So I've been using my own laundry soap for about 2 months now. I thought I'd share since I can say that I actually have measurable success with my recipe. In other words, my whites have returned to white.
2 1/2 Cups Laundry Boost (Borax)
1/4 Cup Oxyclean
1/4 Cup Soda Ash
1 bar (finely) grated fels naptha
Combine all ingredients...it will be lumpy from the grated bar soap. My photo doesn't have the fels folded in yet, I'll give it a stir before I use it.
Use 1 large rounded Tablespoon per large load.
I think the Fels Naptha soap is critical to the recipe. I've tried other homemade laundry soaps and the absence of Fels is noteworthy. The others just couldn't seem to get rid of the normal oil or dingy transfer from skin to fiber. Besides, Fels just smells really, really clean. Gusty thinks so too. She couldn't keep her nose out of my wooden laundry scoop because it smelled so good. goof ball.
Fels Naptha is a bar soap, on the shelf in the laundry section. It comes in an unassuming white paper package. Soda ash is the same thing as 'Ph Boost' from the swimming pool section. Yes, I have it hanging around the house because I'm an avid fiber dyer. I don't have a lot of soda ash in my recipe only because I don't like to handle it much. It clouds when it's poured and I just don't want to be inhaling the stuff. I haven't dabbled to see if the recipe even needs the soda ash....it seems to be a staple in all other recipes I've come across on the google so I've retained it, just reduced the volume.
My final tip is to use a newer sharp grater....or move slow and steady. The bar is hard and slippery and it can get away from you. My thumb took a grater injury on the first batch and well, ick. lol.
this looks fun katie! i think i'll try your recipe :)
how are the chickens?
Posted by: joyce | April 18, 2008 at 08:38 PM
lol. No chickens yet, Monday!!
Posted by: wool food mama | April 19, 2008 at 11:32 AM