Homemade Laundry Soap

Well, I've tried out the Homemade Laundry Soap and have good news! It's AWESOME!!! We've washed lots of dirt, vomit, and urine. It's been an interesting week to say the least, but EXCELLENT for testing new laundry soap. Anyone who's washed anything that's been peed in knows it takes a couple washes for the smell to be gone. Same with vomit. But, one wash and it was out!!

Because we don't have grass in the back yard, Lilly's kennel is filthy. I have to vacuum it out every other day at least! So, I decided to wash her blanket with the new soap. I was amazed at how clean it was after washing! There were a couple little stains, but I don't know if they were there from before this wash or not. All I can say is that it looked amazing!

Another bonus - it didn't cost very much to get started!

So, are you ready for the recipe? I've seen lots of variations, but this is the one I used.

Liquid Homemade Laundry Soap

3 Gallons Warm Water (I used hot)

4 C. Water

1 Whole Bar Fels-Naptha* soap, grated

1 C. Washing Soda

1/2 C. Borax

Essential Oil, for scent if desired

Place 3 gallons warm water in a 5 gallon bucket. Bring 4 C. water to a boil. Add grated Fels-Naptha bar and stir until completely dissolved. When melted, add to water in 5 gallon bucket. Add Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until completely dissolved. If you would like to add fragrance, you can add 10-15 drops of essential oils to this mix. (I think it has a nice clean smell already, and I use fabric softener; so, I didn't do this). Place the lid on the bucket and let sit over night.

After it sits, the top will have turned to jelly. Stir well and use 1/2 cup per load. Enjoy!!!

*I had no idea what Fels-Naptha was, but I found it at Ace Hardware. It's a laundry bar not a body bar. Those who I've talked to, who use it, LOVE it. If you can't find it, I've also read that you can use: Ivory, Sunlight, Kirk's Hardwater Castile, or Zote.

Also, the Borax and Washing Soda are found on the Laundry Isle. Washing soda is by Arm and Hammer and comes in a yellow box that's similar to the baking soda box. Just remember, baking soda will not work in this recipe.

****Edited to add: Although I'm still impressed with how well this soap works, and it really is amazing, I think it could use an extra enzyme boost to help with food removal. OR, I could just remember to rub a little extra laundry or dish soap into the spots before I wash the clothes. (Mostly, I'm just adding this as a mental note to help me remember to do it.) Happy washing! :)

Homemade Laundry Soap and Fabric Softener "Sheets"

I am SO excited! I'm going to try making homemade laundry soap! I know...the things that amuse me... ;) Anyway, after I try it out, I'll let you know what I've discovered. One of the women in our ward has started making it, and loves it - and she was a Tide girl! She was at her daughter's softball game the other day and received the comment, "[Your daughter's] uniform is the cleanest one out there." If it works for them, it may just work for me - and you too!

Oh, and she told me how she started doing her fabric softener.

Fabric Softener "Sheets"

What you need:

5 gallon bucket with lid

Liquid fabric softener

Water

A couple new sponges, cut in half

What to do: If your fabric softener is not new, mark the side of the container where it's filled to. If it's un-used, don't worry about it. Pour the fabric softener into the bucket. Fill the fabric softener container with water to the mark or top. Pour the water in the bucket. Fill the fabric softener container again the same way and pour it into the bucket also. (Our solution should have twice as much water as fabric softener). Now, throw your cut-in-half sponges in the mix and it's ready.

How to use: When you're ready to dry clothes, grab a sponge, squeeze out some liquid, and throw it in the dryer with the wet clothes. Now dry. It works like fabric softener sheets and doesn't leave those greasy spots on everything!

Melted Crayon in the Dryer

I have about three minutes to write, so I'm going to go fast! I just opened my dryer and do you know what I found covering the inside? Melted crayon! (Thankfully it wasn't on the clothes. Can you believe that)?! This could have been a lot worse than it was if I hadn't just learned what to do. It also works for chap stick.

What you need:

• toothbrush
• WD40
• dish soap
• wet rag

I sprayed WD40 on the toothbrush, scrubbed each crayon spot to loosen the wax, put a little dish soap on the same toothbrush, scrubbed each spot again to loosen the WD40, and wiped clean with the wet rag. Now you will never know there was crayon in the dryer.

Did I write that fast enough?

