A few years ago we discussed home made laundry detergent and since then
I have been experimenting with various recipes and mixtures and finally
I have found one combination that I feel works really well.

1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup Borax
1/2 cup Oxi-clean
1/2 cup Dawn Dish Detergent
1 Gallon water.

Heat 4 cups of water to a boil and put in a one gallon container. Add
the dry ingredients and mix/shake until dissolved. Then add the Dawn
detergent and mix... you really don't want to shake and make a lot of suds.

Fill the rest of the container with lukewarm water and mix.

Use 1/2 cup of this mixture for a large load.

Using some rough math, I figure the cost-per-load to be around 4.5 cents

I also made a dry version of this but the prep involved a lot of time
blending the ingredients in the food processor and making a limited
amount each time. With this liquid method, I make 2 gallons each time
and it is very quick and easy to make and store.

George L

On 9/16/2013 10:09 AM, George Leppla wrote:
> A few years ago we discussed home made laundry detergent and since then
> I have been experimenting with various recipes and mixtures and finally
> I have found one combination that I feel works really well.
>
> 1/2 cup washing soda
> 1/2 cup Borax
> 1/2 cup Oxi-clean
> 1/2 cup Dawn Dish Detergent
> 1 Gallon water.
>
> Heat 4 cups of water to a boil and put in a one gallon container. Add
> the dry ingredients and mix/shake until dissolved. Then add the Dawn
> detergent and mix... you really don't want to shake and make a lot of suds.
>
> Fill the rest of the container with lukewarm water and mix.
>
> Use 1/2 cup of this mixture for a large load.
>
> Using some rough math, I figure the cost-per-load to be around 4.5 cents

From what I know of prices of commercial products, that would save our
household about $20 a year. A one gallon batch would do 32 loads of
laundry so I'd have to make about six batches a year. I'll put it in
the same category as making your own peanut butter. Interesting and
maybe fun for a batch to try.

On 9/16/2013 9:54 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> From what I know of prices of commercial products, that would save our
> household about $20 a year. A one gallon batch would do 32 loads of
> laundry so I'd have to make about six batches a year. I'll put it in
> the same category as making your own peanut butter. Interesting and
> maybe fun for a batch to try.


Agreed. This isn't going to make a big change in anyone's financial
situation (unless you have a zillion kids and do lots and lots of
laundry) but I like the idea of doing some things myself.

Still, you do enough little things and after a while, they add up.

George L

In article >,
says...
>
> On 9/16/2013 9:54 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> > From what I know of prices of commercial products, that would save our
> > household about $20 a year. A one gallon batch would do 32 loads of
> > laundry so I'd have to make about six batches a year. I'll put it in
> > the same category as making your own peanut butter. Interesting and
> > maybe fun for a batch to try.
>
>
> Agreed. This isn't going to make a big change in anyone's financial
> situation (unless you have a zillion kids and do lots and lots of
> laundry) but I like the idea of doing some things myself.
>
> Still, you do enough little things and after a while, they add up.
>
> George L

If (guess) you are 58, by the time your average lifespan terminates at
78 you'll have saved a mighty $400 dollars which won't even add up to
half a shroud.

http://www.afinefarewell.com/faqs.html

Janet UK

George Leppla wrote:
> On 9/16/2013 9:54 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>> From what I know of prices of commercial products, that would save
>> our household about $20 a year. A one gallon batch would do 32 loads
>> of laundry so I'd have to make about six batches a year. I'll put
>> it in the same category as making your own peanut butter. Interesting
>> and maybe fun for a batch to try.
>
>
> Agreed. This isn't going to make a big change in anyone's financial
> situation (unless you have a zillion kids and do lots and lots of
> laundry) but I like the idea of doing some things myself.
>
> Still, you do enough little things and after a while, they add up.
>
> George L

My reasoning would be if it worked better. My homemade nut butter
tastes 1000 times better than store-bought peanut butter - I make it
because I like it better, not to save money or just to DIY. If I could
buy it the way I make it, I probably would.

