Laundry Soap & Skin, Your Largest Organ

by Renée Rainville
The Marketplace at Simpson Spring 

Since the Market opened at Simpson Spring in November, I have been offering Earth Friendly Laundry Soap samples - 60 per week - to those of you who were kind enough to listen. Through signs at my vendor table, pleads as you passed by and in articles in the Market Newsletter, I demanded you bring in an empty container so I could fill a larger sample for you skeptics to try - for FREE. Very few took me up on that offer though I eagerly continued to bring my 10 gallons of soap and funnels weekly. "Your skin is your largest organ. We indiscriminately pay more money for chemicals we can't pronounce," I say while pointing to the empty bottles of Tide ® and Era® detergents I use for my display, "only to rub them on our skin and further pollute our ground water." I thought if the argument about cancer causing chemicals wasn't compelling enough, surely the fact that it costs $0.003 per load would compel these new friends of mine to start making the tried-and-true formula I was offering forFREE. Yes, that is the 100ths column. It costs less than a penny per load when using an HE Machine (high efficiency) to do a load of laundry.  Ensuing questions:

• Yeah, but does it work? --i use it exclusively. It works great. Here is a FREE sample to try.
• What does it smell like? --The Original Formula has a clean scent, the Organic version has no smell at all. Design your own custom scent using 2-3 drops of essential oils per gallon - choose the right oils and enjoy the added bonus of keeping the bugs away from you while outdoors!
• Does it work in a front loader/HE Machine? --The formula I make is is for an HE Machine - simply double the amount per load for a traditional top loading washer. 
• What if I use too much? --This is a low-suds formula that rinses clean, dumping the entire bottle won't hurt - though I don't suggest you should, it won't make a mess out of your laundry room. 
• Additional 'Frequently Asked Questions' PLUS the laundry soap recipe are included below. 

More often than not, the reply would be "Renée, I'm never going to make my own laundry soap. Package it for sale and I'll buy it." So that's just what I began doing. Customers were coming back weekly with compliments and great feedback on the formula -  I don't even need fabric softener, my clothes don't get twisted in the front loader washing machine anymore, stains that were there forever are starting to come out the more I use this, I love the smell, it works so well, even my washing machine is sparkling clean...I couldn't get enough of this outpouring of support. I began charging a fee to make special-order batches for customers who wanted to use a specific bar soap - I buy all the supplies and either fill a gallon-size bottle providing them with a funnel for easy refill from the 5-gallon buckets OR bottle the entire batch with a customized label of their formula to give away to friends, family and teachers as gifts. The only complaints from Market customers came like this: "I used up all my laundry soap and had to wait until Saturday to finish it," hand on hip as they lovingly harass me. As a solution, I began keeping an inventory of laundry soap at the Simpson Store open M-F 9-6, Sat 9-4. I am blown away when I arrive each Saturday that I have to replenish the supply - those purchasing their weekly soda/seltzer/water are also buying their laundry soap. 

This small idea in sustainability has turned into a laundry soap craze - I invite you to join us in taking ONE SIMPLE STEP toward becoming more GREEN and sustainable. I tell people to buy the $2 bottle that will wash 8 loads. Once you fall in love with it, either come back and get the recipe to make it or buy the larger bottle. It's that simple. I'm aware it is not the greenest of products available but it gets us all talking about better choices, why we poison ourselves with things offered at our grocery stores and pharmacies and helps us move in the right direction, taking small steps. After all, we all have laundry to do...! Why not save yourself some money? 
Visit Renée's Corner by my vendor table to see the products I'm offering and why. While the Internet, blogs and Facebook post continually educate you on homemade, healthy alternatives to store-bought remedies, my inventory will grow and grow to meet your needs. I will offer healthy solutions that can be purchased in health stores nation-wide as well as homemade versions to meet your needs. Keep asking, I'll keep offering. Homemade toothpaste is next, look for different formulas in the coming weeks and seek out our newsletter from last week to learn why ditching fluoride is another great idea. (or google it! - tons of compelling videos and articles) My website, rRainville.com says FEEL BETTER all over it. If you wonder why I excitedly stand by the RAW NUT table each week telling you about the Marketplace and why you should SHOP LOCAL, it is because I want you to FEEL BETTER. Small shifts to your existing habits is all I want to change. You'll enjoy the results. 
 

