Zote soap flakes

[askolover]

Anybody using Zote soap flakes? I've seen them at Walmart. They actually smell like Ivory soap to me. I've never used "soap" in my laundry...it says low sudsing and clean rinsing so I may just have to try some. With softened water there shouldn't be any soap scum to contend with. Opinions, thoughts, or tips?

 

[stan]

Hi Greg

Would you be using the Zote in a FL or a TL?

 

[maylingsmom]

http://www.zote.com.mx/english/about.htm

 

[mamapinky]

Stan...where are you lol.
I only know a little about using *soap* in a washer, encluding ZOTE flakes. I think soap requires very soft water, hot or at least very warm water, and multiple very warm rinses, otherwise the soap will not wash out of the fibers of textiles and over time will cause the clothing to become dingy. IMO this is one reason why the homemade version of laundry soap on the net doesn't work. I also think soap can be used with great results if the proper protocol is used. This is really STANS area of expertise, and I'm sure he will be around.
Maylingsmom, thanks for the zote read..I know a few people that use zote on stains, personally I prefer FELS NAPTHA, a little rubbed on a stain is a great stain formula.

 

[stan]

Hi Mama

I'm here.. LOL

 

[ea56]

Does Anyone Here Remember Fels Naptha Powder?

Fels Naptha used to sell a granulated soap powder that was fantastic. It came in box that looked like the wrapper of their soap bars, but it had a shiny, foil look. I used to use this in the early 70's in my Maytag wringer. It really cleaned excellently and the laundry smelled so good. Also, the clothes were very soft, even when line dried. I started to use it because at the time I was basically broke, in my early 20's and it cost less than the other detergents. But even after my financial situation improved I continued to use it until it was no longer available. As I recall it smelled kind of like the the bar, their was no perfumed scent added.

 

[circlew]

When I was a little kid, my mom used Instant Fels for laundry. It came in a red and green foil look box. It always reminded me of Christmas gift paper.

 

[ea56]

Tom,
Thats the Fels I was referring to, I forgot that it was called Instant Fels. And you are right,the box did look loke a Christmas package.
Eddie

 

[gpevas]

The best!!!!!

I use Zote soap for about 8 years now. I grate the bar version to make my own flakes. I find it cheaper to do it that way. I have tried the Zote soap flakes when they first came out. I think Zote is GREAT!!! I came across it when I was trying to find a detergent to clean my oily pillow cases. Nothing helped even shampoo. I seen Zote soap at Wallmart so I tried it pillow cases came out clean! I use it in a Speed Queen wringer washer so I am not sure if it will cause problems with an automatic washer? That's my two cents worth!

 

[gpevas]

Fels Naptha soap

I forgot to ask everyone this. I tried using Fles Naptha bar soap once and the yellow coloring stained my white t shirt! I never used it again. Has this happened to anyone? I used to use Ivory Snow Soap not the detergent of today. That cleaned great wish they still sold it. Is there any company in the world that still makes a SOAP powder anymore? Nothing wrong with Zote flakes ect just wondered.

 

[mamapinky]

Gary, I use fels bars as stain removers all the time, wet the fabric, rub the fells into it, I've never had a problem with it leaving the yellow behind, and I use warm or hot water. Do you wet the fabric well before you rub the fels into it..

 

[gpevas]

Fels bar soap

I did wet the fabric then used the bar to rub over the stain and it stained the t shirt yellow color.
I don't have the bar anymore to find out what lot number it was.

 

[mamapinky]

Lately I have been boiling a cup of distilled water, shut it off, add 2 teaspoons of grated fels, stir till disolved, than store in small container. It will get a snotty texture but eliminates having to rub the bar into the clothes, instead rub the yellow snotty goo into the stain...lol. it works great. My grandkids always have chocolate, pizza sauce, greasy finger marks from grilled cheese on their shirts and pants the fels is by far the best stain remover I have ever used. Maybe try making the goo recipe above and see if that helps.

 

[gpevas]

Zote soap?

Mama have you tried to use Zote soap as a stain remover (treater)? I will try your version of fels and hot water.

 

[askolover]

FL washer

I don't know how it would work in my Asko FL washer with household softened water. I'm curious to find out...but must wait until DH is not home...(he hates anything changed).

 

[launderess]

"I don't know how it would work in my Asko FL washer with household softened water"

Many liquid/gel detergents especially those from Europe contain soap as part of a balanced formula. That in theory should control the heavy froth created from using pure soap in a H-Axis washer.

Having whole house softened water is *perfect* for doing laundry with soap, but you are going to get lots of suds which your Asko may or may not like. Back in the days when pure soap was used for washing standard advice was to use enough product to bring suds 1/3 to even 1/2 way up the window. Of course those machines probably used much more water than your modern Asko.

The other thing is you will need a hot or at least very warm wash and one or two rinses of the same temperature.

Henkel sells pure soap flakes in France under "Le Chat" brand to appeal to those seeking a more "natural" way of doing laundry. Thing is you must choose a less aggressive wash cycle which is how they get around the froth issue.

http://www.amazon.fr/Le-Chat-Paillette-M%C3%A9nage-Lavages/dp/B007AAJCLG

 

[mamapinky]

Gary I'll pick up a bar of zote and give it a try..with 2 young grandsons I have stains everyday to treat and I will let you know how it works for me. You also let me know what you think of the fels...
I will also be in need of advice on washing with *soap in a wringer soon, someone my aunt knows has a wringer and automatic washer for me I don't know what kind, I'm only told they are very old, they work and their not rusty, but I will have the info on them soon. I will probably post pics and be asking information on the new toys lol...take care Cheryl

 

[gpevas]

Cheryl

If you need any help or info on your wringer washer just let me know. I have been washing in a wringer the one in my photo since 1981. I will let you know how the Fels works I bought a bar last night but need a stain to use it on.

 

[launderess]

If One Is Dead Set Upon Using Soap For Laundry

A wringer washer and or using a mangle is probably one of the best ways of doing so.

Say this because with wringers/mangles one lifts soapy laundry out of the water and forces the suds/water/residue out via the compression. This unlike top loading automatics that would drain water down through the wash/spin it out to the sides forcing laundry to an extent to act as a "filter".

If you notice TSP was used frequently back in the days to soften water when using pure soap. The precipitate formed when using TSP or even washing soda with soap is less of a problem with wringers/mangles again because by lifting laundry out of the water a good portion of the "gunk" remains behind in tub.