tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post4699555816745464535..comments2024-02-02T07:13:37.313-06:00Comments on Like Merchant Ships: How to make dishwasher detergentUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-60356575658771892892009-01-14T14:52:00.000-06:002009-01-14T14:52:00.000-06:00For people with sensitive skin (who have problems ...For people with sensitive skin (who have problems with homemade laundry detergent) I'd like to make a couple of points that may help you find the right "recipe" for you.<BR/><BR/>- Always keep in mind, that water, all by itself, can be used to clean clothes. (Not the preferred way to clean I know... but it's good to remember that.)<BR/><BR/>- The "optimum" Ph balance of a detergent is 9 to 11<BR/><BR/>- Borax has a Ph of about 9.5<BR/><BR/>- Washing soda has a Ph of about 11<BR/><BR/>- Baking soda has a Ph of about 8.1<BR/><BR/>- Baking soda and Washing soda both have the ability to lift dirt & grease as well as neutralize odors.<BR/><BR/>- You can exchange Washing soda for Baking soda (and visa versa) in cleaning mixes. But will probably prefer (and need) Washing soda for those really heavy cleaning jobs (although Baking soda will work on those same jobs, but not quite so well or fast)<BR/>NOTE<BR/>***Always wear gloves when using washing soda as a cleaner!***<BR/><BR/>- Borax helps MAINTAIN the Ph balance of a mix (making the mix effective longer and therefore MORE effective overall)<BR/><BR/>- Soaps are used in most homemade recipes because of thier "specialty" of dissolving grease & removing dirt<BR/><BR/>SO most homemade detergents use: <BR/>Water - for it's base cleaning properties, Washing soda - for it's high Ph & thus high cleaning power, Bar soap for the added grease dissolving & cleaning power, and Borax - to keep the Ph (and thus cleaning power) UP and going longer. <BR/><BR/>So if you are having irritations from your detergent, it's most likely due to the Ph balance of your mix, or an allergy to an ingredient you are using. Fixes for this would include trying different bar soaps (If your family has a preferred bar soap - just use that! If they use a preferred liquid soap, see if that company produces a bar version, or search for some irritant free soaps at your local market) If you ARE using a soap in the mix that you don't normally have issues with, it could be the Ph balance... try to switch from using washing soda to using baking soda, or use Less baking soda, or less borax, or use less of the detergent overall. (Instead of 3 Tablespoons my original recipe suggested, I ended up only using 1 in lightly dirty loads, and 2 in heavy loads.)<BR/><BR/>And again, keeping in mind that "water" can clean your clothes by itself, don't be afraid to take out one of the ingredients of your recipe completley (even if just to 1 by 1 test them all to see if you can pin-point whether it's an allergy to a specific ingredient)<BR/><BR/>Sorry this 'comment' is so long. I just hope all of you who have problems with homemade laundry detergent and still want to use it are able to find a solution!<BR/><BR/>Oh, and one other thing. If one of your reasons for using 'home made cleaners' is to save money, I HIGHLY suggest shopping at mom & pop stores and local markets (with products that are made, grown & sold by people in your area) The ingredients may be slightly more expensive than at Large Chain stores but they will still save you money over buying the store detergents!!!! And it is SOOO important for the future to invest in local products!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-45240019656325067282008-11-10T20:53:00.000-06:002008-11-10T20:53:00.000-06:00AmandaI found washing soda at kroger in the laundr...Amanda<BR/>I found washing soda at kroger in the laundry section.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-65186595567370903212008-10-31T23:19:00.000-05:002008-10-31T23:19:00.000-05:00For those looking for washing soda: You can call ...For those looking for washing soda: You can call the customer service # of the company that makes Arm & Hammer Washing Soda. With your zip code, they will tell you who sells it closest to you. I am getting ready to make laundry soap and pulled up this link for dishwasher detergent. Can't wait to try and save money as well as be healthier.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-48483139495773197502008-08-03T12:18:00.000-05:002008-08-03T12:18:00.000-05:00Just a tip for anybody else having a hard time fin...Just a tip for anybody else having a hard time finding “washing soda”, we live here in Oregon and have spent almost 2 months searching every store from the little mom-n-pop’s to the big box stores, and NONE of them carry it, or will order it.