-S-

On 9/16/2013 10:40 AM, Janet wrote:
> In article >,

>> Still, you do enough little things and after a while, they add up.
>>
>> George L
>
> If (guess) you are 58, by the time your average lifespan terminates at
> 78 you'll have saved a mighty $400 dollars which won't even add up to
> half a shroud.


Yeah, but if I do ten things like this, that would be $4000... more than
enough money for Becca to throw a heck of a wake when I kick the bucket!

PS - I am 63 so for your example to work, I'll have to live to be 83.
Thanks for the extra 5 years!

George L

On Mon, 16 Sep 2013 09:09:13 -0500, George Leppla
> wrote:

>A few years ago we discussed home made laundry detergent and since then
>I have been experimenting with various recipes and mixtures and finally
>I have found one combination that I feel works really well.
>
>1/2 cup washing soda
>1/2 cup Borax
>1/2 cup Oxi-clean
>1/2 cup Dawn Dish Detergent
>1 Gallon water.
>
>Heat 4 cups of water to a boil and put in a one gallon container. Add
>the dry ingredients and mix/shake until dissolved. Then add the Dawn
>detergent and mix... you really don't want to shake and make a lot of suds.
>
>Fill the rest of the container with lukewarm water and mix.
>
>Use 1/2 cup of this mixture for a large load.
>
>Using some rough math, I figure the cost-per-load to be around 4.5 cents
>
>I also made a dry version of this but the prep involved a lot of time
>blending the ingredients in the food processor and making a limited
>amount each time. With this liquid method, I make 2 gallons each time
>and it is very quick and easy to make and store.

I don't know that it's worth the trouble and I seriously doubt there's
any monetary savings... there are pretty low prices on laundry
detergents at the big box stores... and I have a water softener so I
use less than half the recommended amount of laundry detergent, and
all other cleaning products... soft water makes a huge difference, I
never need to scrub mineral deposits nor does my plumbing suffer
clogged arteries. If you want to save big money on cleaning products,
etc., install a water softener.

On 9/16/2013 10:14 AM, Sqwertz wrote:

> I don't see that having the cleaning power of a store-bought
> detergent. Commercial detergents would have much more of those same
> ingredients per gallon.


I wondered about that with almost every recipe I tried. Did some very
rudimentary research and found that most liquid commercial laundry
detergent is 85% to 95% water and "inert ingredients"). I'm thinking
that the same holds true for the stuff I make.

Bottom line is that for whatever reason, this recipe seems to work (got
much better results after adding the Oxi-clean)... but as always, YMMV.

George L

"George Leppla" > wrote in message
...
> On 9/16/2013 9:54 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>> From what I know of prices of commercial products, that would save our
>> household about $20 a year. A one gallon batch would do 32 loads of
>> laundry so I'd have to make about six batches a year. I'll put it in
>> the same category as making your own peanut butter. Interesting and
>> maybe fun for a batch to try.
>
>
> Agreed. This isn't going to make a big change in anyone's financial
> situation (unless you have a zillion kids and do lots and lots of laundry)
> but I like the idea of doing some things myself.
>
> Still, you do enough little things and after a while, they add up.

Well done)) I am all for self sufficiency where possible)


--
--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On Mon, 16 Sep 2013 10:14:01 -0500, Sqwertz wrote:

> I don't see that having the cleaning power of a store-bought
> detergent.

Cuz you bathe in mayo...

On Mon, 16 Sep 2013 17:28:02 +0100, "Ophelia"
> wrote:

>
>
>"George Leppla" > wrote in message
...
>> On 9/16/2013 9:54 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>> From what I know of prices of commercial products, that would save our
>>> household about $20 a year. A one gallon batch would do 32 loads of
>>> laundry so I'd have to make about six batches a year. I'll put it in
>>> the same category as making your own peanut butter. Interesting and
>>> maybe fun for a batch to try.
>>
>>
>> Agreed. This isn't going to make a big change in anyone's financial
>> situation (unless you have a zillion kids and do lots and lots of laundry)
>> but I like the idea of doing some things myself.
>>
>> Still, you do enough little things and after a while, they add up.
>
>Well done)) I am all for self sufficiency where possible)

