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Need laundry detergent recommendations - Page 2  

post #21 of 35
2/6/08 at 8:23pm
I bought Charlie's Soap originally to use on my cloth diapers and it cleaned the diapers fabulously--they came out smelling like *nothing*. Unfortunately, my ds was sensitive to it and broke out in a really bad burn type rash. This is not the case for everyone, though, and some people have great results using it with their diapers.

I bought a whole gallon tub on Charlie's Soap (before I realized that was what was causing the rash) and now I use it for all my laundry. It does not get stains out of clothes but your clothes will be clean. I usually also add some oxygen bleach to help with the stains. I also notice that smells (not bad smells like foot funk but smells like perfumes--dh wears oils, etc) do not come out using Charlie's Soap.

To be fair . . . you have to use Charlie's Soap exclusively in the machine and since it doesn't work for my diapers and our washing machine is shared with another family, it's not the only detergent being used in the machine. From what I've read, that will affect it's effectiveness. So I will be trying a new natural soap when I get done with the Charlie's.
post #22 of 35
2/9/08 at 12:03pm
The Shaklee 'Get Clean' line of cleaning products really does work great. The detergent comes highly concentrated so one bottle last a long time. They concentrate their cleaners to reduce their carbon imprint (less packaging, less shipping).

http://www.shaklee.net/abettergreenlife/getclean/index
http://www.shaklee.net/abettergreenl...victions/index
post #23 of 35
2/11/08 at 2:05am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rootzdawta View Post
It does not get stains out of clothes but your clothes will be clean. I usually also add some oxygen bleach to help with the stains. I also notice that smells (not bad smells like foot funk but smells like perfumes--dh wears oils, etc) do not come out using Charlie's Soap.

To be fair . . . you have to use Charlie's Soap exclusively in the machine and since it doesn't work for my diapers and our washing machine is shared with another family, it's not the only detergent being used in the machine. From what I've read, that will affect it's effectiveness. So I will be trying a new natural soap when I get done with the Charlie's.
So it's not as effective as mainstream detergent? I use Stain Stick on stains, but I'd like a detergent that works as well as regular detergent. Diapers aren't an issue for us.

Why do you have to use it exclusively? I could try it, I guess, if it won't fade my darks. I started using Woolight for Darks recently.
post #24 of 35
2/11/08 at 2:12am
I've never tried Charlie's but have tried many other detergents. I love the Bi-O-Kleen products and have used them for years. I use their liquid on cold wash loads and the powder for warm or hot loads. If there are stains or odors I use Bac-Out and sometimes add a little oxygen bleach. I've been very happy with their products. They are a little pricey but continue coming down in price over the years. Everything is concentrated so I had to train myself not to add too much.
post #25 of 35
2/11/08 at 2:28am
Thread Starter 
I went to Bi-o-Kleen's website and was confused because it talked about boats and stuff. I couldn't really find the information I was looking for!
post #26 of 35
2/11/08 at 2:33am
No-one else uses soap nuts? You do have to pay for shipping, but they are fabulous and leave the clothes feeling naturally soft. Check them out!
http://www.inasoapnutshell.com/index.html
I know that there is a company in the USA, but haven't dealt with them and can't remember their name.
post #27 of 35
2/11/08 at 2:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ReadingMama View Post
I went to Bi-o-Kleen's website and was confused because it talked about boats and stuff. I couldn't really find the information I was looking for!
I just went to the sight you saw - I was confused too! I think that is another company named biokleen. The one I use is bi-o-kleen (biokleenhome.com.)
post #28 of 35
2/11/08 at 11:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhiannon Feimorgan View Post
I've been using ECOS I get it at my local Costco and per load it is cheeper than Tide. I find it works really well. It's all plant baced. They also have a free and clear virsion without the essential oils and soy baced softeners but my costco doesn't carry it so I don't know what it's like.
I just got some of this from Costco to try

Can I ask if you use it with cloth diapers (or anyone else?) I'd like to go to one detergent for everything and was hoping I could do this with ECOS.

Thanks!
Lauren
post #29 of 35
2/11/08 at 2:27pm
I started using ECOS during the last month my dd spent in diapers. She's a potty girl now Yay!!!! So I can tell you that the diapers came clean and we didn't have any problem with skin sensitivity (but then dd doesn't react often) but I'm not sure about long term build up.
post #30 of 35
2/11/08 at 4:29pm
Here's how I make 64 loads worth of laundry soap at a time, for about 25 cents:

Ingredients:
1 bar grated ivory soap
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax

Procedure:

1. In saucepan on medium heat, dissolve soap in 6 cups water.
2. Remove from heat; add washing soda and borax.
3. Stir well. Dump into 2 gallon bucket and fill with water.
4. Stir more. Bottle.

Shake before using; 1/2 cup per load.

Washing soda is available from the Arm & Hammer company, over the internet, a huge box for 4.00.

Borax is also 4.00 for a huge box at your local supermarket. Look near the laundry detergents.

I will never buy detergent again; this is so simple and cheap and green, I feel like a real hippie when I use it. Ha ha!
post #31 of 35
2/11/08 at 4:54pm
I had to look twice...
What are the odds of two people posting in row w/Dr. Seuss quotes in their signatures!
post #32 of 35
2/12/08 at 3:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbsam View Post
I had to look twice...
What are the odds of two people posting in row w/Dr. Seuss quotes in their signatures!
Actually, I ran across Rhiannon's siggy a week or two back, and liked it so much I found a Dr Seuss quote of my own!
post #33 of 35
2/12/08 at 5:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hippie Mama in MI View Post
Actually, I ran across Rhiannon's siggy a week or two back, and liked it so much I found a Dr Seuss quote of my own!
I'm glad you liked it!

I like yours too. Seuss rocks!
post #34 of 35
2/13/08 at 2:41am
Here's another vote for Charlie's Soap!

I know the homemade laundry soap is cheap, but I could never get it to clean my clothes well. I'm amazed with how well Charlie's works for the price.
post #35 of 35
2/14/08 at 7:59pm
I love Allens Naturally laundry detergent as well.
Oh, and I LOVE Ecover for the dishwasher!! Doesn't get any easier!!!
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