#laundry soap

[pulltheotheroneithasbellson]

okay, Tumblr, i need help. periodically there's a post going around about laundry soap and soaking clothes in it to get gunk out and freshen them up. my questions are two: 1. does it work? and 2. does anyone have that dang post at hand?

[thefloralmenace]

i recall you said you make your own laundry powder...i've been using charlie soap powder but it's getting expensive!

do you mind dropping your recipe? i'd appreciate it :)

Sure! For each batch, I use 1 cup Borax, 2 cups washing soda, 2 cups baking soda, and one bar of Bella brand soap (the label on this laundry soap is old, and the font is weird on "Bella," so I originally thought "Beta" was the brand name). I recommend that soap specifically because it's very hard, and lotiony soaps don't work well in the process and can leave grease stains on clothes (but it's soap, so you can still wash it out).

The trick is to put the bar soap on a plate and microwave it in 30 second intervals until it puffs up. Then let it cool, chop it coarsely, and put it in the food processor. If you use a lotiony soap, it will also gum up the food processor, but if you have to, you can use that kind of soap and pour some of the powdered ingredients in the food processor with it. The food processing step is essential to get the soap particles fine enough to dissolve in the wash.

Also caviat here: Every time I post this recipe, someone hops on to say this kind of laundry soap isn't made for modern washers, will void the warranty, and doesn't actually get clothes clean.

I've been using it at least 5 years and haven't had a single issue. I also have some emergency All Free and Clear around in case I run out of my regular stuff before I get time to make more, and I notice literally no difference other than that All Free and Clear still has a powerful detergent smell and irritates my skin lol.

So use at your own risk I guess, but I like it and have no problems with it. Also a double batch of this lasts me about 6 months at a time for pretty cheap.

[misforgotten2]

Be sure to set the washer to "delicate" when washing a beagle. Tumble dry or hang by the ears.

Family Circle - November 1959

[goshyesvintageads]

Procter & Gamble Co, 1951

[mudwerks]

Fels-Naptha ad

Woman's Home Companion: May 1948

[with-the-daisies-feeling-hazy]

Wash day/Sunday reset . 🤎🧺🧼

see more of my journey here

[emmieexplores2]

1951, Tide Detergent

[90s-2000s-barbie]

K-Mart (December 17, 2006)