Yeah, well... you're butterscotch! hehe

"Brooklyn1" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 16 Sep 2013 17:28:02 +0100, "Ophelia"
> > wrote:
>
>>
>>
>>"George Leppla" > wrote in message
...
>>> On 9/16/2013 9:54 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>>> From what I know of prices of commercial products, that would save
>>>> our
>>>> household about $20 a year. A one gallon batch would do 32 loads of
>>>> laundry so I'd have to make about six batches a year. I'll put it in
>>>> the same category as making your own peanut butter. Interesting and
>>>> maybe fun for a batch to try.
>>>
>>>
>>> Agreed. This isn't going to make a big change in anyone's financial
>>> situation (unless you have a zillion kids and do lots and lots of
>>> laundry)
>>> but I like the idea of doing some things myself.
>>>
>>> Still, you do enough little things and after a while, they add up.
>>
>>Well done)) I am all for self sufficiency where possible)
>
> Yeah, well... you're butterscotch! hehe



--
--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

"Steve Freides" wrote
> George Leppla wrote:
>> Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>>
>>> From what I know of prices of commercial products, that would save
>>> our household about $20 a year. A one gallon batch would do 32 loads
>>> of laundry so I'd have to make about six batches a year. I'll put
>>> it in the same category as making your own peanut butter. Interesting
>>> and maybe fun for a batch to try.
>>
>> Agreed. This isn't going to make a big change in anyone's financial
>> situation (unless you have a zillion kids and do lots and lots of
>> laundry) but I like the idea of doing some things myself.
>> Still, you do enough little things and after a while, they add up.
>
>My reasoning would be if it worked better. My homemade nut butter
>tastes 1000 times better than store-bought peanut butter - I make it
>because I like it better, not to save money or just to DIY. If I could
>buy it the way I make it, I probably would.

True, it's not really analogous... and good roasted peanuts actually
cost more than commercial PB... I buy in-shell unsalted roasted
peanuts that are excellent, they still end up costing about $1.75/lb,
theres the shells and some are immature/burned, it's a natural crop.

I buy 5# bags at Sam's Club for $6... this brand:
http://www.hamptonfarms.com/
I notice they now sell Spanish peanuts, gotta try them:
http://www.hamptonfarms.com/shop/valencia-peanuts-2/
I buy in-shell peanuts mostly to feed the birds but sometimes I get
the urge.

If I wanted to save on laundry detergent I would rather buy one of
those cheapo off-name brands before attempting to make my own. Anyway
I don't believe that concoction works as well let alone better than
the big name national brands like from Colgate Palmolive or Procter
and Gamble, they put tons of research into their products, I know that
they work well, and they aren't much more expensive than the off-name
brands, and I save even more by buying in large sizes. I buy lots of
products that don't have an expiration date in bulk sizes... I've
plenty of storage space. I'm not worried about the price of laundry
detergent, I do like two loads a week, I never consider the price of
laundry detergent, I honestly couldn't say what I paid for Tide liquid
in a 200 ounce jug and Fab powder in a 20 lb box... I use both... hot
water and electric to run the washer and dryer cost more. People who
are concerned about saving pennies on laundry detergent probably
change clothes less often. LOL

