Surfside Academy Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 I made my first batch and it looks like it came out fine. My one question was transferring it into another container. There is quite a bit of "gel" at the bottom of the bucket. I stirred it pretty well but there was still a lot of gel that didn't mix. The liquid in the new container looks a little "thin" but seemed to wash the clothes just fine. Does this sound right? Any comments or suggestions? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessedfamily Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 I don't know how to make homemade laundry soap but I wanted to give you a thumbs up for doing it:thumbup1: That's fantastic. We have a new "Natural Living" social group here on the WTM board for sharing that kind of info. If you're ever free, stop in. We'd love to have you. http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/group.php?groupid=75 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaof2andtwins Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 Homemade laundry detergent is a combination of gel and liquid. This is normal. It would be fine to use even if it never gelled. I make mine all straight into a 5 gallon bucket. It sounds fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyGrace Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 I tried so hard for months to make mine out of b. soda, borax and shaved Ivory soap, and my whites ended up yellowing badly. I tried liquid first, then powdered, and had the same problem. Not sure if this is what you're using-I hope it works better for you than it did for me! And I could sure use a recipe that works well, if someone has one! I'm still determined to make my own, but I had to temporarily go back to the earth-friendly ones from my health food store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 I make dry powder laundry detergent by whipping it up in my food processor, just using the blade. The ingredients are: 2 bars Fels Naptha 3 c. borax 3 c. Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda I grind up the Fels Naptha first, after cutting it lengthwise into 2 chunks. Then I add the borax and soda and whiz it around for a few seconds until it is thoroughly mixed. I wear a dust mask while processing it because even though the cover is on, there is still a little bit of very fine dust going in the air. I use 2-4 T of it per load. My test load was DH's workout clothes and they came out clean and smelled great. I use store-bought stain remover for DD's white hoodies, just to be on the safe side. RC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ria Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Yes, that's perfectly normal. I have an immersion blender, so I use that in the bucket before transferring it to gallon milk jugs. You could also use a whisk. Shake the gallon jugs before using. Sometimes the gel won't completely go away and that's fine. Ria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 I make dry powder laundry detergent by whipping it up in my food processor, just using the blade. The ingredients are: 2 bars Fels Naptha 3 c. borax 3 c. Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda That's basically what I'm using, too. Instead of Fels Naptha, I'm just using Kirk's Castille (which is what we use for bathing). The bars are smaller, so the proportions are a bit different (1 cup each of the borax and washing soda per bar). And I grate my soap before processing. Oh, and for the last batch, I added a half cup of baking soda for extra freshness. It's working great for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surfside Academy Posted November 11, 2008 Author Share Posted November 11, 2008 I did use the same recipe that has been mentioned above. I found the Fels Naptha but I had a heck of a time finding washing soda. I must have tried 10 different stores. I finally found it (sodium carbonate) at a pool supply store...go figure. I did 3 loads of laundry today and everything seems just as clean as usual. There is no artificial fragrance which is a plus! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 I did 3 loads of laundry today and everything seems just as clean as usual. There is no artificial fragrance which is a plus! Yes, I agree. I actually prefer the scent of the home-made stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Can one use the dry home made recipe in a front loader? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TraceyS/FL Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Can one use the dry home made recipe in a front loader? Thanks! Yup - using it in mine! I'm using the Ivory Soap one. I have yet to find the Fels Naptha up here - and i need some for DHs work clothes. The just dirty ones are fine - but his greasy ones need a bit more umph. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 And I grate my soap before processing. I used a grater attachment the first time I made it. Then I tried it with just the blade and the soap grated just fine without the first step. The end product is a fine-grained powder. RC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Yup - using it in mine! I'm using the Ivory Soap one. I have yet to find the Fels Naptha up here - and i need some for DHs work clothes. The just dirty ones are fine - but his greasy ones need a bit more umph. Thanks, going to try it this week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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