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I'm very intrigued by the idea of making my own laundry detergent, but I'm also a bit concerned. We purchased a front loader a few years ago and had the same problem as many with odors. After trying different ideas, I stopped using liquid laundry detergent and fabric softener. I now use powdered and the smell is gone.
I'm worried that the homemade detergent, being liquid, would start the odor problems again. Has anyone had experience with this? Thanks so much for your advice.
By Jess (TF Editor) from Hillsboro, OR
The smell in the washer comes from leaving the door closed and the moisture inside causes mildew/mold. It isn't typically related to your detergent.
You can make dry homemade detergent if you prefer that kind. Just look at the different recipes and you'll find that variety too.
Are the homemade washing detergent recipes OK for front loader washing machines?
By Jennifer
I make my own liquid laundry detergent and use it all the time in my front loader. Works wonderfully!
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I just acquired a new Frigidaire front-load washer. I use homemade laundry detergent (Fels-Naptha, washing soda, Ivory, and borax). These new washers need low suds soap and homemade is. But is it still OK for my front-loader? I'd hate to stop making it and have to pay big money for the recommended Tide HE. Thanks.
Mary from Cleveland, OH
The homemade is perfect, I used it at our local laundromat with the front loading double and triple capacity washers (using the 1Tbsp/load) I did it for many months. You can also do it without the grated soap if you have "normal" soiling, but works great for bodily fluids and general dirt. (08/26/2006)
By Kelly
I too purchased the Frigidaire front loader washer and used the recommended low-sudsing detergent which quickly became a pain due to cost and frequency of having to run to a store that carried HE detergent (Dollar General didn't carry it). I went back to making the homemade detergent (Fels-Naptha, borox, washing soda) and it works great. I do use a pre-stain liquid in addition to my homemade detergent. Was a little nervous at first, but it works just fine and clothes come out looking clean and smelling fresh as ever. (08/26/2006)
By Lisa from FL
Use 1/2 the amount of detergent mixed with a small amount of fabric softener. The fabric softener reduces the suds. Also add vinegar to the rinse cycle along with fabric softener to get rid of any soap left in clothes (01/23/2007)
By Greg
Try the Melapower6x HE liquid detergent from Melaleuca. Only need to use 1/2 an ounce per load and cost about 30% less the the name brands. //http:www.melaleuca.com (12/12/2008)
By Mary Warrick
I just started making my own laundry detergent using the Fels Naptha soap, washing soda and borax. I make 2 1/2 gallons at a time and the total cost is about 50 cents. I could spend a little more by adding essential lavender oil drops. I have given away samples of the detergent to friends and family and we are all very happy with the laundry cleaning results.
My recipe is as follows:
Heat 3 cups of water and add the soap flakes. Stir until dissolved. Add another gallon of hot water and stir in the washing soda and borax. Stir until completely dissolved. Add enough water to make a total of 2 1/2 gallons. Let sit over night until it cools and gels.
Pour into containers and if desired, add about 20 drops per gallon of essential oil of lavender or rosemary, or whatever scent pleases you.
Use 5/8 cup for top loaders and 1/4 cup for front loaders. Always put about 1 cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle to remove any soap residue and to soften the laundry.
By Donna