More Laundry Soap Frequently Asked Questions   

With several hundred comments, many of them packed with helpful info, I'm finding that many of the questions asked at the Marketplace, in reply to my blogs/Facebook posts or sent to me through the contact form on rRainville.com have been asked and answered several times. Here are more mysteries solved ;) 

Where Do You Buy Washing Soda?The brand I'm most familiar with is Arm & Hammer. Look in the laundry aisle of your grocery store or Walmart/Target to find it. You can order it online though it is heavy to ship. It is also known as Soda Ash and can be found at art supply stores, JoAnn Fabrics, and other places that sell textile products. Try asking your local grocer to order it for you if they don't carry it. 

Where Can I Buy Fels Naptha?Fels Naptha was made by The Dial Corp but seems to have changed hands to Purex as the label had recently changed. You can also order it online on Amazon.Check the laundry aisle in your local grocery store or Walmart/Target. 

Help! It's Too Thick, Too Watery, Too Chunky, It Separated, It's A Solid Mass, It Doesn't Look Like I Think It Should!Making homemade laundry detergent is not an exact science. Even if it turns out differently than expected, give it a try since the ingredients are all there and are easily mixed with the laundry water. I can't tell you what you did wrong or why a batch turned out differently than expected. If you followed directions to a "T" (stirred really well, used hot water, measured correctly, etc.), then the likely culprit is the brand of soap used. If the mixture gelled into a solid mass, try mixing in more hot water. If it's too thin, try adding more soap or Borax or Washing Soda. 

It Doesn't Look Like Commercial Brands, It Looks Like Goopy Glop!Congrats! That's how it's supposed to look. 

I Want To Use My Favorite Brand Of Soap In The Detergent, Can I?You'll have to experiment by making a batch first to know for sure. I would cut batches in half (or even less) when first experimenting with a soap. This way there won't be as much waste if it turns out poorly. You don't want to use anything heavy with perfumes or oils since this may transfer to your clothing (as stains). They may also cause a chemical reaction with the other ingredients. From the comments area: You can use any soap that lists sodium palmate, sodium cocoate, sodium tallowate, etc. Just be sure you are using real soap and not detergent beauty bars with added free oils. (i.e. Dove, etc). I wouldn't use beauty bars or shower gels or body wash. 

Are There Alternatives For People Who Have Allergies Or Sensitive Skin?Try soaps that you know you're not allergic to, but watch the ingredients in the bar to make sure it won't react with the rest of ingredients of the detergent. The only way to know for sure is to try it. By customer request, I offer an Organic version made with Dr. Bronners Magic Soap. 

How Do You Grate The Bars?I use a handheld cheese grater but you can also use a food processor (just make sure you clean it well after use). Grate the soap first before adding to a food processor and chop until fine. 

Can I Use Liquid Instead Of Grating A Bar?Again, making homemade detergent is not an exact science-there's lots of room for experimentation. For liquid varieties, I myself have not tried using liquid soap instead of bar soap. I think Liquid Castile would be ok, you might want to dilute it with water first (I don't have a dilution ratio to suggest). If you do try it, let us know how you made out in the comments area below. 

What Is The Difference Between Washing Soda And Baking Soda?Washing soda is Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate. Baking Soda is Sodium Bicarbonate. No they are not interchangeable and results will vary if substituting one for the other. 

Can You Safely Use It With A High Efficiency Washer (HE Machine)?I use this formula exclusively in my HE Machines (yes I have 2, I LOVE laundry!). Be aware that using anything other than what your machine manufacturer recommends may void your warranty. Homemade detergent is low sudsing which is important for HE machines. I consider front loader and HE machines to be the same. *Some top loader machines are also HE machines so be aware. And again, be aware that using anything other than what your machine manufacturer recommends may void your warranty. 

