Most of you know that I have been dealing with a lot of new allergies lately. I thought they were all food related but now I am starting to think that some of it might be about fabric content in my clothing or my laundry detergent. I've decided to try another unscented laundry detergent - one that I make myself.
Since I got into making soap I have considered making laundry detergent. It is super simple. You boil some water and melt grated soap in it. Then you add borax and soda ash (washing soda) and stir until it's dissolved. Add some water to top it off and let it sit 24 hours. The mixtures thickens to a near gel and you are ready to go. The only hard part is figuring out which recipe to use. There are HUNDREDS all over the web, here are a few
The Family Homestead recipe is often referenced on other sites
TipNut has 10 recipes, powdered and liquid
The Dugger Family has their recipe - they are the family that has about 50 children
My friend, Diana, has a long list of recipes she sent me for laundry detergent and other household cleaners. She got it from this blog.
The recipe I am using is basically this one on Bake Space. It took linger to find an appropriate bucket than it took to make the soap. I'm using about half the water so I will only need 1/4 cup of detergent per load. I guess I'll see if it works this weekend!
Vicki, I'm allergic to detergent, too. The only one I can use is unscented ALL- HE.
Glad you are making your own. I still love my soap!!
Posted by: Carla Barrett | August 13, 2009 at 08:51 PM
Oh Man Vicki, again what a PITA...unless doing this gets more foods back in your diet...that would be cool!
Posted by: Candied Fabrics | August 13, 2009 at 09:19 PM
Ahh--that's the recipe I use too. I have some of those square pails laundry soap used to come in, and I use that to mix up my soap and let set overnight. Then I store it in empty ice cream pails and use an old plastic cup to dip out with for my washer. For us it's not that the boughten laundry detergent bothers allergies, but it just COSTS a lot! I can make a lot of soap for a fraction of the cost.
Posted by: Lori in SD | August 13, 2009 at 10:05 PM
What a great idea! I'm going to check these out & maybe give some a try. Laundry soap is so expensive, and it would be fun to see if I can make something comparable & save money too. Detergent allergies aren't a huge problem for us (DH is violently allergic to Tide but that seems to be the only one).
Posted by: Mary Anne | August 13, 2009 at 10:34 PM
My husband and I both have very sensitive skin and I've found it is difficult to find products that don't contain dyes and/or perfumes. I hope your homemade soap will help with your allergies.
Posted by: Dena | August 13, 2009 at 10:35 PM
oops...meant to ask...do the homemade soaps work in cold water? The only thing we wash in hot is the towels and sheets, everything else is in cold. Does anybody know?
Posted by: Mary Anne | August 13, 2009 at 10:36 PM
You really are being thorough with figuring this out, although I don't blame you. I hope this works for you, as I know how limiting and annoying your allergies can be.
Posted by: Summerset | August 14, 2009 at 05:22 AM
I have made two batches of homemade soap. Our local thrift shop often sells homemade soap already shredded so I used that. It works just fine and also works in cold water. The only thing it doesn't like much is very hard water.
Posted by: joyce | August 14, 2009 at 07:54 AM
How do you measure the soap for the new HE designation on the washers? Since I figured out my problem with the washer was using too much soap and throwing the machine into soap overload, I want to make sure I am not doing that again. I'm going to check out the links too for info.
Posted by: Debra Spincic | August 14, 2009 at 10:37 AM
ummm. . .so interesting. I may make laundry detergent just for the fun of doing it. Firt, I need to finish hand quilting a wall hanging which will be going to a small exhibit August 31. Then I can cut loose - and make hot pads, placemats, laundy detergent and maybe lotion. THAT lotion is really, really good and going quickly. The soaps are still too pretty to use - I have them on the vanity to enjoy!
Posted by: Becky in VA | August 14, 2009 at 02:06 PM
Love the new blog look. We deal with skin allergies here too, but so far All has worked for us too. Let us know how yours works, because I am always looking for fresh ideas....hehe....
Posted by: Vicky | August 14, 2009 at 02:58 PM
snap! i have just bought the ingredients to make laundry powder. and i found a few kilos of fat i 'lost' in the back of the fridge since my last soap making venture. guess what Im doing this weekend!
Posted by: Paula Hewitt | August 14, 2009 at 05:35 PM
Hope the soap works for you. I do OK as long as there are no dyes or perfumes. But the thing that really gets me are the dryer sheets, they're the worst!
Posted by: Ruth Lane | August 14, 2009 at 06:53 PM
hope this works out for you Vicki.
Posted by: sue b | August 15, 2009 at 06:30 AM
Goodness, I sure hope this helps your allergies. I will be interested to learn about the suds and the temperature needed. I have a front loader and also wash everything in cold water. If this works well in both those areas I know what I will be doing!!
I wanted to tell you how much I love your blog. I always find so much stuff of interest. Thank you!
Posted by: Diane | August 15, 2009 at 11:24 AM
My mother used to make soap too... It's a great idea if you have allergies
Posted by: Tany | August 16, 2009 at 07:12 AM
Well i am also allergic too but it depends on a soap. :)
vee
Posted by: dove philippines | December 03, 2009 at 02:32 AM