* It's specially concocted with cloth diapers in mind. (There aren't any additives that build up in the cotton making it less absorbent.)
* It's really fast to make. (You can make a batch in about 5 minutes. I tried a recipe that you have to cook and nearly lost my mind.)
* It cleans well. (My youngest daughter enjoys mud quite a bit, so this is well tested)
* You only use 1/8c. per load so it goes a long way.
* And though I was just complaining about this earlier, I like that it doesn't have any odor. (I'm kind of a weenie when it comes to smells.)
Drawbacks - Some of the ingredients are a little hard to find, and the upfront cost didn't seem like much of a deal. (You have to make several batches before the savings add up.)
Homemade Powdered Detergent
1 55 oz. box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
1/2 cup Mule Team Borax
2 Cups Oxygen Cleaner (I use a generic brand)
1/2 cup Simple Green (found in the automotive department)
1/2 cup Calgon Water Softening Powder (if you can’t find it as a powder, use 1/4 c. of the liquid and add one box of baking soda, or add a tiny bit to each load)
1/2 cup Mule Team Borax
2 Cups Oxygen Cleaner (I use a generic brand)
1/2 cup Simple Green (found in the automotive department)
1/2 cup Calgon Water Softening Powder (if you can’t find it as a powder, use 1/4 c. of the liquid and add one box of baking soda, or add a tiny bit to each load)
I also add white vinegar to my laundry as a fabric softener. (Don't worry it doesn't make your clothes smell like vinegar.)
So there you have it. If any of you have any other recipes that you have tried and like. I would love to hear them. I hope to post soon about the "others" in my Homemade Cleaning Arsenal.
Thanks! I've been looking for washing soda at my grocery store - with no success. I may need to check another store. Your recipe calls for different ingredients then I've seen in other recipes.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this is mud tested because I seem to deal with that a lot!
Gina
Deep Breath ... for me, I mean. Argh, there's something in me that WANTS to attempt to make and use homemade cleaners. But, there's also this part of me that would RATHER just buy what I already know. I need to take the plunge and try something different, I know!
ReplyDeleteYou can make your own washing soda by baking baking soda in the oven at 400' for 45 to 60 minutes. Hope this helps, Baking soda also cost less than washing soda.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea. I love anything I can do at home to make things cheaper. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete