Tip Store: Laundry: Laundry Detergents
Sentry Page Protection
MOO Laundry Fragrance Enhancer
Ingredients:
4 cups Epsom Salts
40 drops essential oil
Step 1. Mix 10 drops of your favourite essential oil into the cup of Epsom salts. You can add more if you'd like a stronger fragrance, or use a combination of oils to create your own unique fragrance.
Store in an air-tight container.
To use add 1/4 cup of fragrance enhancer to the washing machine when you add the detergent.
4 cups Epsom Salts
40 drops essential oil
Step 1. Mix 10 drops of your favourite essential oil into the cup of Epsom salts. You can add more if you'd like a stronger fragrance, or use a combination of oils to create your own unique fragrance.
Store in an air-tight container.
To use add 1/4 cup of fragrance enhancer to the washing machine when you add the detergent.
MOO Liquid Laundry Detergent
I love my MOO Washing Powder, but sometimes a liquid laundry detergent is better (like when we're camping). And some people just prefer a liquid. So here's an easy to MOO laundry liquid that works.
What You Need
1 cake laundry soap
1 cup Bicarbonate Soda
1 cup Washing soda (Lectric Soda)
1/2 cup Borax
4 cups cold water
8 litres hot water
A 10 litre jar or bucket with a lid
Step 1. Grate the soap (or use one cup Lux flakes - just remember it will add to the cost of the detergent).
Step 2. Add the grated soap to a large saucepan with the water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted. The soap will swell and bubble up, so you do need a big pot - otherwise you have a mess to clean up.
Step 3. In a large, resealable container, combine melted soap flakes, bicarb soda, washing soda, borax and hot water.
Step 4. Stir the detergent mixture until everything is dissolved. Cover and allow to sit overnight to thicken.
Step 5. To make up laundry liquid, half fill a dispenser or bottle with cool water. Top up with half the laundry soap mixture. Shake well to combine.
To use: Add 1/4 cup laundry liquid per load.
This MOO Laundry Liquid is suitable for top loading, front loading and HE washing machines.
What You Need
1 cake laundry soap
1 cup Bicarbonate Soda
1 cup Washing soda (Lectric Soda)
1/2 cup Borax
4 cups cold water
8 litres hot water
A 10 litre jar or bucket with a lid
Step 1. Grate the soap (or use one cup Lux flakes - just remember it will add to the cost of the detergent).
Step 2. Add the grated soap to a large saucepan with the water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted. The soap will swell and bubble up, so you do need a big pot - otherwise you have a mess to clean up.
Step 3. In a large, resealable container, combine melted soap flakes, bicarb soda, washing soda, borax and hot water.
Step 4. Stir the detergent mixture until everything is dissolved. Cover and allow to sit overnight to thicken.
Step 5. To make up laundry liquid, half fill a dispenser or bottle with cool water. Top up with half the laundry soap mixture. Shake well to combine.
To use: Add 1/4 cup laundry liquid per load.
This MOO Laundry Liquid is suitable for top loading, front loading and HE washing machines.
Reduce Detergent by Three Quarters, Results are the Same
I tried to make my own but felt it never got as clean as I wanted. I use the Aldi Trimat laundry detergent, but use only a quarter of what it says. Never had a problem and I use vinegar as fabric softener. if you don’t like the smell of vinegar use a drop of two of essential oil (I find it’s very cheap at Chemist Warehouse or online).
Contributed by Ann-Kristin Skogstad, 2nd November 2017
Contributed by Ann-Kristin Skogstad, 2nd November 2017
Aldi Washing Powder is Excellent
I don't MOO but I do buy the Aldi washing powder, excellent and I pad it out with 1 cup washing powder to 1/2 cup bi carb soda. I don't use fabric softener, I only use the cheap lavender disinfectant from Coles as a rinse aid. If things are really dirty I add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the above. I also wash whites together, darks together etc. Towels are washed separately too. If you have enough clothes, wait until you have a full load!!
