DIY Laundry Detergent

I've been researching laundry detergents and have come across some great HOMEMADE recipes that I'd like to share! I've never made my own (yet) but I have several friends who do and swear by it! Don't forget though, when making your own detergent to wash cloth diapers, it has to be FREE of enzymes, brighteners, fillers or dyes! Also, if you have an HE washer or hard water (or both like me), you might have some other special needs. Do research about your particular machine before using any type of detergent, homemade or purchased. I don't know if these specific recipes cause build up on your cloth dipes- depending on your machine that might vary. Okay, enough disclaimers!

Here is a selection of recipes I've come across.

Suds A La Katie:

(A Fast and Easy Recipe!)

1/2 Cup Borax*

1/2 Cup Washing Soda dissolved in hot water

1/4-1/2 Cup Liquid Castille

(Makes about 2 Gallons of pretty concentrated stuff!)

*A note on Borax- I've heard that it can age your elastic and PUL. 

I've also heard that it's absolutely fine. Just sayin'. 

Links with other great recipes:

This site sells everything you need to make your own soap AND recipes!

My friend Jessica uses one of their recipes (Powdered Laundry Detergent- My Favorite) with her cloth diapers and loves it!

http://www.soapsgonebuy.com

This one has 10 different recipes!

http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

This one is from the Duggar Family- didn't you know they made their own?

http://www.duggarfamily.com/content/duggar_recipes/30455/Homemade%20Liquid%20Laundry%20Soap-%20Front%20or%20top%20load%20machine-%20best%20value

This one has 13 recipes- look for the "CD Recipe" note 

on the recipe to see if they are "safe" for cloth diapers.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/10267990/Homemade-Laundry-Soap-Detergent-Recipes

Happy Washing!