Money
saved is spent on things I truly enjoy, like vacations, time with
friends and family, photography, hobbies, not laundry. Laundry is one
of those chores I can do super fast because I fold quickly, my
appliances are HE, and until my aunt gave me one last month, I did
not own an iron. (The iron by the way, is not for clothes, but for
crafts.) When I considered all the money I was spending on detergent,
I thought why?I have never found a detergent I really loved.
Recently making the switch to vinegar for laundry softener I was
already convinced there might be something to the homemade/Pinterest
way of Laundry Frugality. Looking for one for
sensitive skin and for HE machines I came across so many cocktails,
my head was spinning.
Making
my own revision and crossing some fingers, I came up with a mix that
works.
Eventually,
I made my own washing soda from a recipe, as I had a large baking
soda bag from Sam's Club already. All these items can easily be found at your nearest WalMart,
Target, Amazon.com, or Sam's Club (if you want to buy with a friend
or have 9 kids). Don't worry, I did convert for those of you who don't buy in bulk like I do. I spent less than $15 on my first batch back in January, it is now May and I have even given some away to my sister
and mom to see how it would work on a regular unit. Success! My
nephew and niece's sensitive skin did not break out and my family
asked for the recipe also. Coming from this seborrheic (sensitive
skin) and asthmatic, the detergent does not bother me at all. From the chick who loves to save money, I will NEVER buy
detergent again. Having at least a few more months left, I have
never had cleaner clothes, with less color wear, and better grease
fighting than with my mix.
Sensitive
Skin Laundry Detergent in Bulk
8
1/3 c baking soda (4lb box)
5.5
c washing soda (3lb 7oz box)
3
bars fels-naptha
1
box borax (4lb 12oz box)
Directions:
Shave
the Fels-Naptha (I used my salad shooter)
In
a large bag or container mix all ingredients (I used a ziploc
storage bag)
Store
in an air tight environment (Washing soda becomes baking soda when
exposed to moisture)
1tbs
for HE machine, 2tbs for regular washer
Sit
back, and count your dollars because you just saved money
before mixing
all shook up
I know some people cannot tolerate Fels-Naptha or the borax, but in this large mix, it was so reminiscent of my childhood and I tolerate it very well. For my essential oil lovers, I have read many posts of people who add oils into their detergent. Let me know how it goes for you.
**UPDATE**
Considering it has been over 3.5 years since I updated this blog, I figured I would let you know about my changes.
I now use 1 package of Oxyclean in my mix as I am married and my husband is rough on his clothes. I find myself with the same clothes I had when I made this original post (3 years ago)! Maybe I do need a wardrobe redo, but they are in great shape and I mentioned, I am cheap on some things. I also now mix in a 5lb bucket. It is so much easier to roll that thing around and have a good mix. My fabric softener is a Downy ball with vinegar in it- you cannot smell the vinegar and the clothes are softer with no residue!
Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent in Bulk
8 1/3 c baking soda (4lb box)
5.5 c washing soda (3lb 7oz box)
3 bars fels-naptha
1 box borax (4lb 12oz box)
1 3lb box of OxyClean (5.25 cups)
Directions:
Shave the Fels-Naptha (I used my salad shooter)
In a large bag or container mix all ingredients (I use a 5lb bucket)
Store in an air tight environment (Washing soda becomes baking soda when exposed to moisture)
1tbs for HE machine, 2tbs for regular washer
Downy ball with Vinegar for softener (no residue, no smell, better softness)
