I have been making my own for about 2 years. I just made my 3rd batch and it cost me under $20. I use one large box of Borax, the large box of washing soda, large box of baking soda, large box of Oxiclean , 3 shaved bars of Fels Naptha and 1 bar ivory soap shaved. I bought a plastic storage box that has a airtight seal to store it in. I dumped everything in the box, put on the lid and shook it good. I have a front loader and have had no problems. I did notice that I needed to use a bit more that what the recipe indicated which was 2-3 Tablespoons. I took the measure cup from the Oxiclean and cut it down to the size I wanted.