03 February 2009

Laundry Detergent

Here's some more info I found.  This is said to be detergent whereas the previous is said to be soap:
 
Diva Detergent
1 55 oz. box Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
1/2 cup Mule Team Borax
2 Cups Oxygen Cleaner
1/2 cup Simple Green
1/2 cup Water Softening Powder
Details about ingredients:
Washing Soda – The Arm and Hammer is the only brand I've ever seen. Walmart and most grocery stores carry it. Strong enough to actually change organic compounds (pee & poo) and keeps them suspended in the water so they can easily be washed away. It is a naturally occurring compound free from enzymes, dyes, and perfumes, and is the main ingredient in most powdered laundry detergents.
Borax – Found in the grocery aisle. Whitens and brightens without phosphates and enzymes. Borax is too harsh, both to fabric and sensitive skin to be used in large amounts, and tends to not rinse out well. Less is more with Borax in laundry. (makes and excellent household cleaner, though).
Oxygen Cleaner – I use Sun Brand…it's the cheapest and most pure….Oxyclean brand has additives and fillers. For Oxygen Cleaner…the cheaper the better. Stain remover and whitener. Oxygen cleaners do not react well with extremely hard water and will add to scum build up. If you have extremely hard water, as noted above, add additional water softener.
Simple Green – A concentrated liquid cleaner…most grocery stores carry it….Walmart has it in the automotive section. If you can't find Simple Green, you can use any concentrated multi-purpose cleaner (ie: Lysol 4 in 1). Provides the necessary surfactants-to lessen the water tension and allow the detergent to become a part of the water and actually get into the clothes
Water Softening Powder – This is a key ingredient…and if you have hard water you will want to double it. White King makes a powder, but it can't be found in all areas. If you can't find a water softening powder, use ½ cup of liquid. You'll need to use a 1 lb box of baking soda for each half cup liquid added to offset the additional liquids so you don't end up with a solid mass of detergent in a couple of days. (I can't find powder in my area, so I use Calgon Liquid + baking soda).
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Put all dry ingredients in a large container – (bucket, dishpan) mix with your hands to combine. Put gloves on before adding liquid ingredients as there is a chemical reaction that makes it get rather warm…..and could burn your skin. Drizzle the wet ingredients over the top of the dry ingredients. Mix with your hands until well combined and all liquid is mixed in and there are no clumps. If it still seems too moist, you can add a box of baking soda**. Humidity levels in different parts of the country can make a difference here, as your dry ingredients might have a higher moisture content. Store in a sealed container. I have used Rubbermaid, Tupperware, coffee cans….whatever you have on hand.
Use 1-2 1/8 cup scoops (the kind that came with the oxygen cleaner) per load. You'll have to experiment a bit to find what works best with your water condition and washer size.


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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

What are the benefits of making your own detergent? Is it healthier? Cheaper?

Ashley said...

Have you tried it? What is the verdict?