Cutting the toxins

[Johnny-Max]

with 24 bars, the queen could make 72 batches, and one batch lasts about 7 months, so with 24 bars she would have laundry soap for 42 years 
FYI she uses 1/3 bar for a batch

[jakematic]

so with 24 bars she would have laundry soap for 42 years 
FYI she uses 1/3 bar for a batch

 

I had this mental picture of the two of you in your 90's grating soap in a rocking chair.

We've used 7 bars in 4 years, and still have an un-opened case.

Maybe I don't need to restock any time soon 

[Hanzel]

A tip on the Fels Naptha:
I unwrap a bar and keep it in each closet.
That way the closets smells nice and the bar dries out making it easier to grate.
They get replaced with a freshly unwrapped one each time laundry soap is made.

I did that yesterday before I left.  Closet was getting a little rank.  I was thinking moth balls but your idea may be better

[fritz_monroe]

I needed some grease to re-grease the bearings in the camper.  So I stopped by Walmart.  Just for kicks, I went by the laundry aisle.  They had all the ingredients right on the middle shelf of the aisle.  I picked up a box of borax, a box of washing powder and 4 bars of Fels Naptha. 

BTW, the soap was $.97 each, now that I know the price online, I think I'll pick up a couple more bars next time I'm in there.  There has to be another use for them.

So you folks use Lehman's recipe?  I'll likely make this some time this week.  Laundry gets started on Friday.

1/3 bar Fels-Naptha soap, grated
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax

I'm thinking that I'll put this into used laundry detergent bottles so all we have to do is shake it up.  I want to make this as easy on my wife as possible.  If it is just like using the regular detergent, there's no reason not to do it. 

[jakematic]

So you folks use Lehman's recipe?  I'll likely make this some time this week.  Laundry gets started on Friday.

1/3 bar Fels-Naptha soap, grated
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax

I'm thinking that I'll put this into used laundry detergent bottles so all we have to do is shake it up.  I want to make this as easy on my wife as possible.  If it is just like using the regular detergent, there's no reason not to do it. 

I've simplified it to:
1 bar Fels-Naptha
1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax

We double that recipe and it fits nicely in those plastic coffee cans with the handle.
I usually mix it up first in a casserole pan with a spoon, then put in the coffee can and shake it up some.
Those little spoons that come in MiracleGrow and drink mix containers work well, so we leave one in with the soap.

Have had great luck with the dry and have no plans to make the liquid again.
Just remember to put the powder in before the clothes for best results.

[Johnny-Max]

The Queen finally used it in the dishwasher and was happy with the results, the dishes were clean 

[mymoo]

Ooo, I'm trying this!!  I use Zote instead of Fels Naphta.  I can get it at Walmart for under a buck.  I also make a triple batch at a time. 

[Ggirl]

I loke the dry too!!  Much better results and easier than the liquid.  I used 2 bars Fels Naptha 1 box each washing soda and borax... Hmmm maybe I need to up the soap!!

[fritz_monroe]

I made a batch of the laundry soap last night.  My wife will give it a try tomorrow.  I used 1/2 bar of soap because it's easier to cut it in half rather than in 1/3.

[jakematic]

I made a batch of the laundry soap last night.  My wife will give it a try tomorrow.  I used 1/2 bar of soap because it's easier to cut it in half rather than in 1/3.

Once the washer has been going for a couple minutes, take a peek at the water - you will be amazed.
Remember though it does not "suds".

[Ggirl]

Yep, it's amazing how 2 to 3 tablespoons can clean old nasty stinky work clothes, that are covered in dirt and grime!!

[jakematic]

The only problem is I have to clean the washer more often !

Next place we're gonna have 2 washing machines - one for work filth and one for good clothes 

Maybe I haven't been using enough soap though.
Only been putting in 1 tsp.
Partly because it seems to work, partly because I'm so cheap frugal.

Although.... the vinegar doesn't get put in as a fabric softener sometimes, that might help clean the machine too.

[fritz_monroe]

Wait.  Vinegar as a fabric softener???

[Hanzel]

Wait.  Vinegar as a fabric softener???

I have heard people do it, but I have never tried it.

[jakematic]

1/4 cup white vinegar in the rinse cycle works just as well or better than those stinky commercial ones.

We use it in the winter, mostly for the towels, but it works great on everything else too.

I got a boatload of microfiber cleaning towels on closeout and it doesn't bother them either - 'regular' softener will ruin them.