Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 11
  1. #1
    Percycat is offline Platinum level (1000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    .
    Posts
    1,559

    Default detergent free laundry soap recommendations

    I want to wash my son's sleeping bag. Instructions say to use a mild detergent free laundry soap. What do I buy and where do I get it?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    SnuggleBuggles is offline Black Diamond level (25,000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    .
    Posts
    47,744

    Default

    You sure they don't mean one free of dyes and perfumes? I can't quite tell.

  3. #3
    lizzywednesday is offline Red Diamond level (10,000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Central NJ
    Posts
    13,755

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by SnuggleBuggles View Post
    You sure they don't mean one free of dyes and perfumes? I can't quite tell.


    Sometimes it will specify a detergent free of optical brighteners, in which case you could use something like Ecos or Charlie's Soap. You might also look into lingerie wash.

    If you have it on hand, I suggest using dilute Castile soap. For a full load, I use a 1:4 solution - 1 part Castile soap to 4 parts distilled water - in my HE front-loader with good results on things I'm taking extra care with, like bathing suits and bras. (I also use the "water plus" button to increase the amount of water used in the wash.)
    ==========================================
    Liz
    DD (3/2010)

    "Make mistakes! Get messy!" - Miss Frizzle

  4. #4
    Percycat is offline Platinum level (1000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    .
    Posts
    1,559

    Default

    Thanks for the replies, but I am still confused. The label specifically says to use a gentle non-detergent soap and notes that detergents will break down the waterproof protection. I looked at REI, but even the soap they sell for waterproof/technical gear (Nathan's) is called a detergent.

  5. #5
    SnuggleBuggles is offline Black Diamond level (25,000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    .
    Posts
    47,744

    Default

    Can you call/chat/email the manufacturer?

  6. #6
    ciw is offline Gold level (500+ posts)
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    835

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Percycat View Post
    Thanks for the replies, but I am still confused. The label specifically says to use a gentle non-detergent soap and notes that detergents will break down the waterproof protection. I looked at REI, but even the soap they sell for waterproof/technical gear (Nathan's) is called a detergent.
    Castille soap, Fels-Naptha, Ivory in flake or bar form only (pretty sure that Ivory liquid is a detergent) or a specially made soap like Nikwax: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Nikwa...3041576&rid=20

    I'd probably just use castille soap and not worry.

  7. #7
    Percycat is offline Platinum level (1000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    .
    Posts
    1,559

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ciw View Post
    Castille soap, Fels-Naptha, Ivory in flake or bar form only (pretty sure that Ivory liquid is a detergent) or a specially made soap like Nikwax: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Nikwa...3041576&rid=20

    I'd probably just use castille soap and not worry.
    Where do I buy Castille soap (is it a powder?) or Ivory flake? I have a bar of Fels-Naptha -- I was planning to use my front load washing machine, but I could have my son wash it in the bathtub.

    My washing machine is also HE --- can I use soap in a HE frontloader?

    Thanks for your help!
    Last edited by Percycat; 08-03-2015 at 01:29 PM.

  8. #8
    mikala is offline Diamond level (5000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Posts
    5,776

    Default

    Dr Bronners is a common Castille soap brand. It's sold at Target in the natural beauty aisle. Trader Joe's and most health food stores also carry it. It often comes in a big bottle but its really useful for cleaning. We use it diluted to refill foaming handsoap containers.

  9. #9
    tmahanes's Avatar
    tmahanes is offline Platinum level (1000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    VA
    Posts
    1,849

    Default

    I make my own detergent from Dr Bronners and have an HE machine and haven't had any problems!

    Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
    Tara

    DS - B 2/10

  10. #10
    lizzywednesday is offline Red Diamond level (10,000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Central NJ
    Posts
    13,755

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Percycat View Post
    Where do I buy Castille soap (is it a powder?) or Ivory flake? I have a bar of Fels-Naptha -- I was planning to use my front load washing machine, but I could have my son wash it in the bathtub.

    My washing machine is also HE --- can I use soap in a HE frontloader?

    Thanks for your help!
    I have an HE frontloader and use Castile soap with no problems.

    I dilute it 1:4 - 1 part Castile soap to 4 parts distilled water (you could also use filtered or tap water) - and run the machine using the "water plus" button to increase the amount of water churning through the cycle.
    ==========================================
    Liz
    DD (3/2010)

    "Make mistakes! Get messy!" - Miss Frizzle

Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •