homemade soap in homemade laundry soap recipe?

[freemotion]

Thought I'd start another thread to hopefully catch the attention of more people for this question. Just ground up some fels naptha for my first batch of laundry soap, and I thought, while the food processor is soapy and all the ingredients are out, maybe I'll do up a couple of batches with homemade soap. I have a few bars that were given to my by someone who makes and sells it, they had a few that were old and the scent was fading.

I notice that the bars are much bigger than 1/3 of a fels naptha bar, maybe almost twice the size, yet when some people substitute ivory or other soaps, they say to use the whole bar.

Waddaya think I should do? Use the whole bar, or equivilant to the size of 1/3 bar of fels naptha?

Any opinions? This makes a LOT of laundry soap!!! Yeah, baby, less than $0.02 per load, and as a laundress for two massage therapists, that excites me to no end....

 

[Beekissed]

I always use 1/2 a bar of FN anyway....I say, go for it! And then tell us what you think....

 

[Helena]

Can you cut the bars into bits and go by weight?

Fels Naphtha is a petroleum-based product. It's quite possible that those homemade soap bars are whole lots healthier.

I found a website once listing the exact contents of Fels Naphtha. I haven't been able to track it down again. If I do, I'll post it.

 

[freemotion]

Ewww, shoulda known as soon as I smelled it. My thinking was, I need some strength in my laundry soap to get the oil out. But I did make a couple batches of powder with a whole bar each of homemade soap. Not sure of the weight, since the fels is all gone now, but size-wize it was probably almost double. Probably a gentler soap, though. The contest between the two begins with my next load of laundry...I am all caught up, but I probably do about 12-14 loads per week normally, and more when I am doing throw rugs and slip covers and such, I figure I will know for sure which works better in about two months.

 

[StrayDog]

Are you making powdered laundry soap? I've only made liquid laundry soap and my thinking is that it doesn't matter how much soap, as long as it's enough (in other words, too much is better than too little) you can always adjust the amount you put in the washer.

Our washing machine is absolutely the worst I've ever used. It's a newish model, but has no filter I've ever been able to find and clothes often come out looking worse (major amounts of lint all over them) than they went it. I added baking soda to my homemade laundry soap and it improved the results tremendously.

You could always add washing soda crystals to the laundry soap if you feel you need something stronger to get the oil out.

 

[Henrietta23]

Can you cut the bars into bits and go by weight?

Fels Naphtha is a petroleum-based product. It's quite possible that those homemade soap bars are whole lots healthier.

I found a website once listing the exact contents of Fels Naphtha. I haven't been able to track it down again. If I do, I'll post it.

If you find it, I'd love to see it. When I emailed Dial Corp they said they wouldn't disclose it. This is what they had to say:

Dear Mrs. Bxxxxx,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding Fels Naptha Laundry Bar
Soap.

Product formulations and ingredients lists are considered propriety for
competitive purposes, except as dictated for labeling purposes by regulations
and legislation. We comply with all labeling requirements for national and
global distribution. However, we can supply information on ingredients when it
involves medical treatment. The medical authority can request verification of
specific ingredients and we will supply that information to the physician for
assistance in treatments.

If we can be of further assistance, you may call us toll free at 1-800-258-3425
between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time Monday through Friday.

Consumer Affairs

Here is a link to the MSDS which gives a little info: http://www2.prosarcorp.com/dialconsumer/

 

[keljonma]

Here is a link to the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for Fels Naptha soap.

http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=4002047


and the one for Ivory Soap, if you want to compare.

http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=16003181

 

[Henrietta23]

The MSDS I found at the Dial site seems to look a little different. The link wouldn't take you directly there so I'll try to copy and paste it here:

