Frugal forum question - Cheaper cleaning/household products

by Kim
(Iowa)

Hello! I admit I am relatively new to the frugal living idea. I grew up with a "brand name is best" mentality--my mom always used only brand name items for everything.
I have begun experimenting with more generic products in order to save money, but I have found that some things are NOT better, or even as good as the name brand item.
I hate wasting money to purchase something only to find out I don't care for it, so I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share ideas on generic products that they feel work as well as better than brand name items. I am especially looking for a good substitute for Tide laundry detergent (I have an HE washer and dryer), but would welcome ANY and all recommendations for good generic substitutes for all kinds of products.
Thanks so much for your help!

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Frugal forum question - Cheaper cleaning/household products

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Washing powders
by: Anonymous

I use bicarb to wash clothes in my machine, and white vinegar for the rinse aid... it is cheaper than commercial washing powders and does the job well.

HE laundry soap
by: Anonymous

I also have the HE frontload washer, and I refuse to pay the $20.00/jug for TIDE laundry soap.I go to Costco and get their brand for $12.00. If anyone has a recipe for homemade laundry soap that can be used in a HE washer, I would love to hear it. I have 2 teenaged boys and a husband so I need help saving money with this. We do a lot of laundry.

DIY
by: Anonymous

I don't like it when things I buy don't match my expectations also, but sometimes are expectations aren't correct. Who said that in order for laundry to be clean the water must have suds? I used to spend over $16/ 96 loads of Cheer detergent. I now make my own and spend $5/ almost 400 loads. I only have to make a batch about ever 6 months and I can pick the scent for each batch. It doesn't make the water sudsy but my clothes come out just as clean and I know exactly what is in my detergent. You can search online for homemade laundry detergent for many recipes but you may have to try a couple before you find the one that works for you. Hope that helps!

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