washing machine

[Lois B.]

After reading all this, all I can say is I hope my machine keeps running for a very long time.

[E.M. T.]

Yep....I shouldn't a let my old one go so quick... (

[fiona j.]

Rosemary, my repair man told me I should always add the detergant to the clothes and not the drawer, which certainly does cut mildew. He also said that 30C is best for most stuff nowadays, as we don't tend to get things really dirty and are just "refreshing". However, a child who climbs trees, etc means a few loads at 50C and I'm happier doing towels at 60C, and occasionally at 90C which really cleans the machine out. I leave the door open when not in use too. Oh and I mostly make my own detergant as DH has very sensitve skin and find I don't need softener. A tablespoon of vinegar does the job if I need any. (I also used vinegar in the soak pail back when I had to wash nappies as a sanitiser too!)

[Rita C.]

Tigsowner, how do you make your detergent? Is it very complicated?

[fiona j.]

Very easy! This is the original blog where I found the recipe - http://thebeehivecottage.blogspot.co...detergent.html

I cut the quantities to try it so began with one small bar of sensitive soap and 500g of each of the other ingredients, as that's about the size of the boxes I can buy them in locally. I use about a tablespoon per load so very economincal as very as eco-friendly!

I did have a think about trying a liquid recipe but don't have the storage space and the powder version works fine.

[Pam D.]

Tigsowner, the recipe says baking soda. What do you use for that in UK, please? would that be baking powder or bicarbonate of soda?

[Catherine S.]

Yes Pam, the baking soda is bicarbonate of soda. I have made a liquid detergent before (basically the same ingredients). You just desolve the grated soap on the stove, then add borax and washing soda, heat until thickens, dilute with more water, and let sit overnight. I can give the exact amounts if onyone wants them. I think I will try the powder one too.
Marilyn, I wish I would have heard about the Speed Queen before I bought the Kenmore. I have been wanting to try dyeing fabric, but don't think I will use this machine. I should have put the old one in the basement, but DH says I have too much stuff down there .
He is at work now, so I will go unload the trunk of the car where all of my quilt show purchases are hidden. Just got home last night and made sure to put suitcase on the backseat so he wouldn't open the trunk. :lol: Mostly books, a few rulers, some fabric, and I don't remember what else. I just love the venders :lol: :lol: .

[Catherine S.]

Bet the vendors love you too! :lol:

[Marion D.]

congratulations!

I just want to say that I have a front loader, and avoid the mildewy smell by leaving the door open when it is not washing.

and you have to read the reviews intelligently. There are always lemons, some people don't read the instructions carefully, and other reviews are so detailed that they are obviously from the manufacturer.

And I refuse to deal with Sears, who think I am an idiot. They charged my $137 to come and read the part number. (I got it back)

[Rita C.]

Cathy, I would like to know the exact recipe you use please? Aren't you very clever to avoid the opening of the trunk. :lol: I hope you enjoy all your purchases.

[Rita C.]

Cathy I would like to get the exact recipe too please. Definitely clever to avoid your DH opening the trunk :wink: Have fun with your acquisitions!

[karen f.]

I've always left the lid of my washing machine open after using it just because my Mom always did. Now I know why I do that :lol:

[karen f.]

Now if I could just get my DH to leave it open.

[Catherine S.]

Here is the recipe for liquid laundry detergent:
3 pints of water
1/3 bar of soap, grated (Fel Naptha or mild soap. I use homemade lye soap. Believe it or not, it is mild)
1/2 cup of Washing Soda
1/2 cup of Borax
2 gallon bucket to mix in
1 quart of hot water

Mix soap in saucepan with 3 pints of hot water and heat on low until dissolved. Stir in the washing soda and Borax. Stir until thickened and then remove from heat. Add 1 quart hot water to 2 gallon bucket. Add soap mixture and mix well. Fill bucket with additional hot water and mix well. Set aside for 24 hrs. or until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 cup per load.

I use a large stock pot to do the whole process. The next day it is a soft gel consistency. I stir well and then pour into empty detergent jugs. Shake before using. This is a low sudsing soap, so should be ok for the high effeciency washers.

[Rita C.]

Cathy, thanks for the recipe. I am going to give it a try as soon as I get some washing soda. I believe that baking soda can be turned into washing soda by putting it in the oven but I don't know how long to leave it in the oven so I will just buy some next time I am at the supermarket.