<BR/><BR/>HOWEVER, take a walk over to the pool maintenance section at your favorite big blue store with the smiley face, and find “ph up”. It is sold in little one pound containers which are about 6 bucks each, but keep looking and you will find an off brand bucket with small wording on it, 4 gallon size buckets of pure sodium carbonate (washing soda) for about $5.00 bucks. It is exactly the same chemical as the arm and hammer stuff, and it’s dirt cheap, and a bucket that big should last for years.<BR/><BR/>(THIS POST IS BY ANOTHER MAN OR WOMAN, I AM REUSING IT FOR IMFORMATIVE PURPOSES, HOPE IT HELPS)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-47358256829212474562007-09-12T19:04:00.000-05:002007-09-12T19:04:00.000-05:00Just found your blog through WFMW and I am so exci...Just found your blog through WFMW and I am so excited! I am going to try this. Just also learned that Borax kills ants- what a productive day! Looking forward to coming back here!Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04764437077561164662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-47801376843279917832007-09-12T12:12:00.000-05:002007-09-12T12:12:00.000-05:00I found your link through a WFMW post and I'm so e...I found your link through a WFMW post and I'm so excited! HOW BRILLIANT! I can't wait to try it! Thanks :)Heather aka The Mommahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01511135541841532008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-11353233498242490192007-09-12T06:59:00.000-05:002007-09-12T06:59:00.000-05:00Marie and Meredith, My husband's family has all s...Marie and Meredith,<BR/> My husband's family has all sorts of allergies, they are especially sensitive to soaps. <BR/> I have been making my own laundry detergent for over 6 months now with no problems. <BR/>I use pure and natural bar soap, you can get it just about anywhere, I get 3 bars at Walmart for 97c! Maybe you could try using that.Jeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04639303530610684128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-51079249427449342342007-07-20T09:27:00.000-05:002007-07-20T09:27:00.000-05:00pour 1/2 c vinegar over laundry and run the load o...pour 1/2 c vinegar over laundry and run the load on rinse cycle. vinegar also works great for a liquid fabric softener!Nate Churchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13672065296442587748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-1005745301453468622007-07-10T11:22:00.000-05:002007-07-10T11:22:00.000-05:00I do use homemade laundry soap, made with ZOTE, an...I do use homemade laundry soap, made with ZOTE, and it works well for us, and at about .25 per 200 load jug, that's a savings of $2! <BR/><BR/>What I want to know, Meredith, is how do you use vinegar to "de-stink left-too-long laundry"? It gets really hot in our home and sometimes I end up washing the whole load again! I'm so blessed that someone has found a way to do this! *waits with bated breath*<BR/><BR/>TIA!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-810225043411735902007-06-28T07:07:00.000-05:002007-06-28T07:07:00.000-05:00Thanks Meredith. I have wanted to try making my o...Thanks Meredith. I have wanted to try making my own laundry soap, but with our skin, thought it might be impossible. I figured I would ask since I am trying to cut costs. I use the free and clear on a regular basis, but with our family of 5 and tow really messy boys I go through at least one of the huge ones a month (that is using less than waht they tell you too). Thought I might try and save some money. :)Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08524591229908355016noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-43420726507479922342007-06-27T23:57:00.000-05:002007-06-27T23:57:00.000-05:00I buy the tubs of dishwashing soap at Sams and tra...I buy the tubs of dishwashing soap at Sams and transfer it to a tupperware ceral container and store under the sink. I pour vinegar into the rinse compartment.It work fine. We only run full loads in the dishwasher. Vinegar is also great for the garbage disposal and drains.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-3091399467233912302007-06-27T15:38:00.000-05:002007-06-27T15:38:00.000-05:00One tip for saving on laundry detergent and water....One tip for saving on laundry detergent and water... front loader washer. You use about 1/4 to 1/8 the amount of detergent you normally would. I buy one big box from Costco and it last about 9-12 months.3boysmamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04681527386218906722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-72249622949389667782007-06-27T14:23:00.000-05:002007-06-27T14:23:00.000-05:00I can't find washing soda anywhere.I can't find washing soda anywhere.Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17421506990963764612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-74253735559940830982007-06-27T13:41:00.000-05:002007-06-27T13:41:00.000-05:00Marie, I can't use the homemade laundry detergent,...Marie, I can't use the homemade laundry detergent, either. You still need to add a laundry soap to the mix. Zote, Ivory, and Fels Naptha all have perfumes or colorings that tend to irritate the kids. Even then, my homemade batch didn't work all that well.