Contributed by Sue Burns, 2nd November 2017
Contributed by Sue Burns, 2nd November 2017
Once-a-Year Cheapskates Washing Powder
I MOO the Cheapskates Washing Powder, have done for a few years for my front loader. Easy, make a batch that uses up the full packet of Lectric Soda, in the correct ratio, should last almost one year. I blitz in food processor to blend and even. I also use diluted vinegar for towels and sheets. It must be easy, my children use it. Miss 17 is off to Uni next year and has written instructions on top of the washer for Mr 13.
Contributed by Michelle Ferey, 2nd November 2017
Contributed by Michelle Ferey, 2nd November 2017
Less is More
Whichever detergent you use, use less than the amount recommended. The manufacturers love to sell product, but it builds up in your machine and your clothes when you use too much. I use a liquid and only use about a tablespoon full per wash. If things are stained I treat or soak first. My favourite stain remover is dish washing liquid. You rub it into the stain very well, then put the item in the wash. It is especially good at removing greasy or oily stains.
Contributed by Lisa Docherty, 2nd November 2017
Contributed by Lisa Docherty, 2nd November 2017
Yes, Eco Eggs Work
The big test for me was socks. I have really oily feet and I used the washing ball things and then had a whiff of the socks - no smell. All gone. Other than that I had been using 1cup (more than I had heard I needed) of white vinegar to the rinsing water (top loader machine) and that worked well too.
Contributed by Clive McCloughan, 29th October 2017
Contributed by Clive McCloughan, 29th October 2017
Cheapskates Washing Powder is Better than Eco Laundry Eggs
I would not waste your money and time. I made laundry powder in about 10 minutes using the MOO recipe. I do not like to fill our waterways with 'minerals' that may harm our environment.
Enjoy looking through Cheapskates MOO file!
Contributed by Wendy Rice, 18th September 2017
Enjoy looking through Cheapskates MOO file!
Contributed by Wendy Rice, 18th September 2017
Eco Laundry Eggs don't Cut the Mustard on Kids Clothes
They're ok on normal clothes, but for the kids clothes from childcare, doesn't get the heavy dirt marks off. Also, clothes don't smell fresh, like they do with detergent, after you wash with the eggs.
Contributed by Heather Power, 14th September 2017
Contributed by Heather Power, 14th September 2017
I Tried Eco Laundry Eggs and Couldn't Tell the Difference!
I bought them and used them for a while. I don't have particularly dirty laundry, and they were fine, but I couldn't tell you if there was a difference with using them or using nothing at all. My laundry was clean enough....I didn't find the scent really lasted though. You can get soap nuts which are natural, and same idea....same outcome (check eBay).
Contributed by Kate R., 14th September 2017
Contributed by Kate R., 14th September 2017
Eco Laundry Egg Worth Every Penny
Yes the Eco egg is fantastic and worth every penny. Just remember to pull it out of your machine after every wash to dry out as if it stays wet the beads inside don't last too long.
Contributed by Heather Power, 14th September 2017
Contributed by Heather Power, 14th September 2017
Laundry Donut a Waste of Money and Time
I’m not familiar with the “egg” type of laundry/washing replacement, but many years ago, I tried a “Donut” type of laundry replacement. The “donut” was a round plastic ring with a hole in the middle, which you placed in the machine with your dirty laundry to wash. The dirt was supposed to be attracted to the donut and make your clothes clean. I had a twin tub washing machine at the time, not an automatic. The donut actually put small dents on the inside of washing machine bowl. It never really cleaned the clothes very well; whites were going greyer with every wash. I recommend you avoid the “donut” type and unless you get feedback from someone who has had fantastic results from the “egg” type, steer clear of that too. Probably try a bar of soap or something mild like soap flakes (Lux flakes) from the supermarket and ordinary white vinegar (cheap brand) from the supermarket in your final rinse. I though the “donut” was a complete con at the time and I still do.
