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Using Homemade Laundry Detergent in an HE Washing Machine

The most frequent question I get about my homemade laundry soap recipe-both here on the blog and over on my YouTube video for making laundry soap is “Can I use homemade laundry soap/ laundry detergent  in an HE washing machine?”

Photo by r4n

The next most common question is “Really? Only one TBS for a load?”. . . but I digress.

HE stands for “High Efficiency” -HE washers are typically front loading washers specifically created to use less water than a standard washing machine.  Because less water is used, laundry detergent must be low sudsing and disperse quickly.  About.com has a great article explaining HE Clothes Washers that you can read for more information.

Unfortunately I do not have an HE washer, and I can not offer solid advice or personal experience on this question.  What I can say is this.  Homemade laundry soap has almost no suds-that is actually one of the complaints you hear from first time users.  “There were no suds and the water looked gray? Is that right?”*

If I were the person with an HE washer, I would personally feel comfortable trying the homemade laundry detergent in the machine.  However I am not an expert-each of you faced with this decision will have to make your own choice based on the facts you have available.

I did look around to see what some of my favorite sources had to say about using homemade laundry detergent/soap in an HE machine.  The fabulous Tipnut addresses this about 2 pages down in her “Homemade Laundry Detergent FAQ“, and Thrifty Fun had this exact question about HE washers & soap asked-you can go read all the answers from their readers.

Do any of you use homemade detergent in an HE machine? What are your feelings on the matter?

*note: Yes, it is normal for there to be little or no suds.  Yes, it is normal for the water to look gray-that’s the dirt coming out of the clothes.  You just don’t notice it with your store bought detergent because the suds keep you from seeing the water.

Rubbermaid Drawer Organizer Winner

Congratulations to Tammy, the winner of the Rubbermaid Drawer Organizer set!

For all those who didn’t win, don’t despair!  I have a Kiwi Shoe Protection Product kit giveaway running right now, and coming soon I have a cookbook.  There is even a pair of prescription eyeglasses and frames that I’ll be giving away soon

Giveaway: Kiwi Shoe Protector Product Kit

Many of you know that I’m an 11 year US Army veteran.  For all 11 of those years I wore your standard black army combat boots:

Photo by D Sharon Pruitt

In the last 6 years or so they’ve changed the uniform and boots to the sueded desert style-but back in my time we wore the classic black. And if you wear black combat boots, you use black Kiwi shoe polish to spit shine them!

You also light the wax on fire. . . but that’s another story.

So you might say that I have a long standing relationship with Kiwi.  I can’t even NAME another brand of shoe polish!  Kiwi IS shoe polish as far as I am concerned (which is saying a lot because as you all know I am NOT normally a brand loyal type).

And shoe polish is important.  Do you know WHY the Army was big on polishing boots?  Yes-there was a small aspect of pride & attention to detail involved-but the main reason that the Army insisted on polished boots is because it makes them LAST.  A well polished boot has a certain amount of water resistance.  The leather stays supple.  The leather doesn’t crack or split.

By polishing your boots (or your shoes) you protect your investment.

Frugal livings is not only about spending less.  It is also about making what you have last as long as possible.  Kiwi shoe polish and frugal living are a natural combination!

I am thrilled to offer you all the opportunity to win a Kiwi Shoe Protector Product kit!  Included in this kit are:

Kiwi Express Cream Polish-In just a minute give your shoes a great shine, cover scuffs and restore colors-with no buffing!

Kiwi Express Shine Sponge-A great on the go solution!  Clear shine liquid and just a touch of color in the sponge.

Kiwi Suede and Nubuck Cleaner-Remove dirt & dust while conditioning & softening the leather.

Kiwi Suede and Nubuck Protector-Creates an invisible shield of a special polymer that protects your shoes against water stairs so they look newer longer.

Kiwi Fast Acting Cleaner-make your sneakers look like new again by swiftly & effectively removing stains.

The winner will also receive a coupon good for $1 off any Kiwi product!

So now to the fun part-entering the giveaway!

This giveaway will run from today Tuesday March 9th until midnight, Monday March 15th.

To enter: Leave a comment describing your favorite pair of shoes

Want extra entries? Here you go! EACH MUST BE A SEPARATE COMMENT!

1. Subscribe to Frugal Upstate (or tell me you already have).

2. Tweet about the giveaway up to 1X per day.

3. Post on Facebook about the giveaway up to 1X per day.

4.  Post on your own blog about the giveaway and include the link here.

Good Luck!

***This is a sponsored post***