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
MSDS L-101 REVISION 9
SECTION 1: PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
The Dial Corporation Medical Emergencies: 1-888-689-9082
15101 N. Scottsdale Road Chemtrec: 1-800-424-9300 (24 Hours Daily)
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254-9934 Other Information: 1-888-468-6673
PRODUCT: Heavy Duty Laundry Bar Soap DATE OF ISSUE: July 24, 2007
TRADE NAMES/SYNONYMS: Fels-Naptha Heavy Duty Laundry Bar Soap
CHEMICAL FAMILY: Mixture
I.D. NUMBERS: 904439
SECTION 2: HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
CAUTION: This product is a tan or brown bar. Direct contact with eyes may cause eye irritation. Repeated or prolonged
excessive exposure with skin may cause irritation. No significant environmental effects. Not a fire hazard. Product is
stable.
This product is labeled in accordance with guidelines set forth in the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The use pattern
and exposure in the workplace are generally not consistent with those experienced by consumers. The requirements of
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration applicable to this Material Safety Data Sheet may differ from the
requirements of the FD&C Act and as a result, this MSDS may contain additional health hazard information not
pertinent to consumer use and not found on the product label.
REGULATORY STATUS
While this product is not considered to be hazardous under OSHAs Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR
1900.1200), this MSDS includes valuable information that is critical for safe handling and proper use of this product.
This MSDS should be retained and available for employees and other users of this product.
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
NOTE: The acute health effects described below are those which could potentially occur for the finished product. They
are based on the toxicology information available for the finished product and/or each hazardous ingredient, and are
consistent with the product type and the likelihood of a specific route of exposure. Known chronic health effects related
to exposure to a specific ingredient are indicated.
EYE CONTACT: This product may cause irritation with stinging, tearing, and redness.
SKIN CONTACT: Repeated or prolonged excessive exposure may cause irritation.
INGESTION: May cause mild gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
INHALATION: Dust may cause mucous membrane irritation with sore throat, sneezing, coughing and shortness
of breath.
CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS: None known.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS BEING AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: Pre-existing
skin conditions.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
See Section 12: Ecological Information.
Bar Soap MSDS L-101 (Rev. 9) July 24, 2007
The Dial Corporation Center For Innovation 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Page 2 of 6
SECTION 3: COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Based on our hazard evaluation, the following chemical substance(s) in this product have been identified as hazardous.
INGREDIENT CAS NUMBER PERCENT (w/w)
Sodium Soap 67701-11-5 & 67701-10-4 60 100 %
Hydrocarbons, Terpene Processing By-Products 68956-56-9 1 5 %
SECTION 4: FIRST AID MEASURES
EYES: Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids, until no evidence of product
remains. Get medical attention if pain or irritation persists.
SKIN: Rinse affected area with plenty of water until no evidence of product remains. Get medical attention if irritation
persists.
INGESTION: Treat symptomatically and supportively. Maintain airway and respiration. If vomiting occurs, keep head
below hips to prevent aspiration. Dilution by rinsing the mouth and giving water or milk to drink is generally
recommended. If unconscious, the victim should not be given anything to drink. Contact physician or local poison control
center.
INHALATION: Remove from exposure area to fresh air. Keep affected person warm and at rest. Treat symptomatically
and supportively. Contact physician or local poison control center. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration, and
get medical attention immediately.
NOTE TO PHYSICIAN: The physician's judgment should be used to control symptoms and clinical condition based on the
individual reactions of the patient.
SECTION 5: FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
FLAMMABLE PROPERTIES
OSHA FLAMMABILITY CLASSIFICATION: Not applicable FLASH POINT: None
UPPER FLAMMABILITY LIMIT: Not applicable LOWER FLAMMABILITY LIMIT: Not applicable
AUTO-IGNITION TEMPERATURE: Not applicable
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD: The fire hazard for this product has not been determined. The hazard(s) of the
component(s) with the most severe hazard(s) are: Slight fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Oxides of carbon and oxides of sodium.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or regular foam. For larger fires, use water spray, fog or regular foam.
PROTECTION OF FIREFIGHTERS
In case of fire, wear a full-face positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus and protective suit. Move container
from fire area if you can do it without risk. Do not scatter spilled material with high-pressure water streams. Dike firecontrol
water for later disposal. Use agents suitable for type of surrounding fire. Avoid breathing vapors, keep upwind.
SECTION 6: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
Wear skin, eye and respiratory protection as recommended in Section 8. Stop or reduce any leaks if it is safe to do so.
Spills present a slipping hazard. Keep unnecessary personnel away. Ventilate spill area if possible. Ensure clean-up is
conducted by trained personnel only. Make sure area is slip-free before re-opening to traffic.
ENVIRONMENTAL PRECAUTIONS
Small or household quantities may be disposed in regular domestic trash. For larger quantities check with your local
disposal authorities.
Bar Soap MSDS L-101 (Rev. 9) July 24, 2007
The Dial Corporation Center For Innovation 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Page 3 of 6
METHODS FOR CONTAINMENT AND CLEAN UP
SMALL SPILLS: Sweep or scoop up and place into suitable clean, dry containers for reclamation or later disposal. Wash
site of spillage thoroughly with water. LARGE SPILLS: Sweep or scoop up. Dispose in suitable waste container. Keep
unnecessary people away from spill.
SECTION 7: HANDLING AND STORAGE
HANDLING:
Do not get in eyes, on skin, on clothing. Do not take internally. Use with adequate ventilation. Keep the containers
closed when not in use.
STORAGE:
Store in original containers in a cool dry area. Store away from excessive heat and incompatible substances. Storage
areas for large quantities (warehouse) should be well ventilated. Keep the containers tightly closed when not in use.
SECTION 8: EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
This product is a personal care or cosmetic product. The use of this product by consumers is safe under normal and
reasonable foreseen use. The information provided below refers to the occupational settings.
WORKER EXPOSURE LIMITS
The following exposure limits exist for the ingredients listed below. The TLV-TWA is the ACGIH Threshold Limit Value
Time Weighted Average. TLV-Ceiling Limit is the ACGIH Threshold Limit Value Ceiling Limit. PEL-TWA is the OSHA
Permissible Exposure Limit.
INGREDIENT CAS NUMBER EXPOSURE LIMIT
Soap Dust = Particles
Not Otherwise
Specified:
67701-11-5 &
67701-10-4
TLV-TWA: 10 mg/m3 (total dust), TLV-TWA: 3 mg/m3 (respirable
fraction), PEL-TWA: 15 mg/m3 (total dust), PEL-TWA: 5 mg/m3
(respirable fraction),
ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Provide local exhaust or general dilution ventilation to keep exposure to airborne
contaminants below the permissible exposure limits where mists or vapors may be generated.
RESPIRATOR: Air contamination monitoring should be carried out where mists or vapors are likely to be generated, to
assure that the employees are not exposed to airborne contaminants above the permissible exposure limits. If respiratory
protection is required, it must be based on the contamination levels found in the workplace, must not exceed the working