Contributed by Michelle, 14th September 2017
Contributed by Michelle, 14th September 2017
Liquid Laundry Wash
So easy to make and it works, cheap too.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of Borax
1/2 cup of Washing Soda
1/2 cup of Dawn dish soap ( l used cheap Aldi dish washing liquid, not the concentrated one)
4 cups of HOT tap water
Method:
1. add Borax, washing soda and dish washing liquid to a bowl.
2. pour hot water over ingredients and mix well to dissolve them.
3. pour into a container(l used an empty large vinegar bottle).
4. fill to the top with cold water
Dosage: 1/4 cup per load.
Tried and Tested: used for the first time today. My dressing gown which was stained with tumeric(morning smoothie) came out of the wash without any stains.
Contributed by Marisa Sanner, 17th June 2016
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of Borax
1/2 cup of Washing Soda
1/2 cup of Dawn dish soap ( l used cheap Aldi dish washing liquid, not the concentrated one)
4 cups of HOT tap water
Method:
1. add Borax, washing soda and dish washing liquid to a bowl.
2. pour hot water over ingredients and mix well to dissolve them.
3. pour into a container(l used an empty large vinegar bottle).
4. fill to the top with cold water
Dosage: 1/4 cup per load.
Tried and Tested: used for the first time today. My dressing gown which was stained with tumeric(morning smoothie) came out of the wash without any stains.
Contributed by Marisa Sanner, 17th June 2016
Nuts About Soapnuts
I found soapnuts at www.greenlivingaustralia.com.au For just a few cents you get the washing done, boil up the nuts and you have liquid soap good for lots of things, and the site lists how to use the nuts, where to use them and how to cook them up for liquid soap. Washing for 9 people and 7 children doing all kinds of sports, and living on the farm with farm dirt on clothing and using hard water I still get nice clean, fresh clothing, and no more dry hands from soaps. Also great for the environment. Many, many uses for just a few cents each.
Contributed by Helen Zawko, 8th March 2012
Website: www.greenlivingaustralia.com.au
Contributed by Helen Zawko, 8th March 2012
Website: www.greenlivingaustralia.com.au
Save $5 a Fortnight on Liquid Laundry Detergent
Approximate $ Savings: around $130 a year
Earlier this year my family came into some financial difficulty and in order to try and save some money I took a look at my grocery bill to see if there was anywhere I could cut costs. I soon realised that I was spending around $7 on washing liquid a fortnight. I decided to go to the local Crazy Clarks store and realised that they sell washing liquid for only $2 however it did not have the nice aromas of the 'name brand' liquids. So I went home and experimented adding essential oil to the washing liquid. I always have lavender or eucalyptus oil in the house so I added several drops to the container and I now have wonderful smelling washing at a fraction of the cost with the added antiseptic benefits of the essential oil. That's a savings of around $130 a year for a family of four.
Contributed by Cassandra, Jane Brook, 12th December 2009
Earlier this year my family came into some financial difficulty and in order to try and save some money I took a look at my grocery bill to see if there was anywhere I could cut costs. I soon realised that I was spending around $7 on washing liquid a fortnight. I decided to go to the local Crazy Clarks store and realised that they sell washing liquid for only $2 however it did not have the nice aromas of the 'name brand' liquids. So I went home and experimented adding essential oil to the washing liquid. I always have lavender or eucalyptus oil in the house so I added several drops to the container and I now have wonderful smelling washing at a fraction of the cost with the added antiseptic benefits of the essential oil. That's a savings of around $130 a year for a family of four.
Contributed by Cassandra, Jane Brook, 12th December 2009
Longer Lasting Washing Powder
Approximate $ Savings: $30 a month
I have two babies with sensitive skin so I found OMO Sensitive was the only washing powder I could use and a sensitive fabric softener. Each week i was going through nearly $15 for these products until I was told to use only about a tablespoon of washing powder and a scoop of bicarb soda and for fabric softener use half a cup of vinegar. The washing comes out just as clean and smells fresh. Now a small tub of washing powder lasts me over a month!
