Question

Let’s talk laundry!  I have recently switched to using wool dryer balls instead of fabric sheets and I cut fabric softener out altogether but I’m wondering how I could save on detergent as well.Let’s talk laundry! I have recently switched to using wool dryer balls instead of fabric sheets and I cut fabric softener out altogether but I’m wondering how I could save on detergent as well. Does anyone make their own and have any recipes to do so? I am obsessed with my clothes smelling good I have always used 2x the said amount of detergent & a whole bunch of fabric softener which I know is horrible for my family the environment and especially my pockets hahah so any and all recommendations are welcome thank you:)

Answer 1

I use Percil it’s not cheap but you only have to use a little amount and my clothes smell so good so I feel like it lasts longer than the other brands where you need to use twice that amount

Answer 2

I do one bar washing soap or castile soap grated 2 cups washing soap 1 cup borax 1/2 cup baking soda 1/4 cup epsoms salt you use about a table spoon per load my husband was a garbage man and this stuff works great on his clothes though it’s not scented so I’ve sold clothes and had people accuse me of not washing them because they didn’t smell like detergent also my husband is allergic to powdered detergent and this doesn’t bother him

Answer 3

I didn’t love making ours so I buy when on sale from Costco and use less then recommended.  

Answer 4

Use vinegar as fabric softener . And add some drops of essential oil to it . Whatever smell you like. Large loads you only need 1/4 cup of detergent . More soap doesn't mean more clean. It means more soap residue on your clothes. The vinegar takes that off. And your clothes will not smell like vinegar. You could always wash your clothes in baking soda for the cheapest

Comments

This. I do this as well.  

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I only use about 1/4 of the recommended amount of detergent and have no problem with clothes coming out unclean. I, too, use vinegar in my rinse cycle and wool balls in the dryer. I think we are convinced after seeing years of ads that we NEED multiple laundry aids when, in reality, we really don't. More is not necessarily better.  

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@dextroamphetamine45 do you just put the powdered soda in the machine instead of washing powder? I use a very small amount of washing powder. much much less than recommended. I feel disturbed by all that muck going into the environment n water ways. Although I do love my clothes clean ironed n smelling fresh.  

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@metamorphic if there's a spot for powder in your washing . I'd put it there if not I'm sure right on the load would be fine .  

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@dextroamphetamine45 Thanks. I have a friend who mixes Soda n vodka tog. as a body scrub n I use soda for pots n pans for a good clean.  

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@metamorphic never thought of that ! Good tip!  

Answer 5

Can you add vinegar at the beginning of a wash cycle, my lid locks so I can’t add anything during rinse cycle. Has anyone done that?  

Comments

@pearse7393 Yes!  

Answer 6

I switched to My Greenfills. You can check some reviews online.  

Answer 7

Use a smaller amount of detergent. Cut dryer sheets in half or only use in certain loads like towels.  

Comments

@maice623 not sure if you’ve heard but you technically aren’t supposed to use fabric softener or dryer sheets with towels. There are certain oils in them that coat the towel fibers and therefore they begin to lose their absorbency.  

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@berstine she's using the wool balls in the dryer. I use them also and they are fantastic

Answer 8

I dont know what recipes are out there for detergent but I have noticed since switching to scent free detergents that now anything scented smells very very strong. So over time you may get used to whatever you end up using.  

Answer 9

I use Dropps. Love them and one order last months

Answer 10

There are a lot of recipes out there to make your own. I personally use the recipe you can find by googling "DIY thieves laundry detergent lemon lavender laundry " (I'm not sure if I can share links in this group or not. ). I love the smell of the essential oils. If you don't want to use the brands in the recipe, you can probably sub out with other similar brands and add essential oils you like for scent.  

Answer 11

I use dryer balls too and put a few drops of essential oils on one. Smells so good after.  

Answer 12

I actually just use baking soda with essential oils for detergent and distilled white vinegar for softener.  

Answer 13

Persil. 1 to 2 tsp. A giant jug is 15 to 17 dollars. I do 1 or 2 loads a day and it lasts about 6 months.  

Comments

@insured how big is a load?  

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@vigil6582 A regular to large sized load is 1 to 2 tsp

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@vigil6582 I get mine at Walmart.  

Answer 14

You can actually put some essential oil into your dryers balls!  

Answer 15

You only need a tablespoon of detergent. This came from a friend of mine who fixes appliances for a living. He said people use way too much laundry detergent.  

Answer 16

I only use about a tablespoon of detergent and never any fabric softener. We are a sensitive skin family. You can add essential oils to your wool balls for fragrance

Answer 17

Our buddy owns an appliance repair, told me to never make our own and that in reality you only need a tablespoon or so of detergent.  

Answer 18

I do 1 c Zote flakes, 1c washing soda, 1c borax, a few shakes of in wash scent booster and a scoop of dollar store brand oxy clean. (There’s a scoop in the package). Blend as you go. Sometimes I add some essential oil. That mixture goes a long way. I do a double batch at a time. Inexpensive and good. I buy the flakes because there’s no way I’m going to grate soap. I can usually find it at the Super Walmart or online. I don’t want to make liquid, I just find the powder easier. Note that it’s washing soda, NOT baking soda.  

Answer 19

Making your own creates a coating on your clothes and doesn’t clean them as well as a store bought detergent does. Laundry Love & Cleaning Science is a great group for info on this.  

Answer 20

Norwex Ultra Power Plus Detergent. You only need 1 tablespoon for a large load and 1 teaspoon for small load. One 2lb bag lasts 4-5 months for my family of 5 with practically at least one load a day. Find a consultant to get a sample to try it out first.  

Answer 21

I would try using the recommended amount and then if you feel you need to use a cup of White vinegar. If you use too much soap it doesn't wash clean ;/

Answer 22

It's also super bad for your clothing. Honestly, I would suggest cutting 3/4 of your laundry detergent for your next wash, and rinsing your clothes until you don't see anymore suds. See, the soap and fabric softener sits in the fabric and breaks it down a lot more quickly. I use Tide to line 2 for my large loads. I add essential oils to my wool dryer balls and the clothes smell so fresh! Good luck to you!  

Answer 23

Tide simply clean. I’ve used it forever now. I love the smell, I’m very sensitive to smells like any gain products give me migraines. But the tide is just a fresh smell. Also the Simply clean is really affordable it’s only $9 for a big jug that advises 88 loads

Answer 24

We don't get tide in NZ anymore. I miss it

Answer 25

I used to make my own and I’m over it. I love tide. I love my clothes smelling good and it’s worth it to me. I also use the bounce scent boosters.  

Answer 26

I use a Melaluca detergent and love it. Use just a tiny bit and all gets clean and smells good. 32 oz does 96 loads. My friend has a biz with them.  

Answer 27

I use Dropps detergent! They are all natural and eco friendly. one pod for a load. I have a family of 5, my husband is a construction worker and constantly has laundry. A box easily lasts me 3 months and the cost is about 25 dollars. there is actually a groupon now for them .  
https://www.groupon.com/deals/dropp...oogle

Comments

We use Dropps too and love them!