Just a quick survey

cyndielise

Not sure how many crunchy mamas there are out there with me, but I was considering ways to contribute financially to my home, and was thinking about homemade laundry detergent.

This isn't really a question of whether or not you'd use homemade detergent.  And the poll assumes that the price point is just right (I'll worry about that if it's something people who actually be interested in purchasing!).  Mainly, this is a question for, if you already use homemade detergent or would like to make the switch. 

This can be a hefty job if you have a hectic schedule!  Luckily, I am (currently) blessed with the extra time to make big batches of the detergent at a time.

All this to say.... 

[Poll]

NatesLady1309

I had looked into making it myself but the money for the ingredients combined with the albeit little time to make it don't make it worth it IMO as compared to just buying cheapo "regular" detergent.

cyndielise

NatesLady1309:

I had looked into making it myself but the money for the ingredients combined with the albeit little time to make it don't make it worth it IMO as compared to just buying cheapo "regular" detergent.

Good to know!!  You are my target market, actually!!  ;]  I want people who would love to use it if the price were comparable (or cheaper even) than the conventional detergent in the store.  I can make about 5-6 gallons in one fell swoop, and the price of the ingredients would make it so I could sell for a nice profit, but not be over charging anybody.

Pretty much, I'd just be charging a couple bucks for labor!  ;] 

MrMrsandBaby

I don't understand the "making your own cleaning products" thing?  I'm not being snarky, I really don't understand it.  Is it easy? Cheaper? Safer? Where do you get the ingredients/instructions on making it (I'm sure I could Google this but it is a question I have anyway)?  Do people really do this or is it a random thing that people SAY they do but buy Tide anyway?

Educate me!

::sorry for hijacking your post::

cyndielise

MrMrsandBaby:

I don't understand the "making your own cleaning products" thing?  I'm not being snarky, I really don't understand it.  Is it easy? Cheaper? Safer? Where do you get the ingredients/instructions on making it (I'm sure I could Google this but it is a question I have anyway)?  Do people really do this or is it a random thing that people SAY they do but buy Tide anyway?

Educate me!

::sorry for hijacking your post::

 

Well for me, I prefer to use baking soda and vinegar where I can (though my I still use conventional disinfectants for things involving raw meats et cetera because I get so grossed out).  But vinegar and baking soda are incredibly inexpensive, yes!  And as for laundry detergent, a typical 32-load bottle of Tide can run about $9 (according to Amazon), so that is about $.28/load.

The method I use to make laundry detergent winds up costing about $.03/load.  For a one income family, that's a pretty great savings!!  And when I'm saving there as well as on conventional cleaners, it adds up!

I think it seems elusive like people don't really do that sort of thing until you network with the people who actually do!

My sister introduced me, and now I've found that people really DO make these sorts of changes, and it's a different lifestyle.

In addition to the savings, I love being able to clean my stove while my son is awake.  I never spray Lysol when he is up because I don't want him breathing in those chemicals.  If I feel that way about him breathing it in, I feel like it's probably not great for me either.

If you are interested to see the breakdown in price for making your detergent, I'd love to PM you the link for the recipe I use (I don't think we are allowed to post links on here, right?)!

Just let me know!

Oh, and you didn't hijack my post!  I love being able to share information about this with people!  It's something I'm really passionate about, and I'm glad you asked instead of just holding a false perception or something!  You have every right to wonder those things (I totally used to!).

So all in all, easier? Probably not.

Cheaper?  Definitely!

Safer? Exponentially!!

:] 

MrMrsandBaby

Please do PM me...we are a dual income family but I would LOVE to spend less on cleaning supplies (since I hate cleaning I don't really like spending money on the supplies)

jja0812

I was making my own, using ingredients similar to what you mentioned above, but I stopped because it was leaving residue on m laundry. I'd love to see the recipe you use.

Oh... I answered your poll that I'd rather make it myself, but I enjoy doing things like that. If I didn't, but knew someone who did, I would consider buying it.

megahof

I DO make my own detergent. It is so inexpensive, and does not take a lot of time. Totally worth it to me.

NatesLady1309

OP- have you ever heard of Norwex microfiber cloths? Seems like something you would like. I just had one of their home sales parties a few weeks ago (I don't sell it personally though). They disinfect with only water and the cloth. Zero chemicals. I love them. 

https://www.norwex.com/norwex.php?lng=7&cnt=223

Jchirico

I'm like, 30% crunchy, and make my own windex and oven cleaner and stuff like that, not really so much for the savings, but rather to reduce the chemicals in my home (only since having DS). But I had never considered making my own laundry detergent, I guess because it seems time consuming. So I'd definitely consider buying it! Also, NatesLady, I've considered buying Norwex cloths, but they're so expensive! Do you think they're worth the $$$?