limits of the respirator and be jointly approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Mine
Safety and Health Administration (NIOSH-MSHA).
FOR FIRE FIGHTING AND OTHER IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE OR HEALTH CONDITIONS: Any selfcontained
breathing apparatus that has a full-face piece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure
mode. Any supplied-air respirator that has a full-face piece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positivepressure
mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure demand or other
positive-pressure mode.
CLOTHING: Protective clothing is required where repeated or prolonged skin contact may occur.
GLOVES: Protective gloves are required where repeated or prolonged skin contact may occur.
EYE/FACE PROTECTION: Safety glasses are required to prevent eye contact where dusty conditions may occur.
SECTION 9: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE: Tan or brown bar.
ODOR/ODOR THRESHOLD: Standard PHYSICAL STATE: Solid
pH (@ 25C): Not available VAPOR DENSITY: Not available
BOILING POINT: Not available VAPOR PRESSURE: Not available
MELTING/FREEZING POINT: Not available FLASH POINT: See Section 5.
FLAMMABLE PROPERTIES: See Section 5. SOLUBILITY IN WATER: Nearly complete
Bar Soap MSDS L-101 (Rev. 9) July 24, 2007
The Dial Corporation Center For Innovation 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Page 4 of 6
DENSITY/SPECIFIC GRAVITY: Not applicable EVAPORATION RATE: Not available
OCTANOL/WATER PARTITION COEFFICIENT (Kow): Not available
VISCOSITY (Dynamic): Not available
SECTION 10: STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
CHEMICAL STABILITY: Stable under normal ambient temperature (70F, 21C) and pressure (1 atm).
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: Avoid contact with incompatible substances and excessive heat.
INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS: Strong oxidizers, acids and bases.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Thermal decomposition may release toxic and/or hazardous gases
including oxides of carbon and sodium.
POSSIBILITY OF HAZARDOUS REACTIONS: Hazardous polymerization will not occur.
SECTION 11: TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
PRODUCT INFORMATION SUMMARY: This product is a personal care or cosmetic product. The use of this product by
consumers is safe under normal and reasonable foreseen use. Direct contact with eyes may cause eye irritation.
Repeated or prolonged excessive exposure with skin may cause irritation.
COMPONENT ANALYSIS:
INGREDIENT LD50 / DRAIZE SCORE TOXICITY / IRRITATION RATING
ACUTE DERMAL TOXICITY
Terpene Hydrocarbons 3,540 mg/kg (rat)
5,000 mg/kg (rabbit)
Moderately Toxic
SENSITIZATION: This product is not considered a skin or respiratory sensitizer.
CARCINOGENICITY: None of the ingredients in this product are listed as carcinogens by the International Agency for
Research on Cancer (IARC), the National Toxicology Program (NTP) or the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA).
MUTAGENICITY: None of the ingredients in this product are known to cause mutagenicity.
REPRODUCTIVE/FETAL/DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: None of the ingredients in this product are known as
reproductive, fetal, or developmental hazards.
TARGET ORGAN TOXICITY: None of the ingredients in this product are known to have target organ toxicity.
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INFORMATION: None of the ingredients in this product are known to have health-related
information in working populations.
SECTION 12: ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
This product is anticipated to be safe for the environment at concentrations predicted in household settings under normal
use conditions. No toxicity information is available for the hazardous ingredient(s).
ENVIRONMENTAL FATE: No environmental fate data exists for the product. The product is anticipated to be rapidly
biodegradable.
PERSISTENCE AND DEGRADABILITY: The persistence and degradability of this product has not been determined.
BIOACCUMULATION POTENTIAL: The bioaccumulation potential of this product has not been determined.
MOBILITY: The mobility of this product (in soil and water) has not been determined.
SECTION 13: DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
WASTE NUMBER AND DESCRIPTION: Not applicable, not regulated.
Bar Soap MSDS L-101 (Rev. 9) July 24, 2007
The Dial Corporation Center For Innovation 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Page 5 of 6
DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS: This product is not a RCRA hazardous waste and can be disposed of in accordance
with federal, state and local regulations.
SECTION 14: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
GROUND TRANSPORT
DOT Hazard Class: Not regulated Packing Group: Not applicable
DOT Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable Shipping Label Information: Not applicable
UN/NA Number: Not applicable
AIR TRANSPORT (ICAO/IATA) MARINE TRANSPORT (IMDG/IMO)
ICAO/IATA Hazard Class: Not regulated IMDG/IMO Hazard Class: Not regulated
ICAO/IATA Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable IMDG/IMO Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
SECTION 15: REGULATORY INFORMATION
UNITED STATES:
OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION RULE, 29 CFR 1910.1200:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires Material Safety Data Sheets to provide any hazards that may
be associated with the product, and make this information available in the workplace. Since the use pattern and exposure
in the workplace are generally not consistent with those experienced by consumers, this MSDS may contain additional
health hazard information not pertinent to consumer use.
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION:
This product is regulated as a cosmetic under the Food and Drug Administration.
EPA - SARA TITLE III SECTION 313: Not applicable - Consumer product.
EPA CERCLA/SARA TITLE III SUPERFUND AMENDMENT AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT:
This product contains no CERCLA/SARA Title III materials. This product contains no hazardous chemicals reportable
under Sections 311/312. This product contains no hazardous chemicals reportable under Section 304.
TSCA: All components of this product are either listed on or exempt from the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
chemical substance inventory.
STATE REGULATIONS
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65: This product does not contain substances listed under California Proposition 65.
CANADA:
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT:
INVENTORY STATUS: Some components of this product are not listed on the Canadian Domestic Substances List (DSL)
nor the NDSL.
HEALTH CANADA:
This product is regulated as a cosmetic product under the Cosmetics Programme.
WORKER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM:
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: Not subject to classification.
SECTION 16: OTHER INFORMATION
DISCLAIMER: The information contained herein is provided in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date
hereof. However, The Dial Corporation makes no representation as to the comprehensiveness or accuracy of the
information. It is expected that individuals receiving the information will exercise their independent judgment in
determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose. Accordingly, The Dial Corporation will not be responsible for
damages of any kind resulting from the use of or reliance upon such information. No representations, or warranties,
either expressed or implied of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or of any other nature is made hereunder
with respect to the information set forth herein or to the product to which the information refers.
NFPA RATINGS (Scale 0-4, where 4=high degree of hazard): HEALTH=1 FLAMMABILITY=1 REACTIVITY=0
HMIS RATINGS (Scale 0-4, where 4=severe hazard): HEALTH=1 FLAMMABILITY=1 REACTIVITY=0
MSDS CREATION DATE: 04/21/93
Bar Soap MSDS L-101 (Rev. 9) July 24, 2007
The Dial Corporation Center For Innovation 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Page 6 of 6
SUPERCEDES: 05/04/05, Rev. 8
REVISION DATE: 07/24/07
REVISION: 16-Section format.