I Have Hard Water & My Clothes Don't Come Out That Clean, Suggestions?Try adding baking soda, oxyclean or vinegar as laundry boosters - suggestions for baking soda are to start with 1/2 cup per load. 

Aren't Washing Soda & Borax Caustic? Poisonous? Are They Safe To Handle?As with all cleaners, common sense is needed when handling soaps and detergents. Going against dire warnings about how dangerous Borax and Washing Soda are to the skin, I handle all ingredients with bare hands and experienced no burns - all flesh is still intact. If I had small cuts or scrapes on my skin, my experience may have been different. To be safe you may wish to use rubber gloves. Avoid breathing in any of the powders and ingredients (I did that once as my face was hanging over the bucket while I filled the hot water and added the borax/washing soda - it irritated my nose but I lived to talk about it). I imagine breathing in a mouthful of commercial store-bought laundry detergent, or getting it in my eyes or up my nose, would be very uncomfortable and unwise - the same goes for homemade detergent ingredients. It goes without saying: Don't eat it to find out if it's poisonous or not. And of course: Keep this out of reach of children just like you would for any other cleaner, detergent or soap.

Can It Be Used In Cold Water Instead Of Hot?Sure it can. If you notice clothes don't come out as clean as you'd like, try a laundry booster such as vinegar or baking soda. 

Can It Be Used For Washing Baby Clothes & Diapers?This question is asked for two reasons: Will it irritate baby's skin and will it be strong enough to clean nasty diapers. Although I've never used homemade detergents for this purpose myself (yet!) Martha Stewart recommends both Washing Soda and Borax as laundry boosters when washing diapers. The instructions on the box for Arm & Hammer suggest it be used as a diaper soak. Many have affirmed that baby items wash up nicely with no ill effects. Use an extra rinse if you have extra-sensitive babies.

How Fine Do You Have To Grate The Bar?Grating the bar soap first is done so that it melts faster when heated or dissolves better in the wash. The finer it is, the quicker it melts. **Be sure the water is room temperature when adding it to the grated soap in the pan - adding grated soap to boiling water makes a clumpy mess and takes WAY longer to dissolve.  

Will It Fade Dark Colored Clothing?I have noticed no fading or damage to clothing. I've laundered work clothes, everyday clothes and office attire in this homemade laundry soap - nothing but better results than my fave detergent, Era®. 

Freshly Washed Clothes Smell Like Nothing! Can You Add Essential Oils For Fragrance? If So, How Much Do I Add?You bet! Essential oils are a nice touch to homemade detergents. How much you add depends on how strong the fragrance is that you've chosen and what recipe you are using. Experiment for yourself to see what you like best. You can add between 2 to 7 drops of essential oil per gallon to your homemade laundry detergent. 

Can I Still Use Bleach?I don't personally use bleach. However, bleach has been used successfully with no harmful effects. You will want to watch the ingredients in your soap items though (make sure the bar you use can be mixed with bleach safely), bleach will react negatively with vinegar for example. 

Is There A Residue On Clothes After Washing?I haven't noticed it but if you do, here are a couple things you can try: Increase the water amount, decrease the load size or decrease the detergent used per wash. You can also try a vinegar rinse by using a Downy ball or add vinegar during the rinse cycle. 

Can I Safely Use the Gray Water In My Garden? I have no idea, sorry. I don't suggest it however I have been researching how to recycle this laundry waste water safely - stay tuned ;))!! 

Are These Safe For Septic Tanks? Yes. Far more safe than the caustic chemicals you are currently using.  

Why Aren't There Any Suds In The Water?Homemade detergents are low sudsing, you won't see many suds in the wash. No worries, this is normal and your clothes will still come out clean. 

After Mixing Ingredients Together, The Mixture Smells Really Strong & Foul-What's Wrong?The brand of soap you used is likely causing a chemical reaction with the other ingredients. Throw out the batch (don't get it on your skin or breathe it in) and use a different brand. 

It Isn't Completely Dissolving In The Water, Why?If you're having problems with chunks of detergent not dissolving, try mixing it in some hot water before adding to the load. 

