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Getting the Best Results with Your Cheapskates Washing Powder

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There are lots of variations of  my recipe. As far as I know, it was the first homemade washing powder published (and I was sharing it long before I started Cheapskates Club, I started making it in 1992!).   I was using a gel/gloop for the washing, and it was great. But after losing two huge buckets full (two little boys just loved to play in it) I started experimenting with the recipe to make a powder that wasn't quite as bulky.

The result is Cheapskates Washing Powder. Now if you've tried a variation and been happy, that's great. Just be aware that the ingredients in my washing powder are there for a reason and substitutes and switching them out or even leaving them out will change the washing powder, change the performance and change the end result. Just saying - change it, but don't complain when it doesn't work the way I say my washing powder does.

Only three ingredients:
Laundry soap
Washing soda
Borax. 

You can get the complete recipe here.  https://www.cheapskatesclub.net/how-to-make-cheapskates-washing-powder.html If you haven't tried it yet, make up one batch and give it a go. It's well worth the three minutes of your time.

I use laundry soap because it's cheap. Four cakes for around $2. And yes, you can use Lux Flakes if you don't want to grate the soap (or any pure soap flakes).

I use sodium carbonate I buy in bulk. Lectric Soda is a brand that you'll find in most supermarkets, in the cleaning aisle. Look down low or up high, it's usually hidden, but it is there.

The borax I use depends on where I buy it. Sometimes it's Aldi, other times it comes from Coles or Woolworths. And yes, you can still buy borax in the cleaning aisle. Some hardware stores will stock it too. 

It takes less than five minutes to make a year's worth of washing powder, and costs under $11, depending of course on where you buy the ingredients.

Something to note: you can use any soap, and that isn't a brand, I mean you can use any soap. Have slivers left from the bathroom? Zest them and add them to the mix. Gift hamper soaps you don't particularly like? Zest them and add them to mix. Guest soaps you've collected over time? Zest them and add them to the mix. I just prefer the non-fragrance of the laundry soap so my laundry smells sunshine fresh, not of fake perfumes.

If you've never made or used my washing powder before, there are couple of things to remember.

Level teaspoons - yes, measure it out. You don't need to add more, that's just waste. Three level teaspoons for a top loader, one for a front loader. 

No bubbles - this powder won't bubble up so it's great for front loaders and HE top loading washing machines. 

Sprinkle it evenly over the top of the load and let the fill water dissolve it. And yes, it will dissolve in cold water.

Now some of you won't like this, but trust me when I say you need to fill the washing machine with water. Keep it at the maximum water level and load it properly. 

The laundry needs water to wash properly. It needs to be able to get thoroughly wet and swish around. It also needs enough water to properly rinse out the detergent. If the washing is rinsed properly you don't need fabric softeners, again just saying, in case you believe the hype around fabric softeners. 

Changing the water level may save you a few litres of water, but it will cost you in having to re-do laundry, buy stain removers (use enough water and Cheapskates washing powder and you don't need stain removers) and you'll end up doing more loads and so using more water.

If your washing machine has a soak cycle, use it! In the olden days laundry was soaped up and then soaked before washing. And it was always clean. Even a 15 minute soak will make a difference to your laundry and how clean and bright it is.  When you soak, you usually don't need stain removers, and if you do my Stain Removing Soap will do the job just fine. 

I have been using this washing powder since 1992. It's kept all our clothes clean. It's kept football and hockey uniforms clean and fresh. It's kept Wayne's work uniforms clean and fresh. It's kept the towels and face washers and tea towels clean and fresh. 

Basically, it does what it is supposed to do, and it does it on a Cheapskates budget!
Related Articles
​How to Make Cheapskates Washing Powder
Minimising Your Laundry Costs
Related Tip Sheets
​How to Make Cheapskates Washing Powder

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  • Home
  • Join the Club!
    • Twenty Reasons to Join the Cheapskates Club
    • Gift Memberships
  • About Us
    • Cath's Story
    • Ask Cath
    • Glossary of Cheapskating Terms
  • Forum
    • Current Forum Discussions
    • How to Use the Member Forum
  • Inspiration
    • Getting Started
    • Handmade Christmas Central >
      • Handmade Christmas 2025 is about to start
    • 31 Days of MOO Index
    • Articles
    • Back to Basics >
      • Back to Basics
      • Back to Basics Index
    • Housekeeping Routines
    • Budget Renovations
    • Saving Stories
  • SAVING REVOLUTION
    • 2025 Saving Revolution Index
    • Saving Revolution Resources
  • Recipes
    • Recipe File Index
    • Meal Plans
    • Add a Recipe
    • $300 a Month Food Challenge >
      • $300 a Month Food Challenge
      • The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters 2025
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    • Changing Details
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