Household Hints and Tips

Know what's horrible? Do you know the feeling when you're used to wearing something, like a ring or watch, and suddenly find it missing? Do you feel naked without it?! That's how I feel right now! My writing callous is gone! Can you believe that? I had this little piece of dry skin on my right ring finger the other day. It was bothering me; so, I pulled it off! Then to my dismay, I looked at my finger and saw this little, soft, pink patch that I don't remember seeing - ever! I know I've been out of school for almost six years now, and I know I don't write as much as I used to. But this? You guys don't even know how sad this makes me. It was like a proudly worn badge of honor - this little callous on my finger. How many papers I wrote! I was like the essay-writing queen!

Because of my writing reputation, people would ask me to review their papers. Do you know what I would ask them? "Are you sure?" "Yes." Then I would tell them "This paper will come back with more ink on it then you've ever seen your English teacher write." (You should have seen their faces when I said that and then again when they received their papers). Now it's gone! I might have to start writing in my journal more, instead of typing on this blog; 'cause I don't have callouses on my fingertips from typing. Uhhhh....

Anyway, I just returned home from a very fun and informative Provident Living class (Enrichment Night). It was wonderful! Everyone that went shared hints and tips that help make their lives a little easier. Remember, these have all been tried and proven successful! Some sound a little strange; but, supposedly they work. Here are some of my notes. If they don't make sense, just leave me a comment.

Hydrogen Peroxide

• add a little to potted plants to kill gnats
• cleans blood off clothes - just poor it on and wash (don't let it sit too long)
• great as a cleaner (counters, tables, etc...)
  

Spit - blood removal from clothes (if it's your blood, your spit will work best)

Rubbing Alcohol - use for cleaning dingy light switches, window frames, garbage cans, etc...works great!

Window Cleaning - cloth diapers and flour sack dish rags don't leave lint behind

WD40 (Water Displacement Formula 40) - great for removing oil and grease, good for cleaning stainless steal pots, use to loosen rusted screws (make sure you have the exact size screwdriver for maximum torque)!

Naptha Solvent - great for cleaning oils (ie melted crayon in dryer and crayon in clothes).

Gum Removal - peanut butter, egg white, ice.

Food Storage use - everydayfoodstorage.net

Marker and Pen Ink Removal - aerosol hairspray

When cooking rice or meat, cook an extra serving and freeze in the freezer for use later.

Meat Breading - use Bisquick - don't worry about eggs or flour, just dredge the meat in the Bisquick and fry or bake

Foil Baking Bags - throw the meat in with veges and let bake in their own juices - Yummy!

Spray Pam on cheese grater to keep cheese from sticking to it.

Add oil to boiling water for cooking noodles - helps prevent sticking and boil-out

When measuring shortening or butter in a measuring cup, place saran wrap over the top to lift out easily.

Window Cleaner - mix three parts vinegar to one part water

If key wont go in key hole, rub a graphite pencil in it or spray WD40

To clean kitchen grease for tops of kitchen cabinets, spray with Scrubbing Bubbles. Step down, grab rag, and wipe off.

To clean blinds, spray with Scrubbing Bubbles, stand blinds in shower, and spray with shower to rinse.

If you have mice holes, place a ball of steal wool in the hole. The mice wont eat through it because it will kill them.

Place unpasteurized honey on burns and bee stings. (You can also use tobacco for injuries like cuts and burns).

Hang a bag of water with a few pennies in it over your doors and windows to keep flies from coming in your house. The light reflections bother their eyes, so they stay away.

Place a small cup of apple cider vinegar with a drop of dish soap in it to kill fruit flies. The vinegar attracts them, the soap kills them.

To make quick cookies, make dough. Use cookie scoop to form cookies on a baking sheet. Place in freezer. When frozen, stick in freezer safe container. When ready to cook, place on pan and follow baking directions.

When making dinner, fill the sink with hot soapy water. When you finish using a dish or utensil, just place it in the water. They can be washed really quick and put away after dinner.

"Queen of Clean" Part 5

Cleaning Tips for the Laundry

Wash Plastic Shower Liner

To remove soap scum and mildew from plastic shower curtains and liners, fill washing machine with warm water, 1 c. white vinegar, and your regular laundry detergent. Add the curtains, along with several old light colored towels. Run through complete cycle and re-hang curtain immediately.

