Homemade Laundry Det. vs Charlie's Soap??

[gourmetphoto]

I currently use Charlie's Soap with my cd and really like it. However, I am VERY interested in trying to make my own detergent. I wanted to be able to have easy access to what I need (instead of going to a specialty store just for detergent) and save $. Since I have had virtually no cd washing issues, I'm concerned that switching might mess up a good thing.

Any suggestions? Anyone else out there using homemade laundry det. for cd?

PS (I know not to use recipes with soap bars. Anyone have a recipe they use and like as much as Charlie's?)

[WestCoastDiva]

I'm subbing because I would be really interested to know this as well just out of curiosity more than anything.

I use Country Save with no problems now, but it took me almost 2 years to get to the point of no stinkies, no build up issues,not having to constantly strip my diapes once a month etc after trying so many different kinds of detergent with our semi hard water.

How much is Charlie's detergent again? I'd say if it is working really good so far don't change. Getting build up issues etc that cause stink is a huge PITA.

Just my two cents.

[Katie T]

Ive made my share of homeade det. They cause buildup ime. We use CS as well & love it! If you order over $28 you get free shipping so thats what we do. Id stick w/what works we tried TONS of stuff b4 finding CS

[ExuberantDaffodil]

I'll be using my own detergent on my dipes. Most of my diapers are natural fibers, so that accounts for one thing. Second, I am using grated bar castile soap, not the fels naptha or ivory that is in a lot of homemade detergent recipes (those two can cause buildup, so I've heard).

[Katie T]

I have made homeade soap out of fels naptha & it left the worst residue I have also used castle it left reidue as well although not as bad we use indian cotton pf but have very hard h2o which could be part of our problem.

[ShwarmaQueen]

Originally Posted by ExuberantDaffodil

I am using grated bar castile soap, not the fels naptha or ivory that is in a lot of homemade detergent recipes (those two can cause buildup, so I've heard).

I can't speak for use on CDs yet, but I've been washing my regular laundry in my homemade detergent (2:1:1 grated castille bar: borax: washing soda) and it's already made a HUGE difference in the softness of my laundry.

Honestly though, I will say that making it myself is a bit of a PITA (to grate the bar or maybe I'm just wimpy), so I'm considering just ordering CS and doing super saver w/ free shipping...

OP, I agree with the others- if it ain't broke...

[gourmetphoto]

I agree.......seriously hesitant to switch from CS. The only thing that really makes me want to look into it further is the 12 cents per load (if you buy the 5 gal bucket) vs 3 cents per load making it yourself (with the laundry soap bar, washing soda and borax).

Those of you who use castile bar soap. Where do you get it? I would like to read more about it.

[ExuberantDaffodil]

I get my castille bar soap at my local hfs co-op. It is $3, rather than the $1 that fels naptha is at my local grocery, but the more natural ingredients are worth it to me. I use a bit less of the castille than I did with the fels naptha, and that helps offset the slightly higher cost (and keep buildup at a minimum).

Making it doesn't bother me so much. I did start out making the gel version, and that was a pita just because it was so time consuming and a bit messy. The powder version takes me very little time at all, and I make it it big batches, stored in a mason jar, so I don't have to mess around with it very often at all. It lasts a very long time, and I can totally tell that I'm saving money in comparison to buying commercial detergents.

[ShwarmaQueen]

Originally Posted by gourmetphoto

Those of you who use castile bar soap. Where do you get it? I would like to read more about it.

I used Kirk's last time. http://www.kirksnatural.com/barsoap.html

I got it at a local grocery store for $1.60/bar.