Contributed by Jodie, Tara, 1st November 2009
I have two babies with sensitive skin so I found OMO Sensitive was the only washing powder I could use and a sensitive fabric softener. Each week i was going through nearly $15 for these products until I was told to use only about a tablespoon of washing powder and a scoop of bicarb soda and for fabric softener use half a cup of vinegar. The washing comes out just as clean and smells fresh. Now a small tub of washing powder lasts me over a month!
Contributed by Jodie, Tara, 1st November 2009
Homemade Soap Powder Convert
Approximate $ Savings: $100 plus
I have been making the soap powder as per your recipe and instead of grating the soap (which I find quite fiddly) instead I put all the ingredients in an old kitchen wizz (I've had for years) and give them a burst. You end up with a fine powder (just like store bought) and it's much easier to measure (no big lumps). I've also found it great for my office clothes (I use 1/2 strength per load) and they don't cling like they do when washed in store bought powder. I have saved heaps with this recipe - we're a household of six adults (yes I said 6) and I would do a minimum of 2 - 3 loads per day!!!! Thankyou :) - Contributed by Merilyn, Cardinia, 3rd July 2008 I have to be honest and tell you that I have never grated the soap - I am far to busy. I use the grater attachment on the food processor to do the soap and then add the washing soda and borax and give it all a good whizz using the blade. I just use my kitchen processor, it gets washed in the dishwasher after I've used it and we usually wash our dishes in detergent anyway.
I have been making the soap powder as per your recipe and instead of grating the soap (which I find quite fiddly) instead I put all the ingredients in an old kitchen wizz (I've had for years) and give them a burst. You end up with a fine powder (just like store bought) and it's much easier to measure (no big lumps). I've also found it great for my office clothes (I use 1/2 strength per load) and they don't cling like they do when washed in store bought powder. I have saved heaps with this recipe - we're a household of six adults (yes I said 6) and I would do a minimum of 2 - 3 loads per day!!!! Thankyou :) - Contributed by Merilyn, Cardinia, 3rd July 2008 I have to be honest and tell you that I have never grated the soap - I am far to busy. I use the grater attachment on the food processor to do the soap and then add the washing soda and borax and give it all a good whizz using the blade. I just use my kitchen processor, it gets washed in the dishwasher after I've used it and we usually wash our dishes in detergent anyway.
Liquid Washing
This tip came from an elderly lady who had been using it for years. I use dishwashing detergent to wash my clothes. I have a front loader and use no more than a 1/4cup. Wonderful on most stains. Rub on, leave overnight if badly stained and wash as normal. I have been using Trix and find this is the best. Cheaper brands do not work as well and no need for the more expensive. Last week I bought 12 bottles from a chemist for $1.85 each. You get about 16 washes out of 1 bottle, so you can work out how cheap it is. It is less harsh on your clothes, great for black and dark colours and towels come out really soft. I also use cold water. All my friends use it, some were reluctant in the beginning but now save so much and the clothes do really look bright and clean. I have not tried it on really dirty, work gear although I do wash my husbands work jeans with the same detergent and they always come out clean. It is well worth the try.
Contributed by Jae, Guilderton, 13th August 2008
Contributed by Jae, Guilderton, 13th August 2008
Homemade Sensitive Skin Powder
I have been using this for a few weeks so far I'm very happy with the results: Combine 4 cups soap flakes (I used Lux Soap Flakes), 1 cup sodium bicarbonate, 1 cup washing soda granules. Put into a 1.5 litre jar/bucket (I used an empty clean drink bottle and funnelled it in using an A4 size paper curled into a cone shape). Dissolve 1/8 cup of this mixture in 1 cup of hot water before adding to your wash. No other washing powder is needed, just the "soap flake/ bicarb/ washing soda" mixture described above. 1/8 cup is for small to medium loads. For larger loads you can increase the amount up to about 1/3 cup. (Through experimenting I found using any more than 1/3 cup leaves the Lux fragrance on the clothing and the extra soap residue irritated my skin a little bit). I'm saving heaps of money as I previously used OMO Sensitive and I'm also happy that I'm not using toxic chemicals to wash my clothes anymore.