<BR/><BR/>I have been successful finding free-and-clear detergents at Big Lots or on sale with coupons. Of course, I also use about half the suggested amount!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-54012574558703050172007-06-27T06:54:00.000-05:002007-06-27T06:54:00.000-05:00Love the idea of making the dw detergent. But I h...Love the idea of making the dw detergent. But I have a question on the laundry detergent. My family has really (I mean REALLY) sensitive skin- can I still make my own (and how)?Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08524591229908355016noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-8238724264118275282007-06-26T12:46:00.000-05:002007-06-26T12:46:00.000-05:00A lot depends on the hardness of your water.A lot depends on the hardness of your water.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-4771828859152390742007-06-26T12:32:00.000-05:002007-06-26T12:32:00.000-05:00I just recently ran my dishwasher with nothing but...I just recently ran my dishwasher with nothing but vinegar in the rinse thingy and a tiny bit (less than half a tablespoon I bet) of regular dishwashing liquid because I was out of "everything." It worked great:)Shannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10142994274994642731noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-80463208370958897102007-06-26T11:17:00.000-05:002007-06-26T11:17:00.000-05:00I used the "giant jug of vinegar" yesterday to mak...I used the "giant jug of vinegar" yesterday to make ricotta cheese (curds and whey). Who knew?Mama Squirrelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06941211100125966917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-28423883019049915682007-06-26T11:12:00.000-05:002007-06-26T11:12:00.000-05:00I will have to try the homemade dishwasher recipe,...I will have to try the homemade dishwasher recipe, I have tried making one before but it called for Borax & Baking Soda, I wonder if Washing Soda will work better, I have some for when I make my own laundry detergant...we are currently have trouble with our dishwasher, the top rack is not getting washed...so experimenting with it may have to wait.ChicoryChickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15300405315779805406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-10732937175052114302007-06-26T10:15:00.000-05:002007-06-26T10:15:00.000-05:00Thanks for the mention, Meredith! I do like the ho...Thanks for the mention, Meredith! I do like the homemade stuff, but use it to stretch the Aldi brand as well. I just use a little dash of the store brand with the homemade stuff. It seems to help boost it in some way.<BR/><BR/>I read that the washing soda left more of a film on the dishes then the baking soda, so that is why I tried that recipe instead...Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10635304837180578317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-58414881721515944902007-06-26T08:23:00.000-05:002007-06-26T08:23:00.000-05:00Funny I didn't think of this, when I just tried ho...Funny I didn't think of this, when I just tried homemade laundry detergent. Have you tried that?Jeanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03690707658312607097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-81141684962090927402007-06-26T08:09:00.000-05:002007-06-26T08:09:00.000-05:00Thanks for the recipes, Meredith! Oooh, I'd love ...Thanks for the recipes, Meredith! Oooh, I'd love to know how you make homemade volcanoes!<BR/><BR/>NatalieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-5271659788463742022007-06-26T08:07:00.000-05:002007-06-26T08:07:00.000-05:00Thanks for sharing! I'm doing the homemade laundr...Thanks for sharing! I'm doing the homemade laundry detergent and was wanting to try dishwashing detergent next. Thanks for sharing what works for you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-38937916228639232332007-06-26T08:02:00.000-05:002007-06-26T08:02:00.000-05:00I love you, Meredith! I am SO gonna try this. The ...I love you, Meredith! I am SO gonna try this. The heavy chemical smell of dishwasher soap irks me. And concerns me....Laura Talberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02659335649142675534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-26924381740965592112007-06-26T07:53:00.000-05:002007-06-26T07:53:00.000-05:00I had trouble with a film on the dishes with the h...I had trouble with a film on the dishes with the homemade detergent. Maybe it is my water or my older dishwasher. I am now using it to stretch the Aldi detergent (the best and cheapest IMO) Working great now.Stephanie Appletonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07411714132368771649noreply@blogger.com