Has anyone ever made their own laundry detergent?

[Flaxbee]

I've seen recipes before in magazines like "Natural Home" (a good magazine, by the way) but have all of my magazines packed away (we're just living in our current home for a few more months) and wondered if anyone could give me a recipe they've used and actually liked and that got their clothes clean.

What kind of fragrance can I add -- is it OK to mix in a little sauna scented oil or something? I'd like to do something less expensive and much more environmentally conscious than the stuff at the regular grocery store. I like the idea of Seventh Generation's detergent but it's kinda expensive, though I do realize it's very concentrated and would last much longer than regular "Tide" or whatever.

Just fishing for ideas, if you have any they'd be appreciated!

[skypilot]

1. Make my own laudry detergent?!?!

That's funny. My laundry would NEVER get done.:)

[progressoid]

2. No shit

Do I have to use a wash board too?

[LeftyMom]

3. I have

I ground up some Kirk's castile soap and washing soda because it was about a week until payday and I was out of detergent. It worked okay but I've had better results with Trader Joe's laundry soap or BioKleen, both of which are cheaper than Seventh Gen.

Homemade detergent might leave a little residue, especially if you have hardwater, so it's best not to use it on towels, diapers and other things that need to be absorbant. Oh, and it leaves fleece items feeling vaugely waxy. Works great for jeans, t shirts and other cotton items, though.

I used lavender oil on some things and tangerine on others.