Contributed by Des, 30th May 2006
Contributed by Des, 30th May 2006
Vinegar Rinse
I use plain old white vinegar for rinsing the clothes and as it rinses out of the machine all the gunk seems to come out as well. My daughter in law has been rinsing her 5 kids clothes in vinegar since they were babies with no problems the smell disappears in the sun shine.
Contributed by Robyne, 11th February 2006
Contributed by Robyne, 11th February 2006
Brighter Whites and a Cheaper Wash
Add a pack of Bi-carb to your washing powder for brighter whites and extra stain removing power. Or for an even cheaper wash one cake of Lux soap, one large cup of washing soda, three ten litre buckets and lavender oil (optional). Grate Soap into large saucepan of boiling water (2 litres), mix until soap dissolved. Dissolve washing soda in two litres of hot water in a bucket. Before it cools add the soap mixture and a little essential oil if desired. Mix well. Divide mixture equally between the three buckets then add cold water to fill, mix each one. It will set to a soft gel. Use 2 cups per load. If using cold water, dissolve the gel in a little hot water before adding to the wash. Add a cup of vinegar in the final rinse in place of fabric softener .This recipe is fine to use in top or front loading machines too. Your washing will have never been cleaner or brighter.
Contributed by Korina, 11th February 2006
Contributed by Korina, 11th February 2006
Boost Washing Powder
I use one box bi-carb to 2kg washing powder and halve the amount I put in the machine. Works really well.
Contributed by Anne, 27th September 2005
Contributed by Anne, 27th September 2005
Instant Washing Gel
I have made this washing gel in the past, and when short of time you can add Lux soap flakes instead of grating soap. Mix 1 cup Lux flakes with 2 litres of water, boil until soap powder is dissolved. Add 1 cup of washing soda and stir till dissolved. Put in a 20 litre bucket, with another 8litres of hot water and 10 litres of cold water and add 1 tablespoon of Eucalyptus oil and let set over night to a gel. It is a little more expensive, but you get a lot of washes out of the tub you make up.
Contributed by Duana, 22nd September 2005
Contributed by Duana, 22nd September 2005
MOO Wool Mix
Ingredients:
4 cups Lux flakes*
4 cups boiling water
1 cup methylated spirits
2 tbsp eucalyptus oil
Method:
Mix together and bottle. To use dissolve mixture in hot water, cool before gently kneading woollens to wash. Rinse well and dry carefully in the shade, preferably flat to retain shape.
*Lux flakes - you can use any pure soap flakes or grate cakes of pure soap to get the flakes. Depending on the size of the cakes of soap you'll need 2 or 3. If you use the zester side of your grater the soap will dissolve easily and quickly.
4 cups Lux flakes*
4 cups boiling water
1 cup methylated spirits
2 tbsp eucalyptus oil
Method:
Mix together and bottle. To use dissolve mixture in hot water, cool before gently kneading woollens to wash. Rinse well and dry carefully in the shade, preferably flat to retain shape.
*Lux flakes - you can use any pure soap flakes or grate cakes of pure soap to get the flakes. Depending on the size of the cakes of soap you'll need 2 or 3. If you use the zester side of your grater the soap will dissolve easily and quickly.
Laundry Gel
In 2 litres of water on the stove put in 1 bar grated laundry soap and any left over soap, boil till dissolved, then add 1 cup of washing soda and stir till dissolved. Put in a 20 litre bucket, with another 8litres of hot water and 10 litres of cold water and add 1 tablespoon of Eucalyptus oil and let set over night to a gel. To Use: 1 cup per load, this is a low sudsing wash but it does clean well and you can hose it out onto the garden.
Contributed by Robyne, 14th September 2005
Contributed by Robyne, 14th September 2005
Washed Out Refills
Approximate $ Savings: .50cents
When buying washing detergent - I buy the refill pouches, but there's always some left when you empty it into the bottle. Instead of throwing it away - throw it into the washing machine with your next load of washing - that way none of the liquid is wasted.
