I know you all talked about Zote soap, and I bought it. Now I need washing soda and assume I can find an Arm and Hammer brand in the laundry aisle? I also need Borax, I have 20 Mule Team on hand, is that what I need?
Thanks a lot.
freedombelle2001 from Oceanside, CA
20 Mule Team is the brand name for borax, that is good. Washing Soda is only put out by Arm and Hammer that I know of and is sold next to Borax in the laundry aisle (by bleach), but some stores do not carry it. You can call the Church and Dwight Company at 1-800-524-1328 M-F eastern time 9-5 or visit the website for Arm and Hammer. I am sure the Zote soap works great. I use the Pure and Natural by Dial because it was all I had on hand, and it hasn't caused adverse reactions to my delicates (clothes and babies).
In fact, with the soda and borax, you will be amazed how much cleaner your clothes come out without Spray N Wash. Some stains may still require a pre-treat/soak, which I just use borax or soda for, but remember only 2 Tablespoons for a large load, and one for medium. It really goes a long way. The only part I hate is grating, I timed myself at twenty minutes for 1 and 1/4 cup. (04/22/2006)
By Kelly
I have a child with multiple allergies, including contact dermatitis (eczema).
The best and most effective laundry detergent that I found was President's Choice (Canadian Store Brand) phosphate free, unscented. The perfumes in soaps can be very irritating to eczema.
To make sure that the soap is entirely gone, use plain white vinegar in the rinse cycle, just pretend that it is fabric softener. There is something about the chemical makeup of vinegar that will eliminate any excess soap in your clothes, and it does soften them. There is no smell afterward, either.
Hope it helps.
(04/19/2006)
By Anne Marie
Try using just a few tablespoons of regular laundry detergent. It is amazing how a little goes a long way. Let the clothes agitate a few minutes and add a few more tablespoons if desired.
This is a lot easier and better in my opinion than the homemade soap.
(04/19/2006)
By AmyM
I have been making this soap for years. I use any and all samples, motel bar soap, etc. or what's cheap at the dollar store. The A and H Washing Soda can be hard to find. Go to the A and H website, and they actually have a phone number (or a locator section) of where you can find this product. I get it at Albertson's, but only a few carry it. (04/24/2006)
By Linda
I've read on several websites that sodium carbonate that is sold for pools can be used, but have never tried it, since I bought several boxes of washing soda, and it lasts a long time. I plan to check out the price this summer and compare it to see what is the best buy. (04/27/2006)
By susan
We couldn't find the Fels Naphta soap in our area to make the homemade dry laundry soap, but we did find one called Octagon by the Colgate Company and it was only 77 cents per 7oz bar. It is a stain remover soap and works well in place of the Fels Naphta soap and is cheaper. This homemade laundry soap is a great care package to give to college students and it saves them a lot of money too. (08/05/2007)
By Kennedy Clan
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