I have been making my own laundry soap for years. It works just fine. I rarely use Fels-naptha soap. I have been using Zote soap. It is similar to Fels-naptha. My mom uses ivory soap with no issues at all.

The only problem I have had was Fels-naptha didn't keep the whites really white. This was a combination of our hard water and the Fels-naptha. The Zote soap has been better for the whites. I also use about 1/4 cup of baking soda in the washing machine along with the soap when I wash whites. The baking soda helps soften the water and keep the whites whiter.

I also use the recipe for the small bucket but use twice the water and fill the big 5 gallon bucket and it still works fine.

I've been doing some research on "plain living"- more earth friendly living and healthier food. this will fit right in. Thanks!

I have used homemade laundry for several years. I do use it in my front load washer. There just isnt any smell unless you add smell to it. I was even making my own fabric softner but didn't like that. So, now I buy fabric softner but make my soap. You should all try it.
Judy in Ohio

This is not for me, I love up to date stuff. We save money by not eating out and eating good for us food at home instead.

For the people who REALLY want to save money, look for a book called the TIGHTWAD Gazette, the complete book. Its real good, funny, and I learned so much, BUT some of you will say she is "too extreme", but she is really good!

Thanks for the URL :)

I've used some of the tips in this book and I think I've saved money. I like the homemade stain spray with Whisk, vinegar, ammonia and water. I use it for cleaning anything greasy, even the hood above the stove. It works great cleaning the metal filters on my furnace too.

I found Fels Naptha and castile soap at our IGA grocery store.Also found the washing soda there too. Walmart (here) didn't have any of the things I went after. My next stop was going to be Rural King they seem to carry a lot of the older name products.

I use Castille soap in my homemade laundry soap - 4 cups grated Castille (or Zotes), 2 cups borax and 2 cups Oxy-clean. Been using 1 - 2 T in each load for over two years and have spent MAYBE $20 for the ingredients!!

I've used Ivory or whatever is on sale, and it works fine. You can also save soap scraps, but it takes a while to save that much.