Contributed by Chris, Kelmscott, 11th March 2008
When buying washing detergent - I buy the refill pouches, but there's always some left when you empty it into the bottle. Instead of throwing it away - throw it into the washing machine with your next load of washing - that way none of the liquid is wasted.
Contributed by Chris, Kelmscott, 11th March 2008
Saving the Most on Laundry Powder
Approximate $ Savings: Would have to be over $100 every 2 months from using Omomatic.
I save most money on washing powder. I have a front loader and have had for years, and used to spend a fortune on "Omomatic" for front loaders. Until I found "Duomatic". I started using small packs from Dollar stores, but then found a 10kg pack at Big W for $19.95 or a dollar off on special. This lasts at least 6 months, even with my son and his 3 children bashing the machine every fortnight visit. Contributed by Annette, Thornlands, 1st June 2008
I save most money on washing powder. I have a front loader and have had for years, and used to spend a fortune on "Omomatic" for front loaders. Until I found "Duomatic". I started using small packs from Dollar stores, but then found a 10kg pack at Big W for $19.95 or a dollar off on special. This lasts at least 6 months, even with my son and his 3 children bashing the machine every fortnight visit. Contributed by Annette, Thornlands, 1st June 2008
Less is More
Approximate $ Savings: $150
Check how much washing powder you really need when doing a load of washing. Our front loader requires less than 1/4 of the scoop that comes with the washing powder box (as advised by the repair man) rather than the full scoop advised on the box. Run it empty with no detergent added and if you still get soap suds you are using too much powder and wasting money. Save yourself money by buying less powder and prevent clogging of the machine and a subsequent visit by the repair man. AND you will also be reducing your impact on the environment (less waste in our water).
Contributed by Leisa, Wauchope, 13th January 2008
Check how much washing powder you really need when doing a load of washing. Our front loader requires less than 1/4 of the scoop that comes with the washing powder box (as advised by the repair man) rather than the full scoop advised on the box. Run it empty with no detergent added and if you still get soap suds you are using too much powder and wasting money. Save yourself money by buying less powder and prevent clogging of the machine and a subsequent visit by the repair man. AND you will also be reducing your impact on the environment (less waste in our water).
Contributed by Leisa, Wauchope, 13th January 2008
More Detergent From an Empty Box
Approximate $ Savings: 50c - $1
If you use laundry powder to do washing when the box is empty just add water & shake, if you do this about 3 times you will get enought soap residue to do another wash load.
Contributed by Kerry, Balmain, 18th October 2007
If you use laundry powder to do washing when the box is empty just add water & shake, if you do this about 3 times you will get enought soap residue to do another wash load.
Contributed by Kerry, Balmain, 18th October 2007
Warning About Cheap Laundry Powders
A note of warning about buying washing powder in bulk. Cheap washing powder usually contains a lot of chemicals which are bad for the environment and for your skin and general health. You can make your own powder with velvet soap...grate it and use it as is need. You may have to dissolve it in a cup of warm water first.
Contributed by Elizabeth, Warrnambool, 20th March 2007
Contributed by Elizabeth, Warrnambool, 20th March 2007
Washing for 8 Cents Per Load
Don't like the chemicals in laundry detergent? Use pure soap instead without breaking the budget. I buy a 6 pack of soap cakes for as little as 95 cents. For a full wash in a 5kg washing machine I grate half a cake in hot water. By the time the machine is filled with water the soap has melted and is ready to be poured in. It also saves on fabric softener as the soap has a softening effect as opposed to harsh detergents. This means a load of washing can be done for as little as 8 cents. Surely this is a great tip!
