Homemade Laundry Softener

Homemade Laundry Softener, Okay this isn't really homemade, but it works great.  Are you ready for this revelation?  Vinegar.  Just plain old vinegar works as a great laundry softener.  Here's why I love it as a softener:

• Smell - really after drying it doesn't smell so my clothes smell clean and not like smelly softener.
• Low residue - doesn't leave a film on towels like other softeners.
• Low stack cling
• Cost about $0.02/load (I use 1/4 cup per wash)
• Non-toxic
• Better for environment.

Homemade Laundry Soap

I have been using this for 6 months now and am pleased with the results.

Mix until combined:

• 1 Bar Fels Naptha (shredded to powder)
• 1.5 Cups Borax
• 1.5 Cups Washing Soda

Use 1 TBS in wash instead of soap. 

Tips:

• I use a hand grater to powder the bar soap.
• Use any soap you want, I like a low smelling laundry soap.
• Cost: $0.03/load
• The above amount lasts a long time - 3 months or so.
• For whites you must use Oxy Clean - otherwise the whites can dull.

Finance New Years Resolutions

Every year I hope to get our finances in order, so that they can be on autopilot.

• Increase: 
• 401K
• 529
• Roth IRA
• Savings
• Cash Budget
• Trust/Will
• SELL House!

What do you want to work towards this year?

Financial Links

Here are some financial sites/books I like.

• Dave Ramsey
• Rule #1 Investing
• Rich Dad Poor Dad
• The Automatic Millionaire
• Suze Orman
• Yahoo! Finance

Do you have some faves?