I make this regularly - much superior to anything you can buy in the shops. It has a really lovely "clean" and soapy smell to it, and the washing seems to stay softer, and is easier to iron. It's just a lovely thing to use, no harsh chemicals, no artificial perfumes, little packaging. I like my clean washing to smell of clean washing!! Here's the recipe:
6oz soap flakes
2 cups borax
2 cups washing soda - powder or crystals
Mix all together and keep in a dry, cool place, covered. I use about 1/2 a coffee mugful each wash, so it's quite economical, especially if you can buy the ingredients in bulk. I got my last lot from here:
http://www.thesoapkitchen.co.uk/
It's also a good way of using up the odds and crumbly bits from home made soaps.
13 comments:
Hi Mrs L
Can this soap powder be used in automatic washing machines?
Regards
Jitterbug
Yes, mine is an oldish automatic machine, front laoding, teh usual thing. Never had any problems with it.
Never thought about making my own washing powder, might have to try this.
Hello Mrs L i'm hoping to make some soap powder but what size cup ?? Tea cup , pint cup , beaker . Ursula x
American cup measurement - the UK equivilent is about 1/2 pint in a measuring jug, which is what I use.
Hope this helps.
I have never tried this but fancy a go!!!
PS can you make this in larger quantities?
Yes, I made the recipe above x 4 this time, but that was what would fit in the container! It's shown in the top picture, an old enamel bread bin; unfortunately it has a little hole in where the side meets the bottom, so I don't move it often! Just multiply it up and it works just as well.
I have used this recipe and added a few drops of eucalyptus oil or lavender oil, or you could try any essential oil you like it just adds a nice fragrance to your wash
Sounds a good idea, how many washes do you think you get out of the quantity you have given, trying to get an idea on costs etc, thanks.
I made this and was a bit nervous when using it for the first time - but its great! I actually use only a heaped spoonful for each wash and the results are great and it lasts for a long time! Thankyou!
This is probably a silly question but what is borax and where do I get it from? Really excited to make my own washing powder as my husband has sensitive skin and I have to stick to some of the more expensive brands. Now we have a little boy we are more financially aware and we have managed to cut back so many other areas, this one has been bugging me. DIY is the perfect option, if only I can find this borax stuff!
Borax: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borax
You can buy it in old fashioned ironmongers, and Boots the chemist used to sell it/still sell it. Also can be bought online - try Amazon and e-bay. Let me know again if youhave toruble :)
Thanks.
MrsL
x
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