Thank you for the info and help!  Borax here is about $6 for 3lb box (box packaged usually packaged in 1.32kilo box - 1kilo is 2.2lbs), baking soda is about $2 -3 for a couple lb box. Ivory soap (hubby uses it all the time) I buy in big packs of 27 for $10.00. No crash and dent stores here!  So I have to fiqure it out.  I will try a small batch and see :) Probably use 1/4 cup per load Have to buy borax to try it. If nothing else, it would be great for the times I run out of laundry soap!

  I checked the ingredients on the  bucket of vip and it is mainly washing soda.  Doesn't the soap leave a residue if you use cold water?

 I dont have that issue, probably because there is so little dry soap compared to the amount of water.  ; )  I never use hot or warm water.

Michelle,  I was wondering how the laundry soap worked without the glycerin, and if you wanted to use glycerin, where would you buy it.  Funny you live in Michigan, I just moved out of Michigan.  I used to live in Holly, a small town an hour North of Detroit and an hour south of Flint.  Just thought I'd share.

Thanks, Darla

Link to previous post. 
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/p/1866/31751.aspx#31751

heatherd:

 use the generic dishwashing powder from Costco or Sams Club so it's not too spendy . I don't use it in every load of whites that I wash just the dingy ones . It does not eat away at your clothing like bleach does and gets the gray color out so to me it is worth it

I didn't know this, and will try it!  I always stock my bath linens in an 'off-white' color, but they do get dingy looking even with bleach (which is hard on the fibers).  I love to have long lasting, clean looking, fluffy bath towels - so hopefully, this will be a solution!
Thanks!

Has anyone had a problem with white streaks on dark clothes when using the washing soda mix? When i used to use baking soda I didn't have that problem.

Cinnamonhuskies:

Has anyone had a problem with white streaks on dark clothes when using the washing soda mix? When i used to use baking soda I didn't have that problem.

Michelle, because we have septic, after I bought Borax, I tried an experiment with it and found it didn't dissolve completely until I microwaved the glass of water (w/the Borax) until it was really hot.  For each load of wash now, I take a clear glass, add water, a Tbls of Borax and a half Tbls of A&H Washing soda.  I stir, then microwave the glass of water/borax/washing soda on high for 1 minute.  The water is then clear and I dump it in the washer.

I'm still using my liquid laundry soap too, but only a very small amount since I'm now using it in combo w/the water/borax/washing soda mix.

If your white streak problem is due to washing soda not dissolving in your washer's water temp, you might try this microwave method.  BTW, I only use Tbls amounts because our water is soft - we finally invested in a water softener after years of dealing w/our crappy well water.

Brandy:

To Pat and Michelle, is Tide necessary?I find it to be rather harsh. My daughter has reactions to detergents that are milder so I have a fear of Tide, lol.

Brandy:

I have been experimenting with homemade detergent again and I was making a stretcher for allergy free Purex. I am pleased with this so far.

I dug up this old discussion for someone and had to post to my own comments.

Since posting this, I have indeed begun to use Tide. The Purex was no longer cleaning our clothes and removing odors as it once did. The rising costs of detergent and the additional boosters sent me on a desperate search for a better solution. I eventually tried Tide and found that it works better on the more heavily soiled clothing and actually costs less to use than Purex with additional boosters.

My daughter does indeed break out with the use of Tide so I wash her things separately in Purex.

Does anyone have problems with a buildup of the detergent in their washing machine?  I've been using a homemade powder recipe (Ivory bar soap, borax & washing soda) for about 7-8 weeks and just noticed today that I have a soap scum buildup around the top of the tub and the wringer mechanism.  Any suggestions on how to prevent/get rid of the buildup?  I noticed several people using vinegar as a rinse agent.  Will that help?  Or is it to prevent static cling in the dryer?  I love using the homemade detergent!  Not only is it cheaper but the clothes just smell clean- no perfumes, etc.  (I'm old enough to remember when clean just meant no stains and no scent!  No lemon, lavender, mountain spring- whatever THAT scent is!  Guess I'm dating myself with that, eh? )  My husband has allergies to detergents, dryer sheets, etc. so using it has been great!  Thanks for everyone's input on this site.  I don't post often but I sure get great info from everyone!

I'm using the exact same recipe and haven't had any problems... BUT... though I mix it up as a powder recipe, I nuke it in some water in the microwave to dissolve well before adding to the wash. Also, I put vinegar in my rinses mostly b/c DH's clothes can get nasty due to the nature of his job/work.

I love making my own too for all of the same benefits you listed! Just try dissolving first and see if that helps. Also, you may want to try the vinegar trick too. Works for me!

Have a blessed day,

Julie