Thursday, October 6, 2011

Saving Some Money on Detergent

One of the things that I've done for my family to save money is make my own laundry detergent and dishwasher detergent.  Now, I have tried making my own liquid soap (which looked quite gelatinous - read more practice needed), and also toothpaste which I got way too much salt in, so more practice needed there, too.  BUT, the two things that are a major savings to the family are the detergents.

There are a number of recipes on the web, but I'll share the ones that I find the easiest (both are powder).

Laundry Detergent
2 cups grated soap (I use Ivory)
1 cup washing soda (You can find Arm & Hammer Washing Soda in some grocery stores)
1 cup borax

Easy peasy - Use a couple of tablespoons for a load, or more if you've got a large load washer like me.  I also like to triple the recipe so I don't have to make it as often.  I've got two boys and a husband who create lots of laundry.

I store the detergent in a large plastic container, the kind you put left-overs in.

Cost: About $.03/load vs. about $.30/load of commercial detergent.

Dishwasher Detergent
1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup citric acid

Use 1 Tbsp per load.

Ok, I cheat on this one and skip the citric acid.  I put vinegar in the compartment where the JetDry goes instead.

I store this in an old large peanut butter jar, and keep it handy under the sink.

I hope these little things help!  You'll notice a difference in your pocket, for sure.

Cost: You'll get double the loads and save around $.05/load for a few minutes of work.

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4 comments:

  1. This is great Tina! You just saved me quite a bit of time. This has been on my "to do" list for months. But, I always over "investigate" everything and haven't had the time to pick the perfect recipe. Thanks for doing all that work for me!!!!

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  2. nice job - I've used my "own" toothpaste for years ...baking soda made into a paste with peroxide - cleans and bleaches (my dentist actually told me about this about 30 years ago!)

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  3. So glad the info was useful!
    Oooo, I need to try that toothpaste. Unfortunately, I'm the only one who would use it. :(

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  4. this is AWESOME!! thank you so much for joining the hop!!

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