Turkey Tracks:  July 29, 2014

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Friend Bonnie Sinatro posted this “recipe” on Facebook the other day.

Hmmmm, I thought.  That’s really interesting.

And note that Bonnie used THE UNCOOKED version of the recipe–which I will also do.

Here’s a picture from the Budget101 web site listed below.

Budget101.com – – Moms Super Laundry Sauce | Whipped Laundry Soap | Make your own Laundry Detergent.

Basically, this laundry soap uses 3 ingredients and makes 1/2 gallon, for under $2 for each batch, and washes 128 loads with 1 Tablelspoon a load:

The Fels-Naptha soap gave me some pause, so I did a little research–especially after I bought it.  It does contain petroleum products, and there is one that is toxic.  But that’s the ingredient that helps dissolve grease.  And there are dyes and a really strong fragrance chemical smell.

I’d still say it’s worth a try.  Various users write that this mixture is good about removing stains.  And it’s really cheap.

If you want an environmental laundry option, try soap nuts.  I use them all the time.  they are the dried fruit of the Soapberry tree and are a natural cleaner (Sapindus mukorossi).  I find they work really well.  I use more of the nuts for dirtier clothes.  I do treat stains, especially grease stains, before washing.

Each batch of about six does about six loads of laundry.  And the little baggies come with the packet.  I’ve had this package for about 18 months now.

Here’s another non-toxic laundry product I keep on hand for dirtier loads:

It does about 100 loads for about $11.