..................car boot sale visits can be really useful.
Washing Soda Crystals - which I use for clothes washing along with a very small amount of Ecover laundry liquid, and Bicarb - which I use for cleaning, were both on my shopping list either for in town shopping or waiting to be ordered online if I ran out before going shopping.
So finding these at a recent car boot sale was a good money saver. I usually buy the Bicarb in a big tub and then decant into smaller containers for kitchen and bathroom so this small box has put off that purchase for a few weeks and the washing soda crystals are now over £2 for 1kg. I paid 50p each for these from one of the house clearance people. The two bags will last me several months.
That's why I keep going to car-boot sales!
I'm not sure I have ever used washing soda crystals. What are the advantages, Sue? Intriguing. xx
ReplyDeleteThey keep the washing machine clean as well as getting the clothes clean. Much cheaper and no strong smells like some washing powders. Plus they help to soften the water a little and reduce limescale build up in the hard water areas like it is here.
DeleteI haven't used soda crystals before either. I am wondering if they would cause excess lather in my machine as we have very "soft" water here.
ReplyDeleteI've had hard water everywhere in Suffolk but they don't make much lather as far as I know
DeleteGreat find-like you, I use them in laundry and cleaning. Catriona
ReplyDeleteI like that they don't smell and actually take away smells
DeleteGreat buys, they have so many uses.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
Very pleasing bargain
DeleteSome brilliant buys, you never know what you are going to find at a car boot sale do you.
ReplyDeleteThat's the fun!
DeleteWashing soda isn't always easy to find around here these days. That was a good find.
ReplyDeleteSupermarkets rarely stock either in quantity but smaller hardware shops often do
DeleteI've never used any of the cleaning supplies you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI've used them for years - because I really dislike strong smelling branded products
DeleteGreat score. We use the washing soda for cleaning up beehive equipment - it is very effective on wax.
ReplyDeleteThe only shop that sells them here is the other side of town where I rarely go. I stocked up when I went but couldn't believe how much they cost now. You got a great bargain.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. Last spring, I found a sale on laundry soap. There were four jugs of it discounted to $2.99. (It appeared to be a discontinued fragrance). I bought them. Shortly after that, I found the 'pods'. They were in introductory bags of 10, clearanced out for $1. a bag. I never use these things, but at that price why not. I picked up 7 or 8 bags of those. I did not buy laundry soap for over a year. I keep casting a hopeful eye when I shop this year, but alas....
ReplyDeleteHow much washing soda do you use with the laundry soap? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI have a small scoop so I suppose it probably equals a tablespoon full
DeleteThank you
DeleteThat was a very lucky and timely find.
ReplyDeleteI have struggled to find soda crystals in the supermarkets this year, such a lucky find for you. Lynda
ReplyDeleteI have never bought that either nor have I seen it here in the US but I will look for it next time I go to grocery store.
ReplyDeleteCathy
In the States you can find it in Aldi in the baking supplies. We know it as Baking Soda. The ingredients say that it is Sodium Bicarbonate and it lists household uses on the back from removing crayons from the wall, litter box odor control, refrigerator freshener, drain cleaner, and there are many more. I think you can buy it in larger quantities in other stores. It is a good safe item to keep on hand and use. I don't know the quantity to use in a load of washing. Thanks Sue for all your posts. Jane in Indiana
DeleteThey are two different things. Sodium Bicarbonate or Bicarbonate of Soda is used for cleaning as it is slightly abrasive. NOT for washing clothes!
DeleteWhile I have seen this I have never used them. Do they get the clothes cleaner?
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I have a recipe for washing liquid/gel that uses borax, washing soda and toilet soap of whichever smell you like. Added to water it makes pints of the stuff and washes a normal wash load just fine.
ReplyDeleteI guess I use the small amount of Ecover Laundry Liquid in place of the borax/toilet soap you mention. I don't like any smell on my clothes at all - some of the branded Soap Powders are really strong and nasty
DeleteOh, you definitely scored a bargain there. I love getting the necessities for practically nothing too.
ReplyDelete