Comments on: How To Make Your Own Laundry Detergent – And Save Big Money http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:34:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: haverwench http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-12/#comment-942082 haverwench Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:37:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-942082 I'm always puzzled when people talk about how much they save by making their own laundry detergent. The last bottle of detergent I bought (on sale) cost $1.50 and is supposedly good for 32 loads, but I can easily stretch that out to 100 loads since they always tell you to use way more soap than you really need. We do 1-2 loads per week, so that one bottle will last over a year. Is it really worth the effort to save $1.50 per year? I’m always puzzled when people talk about how much they save by making their own laundry detergent. The last bottle of detergent I bought (on sale) cost $1.50 and is supposedly good for 32 loads, but I can easily stretch that out to 100 loads since they always tell you to use way more soap than you really need. We do 1-2 loads per week, so that one bottle will last over a year. Is it really worth the effort to save $1.50 per year?

]]> By: ErynDogFreak http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-12/#comment-940415 ErynDogFreak Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:05:23 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-940415 I used this recipe for a science project. My friend and I made this detergent downsizing the detergent too 4 tablespoons of Washing Soda, 2 tablespoons of borax, a quarter of a bar of soap, and 12 cups of water. We did the experiment and the Homemade detergent didn't clean the mustard as well as Tide. Great stuff, but not good enough for Tide! I used this recipe for a science project. My friend and I made this detergent downsizing the detergent too 4 tablespoons of Washing Soda, 2 tablespoons of borax, a quarter of a bar of soap, and 12 cups of water. We did the experiment and the Homemade detergent didn’t clean the mustard as well as Tide. Great stuff, but not good enough for Tide!

]]> By: Jennifer Storment http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-12/#comment-927572 Jennifer Storment Fri, 15 Oct 2010 19:53:21 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-927572 Hey All, I didn't have time to read all of the posts, but you could easily make this HE (high efficiency) friendly by adding a few tablespoons to the liquid or powder version. Baking soda use #4689 (okay, I made up that number, but it's probably actually higher than that!): Suds controller. I'm going to try this detergent with a bit of baking soda to make a chemical free, cheap alternative to expensive cloth diaper detergents. Hey All,

I didn’t have time to read all of the posts, but you could easily make this HE (high efficiency) friendly by adding a few tablespoons to the liquid or powder version. Baking soda use #4689 (okay, I made up that number, but it’s probably actually higher than that!): Suds controller.

I’m going to try this detergent with a bit of baking soda to make a chemical free, cheap alternative to expensive cloth diaper detergents.

]]> By: Salee http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-12/#comment-927525 Salee Fri, 15 Oct 2010 02:32:25 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-927525 Wow! I can't believe that I actually read through most of the 552 comments posted here. #1) Thanks for posting this article. With the recession and the state of things, I find that saving any money is a good thing. I can't believe that there are people who would argue against it. #2) I had been making the dry soap mixture until I used Kirk's Coco Castille. After I butchered the soap in my food processor, I had to turn to your recipe to make a liquid laundry soap. You can see my experiment at my blog: http://2pennies2rub.com/2010/10/14/tutorial-making-homemade-liquid-laundry-detergent/ #3) I have just finished washing 4 loads with my new goopy soap and things are looking great!!! I am wondering if this homemade soap will be a good replacement for Dreft for my babies. Right now, I buy Dreft because some marketing guru says I must to protect their sensitive skin. I have a newborn coming in November and using castille soap was my attempt to make a sensitive soap mix for the kiddos. Any ideas on that? Wow! I can’t believe that I actually read through most of the 552 comments posted here.

#1) Thanks for posting this article. With the recession and the state of things, I find that saving any money is a good thing. I can’t believe that there are people who would argue against it.

#2) I had been making the dry soap mixture until I used Kirk’s Coco Castille. After I butchered the soap in my food processor, I had to turn to your recipe to make a liquid laundry soap. You can see my experiment at my blog:

http://2pennies2rub.com/2010/10/14/tutorial-making-homemade-liquid-laundry-detergent/

#3) I have just finished washing 4 loads with my new goopy soap and things are looking great!!! I am wondering if this homemade soap will be a good replacement for Dreft for my babies. Right now, I buy Dreft because some marketing guru says I must to protect their sensitive skin. I have a newborn coming in November and using castille soap was my attempt to make a sensitive soap mix for the kiddos. Any ideas on that?

]]> By: Jess http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-12/#comment-927007 Jess Sat, 09 Oct 2010 20:06:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-927007 I forgot! I also wanted to try different types of scents. I made my first batch of soap just to get the "feel" for it. With our next one, we've saved several pickle jars to separate the mixture into and add a bit of different things for different smells. I'm really excited to add a little Fabreeze to a jar, my grandmother wants to try essential oils, and I would love to have some other suggestions for scents! I forgot! I also wanted to try different types of scents. I made my first batch of soap just to get the “feel” for it. With our next one, we’ve saved several pickle jars to separate the mixture into and add a bit of different things for different smells. I’m really excited to add a little Fabreeze to a jar, my grandmother wants to try essential oils, and I would love to have some other suggestions for scents!