"Brooklyn1" > wrote in message
...
> "Steve Freides" wrote
>> George Leppla wrote:
>>> Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>>>
>>>> From what I know of prices of commercial products, that would save
>>>> our household about $20 a year. A one gallon batch would do 32 loads
>>>> of laundry so I'd have to make about six batches a year. I'll put
>>>> it in the same category as making your own peanut butter. Interesting
>>>> and maybe fun for a batch to try.
>>>
>>> Agreed. This isn't going to make a big change in anyone's financial
>>> situation (unless you have a zillion kids and do lots and lots of
>>> laundry) but I like the idea of doing some things myself.
>>> Still, you do enough little things and after a while, they add up.
>>
>>My reasoning would be if it worked better. My homemade nut butter
>>tastes 1000 times better than store-bought peanut butter - I make it
>>because I like it better, not to save money or just to DIY. If I could
>>buy it the way I make it, I probably would.
>
> True, it's not really analogous... and good roasted peanuts actually
> cost more than commercial PB... I buy in-shell unsalted roasted
> peanuts that are excellent, they still end up costing about $1.75/lb,
> theres the shells and some are immature/burned, it's a natural crop.
>
> I buy 5# bags at Sam's Club for $6... this brand:
> http://www.hamptonfarms.com/
> I notice they now sell Spanish peanuts, gotta try them:
> http://www.hamptonfarms.com/shop/valencia-peanuts-2/
> I buy in-shell peanuts mostly to feed the birds but sometimes I get
> the urge.
>
> If I wanted to save on laundry detergent I would rather buy one of
> those cheapo off-name brands before attempting to make my own. Anyway
> I don't believe that concoction works as well let alone better than
> the big name national brands like from Colgate Palmolive or Procter
> and Gamble, they put tons of research into their products, I know that
> they work well, and they aren't much more expensive than the off-name
> brands, and I save even more by buying in large sizes. I buy lots of
> products that don't have an expiration date in bulk sizes... I've
> plenty of storage space. I'm not worried about the price of laundry
> detergent, I do like two loads a week, I never consider the price of
> laundry detergent, I honestly couldn't say what I paid for Tide liquid
> in a 200 ounce jug and Fab powder in a 20 lb box... I use both... hot
> water and electric to run the washer and dryer cost more. People who
> are concerned about saving pennies on laundry detergent probably
> change clothes less often. LOL

I just buy the Method. 4 squirts per load. Works very well and I can get
it on sale and with coupons. That's when I stock up. I usually buy the
larger size which is really pretty small. The small is the part I like. I
have the HE washer and aren't supposed to leave the detergent on the top.
That's what I had to do with my my old, bigger jugs. And yes, I can't
believe that I just said that to you of all people.

My mom gets the Ecos from Costco and a giant jug of that doesn't cost a lot
more than the Method but I hate manhandling the things! She no longer has a
membership so I buy it for her. I'd much rather have the cute little
dispenser that uses 4 squirts than to try to manhandle that big thing around
and try to measure it out. I got a slimline laundry cart and it holds my
detergent, spot remover and Unstopables. Just slides in by the dryer.
Those big jugs were forever in the way no matter where we put them. Then
once, somebody left the lid off and it got kicked over. If that wasn't a
mess to clean up!

Another issue for me is the scent. I like a nice scent to my detergent and
I just don't think you could get that with homemade. Yes, you could
probably add scent but scent isn't cheap! And I don't believe for an
instant that it works as well as all my chemicals. Remember all the stuff
that our grandmothers had to use when they did the laundry? Bluing and
stuff? No need with today's detergents.

"Kalmia" > wrote in message
...
>
> Let's all remember that some people can't tolerate the effect of deterj on
> their skin. And try to find good ol' Fels powdered SOAP or Ivory Snow? I
> haven't seen a laundry SOAP in the markets for ages.

---

I know two people who swear by Tide. But they also say it is harsh on their
skin. So they run their laundry through a second rinse every time. Makes
no sense to me. Just find something that isn't hard on your skin!

On 9/16/2013 4:09 AM, George Leppla wrote:
> A few years ago we discussed home made laundry detergent and since then
> I have been experimenting with various recipes and mixtures and finally
> I have found one combination that I feel works really well.
>
> 1/2 cup washing soda
> 1/2 cup Borax
> 1/2 cup Oxi-clean
> 1/2 cup Dawn Dish Detergent
> 1 Gallon water.
>
> Heat 4 cups of water to a boil and put in a one gallon container. Add
> the dry ingredients and mix/shake until dissolved. Then add the Dawn
> detergent and mix... you really don't want to shake and make a lot of suds.
>
> Fill the rest of the container with lukewarm water and mix.
>
> Use 1/2 cup of this mixture for a large load.
>
> Using some rough math, I figure the cost-per-load to be around 4.5 cents
>
> I also made a dry version of this but the prep involved a lot of time
> blending the ingredients in the food processor and making a limited
> amount each time. With this liquid method, I make 2 gallons each time
> and it is very quick and easy to make and store.
>
> George L
>
It looks good except for the Dawn. That might make it too sudsy for
front loaders. You also forgot to add some TSP in the mix.

