Soap Powder

bigburd

I had the problem of washing powder residue when I used tablets too. I only buy detergent from Aldi's as it does a great job!! If you have one of the new AA rating machines which only supply enough water to rinse the load weight then you only need one tablet instead of two. We changed to the liquid but have since bought an older machine but OH does the shopping and he's now set in his ways!!! I use colour liquid for the dark loads and have no 'fade'. Aldi's detergent is also fine for my son with eczema, no itching!!!

apple_mint

I use the 2 cups of grated soap (tesco's 3 for 21p variety) to 1 cup Borax and 1 cup washing soda. I also use the vinegar water softener method - just a splash in the fabric conditioner dispenser. I use malt (I ran out of the white stuff one day) and no it doesn't stain your clothes or make you smell like a fish and chip shop. At first I kept trying to put too much of the soap mix in (the manufacturers have got us well trained to work are way rapidly through their products :rolleyes:). Now I just use a tablespoon full of the mix (2 if the clothes are soiled). For stained clothes I bought some napisan - it's just the same as oxyclean but a lot less pricey.

DD bought some fabric conditioner by mistake (she wanted a handwash mix for her new 'delicate' top - why I asked, when we have a perfectly good soap mix that is perfectly suitable :rolleyes:). Anyway - she instists on using the fabric conditioner when she puts a wash load in and everything has the overpowering smell of chemical fabric conditioner. I would much rather my clothes smelled squeaky clean (i.e. odourless) and the only fragrance I'm carrying around is the lovely expensive perfume OH bought me for Christmas.

thriftlady_2

I think I'll give the hm detergent a go,but what kind of grated soap do you need? Queenie's recipe says fels naphta soap-no idea what that is ,apple mint you say Tesco's cheapo soap,is that their value bathroom soap? Do I find it in the cleaning aisle or the bath aisle? Advice please.

Dobie

thriftlady wrote:

I think I'll give the hm detergent a go,but what kind of grated soap do you need? Queenie's recipe says fels naphta soap-no idea what that is ,apple mint you say Tesco's cheapo soap,is that their value bathroom soap? Do I find it in the cleaning aisle or the bath aisle? Advice please.

I use co-op household soap which is in the cleaning aisle & it works really well. Like apple_mint I'm amazed at how little you really need, a tablespoonful is about half what I used to use of the really expensive stuff & things come out softer (without softener or vinegar) & just as clean.

hilary1

I think it is to do with the new washing machines using less water and being cold fill. Sometimes I wonder if there's enough water in to do a good wash but apparently they are more economical to use.


I'll try grated soap as well

suziewuzie

Thank your all for these great tips. I will try the hm soap pawder once the Tesco value runs out. Must say have used this for ages and never had any problems. Don't use conditioner as it leaves a synthetic smell. Like to dry clothes outside so they smell of fresh air. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. I think the vinegar is a really good tip as its bound to keep the pipes clear. It certainly works in the dishwasher and is much cheaper than the branded d/w cleaner. My d/w is an old hotpoint - had it for 17 years with no problems. (Tempting fate here....) Is there a thread with best/oldest appliance? Must explore. Good luck to all money savers this month. Everything you need to know is here, but it is rather addictive. Since finding the site I've HAD to come on every day in case I miss something.

apple_mint

thriftlady wrote:

I think I'll give the hm detergent a go,but what kind of grated soap do you need? Queenie's recipe says fels naphta soap-no idea what that is ,apple mint you say Tesco's cheapo soap,is that their value bathroom soap? Do I find it in the cleaning aisle or the bath aisle? Advice please.

Thriftlady - I use the value range - 3 bars of soap for 21 p from tesco's. Small cream bath bars on the lower shelves (they like you to buy the more expensive brands higher up). Just good old plain soap from the bathroom goodies aisle. I use an old mouli grater which I got off a car boot sale to grate the soap. It is a bit crumbly but any bits that miss the grater are caught on my chopping board and I give it quick chop with a sharp knife and add it to the mix. I store my mix in an old fashioned large glass sweetie jar (another car boot buy for 20p) and leave a table spoon in the jar to measure out the mix into the washer. Some people use soap flakes / borax and washing soda - to save grating, but soap flakes (dreft) are quite a bit more expensive.

hilary1

just thought aswell - I always chuck the bits of soap from the bathroom but now I'll start grating them instead.

Any more soap ideas?

Chipps

My family have problems with allergy to washing powders. However, it is not related to the cost or brand name (or lack thereof) of the powder, but whether or not it is biological. Persil was always the worst.
I now use Lidl non-bio & we have no problems. Sometimes with washing soda, but that makes not difference to the allergy problem. Malt vinegar goes in the softener drawer at the beginning.
I do buy Tesco value bio powder - but wouldn't dream of washing clothes in it!!! It is just for cleaning baked on grease in baking tins etc!

lottie26_2

Is ther some sort of recipe to make your own fabric conditioner?
Think this a great idea