Any Ideas Of What I Can Use For Storing The Liquid Version In?Use pails made from heavy plastic, make sure there's a lid or cap to keep it sealed. I found some big heavy pails through a restaurant, if you know someone working in a restaurant, see if they can help you out. Comments have suggested using empty plastic vinegar jugs. Comments have suggested using the large plastic kitty litter containers. I use Simpson Spring gallons - I refill the ones I purchase at the refill station 3 times then use them for laundry soap. I have plenty, ASK ME and I'll gladly bring some in for you.  

Is Borax or Washing Soda Safe For The Environment? I'm Trying To Find An Eco-Friendly Solution!According to this website, washing soda is environmentally friendly: Root-cn.com. Borax is an ingredient included in many "Green" recipes.Research shows that it's not the most environmentally friendly option out there, but it would be better than most regular commercial detergents. 

How Much Should I Use Per Load Of Wash?*HE Machines - 1/4 cup per load*Traditional Top Loader Machines (not HE versions) 1/2 cup per loadFeel free to adjust as needed. 

Ugh! This Stuff Didn't Clean My Clothes At All!It could be one of two things: not enough detergent used in the load or the brand of bar soap used in the recipe. Experiment with the amount of detergent you use in the wash, you should discover the needed amount. The suggested amounts to use per load may not be right in your case since the brand of bar soap you used might not be as good a cleaner as others. 

Is It Really Worthwhile Making Your Own?It doesn't cost that much to give it a shot and see how you like it. If you do find it works well for you-imagine the money you'll save over time! 

---Adding Some Antiseptic QualityThis is a great tip sent in by Roxanne and I think it should be added to this main section so it doesn't get missed (thank you Roxanne!)... For readers who were worried about bacteria surviving in the wash using cold water they could try using Dr. Bronner's teatree soap or adding teatree oil to their detergent for it's antiseptic properties. I've had some success with this. I used this soap on my son when his winter eczyma became irritated and resulted in a bad skin infection. It cleared up in about half the amount of time his pediatrician predicted. Also, adding vinegar to the fabric softener cup on the washing machine will help to keep things more sanitary by breaking up leftover wash residues.
If you have any advice to offer, feel free to do so in the comments area on rRainville.com, and thanks again to everyone who shared their knowledge!

Earth Friendly Laundry Soap
Ingredients:

Water 

5.5 oz Bar Soap - Fels Naptha, Castile, organic bar soap (Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap, etc.), Ivory or soap of your choice

1 cup Washing Soda

1/2 cup Borax

Essential Oils optional, 2-3 drops per gallon

Materials Needed:

2 Five gallon buckets with covers

Warmest tap waterStirring stick

Cheese grater

Heating element

Sauce pan

Bottles for storage

Instructions:

• Grate bar soap with cheese grater into sauce pan.
• Cover with room temperature water and heat on medium, stirring constantly using stirring stick, until bar soap is liquefied.
• While heating, fill 5 gallon bucket with the warmest tap water available.
• Measure Washing Soda and Borax into the 5 gallon bucket and add liquefied bar soap while stirring.
• Fill 5 gallon bucket to top with warmest tap water.
• Stir often, every 15 minutes or so, as it cools.
• Cover and let sit overnight, stirringperiodically. Ingredients combine and coagulate into a very thick consistency.Stirring stick will stand up in firm mixture.
• Mix very well with stirring stick. 
• Move half the contents to the second 5 gallon bucket and fill both to the top with warmest tap water, stir every 30 minutes as it cools.
• Add essential oils once detergent is fully cooled.
• Ready for bottling once mixture reaches room temperature.

As no chemical stabilizers are added to this detergent, natural separating may occur.Simply stir or shake detergent gently to combine before use. 

*1/4 cup per load for HE front loader washers

*1/2 cup per load for top loader washers

Please share your feedback! I have been using this soap exclusively since November and find it very effective. Pretreat with a dab of laundry soap when necessary, as always!  Renée Rainville

Health improvement and wellness services by:

rRainville.com

rRainvilleLLC@gmail.com