Oder-Eater Socks

1 gallon warm water
1/4 c. baking soda

Mix and soak freshly washed socks for 30 minutes in mixture. Spin out in the washer (do not rinse), then dry.

Bleach Alternative

1/4 c. lemon juice
1/4 c. white vinegar
1 gallon warm water

Mix and soak clothes 15 minutes before washing.

Removing Rust from Clothes

Apply lemon juice, let item dry in sun, then launder as usual. This method is generally safe on all washable fabrics; but, if in doubt, test it in an inconspicuous place first.

Another method is to apply Cream of Tartar to the rust spot. Gather up the edges of the material and dip the spot into hot water. Let sit 5 minutes and launder as usual.

Grease and Oil

In order to treat a grease stain, first you have to know if it is animal oil, vegetable oil, or automotive. Grease and oil can leave a semitransparent stain that turns dark from the soil it attracts. To remove a grease stain, remove as much of the greasy substance as possible without forcing the grease further down into the fabric fibers. Use a paper towel to blot and absorb all the grease that you can. Next apply a drawing agent such as baking soda, cornstarch, or talcum powder. Rub it in and let it sit 15 - 30 minutes to allow it to absorb and draw the grease out of the fabric. Brush the powder off thoroughly and check the stain. If it looks like you can absorb more, repeat the process. For tough grease stains sprinkle the stain with cornstarch, cover with an old lightweight rag and press with a medium-hot iron to absorb the grease/oil.

Sometimes grease stains can be stubborn and we need to fall back on the idea that grease removes grease. Therefore, you want to spray the grease spot with WD-40 Lubricant and let it soak for 10 minutes. Work in undiluted dishwashing liquid and work well between your thumbs. Flush with the hottest water you can for the fabric, pre-treat and launder as usual. Do not use this mithod on silk or crease-resistant finishes.

Although my neighbor gave me these cleaning tips, they can be found in The Queen of Clean's Books. You can find them at your local library or buy them here.

"Queen of Clean" Part 4

Cleaning Tips for Outside

Here are a few cleaning tips for outside. And while we're cleaning, make sure you check out the link at the bottom. It's from Joy. In case your wondering, this is an actual picture of me in the window. Well, maybe it's not exactly me, but man oh man...it sure sounds like me. Ahhhhhh....

Cleaning the Grill

When you're finished cooking, take a ball of aluminum foil and scrub the warm grill rack. Be careful not to burn your fingers!

Cleaning the Deck

1 gallon water
1 Tbsp. dish soap
1/4 c. borax

Mix, mop, and rinse well.

Oil on Cement

Cat littler is what you need. It's great for absorbing liquid! Just pour the litter on the spot and use your foot to really grind it in. Let sit to absorb the oil and sweep up. Repeat as needed.

Protecting Patio Furniture

To maintain the shine on plastic, resin, and metal furniture, apply a good-quality paste car wax just as you would when washing your car.


I'd seen this before, but now it's your turn. On to Joy's Blog!

http://justorganizeyourself.blogspot.com/2009/05/toss-it-out-tuesday_19.html

**Although my neighbor gave me these cleaning tips, they can be found in The Queen of Clean's Books. You can find them at your local library or buy them here.**

"Queen of Clean" Part 3

Cleaning Tips for the Kitchen

Today, we're gonna clean the kitchen. I know mine needs all the help it can get! Ahhh...do the dishes ever end?! As my mother-in-law puts it, "Just be glad you have dishes to wash, because it means you have someone to share a meal with."

The Smoking Oven

When something runs over in the oven and starts smoking and smelling, grab the salt. Sprinkle on a heavy layer and continue cooking. The smoke and odor will stop immediately. When done, close the oven and wait overnight. The next day you will be able to lift out the spill with a spatula! (Burnt food in the bottom of the oven also causes pie crusts to brown too much! I learned that from Cherry Hill Farm. They make the best pies)!

Burnt Food in Pots and Pans

Sprinkle pans liberally with baking soda, adding just enough water to moisten. Let stand for several hours and lift out with a spatula

Burnt Food in Casserole and Glass Dishes

Fill with hot water and drop in a used dryer fabric softener sheet. Let soak until soft, dump, and wash. No scrubbing Required!

Dishwasher Spot Stopper

Combine in container with lid:

1 c. borax
1/2 c. baking soda

To use, add 1 tsp. mixture to dishwasher with regular dishwasher detergent.

