Washing Machine Powder

[judydawn]

Thanks Morte, with the essential oils being fairly expensive how much does a batch of your mixture cost to make?

[Morte]

Keep in mind that I use the water soluble lavender available from the supermarket, and eucalyptus bought in bulk from Auroma ( http://www.auroma.com.au/cpa/htm/index.asp ). I don't buy the 10ml bottles from the chemist/heal food shop/etc (not for cleaning anyway).

I pay about $7 for 100ml lavender, and last time paid about $30-40 for a kg of eucalyptus. Maybe $1-2 a kg for bicarb. I've honestly never broken down the cost before. per wash I couldn't say, I've never worked out how many a batch gets me less than $4 a batch (500g)? If you leave out the lavender, even cheaper!

I'm more interested in keeping harmful chemicals from my home and family an saving every last penny

I hope that ramble helps!


Morte

[johnro]

Have just finished making a double batch - using lavender and eucalyptus oil.  Eventhough I used lavender oil (50ml) from the health food and I had a 300ml eucalyptus oil in cupboard. The end result was indeed cheaper than the large container radiant which I usually purchase.  Also a fan of white vinegar instead of softener, despite me being the softener queen but still use the concentrated sachets as car fresheners - last so much longer than any commercial car freshener - but I only use Cuddly Aroma therapy varieties (there are 2 choices), I found the generic brand packaging went quite brittle being in the car in the hot sun. Oops off the washing powder topic slightly!!!!!!!  I hope can be as happy with the results of washing powder as all on here. Thanks to all for their contributions.      

[the_vermins]

Thanks Morte.  I might give that one a go when I have finished my last lot.

[ellie j]

I now use it and its great .. cheap and does the job ..Thanks Morte  .. BTW I got the water soluble lavender and eucalyptus from coles !!!

[cookie1]

I love this washing machine powder but DH informed me the other day he didn't like the smell . I will add some water soluble eucalyptus oil and he will never know.

[Frozzie]

are the oils pure oils or a mix with other ingredients to make them solulable??  I ask as my search over here leads me mainly to bath or sauna oils of lavender and eucalyptus but they have other elements in them??

[ellie j]

I just went and checked the oils and they are not pure as it says they are multi purpose liquid, water soluble. It has no other info on the label .. As I only wash in cold water i am happy to use this. If I was to use a pure oil I would use a lot less and wash in warm or hot water ....

[johnro]

Frozzie I used pure lavender oil (as that was in my cupboard) and the eucalyptus oils was the age old favoutie pure 'double d' eucalyptus oil from Woolworths.      I am so pleased with this powder,  I still have radiant left in the container but it has such a chemical smell to it, after using the thermie variety.   

[Frozzie]

i use the powder and have done so for a while now but since seeing an another version with the oils it interested me as no soap (i have to order it from the uk or oz and it costs a fortune to send..for soap)..so wanted to know about the oils as i had only come across solulable oils for saunas etc but would prefer to use pure oils so thanks robyn 

[johnro]

Frozzie I forgot to mention that I use cold water with no problem - cheers!   

[Frozzie]

thanks robyn and obviously no oil marks etc then and the machine isnt greasy after?? i imagine because the amount is minimum that its fine??? 50 and 30ml in a batch plus the oils would absorb into the borax and soda..another thing i noticed morte posted bicarb soda and not washing soda?? have you stuck with the washing soda or used the bicarb soda..??

[CreamPuff63]

if anyone uses my recipe mix, please note that I have edited it today down to a half batch. Only do a half mix of the original recipe I posted back then, as the weight has worn my blades and require replacement. I am going to make 2 separate batches because I like the amount that it makes.

[Frozzie]

cp i have been making up your recipe mix but in double lol...so i have a big container full and dont have to do it that often...im washing every day with two kids who are constantly dirty lol..my DD didnt even make it out the door this morning before she had breakfast all over her top lol..sometimes i think i need to put them in those head to toe paint suits during meal times just to keep them clean and put them in old raggy clothes for them to play outside lol...i have constantly a basket full of washed but still stained clothes..no washing powder has ever got their stains fully out but your recipe works as good as any purchased one so its all good..(i have no idea what they do to incrust the stains so much lol)  I should really change them straight away but if i did that i would be changing them several times a day and increasing a whole lot my washing load lol..  i am going to try the oil one just to see how it goes..bummer about the blades..maybe if you crushed ice regularly..are they just blunt or actually used the metal?? if so wow over what period did they get used and how many batches are you making up and do you only chop up the soap or put the whole lot in??  yes i know questions questions lol 

[johnro]

Frozzie I have not had an issue with oil marks due I think to low concentration as you mentioned. Thanks CP - I have only made 2 batches as I gave a lot of that to friends and family to try (all who are raving about the quality of your recipe so thank you) I am due to replenish the cupboard so purchased washing soda today for the next batch - will definitely take your advice and do half quantity.  Cheers