]]> By: Jess http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-12/#comment-927006 Jess Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:56:41 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-927006 My youngest daughter and I just made our first batch of homemade soap! I haven't read through all the comments, but I suggest letting the kids help :) She's five and was amazed that mommy was MAKING soap! Anyway... I didn't even think about cutting up soap over a steaming pot until it was already burning my hands. That was a very duh moment for me! I suggest a cheese grater and a medium size bowl, and just toss in the shavings a hand full at a time. Much easier and melts faster, IMO. Thanks for the recipe! Even if it doesn't work the way I hope, we'll probably make it again because it was fun :) My youngest daughter and I just made our first batch of homemade soap! I haven’t read through all the comments, but I suggest letting the kids help :) She’s five and was amazed that mommy was MAKING soap! Anyway… I didn’t even think about cutting up soap over a steaming pot until it was already burning my hands. That was a very duh moment for me! I suggest a cheese grater and a medium size bowl, and just toss in the shavings a hand full at a time. Much easier and melts faster, IMO. Thanks for the recipe! Even if it doesn’t work the way I hope, we’ll probably make it again because it was fun :)

]]> By: Ignacio Kivel http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-12/#comment-924254 Ignacio Kivel Mon, 13 Sep 2010 03:39:33 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-924254 I'm a pretty avid camper and need to admit that I'm anal about my tools. If there's one thing that I don't like, it is when my tools break. This is why I always purchase quality gear to gear myself up and be ready for most anything the trail throws at me. I’m a pretty avid camper and need to admit that I’m anal about my tools. If there’s one thing that I don’t like, it is when my tools break. This is why I always purchase quality gear to gear myself up and be ready for most anything the trail throws at me.

]]> By: Jason http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-12/#comment-924240 Jason Sun, 12 Sep 2010 23:09:29 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-924240 I haven't had a chance to read through all the comments, but would I be able to store it in large used laundry detergent containers? I haven’t had a chance to read through all the comments, but would I be able to store it in large used laundry detergent containers?

]]> By: Trent http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-11/#comment-924237 Trent Sun, 12 Sep 2010 21:19:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-924237 Don't worry about it turning out like liquid or slime. It depends on the exact content of whatever soap you used, but if you used some sort of soap, it's fine if it's watery and it's fine if it's like a chunk of Jell-O and anything in between. Don’t worry about it turning out like liquid or slime. It depends on the exact content of whatever soap you used, but if you used some sort of soap, it’s fine if it’s watery and it’s fine if it’s like a chunk of Jell-O and anything in between.

]]> By: Moxie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-11/#comment-924216 Moxie Sun, 12 Sep 2010 15:11:45 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-924216 So I tried this last night and I woke up this morning to...liquid and not slime. Is this still going to work and where did I go wrong? So I tried this last night and I woke up this morning to…liquid and not slime. Is this still going to work and where did I go wrong?

]]> By: Justin Kubicek http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-11/#comment-923765 Justin Kubicek Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:27:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-923765 You can buy washing soda (and borax) at Fleet Farm. Someone at Walmart said you could make something dangerous with washing soda so they don't carry it anymore. After they told me that I asked myself, "Who would sell something that is extremely useful, but possibly dangerous?" My answer was Fleet Farm. If you can't find what you're looking for I recommend calling around. It gives the employees and excuse to take a break from their regular routine. I use Goog-411 when I can't find stuff at the store. ( http://www.google.com/goog411/index.html ) You can buy washing soda (and borax) at Fleet Farm. Someone at Walmart said you could make something dangerous with washing soda so they don’t carry it anymore. After they told me that I asked myself, “Who would sell something that is extremely useful, but possibly dangerous?” My answer was Fleet Farm. If you can’t find what you’re looking for I recommend calling around. It gives the employees and excuse to take a break from their regular routine. I use Goog-411 when I can’t find stuff at the store. ( http://www.google.com/goog411/index.html )

]]> By: Kathy Robinson http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-11/#comment-922173 Kathy Robinson Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:18:23 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-922173 Whoa @Trent re: message #255--using gasoline as a prewash solvent apparently can be dangerous: my washer (and every washer I've ever owned) has a sticker inside the door warning not to wash clothes with gasoline on them due to fire/explosion risk. I've always wondered what you're supposed to do with clothes that have gasoline on them, just toss them I guess :-/ It's hard for me to imagine a wash load exploding, has anyone had this happen? Whoa @Trent re: message #255–using gasoline as a prewash solvent apparently can be dangerous: my washer (and every washer I’ve ever owned) has a sticker inside the door warning not to wash clothes with gasoline on them due to fire/explosion risk. I’ve always wondered what you’re supposed to do with clothes that have gasoline on them, just toss them I guess :-/ It’s hard for me to imagine a wash load exploding, has anyone had this happen?