"dsi1" > wrote in message
...
> On 9/16/2013 4:09 AM, George Leppla wrote:
>> A few years ago we discussed home made laundry detergent and since then
>> I have been experimenting with various recipes and mixtures and finally
>> I have found one combination that I feel works really well.
>>
>> 1/2 cup washing soda
>> 1/2 cup Borax
>> 1/2 cup Oxi-clean
>> 1/2 cup Dawn Dish Detergent
>> 1 Gallon water.
>>
>> Heat 4 cups of water to a boil and put in a one gallon container. Add
>> the dry ingredients and mix/shake until dissolved. Then add the Dawn
>> detergent and mix... you really don't want to shake and make a lot of
>> suds.
>>
>> Fill the rest of the container with lukewarm water and mix.
>>
>> Use 1/2 cup of this mixture for a large load.
>>
>> Using some rough math, I figure the cost-per-load to be around 4.5 cents
>>
>> I also made a dry version of this but the prep involved a lot of time
>> blending the ingredients in the food processor and making a limited
>> amount each time. With this liquid method, I make 2 gallons each time
>> and it is very quick and easy to make and store.
>>
>> George L
>>
> It looks good except for the Dawn. That might make it too sudsy for front
> loaders. You also forgot to add some TSP in the mix.

TSP?

--
--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

"Ophelia" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> "dsi1" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 9/16/2013 4:09 AM, George Leppla wrote:
>>> A few years ago we discussed home made laundry detergent and since then
>>> I have been experimenting with various recipes and mixtures and finally
>>> I have found one combination that I feel works really well.
>>>
>>> 1/2 cup washing soda
>>> 1/2 cup Borax
>>> 1/2 cup Oxi-clean
>>> 1/2 cup Dawn Dish Detergent
>>> 1 Gallon water.
>>>
>>> Heat 4 cups of water to a boil and put in a one gallon container. Add
>>> the dry ingredients and mix/shake until dissolved. Then add the Dawn
>>> detergent and mix... you really don't want to shake and make a lot of
>>> suds.
>>>
>>> Fill the rest of the container with lukewarm water and mix.
>>>
>>> Use 1/2 cup of this mixture for a large load.
>>>
>>> Using some rough math, I figure the cost-per-load to be around 4.5 cents
>>>
>>> I also made a dry version of this but the prep involved a lot of time
>>> blending the ingredients in the food processor and making a limited
>>> amount each time. With this liquid method, I make 2 gallons each time
>>> and it is very quick and easy to make and store.
>>>
>>> George L
>>>
>> It looks good except for the Dawn. That might make it too sudsy for front
>> loaders. You also forgot to add some TSP in the mix.
>
> TSP?

Tri Sodium Phosphate. Used for cleaning walls prior to painting and other
things.

"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Ophelia" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>>
>> "dsi1" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On 9/16/2013 4:09 AM, George Leppla wrote:
>>>> A few years ago we discussed home made laundry detergent and since then
>>>> I have been experimenting with various recipes and mixtures and finally
>>>> I have found one combination that I feel works really well.
>>>>
>>>> 1/2 cup washing soda
>>>> 1/2 cup Borax
>>>> 1/2 cup Oxi-clean
>>>> 1/2 cup Dawn Dish Detergent
>>>> 1 Gallon water.
>>>>
>>>> Heat 4 cups of water to a boil and put in a one gallon container. Add
>>>> the dry ingredients and mix/shake until dissolved. Then add the Dawn
>>>> detergent and mix... you really don't want to shake and make a lot of
>>>> suds.
>>>>
>>>> Fill the rest of the container with lukewarm water and mix.
>>>>
>>>> Use 1/2 cup of this mixture for a large load.
>>>>
>>>> Using some rough math, I figure the cost-per-load to be around 4.5
>>>> cents
>>>>
>>>> I also made a dry version of this but the prep involved a lot of time
>>>> blending the ingredients in the food processor and making a limited
>>>> amount each time. With this liquid method, I make 2 gallons each time
>>>> and it is very quick and easy to make and store.
>>>>
>>>> George L
>>>>
>>> It looks good except for the Dawn. That might make it too sudsy for
>>> front
>>> loaders. You also forgot to add some TSP in the mix.
>>
>> TSP?
>
> Tri Sodium Phosphate. Used for cleaning walls prior to painting and other
> things.

