Another Use for J&J Buddies Bars

[purplefdu]

do you have problems with your tap water (well or municipal?) I would imagine if you have a high iron, sulphur, etc content it could seriously react with the borax or washing soda and cause smells. Otherwise it should smell faintly like the barred soap.

I didn't have a problem with our old well which had high iron content, but I haven't tried yet with the town water which is pretty brown tinged at times and causes mad soap scum in the shower.

[katrina23]

Originally Posted by spadesbouncer can some one please help me with something.???/ I am using the recipe that calls for 1 cup grated zote soap 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 cup baking soda... (this is for dry mix) Ummm, please don't laugh... But am i supposed to PACK down the grated soap?? or leave it fluffed up??????/ LOl.. the direstions just say "grated"..... thanks for the help... stephanie

I've never made my own, but I thought you had to use washing soda, not baking soda.

[Grandma Lewis]

Originally Posted by katrina23 I've never made my own, but I thought you had to use washing soda, not baking soda.

Yes it is baking soda. I confirmed this with Spadesbouncer. The baking soda acts as a deodorizer. But baking soda is also an excellent cleaning agent. It is a mild abrasive, but I'm pretty sure in the laundry it would dissolve so it must be for removing odors.

[purplefdu]

Its supposed to be washing soda not baking soda. There is a chemical difference. The difference allows washing soda to work as a chelating agent to make getting out dirt, etc easier. Baking soda can be used in the recipes but will have a reduced ability to clean.
Washing soda is Sodium carbonate, Na2CO3
baking soda is Sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3

[jrawley]

Buddies make great draw saches. Thay smell good and will keep your clothes smelling fresh

[Lmnde]

Now that you all used your homemade laundry soap for a while - what is the overall result for you? Like or dislike? Still doing it?

Another Q - I wash predominantly with cold water - will it dissolve alright in cold water? How well does it "destinkyfy"??? We work outside in the heat and clothing easily gets rank if the detergent isn't up to snuff, what's the general opinion on this?