]]> By: sebrana h http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-11/#comment-920252 sebrana h Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:06:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-920252 iam glad some one found this out it would of saved me lot,s of money if I knew this years ago when my 3 kid,s was growing up . I seen this and tryed it .It reay work,s and it don,t sud up .like the other does . I sure use this it save,s me money . Ive done made 15 gallons sence .I found this out .I still have more of the borax and the arm&hammer left to make mybe 15 more gallons this is out of one box of both and 2 bars of soap so compare your self thanks iam glad some one found this out it would of saved me lot,s of money if I knew this years ago when my 3 kid,s was growing up . I seen this and tryed it .It reay work,s and it don,t sud up .like the other does . I sure use this it save,s me money . Ive done made 15 gallons sence .I found this out .I still have more of the borax and the arm&hammer left to make mybe 15 more gallons this is out of one box of both and 2 bars of soap so compare your self thanks

]]> By: Zote Soap http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-11/#comment-920194 Zote Soap Fri, 06 Aug 2010 11:32:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-920194 I can’t wait to try this! I’m just starting to convert to more natural products. Zote Soap is fantastic for Washing and cleaning. Made from coconut oil and tallow, Zote soap has a natural but incredibly effective cleaning power that will have you in love with cleaning. It’s been used and trusted for many years making it one of the most reliable and popular brands in Mexico. Zote bar soap also has a great tantalizing scent that you will not be able to resist. Made from citronella oil, Zote soap has a naturally refreshing scent that some would describe is slightly like lime. <a href="http://www.thelatinproducts.com/zotesoaps.html" rel="nofollow"> Zote Soap </a> I can’t wait to try this! I’m just starting to convert to more natural products. Zote Soap is fantastic for Washing and cleaning. Made from coconut oil and tallow, Zote soap has a natural but incredibly effective cleaning power that will have you in love with cleaning. It’s been used and trusted for many years making it one of the most reliable and popular brands in Mexico. Zote bar soap also has a great tantalizing scent that you will not be able to resist. Made from citronella oil, Zote soap has a naturally refreshing scent that some would describe is slightly like lime. Zote Soap

]]> By: Shawna http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-11/#comment-918346 Shawna Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:47:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-918346 I have been using this laundry soap for over a year now and love it. I have always used Fels Naptha and found it works great, clean smelling. I've only been able to find the washing soda and Fels Naptha at Winco. After I have let my mixture sit overnight in the 5 gal bucket and while the lid is tightly secure, I shake the bucket to get it mixed well then pour it into old detergent bottles for easier use. This truely is a great money saver! I have been using this laundry soap for over a year now and love it. I have always used Fels Naptha and found it works great, clean smelling. I’ve only been able to find the washing soda and Fels Naptha at Winco. After I have let my mixture sit overnight in the 5 gal bucket and while the lid is tightly secure, I shake the bucket to get it mixed well then pour it into old detergent bottles for easier use. This truely is a great money saver!

]]> By: blanca from mexico http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-11/#comment-917745 blanca from mexico Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:28:52 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-917745 great help here I make bath soaps for almost 2 years and now i will make detergent i love it i will make the softener also. thanks for all this great help. great help here I make bath soaps for almost 2 years and now i will make detergent i love it i will make the softener also. thanks for all this great help.

]]> By: Joe http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-11/#comment-916535 Joe Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:18:41 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-916535 I agree with Meg above. Someone's math calculations are WAAAYYY off. Other than that, this works great and does give a huge savings, plus, it's better for the environment. I agree with Meg above. Someone’s math calculations are WAAAYYY off.

Other than that, this works great and does give a huge savings, plus, it’s better for the environment.

]]> By: Tiles http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-11/#comment-915993 Tiles Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:34:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-915993 How to save dosh on your washing by making your own liquid detergent. Not as time consuming as it seems providing you have space and can be bothered to do it. Just think though, every penny counts. The techinque can also be found here How to save dosh on your washing by making your own liquid detergent. Not as time consuming as it seems providing you have space and can be bothered to do it. Just think though, every penny counts. The techinque can also be found here

]]> By: Leo http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-11/#comment-915898 Leo Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:06:41 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-915898 I tried this but it did not work well for me. Clothes did not come clean, especially my work clothes. My neighbor tried it also and had the same result. We were wondering if our hard water is the problem? I had to go back to using my detergent I buy from the store unfortunately. I tried this but it did not work well for me. Clothes did not come clean, especially my work clothes. My neighbor tried it also and had the same result. We were wondering if our hard water is the problem? I had to go back to using my detergent I buy from the store unfortunately.

]]> By: Doris http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/comment-page-11/#comment-915714 Doris Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:38:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/03/15/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent-and-save-big-money/#comment-915714 The whole idea is saving money and being frugle, this country is going to hell in a handbasket I really appriciate someone taking the time to share his idea's. My mother is 90 years young this year and I have heard many stories about the depression ALL sugestions help! Thanks I'll get right on it and make a batch of goooooo. Saving even a dollar can by 2 potatoes, to some people this is a feast. Thanks again! The whole idea is saving money and being frugle, this country is going to hell in a handbasket I really appriciate someone taking the time to share his idea’s. My mother is 90 years young this year and I have heard many stories about the depression ALL sugestions help! Thanks I’ll get right on it and make a batch of goooooo. Saving even a dollar can by 2 potatoes, to some people this is a feast. Thanks again!

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