom shelf. This makes 5 gallons as is (I had to use a milk jug too). When using mix half of the goop and half water in your container, shake and use so you actually get 10 gallons. I "watered down" just enough for now, and put the rest up in jugs, I use vinegar for cleaning too so I have those jugs sitting around. You will need to adjust the amount for your washer and water. Just remember, just because you don't see bubbles does not mean there is not enough soap. This is a low sudsing recipe and since most detergents stay in your clothes causing wear and tear, this is best. Also using vinegar for your rinse cycle will remove any left over detergent, and you will not smell the vinegar. We have been fed lies for years from manufactures and one of them is "lather up". The bubbles and lather stay behind on your skin and in your clothes causing dry skin, and wearing of clothes. If you don't believe me, just look at your shower curtain.

For stain remover, I use vinegar and baking soda, however you cannot let it sit too long, or you will have to treat the whole garment. I had a blood stain I treated this way once and I had a light spot where the stain used to be, kind of like a bleach spot but not so white.

For light cleaning I use a mixture of water, vinegar, and baking soda. This is quite challenging as we all know what happens if you mix the vinegar and baking soda..... In a bowl or large measuring cup mix half water half vinegar, slowly add 2 Tbs of baking soda, let fiz die down and add more. I use an old spray bottle and shake before each use. Don't make to much at one time as the baking soda's power weakens. Also if you have a stain on a counter, baking soda and vinegar (and maybe a little lemon juice) work great.

Okay enough for now, gotta go tackle my next project, maintaing!!!!