Contributed by Julieanne, Mansfield, May 14th 2005
Contributed by Julieanne, Mansfield, May 14th 2005
Laundry Liquid
My favourite washing liquid mix is- 1 cake CUSSONS pure soap (grated) 1/2 cup washing soda 1/2 cup borax 8-10 ltrs water heat water in large pot add soap, soda and borax stir till dissolved. Turn heat off and leave to cool. When cold it will set, just get your potato masher and mash it up, put in airtight container and use 1 cup per wash, more or less depending on wash load. Use 1/4 cup vinegar in rinse water. My washing comes out absolutely beautiful and I have been using this for a very long time now.
Contributed by Sharon, Woodville West, April 23rd 2005
Contributed by Sharon, Woodville West, April 23rd 2005
Irene’s Washing Suds
I make my washing suds. 1/3 Vinegar 1/3 Bleach 1/3 Detergent (can be any brand) Mix all in a plastic container. Use 1 to 2 cups per wash.
Contributed by Irene, Kincumber, April 12th 2005
Contributed by Irene, Kincumber, April 12th 2005
Mix Detergents and Save
On a grocery budget, I was standing at the laundry section of supermarket looking at prices of washing powder knowing my usual brand that I love is the most expensive. Then I thought rather than sacrifice this altogether why not mix my favourite with a cheaper brand - it goes so much further and I am saving $270 year and still getting great wash results.
Contributed by Tammy, Linton, October 12th 2006
Contributed by Tammy, Linton, October 12th 2006
Washing Powder Booster
I mix bi-carb soda with my washing powder.....It stretches it further, brightens whites, helps remove stains....and keeps the washing machine from clogging up with soap residue.....also give it a clean out once a month by running a hot cycle through with a few cups of white vinegar.....your machine will love you for it!
Contributed by Jacqui, Gungahlin, January 5th, 2006
Contributed by Jacqui, Gungahlin, January 5th, 2006
10 Litre Bucket of Laundry Detergent for 50 Cents
A 10 Lt bucket costs .50 to make - that's correct. 50 cents and it lasts for ages making general washing at around a few cents per wash. When there are just 2 of us the 10 litre bucket full lasts me 6 weeks. We have lots of visitors who stay and not one woman who has witnessed the cost effective gloop has left without the recipe, including a family of 7 who now use it. Get on with it O.K. 10 litre bucket with lid (a good idea) 1. 1/2 cake of any soap shaved finely. Add to large pot filled with water. Bring to the boil - watch it doesn't spill over. 2. Boil a kettle. 1/2 cup 'Lectric Soda' into bucket with boiling water from kettle. Can now add an oil Eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oil - a good slug that smells strong at this stage but settles. 3. Add 1/4 cup of 'Borax" to soap mixture (1) stir. 4. Add soap borax mixture to bucket. 5. Fill bucket with cold water. To use: for top loading machines, dissolve 3/4 cup of gloop in hot water then add to wash. Our daughter has a front loader and uses much less maybe as little as 1/4 cup. This costs so little I don't even mind the dissolving bit. Our washing machine water goes directly onto the grass and the grass looks good. After a day or two the mixture separates, which is normal, just dip the cup and enjoy. To use in a 20 litre nappy bucket just double the quantities.
Contributed by Carol, Mudgegonga, January 15th, 2006
Contributed by Carol, Mudgegonga, January 15th, 2006
Use Choice to Compare
Check on the 'Choice' website and you'll be amazed how much more costly most of the cheapest laundry washing powders and liquids are actually costing us. The cost per wash is double and sometimes even treble to most of the more pricey laundry products. Have a look.
Contributed by Bronwyn, Brisbane
Contributed by Bronwyn, Brisbane
Detergent Stretcher
I've found that powder laundry detergent lasts up to five times longer than the liquid. I add a large box of bicarbonate soda to the powdered detergent. The bicarbonate soda is a natural stain remover and stretches the powder even further.
Less Detergent
You can also save by cutting the amount of laundry powder or detergent you use. Things such as bath towels, sheets and underwear don't actually get filthy dirty so they don't really need a huge amount of detergent. Experiment to find the amount that suits you. I use about half the recommended amount for those things.