Just made a batch of powder detergent

14 years ago

Just made a batch of powdered detergent. This is my second batch and the first one for which I was able to find a Fels Naptha bar at Ace Hardware. Last batch was a Zoat bar which I found at WalMart. Seemed to clean as well as my store bought detergents.

I use 2 tablespoons in a large load.

Has anyone compared the dry, powdered homemade detergent to the liquid homemade detergent and noticed any difference in cleaning power? I would think the liquid detergent is harder to store and more work to make.

Do you notice any difference when you use cold water wash as to the ability of the powdered kind to dissolve well?

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Comments (7)

Jasdip
14 years ago
Hi Sheilajoyce,
A friend of mine makes the powder all the time. I prefer liquid because I prefer liquid detergent anyway. I don't like using powder on my dark clothing, as I always got soap residue.

I keep my 5-gallon pail in a closet and just refill my laundry jug as I need it. I don't mind making it, it only takes me 10 minutes.

Now I know I DID read that the powdered isn't good for septics.
cynic
14 years ago
The biggest difference between homemade powder and liquid/gel is that you melt the soap and dilute the items with water. The ingredients are essentially the same depending of course on the formula you use. All laundry detergents, including liquids have issues dissolving properly at low water temperatures.

And from what I read from reputable sources, lint is far more of a concern in a septic than laundry soap. Fillers in cheap powders are a concern but making your own, you probably aren't adding fillers. Why spend the money on them? :)

The other thing some have reported about using homemade powder is getting the soap ground fine enough. Some just grate it rather coarsely and that could be problematic for dissolving which would waste money and be less effective.
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nodakgal
14 years ago
DH's quote "any chemist will tell you powder cleans better than liquid".
I've found that to be true. I only use powder. If you have trouble dissolving it put it in as the washer fills.
I found a link to septic fields and soaps. I can't really say what is "excessive amounts" they are talking about. But I doubt you'd have problems with 2 tablespoons.

Here is a link that might be useful: septic tanks and powdered soap
Deb_from_Pa
14 years ago
I quit using any powders in my washer several years ago when something got stuck under the agitator, and I tore the agitater off to get it untangled, also ended up taking the whole inside tub out, and was very shocked to see the years of powder build up, caked there and rock hard.....cant believe it worked as long as it did...no more powders for me
susie53_gw
14 years ago
When we bought our home many years ago it had a mobile home lot across the drive. A wonderful family lived here for over 25 years.. One time the septic was acting up so we tried to clean it out. After having no luck we dug down and opened it up. The entire tank was lined with poewered laundry soap.. From that time on we have never used powered soap..
bee0hio
14 years ago
DH's quote "any chemist will tell you powder cleans better than liquid".

Can you elaborate on the "why & wherefore" of this statement? It seems like there would be so many variables, that it would be a rather tenuous statement to make. So just wondering??

With homemade powder detergent I wonder just how consistent the ratio of the 3 ingredients is from one load to the next due to settling out or separating. At least with the liquid you can shake it before pouring.
nodakgal
14 years ago
Well I have no clue if he is right or not, but it sure sounds right to me.
#1. Liquid contains water, mostly water.
#2. He said powder contains "grains" which will scrub your clothes better than a liquid.
#3. Liquids have more chemicals in them than powder, to help them stay "liquid".
#4. Liquid soaps don't have the softeners necessary for a good soap. Softeners are powder form according to him.

Now IMO I don't like liquids for whites, they always looking dingy or still dirty to me.

Usually, NOT always, any undissolved powdered soap left behind is from either, too much soap, a load of clothes that is too full with no room to circulate and get the soap dissolved, low water pressure so that the soap doesn't get much water to dissolve, or some powders dont' always dissolve in cold water.

My DD's love liquid soap, I think its a pain and not worth it. Of course it could be from living with my DH and listening to him for years and years! LOL

Just made a batch of powder detergent

Comments (7)

Jasdip

cynic

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