[Kathy]

I have a serious question!
Is homemade laundry soap worth it. I really want to use it if it’s up to Par

I’ve been thinking about switching to homemade laundry detergent, and I’m really curious if it’s actually worth the effort. I love the idea of using something more natural and budget-friendly, but I don’t want to compromise on cleanliness or effectiveness.

If you’ve tried making your own laundry soap, I’d love to hear about your experience. Does it clean as well as store-bought detergent? Is it safe for all types of washing machines and fabrics?

How long does a batch typically last, and is it truly cost-effective in the long run?

I’m open to giving it a try, but only if it’s genuinely up to par.

Honest opinions and tips would be greatly appreciated!

[Kirsten]

I’ve tried it multiple times over the years and it’s just not worth it I’m currently using Foca, it’s in a bag you can find it at Walmart, it’s cheap, you only need a couple tablespoons of powder.

Wish I’d discovered it a long time ago.

I think I looked at it and assumed it couldn’t clean as well since it’s so much cheaper but it’s awesome

[Helen]

I tried it several years ago; used two different “recipes” over course of 3 to 4 years; one was powder and the other was liquid.

Truthfully, I wasn’t impressed with either.

Catching detergent on sale during Sam’s periodic sales has been best for us and my laundry looks much cleaner.

[Ashley]

I use it as an extender.
3 cups borax (don’t breathe the dust), 3 cups super washing soda, two finely grated bats of the Ivory soap that has no additives (I think it’s called “free & clear).

I didn’t like the strong smell of Zote.

One tablespoon regular detergent and one of this per regular load.

Add a couple tablespoons of Oxiclean with my work clothes, which I wash separately.

Been using it well over a decade with no issues.

[Julia]

Be aware that it’s soap, not detergent. It’s likely to create a build-up in your machine that could cause an odor, or even damage the machine.

It’s also likely to create a build-up on your clothes, causing them to become dingy.

There are some who swear by it.

But from my research, it seemed like a better idea to purchase a quality laundry detergent, and stock up when there are good sales.

[Janell]

For my home, it’s a no. I have a small farm, my husband works in construction and it didn’t even begin to get our clothes clean.

[Debra]

My experience is no it’s not and you only need a fraction of the laundry soap they say you need.

I add a tiny little boost of oxi clean powder

[Bjuster]

My experience is: not worth it. It’s a lot of work and didn’t do the job for me.

I now have powder from Lidl: very cheap and gets the job done.

[Johnson]

Salt works
Vinegar
Just try it

And of course it depends on your water
And what kinds of things you’re trying to wash out of clothes

[Suzette]

I have been using homemade for a year. I feel like everything is much cleaner and smells fresher.

For my husband’s work clothes I add a small squirt of wateted down dawn dish soap to break down any grease or oil.

[Christina]

If you have a softener, you practically use no soap at all. Absolutely no additives needed. Less than 2 tablespoons a wash, if that.

I’ve actually over-bubbled my wash before by not being careful about how much soap I use.

Especially when I first got the softener! It takes getting used to.
I don’t use dryer sheets, either. I’m allergic to them.

I get along just fine without them.

I don’t need my laundry heavily scented and don’t find things are wrinkled or overly static-y.

[Char]

I thinks so… I’ve used it for a couple years and it’s a lot cheaper and cleans better… and, when I want to use cold water on the powdered soap, I dissolve some in a cup of hot water and put that cup under the cold water filling the washer tub… works great for me.

[Louellen]

Been using homemade for over a dozen years. No fragrances, no colors, no unnecessary (toxic) additives. Works great.

Fels naptha, borax, washing soda & hot water.

Also use vinegar as softener.

[Jackie]

Don’t do it, I used homemade laundry soap and it ruined my washing machine, had to buy a new one!

[Michele]

I do pre soak and cold water wash, half the soap and a extra rinse. No fabric softener, hang to dry and drier to finish drying and soften with drier ball.

Towel and jeans I even hang in laundry room in winter. Moisture in the air and help my drier last a bit longer.

[Jennifer]

It’s terrible for your washer and clothing because it has no surfactant and builds up in the machine and on your clothing.

It can void new washer warranties.

[Author]

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