Microwave Magic

Throw a wet dishcloth in the center of the microwave for 30-40 seconds. The steam will loosen any hardened spills and you can use the rag to wipe it all out. Word of caution: do not use the rag immediately! It will be very very hot!

Sponge Sanitation

I just want to say that sponges are nasty! I don't let them in my house. But, according to the Queen of Clean, you can nuke a wet one for 30 seconds to sanitize it.

Although my neighbor gave me these, they can all be found in The Queen of Clean's Books. You can find them at your local library or buy them here.

"Queen of Clean" Part 2

Cleaning Tips for the Bathroom

Today I will continue with "make your own" cleaners for the home. I received all of these from a friend who regularly employs these mixes in her own home. She says they are all fantastic! The ones I have included today are labeled "Cleaning Tips for the Bathroom." Be wise and use your best judgment.

Removing Soap Scum From Glass Shower Doors

Lemon oil or plain mineral oil will remove soap scum quickly and easily and helps prevent it from building up again. Apply oil with a scrubbing sponge by rubbing across the dirty shower door surface. Buff with a soft cloth or paper towel for a haze-free shine. The oil provides a protective coating that keeps the water beading and the soap scum from adhering. Never put oil in the bottom of the shower or allow it to drip there because it prevents good traction and may cause falls.

Tile and Grout Cleaner

1/2 c. baking soda
1/3 c. ammonia
1/4 c. white vinegar
7 c. water

Combine in a labeled spray bottle and shake well to mix. Do not use this in conjunction with chlorine bleach or where chlorine bleach has been used! Simply spray on and wipe with a damp sponge or cloth. No rinsing required. Removes soap scum beautifully!

Removing Hairspray Residue and Dust Repellent

Mix one part liquid fabric softener to two parts water in spray bottle. Spray on surface to be cleaned and wipe. This also acts as a dust repellent.

Tang Toilet Tune-up

Because citric acid oxidizes rust, try this for an inexpensive, nontoxic way to remove rust rings in the toilet. Once a month sprinkle a layer of Tang Breakfast Drink or Lemon Kool Aid on the sides of the toilet and in the water, leave for one hour, brush and flush. Repeat if necessary.

Although my neighbor gave me these, they can all be found in The Queen of Clean's Books. You can find them at your local library or buy them here.

"Queen of Clean" Part 1

Cleansers and Cleaning Tips

Here is a list of cleaning product you should never be without. And most of them are things you already have in your home. They can be used alone, together or in conjunction with other common household products such as salt or dish washing liquid to help you handle most of the cleaning problems in your home; and, are especially good for people with allergies and those of us who want to cut back on chemicals, or maybe just help our pocket book a little.

Here's your shopping list:

• White vinegar - mild acid
• Baking soda - great deodorizer, cleaner, and mild abrasive
• Lemon Juice - nature's bleach and disinfectant
• Club Soda - the best emergency spotter there is
• Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover - every home needs a good all-purpose carpet stain remover
• Borax - a base, a little stronger than baking soda
• Ammonia - good all-purpose cleaner (Never mix with chlorine-based products. Don't use it where chlorine has been used either. It creates ammonium chloride, which is lethal. Also, make sure you have adequate ventilation because it emits strong fumes).

Below are a few cleansers you can make using some of these. I will post more soon!

Baby Wipes

10 c. container w/ lid
1/2 roll Bounty paper towels
2 Tbsp. baby oil
2 Tbsp. baby bath
2 c. distilled water

Cut roll of paper towels in half. (Each roll of towels makes two containers of wipes). Remove center cardboard. Mix liquid ingredients, but don't shake because it foams. Pour over 1/2 roll of paper towels. Pull first towel up. If left to rest for one hour, all the liquid will be absorbed.

Window Cleaner

1/4 c. white vinegar
1 qt. water

Combine in spray bottle. Use a dry blackboard eraser on a dry window or mirror after cleaning to banish any streaks left behind.

Air Freshener

1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. white vinegar
2 cups water

Combine in spray bottle. After foaming stops, put on lid. Shake before using.

Scouring Powder - Non-toxic Grease Cutting

4 parts baking soda
1 part washing soda

Combine and store in shaker container.

Scouring Powder - Disinfecting

4 parts baking soda
1 part Borax

Combine and store in a shaker container.

Although my neighbor gave me these, they can all be found in The Queen of Clean's Books. You can find them at your local library or buy them here.