Laundry Detergent

springlakemi · **Laundry Detergent**

I have been trying to use "greener" items to clean around the house. Hard to get my hubby on board to trust this route. However, I have had no luck in finding "green" laundry detergent?? Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Heather

vioburn · 09-17-2007, 02:29 PM

Seventh Generation - The nation's leading brand of non-toxic and environmentally safe household products

Earth Friendly Products

Both of these are supposed to be pretty good. I currently use Melaleuca laundry soap, which is better for the environment, but I am wanting to try something greener.

Method also makes a laundry detergent. I think you can only buy it at Target, but I'm not sure. method : products

kellytime · 09-17-2007, 05:54 PM

There are a bunch of different recipes online to make your own. I haven't gotten out to purchase the "ingredients" so I can't say how well the homemade stuff works! It's on my long list of things to do....

Just google homemade laundry detergent (or soap) and see what comes up!

Rosemary · 09-17-2007, 10:14 PM

Yes, I'm one of those who make their own. I guess it's kind of a hobby, making cleaners, products, etc. Anyway, you can google a ton of recipes but I was not into making the liquid ones. I prefer the powdered ones anyway. The simpler the better in my humble opinion. All you need are three ingredients:

Fels Naptha Laundry bar soap (100 year old recipe, they still sell it) I asked a good old country drugstore and they ordered it for me and then Publix did the same and now they carry it. Some grocery stores carry it already (in the laundry aisle). It is also good for treating poision ivy.

20 Mule Team Borax (I find in my walmart)

Arm & Hammer WASHING soda (not baking) completely different... Publix did the same for me in ordering this too. It's in a big yellow box just like baking soda.

Anyway, grate 6 bars of the Fels Naptha soap (I use a $2 food processor found at a garage sale. Get it as fine as you can. Add 3 cups each of Borax and Washing Soda. I only have to use 3 tablespoons for a super large load of sheets, towels, etc. 1T or 2T for small to medium loads. It doesn't suds b/c no SLS etc. I try to run warm to hot water at first to help it dissolve, however, it seems to do well in cold too. I've been doing this for about 4 months now and I love it. It is VERY cheap as a bonus. The Fels Naptha will tickle your nose a bit as you grate it though so watch out for that.

The last ingredient is plain 'ol vinegar to put in your liquid fabric softener dispenser. Nothing else needed.....

I also have two rowdy little boys and it keeps our clothes clean and smelling fresh. I'm still working on my stain removers for my munchkins. Still not perfected.

Hope everyone has a great night!!

mommaof31isdsd · 09-17-2007, 11:09 PM

Do the home made dets. work for frontloaders??

TIA

springlakemi · 09-18-2007, 05:56 AM

Rosemary
Thanks so much! I will have to see if I can find these items at Meijer/Walmart. I am exctied to try this.

Heather

Rosemary · 09-18-2007, 09:19 AM

You are so very welcome!!

As far as it working for front loaders, I don't see why not b/c it's the same powder consistency as other commercial laundry detergents.

Have a fabulous day!

crazylady · 09-18-2007, 09:35 AM

Shaklee makes laundry detergent for front loaders. Go on to Shaklee.net for more info. (Am I allowed to give another website info.?(Sorry if that is the case)

springlakemi · 09-18-2007, 12:07 PM

Rosemary

Me again!

I could not find Fels Naptha Laundry bar soap - I found some on line for just under $2/bar - is that about what you pay?

Also - about how much does the Arm & Hammer cost?

I am just trying to cost it out.
Thanks again!!

Rosemary · 09-18-2007, 08:20 PM

Springlakemi,

Hi there! I pay .99 at Publix per bar. When I first found it, I paid $1.15 at the little country drug store. Before you pay double, call around to your grocery stores and drugstores. Even if they don't carry it, they might could special order it for you. I called several places before I found someone that would order it.

The Arm & Hammer washing soda is just under $2.50 per box. I had to call around for this one too. Good luck - let me know how it works and if you can find it. Take care!!