I made my own laundry detergent-I used Fels-Naptha soap, Boraxand washing soda. So far, I'm pleased with the results, though I didn't turn DS's shirt rightside out and it came out of the wash dirty!!

Here's a link for some recipes: http://frugalliving.about.com/c/ht/00/07/How_Laundry_Detergent0962933255.htm

Do you have any recipes to share? Any comments?

Thanks mamas!

Has anyone ever used dr bronner's as a laundry detergent? I haven't, but I was wondering if you just use that or add something else to it? How much do you use?

I use Dr. Bronners bar soap to make the recipe that is linked in the OP. Fels-Naptha makes me sneeze instantly and gives me a headache because of its fragrances and such. With the Dr. B's I use the same proportions as the Fels-Naptha. Occasionally when we have been out of the bar soap mixture I will take a couple squirts of liquid Dr. Bs and then a tablespoon of borax and washing soda (tbsp of each) and toss them in the washer. It works just fine, but I think in the long run it is more economical to use the Dr B's bar soap instead of the liquid because I can get more precise measuring and proportion to the other ingredients. I always put white vinegar in my fabric softener dispenser to remove any residue of soap that might be left after the rinse.

HTH.

Thanks for the info lakshmi mama!

I know what you mean about the Fels Naptha-I was gagging while I was getting the soap to "melt". I debated whether or not to just pitch it, but after diluting it with 5 gallons of water, it's not too bad, but I won't be using that recipe again!

Thanks to you, I'll be using Dr. Bronner's soap. Thanks!

Originally posted by lakshmi_mama
I always put white vinegar in my fabric softener dispenser to remove any residue of soap that might be left after the rinse.

HTH.

Is THAT where how you use vinegar for the rinse? Thanks mama!

I was halfway down your paragraph and was going to reply in agreement with you, and that Dr. Bronners (or any soap, as opposed to detergent) will leave buildup, and then I got down to the vinegar part and was all excited to learn that. Thanks!

The washing soda and borax let the soap work with the water and fabric better, from what I understand. I usually use Dr. Bronners, and some Baking soda but I have to use more baking soda, because it's weaker than the washing soda.

Again, thanks for the vinegar use tip!