 

[freemotion]

Thought I'd update this, since the winner is clear now.

The laundry soap with the fels naptha cleans far better than the homemade soap version. The homemade version smells better to me in the jug, because I am sensitive to chemical fragrances. But the massage sheets start having a slight "old oil" smell, I think of it as old popcorn, after a few weeks with the homemade soap version. This indicates that it is not removing the oil as well, and it is building up in the sheets.

And my dark clothes started to smell a little, a smell that came up with some weeks of using an organic laundry soap, that went away when I put some strong disinfectant in the loads, which tells me it was bacterial. Ewww! This smell doesn't come up with long-term use of the fels naphtha version. It is worse in my darkest loads, probably because my lighter clothes are my office clothes, and my barn clothes are darker, mostly.

The chemical fragrance in the fels naptha doesn't remain in the clothing, it rinses so cleanly, that it is not an issue for me. And the little whiff I get when using it or even making it is not a problem, maybe it would be if I was already on my way to a migraine, but it has not caused one yet, so I will use up the homemade soap version and then not make it again. I am alternating with the fels naptha version until the homemade stuff is gone.

I plan to start stocking up on fels naptha bars, and will keep them in glass jars to contain the scent and keep the soap long-term, in case for some reason it becomes unavailable.

 

[me&thegals]

Thanks for doing the research for us, Free! I am really enjoying my homemade laundry detergent with FN. My mom sent me to college with a bar of it, and I just used it up 15 years later. She loved its stain-removal abilities. It was a bit dehydrated by the time I used it up, but it surely lasted a long time!