Some of you will remember my first foray into making liquid laundry detergent. I've used about half or just under half of it so far and it is working very well. It doesn't suds at all but that doesn't affect it's cleansing properties. I've even started hanging out clothes to dry on the patio as a way of saving on electricity costs and doing my part to go green.
My mother has been having a lot of skin issues which have baffled the doctors and her skin is extremely sensitive so we thought I should make her some powdered detergent. This is the recipe I used.
- 2 cups Washing Soda (I get mine in the laundry section of a local food supermarket).
- 1 cup of Borax (I get this at another food supermarket which is closer to my house than where I buy the Washing Soda).
- 1 1/2 bars of Sunlight Bar Soap (If you don't have Sunlight and you are in Canada, you can use the Ivory Bar soap. In other countries, I understand people use Zote, purchased in Mexican food shops or Fels Naphta). If none of these are available in your area, have a look on line and order that way.
The process is rather simple. You simply mix the washing soda and the borax together. I then shred the Sunlight Bar soap in my food processor and all it to the powdered mixture and shake it well to mix it evenly. If you do not have a food processor you can grate it all up with a hand grater. It will just take longer.
Now store the mixture in a jar or a plastic baggie. When you want to do your laundry you use only 2 tablespoons of this mixture.
I've never made this detergent before but it is a variation of the same recipe that many others use and post on line so I'm sure it will work quite well. I didn't do the cost calculations per load this time but I may add them later.
Next, I will be making bar soap for washing my face and body and I hope to post about it in future. I have been scouring the local shops to find lye which is one of the key ingredients. I've found a supply but I've also read on line that the lye is of inconsistent quality. I will probably try it anyway and see for myself. Otherwise my only option would be to purchase the lye on line which will increase the cost.
10 comments:
Thumbs up on your powdered laundry detergent. I use a simular recipe. If you have to order your lye, check this place out, may be your best price. You can get (1) 2 pounds for $5.50 I believe. http://www.dudadiesel.com/biodiesel_chemicals.php?affiliate_pro_tracking_id=18:3:US
Thanks for sharing another great money saving recipe with us - let us know how it works out !
I hope that works for your mom!
I've been making my own laundry soap for quite a few years. I use the liquid kind and love it.
I can't wait to hear about your other soap making adventure. I hope I don't miss that post!
The soap seems great alternative! Wow! Simple ingredients, too. I like that. I'm enjoying "browsing" through your site. It's great. YC
How does this powder work? Once I had ant infestation, googled and found that Borax is a strong chemical used to kill ants.
I am reading your site back wards because I am interested in you work in Kenya.
Hello Ann, the laundry detergent works fine. If you are concerned about the Borax (I was too), just make sure you dilute the detergent well in the water before you put the clothes in for washing. Good luck!
I found this recipe works well for my allergies as well! I've made the liquid detergent in the past but this one seems to work better for me. I use Castille peppermint for myself.
How does this powder work? Once I had ant infestation, googled and found that Borax is a strong chemical used to kill ants.
I am reading your site back wards because I am interested in you work in Kenya.
Hello Ann, the laundry detergent works fine. If you are concerned about the Borax (I was too), just make sure you dilute the detergent well in the water before you put the clothes in for washing. Good luck!
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