I made my own laundry soap!

[ides]

Thanks SD.

[Thirteen]

We use Allen's, and then when I forget to order it, EcoWash (I think?)

[ladymoreta]

I use Rockin Green on my kids' clothes. Thoughts from the experts?
http://rockingreensoap.desk.com/cust...green-made-of-

[SoonerTexan]

Haha I told my mil about this and she was like, "why?"

[ides]

I use Rockin Green on my kids' clothes. Thoughts from the experts?
http://rockingreensoap.desk.com/cust...green-made-of-

Well not sure what "natural chelating ingredients" are but sulfates are on my "no list".

[ides]

Haha I told my mil about this and she was like, "why?"

Lol.

[spotty_dog]

Well not sure what "natural chelating ingredients" are but sulfates are on my "no list".

Wait, are you avoiding sulfur because of environmental concerns, or are you avoiding SLS and SLES? I don't think the latter are related to the "sodium sulfate" in the ingredient list...however, they're candidates to be the "biodegradable detergents" on the list, I think.

[ides]

Yes. I'm pretty much avoiding all sulfates for ecological concerns. I guess I could be less choosy but I'd rather avoid all added sulfates not just SLS & SLES. I searched and found it sodium sulfate described as a filler for detergents. It was stated as being generally non-toxic but the dust can cause temporary asthma or eye irritation, so to use caution.

This is still pretty new to me. If you have any suggested reading I would appreciate it.

[spotty_dog]

Hrm. I got my copy of "Home Comforts" in about 1999, and that opened my eyes to some of the basic chemistry of cleaning. Anything else I've probably just picked up over the intervening years.

One thing to note is that the industrial hazard listed on the MSDS isn't always applicable to household use. Sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate are both listed as skin irritants and slightly hazardous in case of inhalation as well. And acetic acid is VERY HAZARDOUS!

Everything with a grain of salt, yannow?

[scrub-jay]

So true SD!! Concentration is everything!! Pure acetic acid (also known as "glacial") is incredibly strong. I've seen it etch through a lab bench & acid-burn a coworker's hand (ouch)! Significantly diluted = vinegar, safe for skin, eating, cleaning. The MDSD is written for industrial or occupational audiences who work with strong concentrations, not for the consumer audience.

[ides]

I made dish soap yesterday. It didn't thicken up like it was supposed to but I tried it and it worked really well. Dishes were sqeeky clean. I used the recipie from the frugaly sustainable blog if anyone is interested.

[MrsK]

I just came across this recipe for DIY dishwasher soap. http://paulaparrish.blogspot.com/201...sher-soap.html

[ides]

Thanks. Looks interesting. Wondering what the coolaid is for though. I'm still working through my box of ecover tablets then I'll be trying out a dishwasher recipe.