Blimey! Thanks.

--
--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On 9/18/2013 9:20 AM, Ophelia wrote:

> We only get a telegram from the Queen for 100th birthday. Hmm we don't do
> telegrams any more so whatever the equivalent is.
>
I believe it's a card with a colour photo of the queen.
And I _think_ you also get one for subsequent birthdays - my uncle's
mother-in-law is 103 - I'll ask about that next time I see them.

"S Viemeister" > wrote in message
...
> On 9/18/2013 9:20 AM, Ophelia wrote:
>
>> We only get a telegram from the Queen for 100th birthday. Hmm we don't do
>> telegrams any more so whatever the equivalent is.
>>
> I believe it's a card with a colour photo of the queen.
> And I _think_ you also get one for subsequent birthdays - my uncle's
> mother-in-law is 103 - I'll ask about that next time I see them.

Yes, please do)

--
--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On 9/17/2013 10:31 PM, Ophelia wrote:
>
> TSP?
>
Tri-sodium phosphate is an effective cleaner that was used in most
laundry detergents in the US. The extensive use of TSP was blamed for
algae blooms in American waterways and phosphates were banned from
laundry detergents in the 90s. These days, the algae blooms might be as
big or bigger than ever and our clothes not as clean. My guess is that
your country has no restrictions on detergent phosphates and your
clothes are cleaner. I like clothes that are clean. :-)

S Viemeister wrote:
>
> On 9/18/2013 9:20 AM, Ophelia wrote:
>
> > We only get a telegram from the Queen for 100th birthday. Hmm we don't do
> > telegrams any more so whatever the equivalent is.
> >
> I believe it's a card with a colour photo of the queen.
> And I _think_ you also get one for subsequent birthdays - my uncle's
> mother-in-law is 103 - I'll ask about that next time I see them.

I assume you have to request those greetings in advance like here in
the US.
The three events here that I know about a
- wedding anniversaries 50 years or more
- birthdays age 60 and beyond
- newborn births

All need to be requested well in advance in order to get it on time.

G.

On 9/18/2013 1:32 PM, Ophelia wrote:
>
>
> "S Viemeister" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 9/18/2013 9:20 AM, Ophelia wrote:
>>
>>> We only get a telegram from the Queen for 100th birthday. Hmm we
>>> don't do
>>> telegrams any more so whatever the equivalent is.
>>>
>> I believe it's a card with a colour photo of the queen.
>> And I _think_ you also get one for subsequent birthdays - my uncle's
>> mother-in-law is 103 - I'll ask about that next time I see them.
>
> Yes, please do)
>
I spoke to my uncle this afternoon - he says his mother-in-law
had a card from the queen for her 100th, and will be getting
another next month for her 105th. He thinks that if you make
it past 105, you get one every year.

"S Viemeister" > wrote in message
...
> On 9/18/2013 1:32 PM, Ophelia wrote:
>>
>>
>> "S Viemeister" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On 9/18/2013 9:20 AM, Ophelia wrote:
>>>
>>>> We only get a telegram from the Queen for 100th birthday. Hmm we
>>>> don't do
>>>> telegrams any more so whatever the equivalent is.
>>>>
>>> I believe it's a card with a colour photo of the queen.
>>> And I _think_ you also get one for subsequent birthdays - my uncle's
>>> mother-in-law is 103 - I'll ask about that next time I see them.
>>
>> Yes, please do)
>>
> I spoke to my uncle this afternoon - he says his mother-in-law
> had a card from the queen for her 100th, and will be getting
> another next month for her 105th. He thinks that if you make
> it past 105, you get one every year.

Thanks, Sheila Let's hope we all live to see it

--
--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/