Laundry detergent - spinoff

DillsMommy wrote: I bought some laundry detergent the other day at Wal-mart and EVERY bottle in every brand was the small "2x concentrate" bottles. I hate buying those, I feel like I'm getting ripped off since they are so much smaller. AND they are at least $2 more expensive! I think I paid close to $9 for a bottle of All.

mckayleesmom replied: OMG....I SOOOOOOO hate those little bottles with a passion. I want my big bottle thank you. Just doesn't seem natural.


I also hate that the detergent bottles...even the "normal" size ones are getting smaller and smaller each month and the price is going up.

Is anyone else noticing that on some bottles they are starting not to put how many loads it will actually do????

mommy~to~a~bunch replied: I make my own, and it only costs a load. It works great too!

msoulz replied:
Well don't leave us in suspense, give up the recipe!!

Please?

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
This is the recipe I use:

http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/laundrysoap.htm

I have a HE front loader washer, and I haven't had any problems at all with it .

gr33n3y3z replied:
Yes and its just not only the detergent its almost everything you buy

My3LilMonkeys replied:
I've tried that and can second that it works great and is VERY cheap to make! Unfortunately, it gave Madison a rash (I thought it would have the opposite effect since it's more natural but her skin is crazy) so I had to go back to paying $6 a bottle.

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
Try it without the borax, or cut the amount you put in in half or quarter.

mckayleesmom replied: Thanks Mollie....I think I might just give this a try after payday.

DillsMommy replied: Mollie, does it smell good? I really want to try and make my own, but I usually buy detergent based on what it smells like. Do you make your own fabric softener too? Just curious.

I just noticed I spelled laundry wrong in the title. If someone wants to fix it--feel free.

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
You can add your own scents by adding essential oils, and there's LOTS of great smelling ones! Lavender is one of my favorites!

You can use plain white vinegar for fabric softener. I don't use anything for fabric softener usually.

lesliesmom replied: When I was in my Kroger the other day I noticed a sign in the laundry detergent aisle saying, basically, that to save on space and "waste" (assuming plastic bottles) they would only be carrying the smaller 2x detergents now. I think I'll try the homemade version. I'm almost out... I have one bottle of 2x detergent DH got on clearance of $2 so once that's gone I'm gonna make my own...

mckayleesmom replied:
Is there a certain oil to buy? Im afraid to use oil because it might stain clothes....what kind do you look for?

Im a smell girl here too.

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
No particular kind; they are VERY concentrated, so you only use a few drops for the entire batch. On the link it says 1/2-1 oz., but that's like an entire bottle of eassential oil!

You might have to go to a natural health food store to find some though.

msoulz replied: Thank you Mollie!

Where do you all find the ingredients? Are they in the grocery stores or do you have to go online?

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
I get mine at my grocery store. The Fels Naptha soap (in my store anyway) is by the other bar soap, and the borax (20 Mule Team brand) and WASHING soda - not baking soda (Arm & Hammer brand) - are in the laundry isle.

The essential oils (if you want to use them) are found in health food stores.

Calimama replied: Ooo making my own kinda sounds cool! TFS!