What do you consider a good price for Borax and Washing Soda?

[MonkeyPrincess]

I've used simply equal parts of borax and washing soda for laundry detergent, and have loved the results. Everything smelled fresh, but not smelly.

The only thing is the cost isn't much better than Arm and Hammer detergent, and its a hassle to find the washing soda (only place I know has it, is 45 min away where we used to live).

I see people post how cheap it is, and that they found an inexpensive source, but the only places I have seen both the washing soda and the borax, add up to a regular bottle of detergent...

So, I'm just wondering what IS a good price? And where do you get it?

[SpunkyMama]

[Malva]

Around here, borax and washing soda would cost about the same as a bottle of detergent.

A bottle of detergent would be gone in a month while the box of borax and washing soda will last us close to a year.

1 bar grated soap
1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda

I use 1 tbsp per load.

Quick math would be that one batch is about ~700ml/15ml per tbsp, about 45 loads?

Not sure how many cups are in a box of each and the price of the soap would depend on the type you use.

Anyway, for us, it's definitely cheaper.

[Malva]

Sorry I can't help you on price/where to find. I can't remember the price and my regular grocery store used to carry the washing soda but no longer does. I have a backup box so still a long while from needing a new source

[gothnurse3]

Borax is at walmart for under $3.00/ box. Was unable to get washing soda locally so I ordered a case off Amazon with free shipping a few years ago. Amazon was cheaper than Soaps Gone Buy. I make a big batch 2-3 times a year. This is mine:

4 bars Fels Naptha....our healthfood store started carrying this for $1.25/ bar
4 cups washing soda
4 cups borax....walmart $2.67
I use 2 tablespoons/ wash...I use an old koolaid scoop.

[midstreammama]

Does anyone use this mixture in a front loading machine? I am just wondering if it still works well. We have some problems sometimes of clothes not really coming clean...wondering if this would help. I am very interested in making my own detergent. I hate buying it.

[34me]

I use it In a front loader. I put he powder in, run some hot water through the thingy and run.

[goldingoddess]

I'm so glad I can share this information. ACE HARDWARE online sells washing soda for ~3.50/box and will deliver it to your local ace for free, no shipping charges. I spent 2 weeks looking for it in the bay area and did not find it anywhere, and I didn't want to pay shipping charges out the roof!

[CeciMami]

Thanks for that info goldingoddess! Now I just have to find a source for a single bar of fels-naptha so I can give this whole thing a try!

[JTA Mom]

Washing soda is just sodium carbonate. Go to any hardware store/pool store and look for a product called Ph Plus or something similar. Look at the ingredients. If it's 100% sodium carbonate, it's washing soda. Inexpensive and always available!

ETA: You don't need fels naptha. Any old soap will do: Ivory, Irish Spring, etc. If you can't find fels naptha and want a 'laundry specific' soap, go for Zote. Walmart usually carries it, as does Big lots. Any hispanic store will carry it as well.

Ami

[lucifugous]

For the longest time, the best price I could get for baking soda at any of our regular stores was a dollar a pound- even on sale! Then finally I got into a Sam's Club and the 12 pound bags were only $5 or so. Borax it's been so long I don't remember... high COL area here so probably wouldn't be helpful anyway.

[MonkeyPrincess]

Ah! I was using too much. Less than detergent, but definitely more than a tablespoon or two... Duh.

Thanks, mommas.