To those of you who have been using these "home made" detergents, are you experiencing any odor, mold or mildew issues? The reason I ask is because castile soap builds up into a gooopy, gel-like gunk if not properly rinsed. This could potentially cause problems in washers. Every home-made product I've tried - from detergent to fabric softener - has proven unsatisfactory. Either the products don't clean well, they risk building up in my machine or on my clothes or they just don't work. Price is not the only consideration, which is what appears to be driving this homemade laundry movement.

When I used a homemade laundry soap mixtures in the past (I've used it longer than the Duggers have been around - off and on since the 1980's - and in one episode of the Duggers I noticed giant bottles of TIDE in use..... I guess that episode was brought to us by TIDE - LOL). I also used vinegar in each rinse to aid in removing the soap residue. Since switching to Charlie's Soap, I only put vinegar in the rinse for kitchen towels and bath towels since they may have soap residue from use and the vinegar rinse would aid in removing any soap left. I probably don't need vinegar at all, but when we got new water hoses for our F/P, I asked if there was anything I could do to help prevent repairs and they said to use vinegar in the rinse. Then he explained what part it would help (but I don't remember now what it was). So I continue to add vinegar to those two loads. I never use fabric softeners - sheets or liquids. Even dried on a line our clothes and towels are soft. Just an FYI moment concerning using the homemade mixtures (bar soap, washing soda, borax, etc...). Soap WILL build-up on your clothes after a period of time, especially if you have hard water. This build-up will cause fabric to deteriorate. Homemade soap mixtures don't work effectively in cold water (detergent manufacturers and care labels define cold water as 80-85°F - our cold water from the tap is currantly 62°F). Whites will start to look gray. -Grainlady

Hi IvaMae I love the liquid too. I also make some powdered (the same ingredients without the water) to use in my whites. I'm amazed at how soft the towels and t-shirts are, and I just line dry them outside, or on a drying rack indoors. I literally never use the dryer. Since adding washing soda to hard water softens the water, I think it's safe to assume the washing soda makes the clothes softer. Instead of adding more soda, I would decrease the Borax, though. This post was edited by jasdip on Thu, Apr 18, 13 at 10:11

Oh, I'm sorry you took this personal. This is exactly what I didn't want. So I'm sorry Chloe. I wasn't demeaning you, I wasn't criticizing you..I was critiquing the homemade laundry soap, not you. I've watched this over and over again on these forums someone gives an opinion and whamo someone takes it personal. Much of what I've said is fact ( no Elmer I'm not posting a link) some is common sense.. Tap water...not everyone knows bacteria will grow in it, yet its a fact..not an opinion or a maybe it will..it will. The other products well just read the labels...go to all the mommy blogs and read the reviews, all of them... I open my mouth and someone always is ready to let me have it..why is that. Sit back and watch people wash clothes in bacteria...would you sit back and not say a word if you knew that may very well be a breeding ground for bacteria... Chloe, I know mothing about your laundry practices, or your clean clothing, but I do know something anout this homemade laundry soap.. Chloe, I'm very sorry you felt targeted, and demeaned, I truely did not want you to feel this way. I only wanted to educate somewhat will you please accept my apologies.