I Haven't Bought Laundry Detergent in 40 Years — The Old Farmhouse Mix That Cleans Better

I have not bought a jug of laundry detergent since the 1980s, and my towels are softer than yours and my work shirts come out cleaner. I grew up in a farmhouse where Monday was wash day and eight people's clothes went through one wringer washer on the back porch, my father's barn overalls included. My mother said the jug is mostly water, and the work is in the soap. Here are 15 of her wash-day tricks, counted down: the three-ingredient jar, why your towels went stiff, what really gets blood out, and how to bring a sour, musty towel back for about a quarter. Timestamps 0:00 Not one jug since the 1980s 0:37 The jug is mostly water 1:43 15. The jar on the shelf 2:46 14. Most loads go in cold 3:28 13. Too much soap is the problem 4:26 12. The bar on the collar 5:05 11. Barn clothes go in alone 5:55 10. Vinegar instead of fabric softener 6:58 9. The sun for whites 7:49 8. Cold water for blood 8:34 7. Do not stuff the machine 9:04 6. Wash the washer 9:42 5. The overnight soak for gray 10:22 4. Cornstarch on a grease spot 10:51 3. The musty towel 11:49 2. Soap is fat and lye 12:33 1. Never buy the jug again 13:00 Honest notes: HE washers, hard water, sensitive skin 14:14 Mix one jar this week General information only. Keep washing soda and borax away from children and pets. Never mix vinegar or ammonia with bleach. If you have an HE washer, check your manual before using homemade soap.