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Homemade washing powder/liquid recipes

5 replies

IToldYouIWasFreaky · 24/01/2018 14:10

Does anyone have a recipe/method for homemade washing powder that actually works?
Years ago, I used to make "gloop" from ordinary grated soap, soda crystals and water. It was OK, but didn't seem to quite rinse away and left a soapy residue on darker clothes. Also, clothes didn't always feel and smell completely clean, especially sports gear.
But I want to have another go, both for cost saving and ecological reasons! What actually works?

OP posts:
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Eliza9917 · 16/02/2018 12:46

I'd like a good recipe too, this was going to be my next task after removing all traditional cleaning products from the house.

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DropItLikeASquat · 16/02/2018 12:53

this recipe is good but the ingredients are all American so not sure if it is all available in the uk.


HTH
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LoniceraJaponica · 16/02/2018 12:55

Don't bother making a liquid. It clogs up your washing machine, and as it won't contain any bleach you could end up with a smelly washer and mould.

Why not use Ecover powder or another similar brand?

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DropItLikeASquat · 16/02/2018 12:58

I made it excluding the pure crystals and added the laundry scent thingies instead. It wasn't great on super grass stains or tomato etc but I had to pre treat these with normal washing power so not too bad.
I washed my cloth nappies, towels and bedding etc, not noticed any smells or stains, but clothes were softer and seemed less 'battered' by washing IYSWIM.
I think it cost me about £30 and it lasted me around 7 months, but I have 8 kids so do a LOT of washing.
I worked out it saved me around £40-50 per year.

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Zeitgei5t · 04/03/2018 09:46

This is the recipe I use;
emlwk.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/make-your-own-cleaning-products.html

NB if you put sports stuff in the shower with you as soon as you get back it helps with washing out the smell.

With eco washes, you should also do a hot wash with white vinegar on your machine once a month to stop it smelling (non eco contain perfumes to cover this up).

You'll need to do a prewash stain treatment on heavy stains.

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