Hi Kim! I have a Whirlpool Duet HE. I put the soap right into the drum! And it lasts my family 5-6 months :) An empty-nester friend of mine said it should last her & her hubby approx. 9 months.

My total cost (not including the $10 reusable glass jar) was $29.53 plus tax. (I could do it cheaper, but I like using 2 containers of the UnStopables and 4 bars of the Fels Naptha. I do use the generic OxiClean, rather than the brand name, to make up for it, though!) Your total was almost $8 more than mine :( We must live in different parts of the country, or shop at different stores. We need to find us some coupons for the UnStopables! LOL

Hello! Thanks for visiting :) I have found it to work well in cold water, and I use this exclusively... even on delicates. It should not be used on cloth diapers, however. Other than that, I use it for all of our wash. Thanks for the question.

Hi Sandra! Thanks for stopping by! I have heard mixed reviews about homemade laundry soap in general when it comes to hard water. Some have success, and others don't. I guess it's all trial and error. We have a water softener, and this works great, but I have never personally used it with hard water. If anyone wants to try using it with hard water, perhaps make a small batch at first, just in case. Thanks so much for the tip! :)

Hello :) Thanks for visiting! Yes, you can definitely use this in cold water. I use it in cold, warm, and hot, and love it!

As for # of washloads, it all depends on how much you use per load. For a smaller load, use just 2 tablespoons, and 3 tablespoons for larger loads. If I have a very small load of washcloths or rags, I only use 1 tablespoon.

This recipe makes approx. 512 tablespoons, so that equals 170 small loads or 256 large loads.

Great questions! Hope you stop back soon. Blessings.

I just realized I said that backwards. What I meant to say is:

This recipe makes approx. 512 tablespoons, so that equals 170 LARGE loads or 256 SMALL to MEDIUM loads.

Hi Jessi! Thanks so much for visiting AND for sharing with your friends :) So glad it's working well for you. It's all I use. Love, love, love it! Stop again soon!

I made my own scent booster with Epson salts and essential oils can't stand the unstoppable scent. To strong. The homemade is much milder scent.

I made my own scent booster with Epson salts and essential oils can't stand the unstoppable scent. To strong. The homemade is much milder scent.

Hi there :) Thanks for stopping by, and for hosting the blog hop! I'm a new follower of yours as well. Wishing you lots of success!

You're very welcome :) Thanks for stopping by! Blessings.

Thanks, Andie! And thanks for stopping by :) Have a great weekend!

Hi Linda! So glad to hear you love this detergent! Definitely try it with the Oxiclean next time... it makes a big difference! Of course, the Downy Unstopables are purely a scent booster, but I do LOVE the scent of them :) You may want to try Fels Naptha as well. I've heard it works better than the Zote or Ivory, though Zote is a popular alternative. I got the big jar at Walmart for just under ten bucks. I love it! Thanks for commenting :) Have a great weekend!

Hi Tracey! I have a front loading HE (Whirlpool Duet) and have had zero problems. I have had better luck with this powder than a previous homemade liquid detergent. I also put this laundry soap right in the tub, not the dispenser. I've never had a problem with it clogging or not dissolving. From what I've learned, Fels Naptha is a much better soap to use than Ivory or Zote, so that is what I always use. Of course, this is just my experience, but I know of others who have used this with success as well. Perhaps do a google search and see what others have to say about using homemade detergents so you're comfortable using it, if you decide to do so. Thanks for stopping by :)

Hi Jessica! Yes, you can definitely use essential oils in your laundry. I don't put oils in my laundry soap, because I'm afraid the smell would dissipate, and it would take a lot of essential oil, which is expensive. Instead, you could cut up some cloth (I use old t-shirts) and add a few drops of essential oil to one, and throw it into the dryer. I'll be blogging about that soon ;)

Hi Nan! I haven't had any problems with dinginess. In fact, some of our dingy whites are now whiter :)

As for the food processor concern... at first I was a little nervous about it, but Fels Naptha is a little more friendly than some other laundry soaps, and while it does contain artificial color and fragrance, I just figure that if I wash the bowl and blade of the food processor, then rinse it well, it should be good to go. {just my opinion}

Thanks for the invite to your linky party. I will definitely link up, and am headed over to your blog now :)

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful week!

Hi Krista! Thanks for stopping by :) After making this, I won't use anything else. It's awesome! Have a great day!

Hi, thanks for stopping by. I've used both the namebrand Oxi-Clean, and the generic version. The picture of the "ingredients" I used was taken the first time I made this, which is why the namebrand container is shown, and the most recent time I made it, I used generic to save some money. Not a big deal, you can use either. I haven't noticed a difference between the namebrand and generic, other than price.

Hi Linda! So glad you stopped by :) Please do try it! Everyone I've heard from says they love it as much as I do! {Pretty always makes a job more pleasant!} Have a great day!

Thanks so much, Karyn! Sorry for the delay in seeing this. Computer issues :/ I'll be sure to check out the feature :)

Thanks for stopping by :) I have heard it is a little more than in some parts of the country, and less in others. Would love to hear how you like it so far!

So I made mine back in April. I've only used half and its been 6 months. The only thing I would leave out next time is the Downy UnStopables, they lost the purple color. I really recommend this!

I haven't had any problems with being able to remove stains. My husband gets some grease stains from work as well. If there is anything that is proving to be difficult, I always pretreat the stain with Fels Naptha and then do a cold soak cycle before washing. I've been able to get food, grease, and blood stains out that way.

Hi, and thanks for stopping by! I can't say how it with be for little ones with sensitive skin, as I don't have that problem in our house, but I tend to have sensitive skin and haven't had a problem with it. I also used to run a daycare and washed the kiddos' things with this with zero problem :)

This recipe lasts my family of four 5-6 months :) An empty-nester friend of mine said it should last her & her hubby approx. 9 months.

This recipe makes approx. 512 tablespoons, so that equals 170 LARGE loads or 256 SMALL to MEDIUM loads.

My total cost (not including the $10 reusable glass jar) was $29.53 plus tax. (I could do it cheaper, but I like using 2 containers of the UnStopables and 4 bars of the Fels Naptha. I do use the generic OxiClean, rather than the brand name, to make up for it, though!) It helps when I can find coupons for the UnStopables! :) Of course, prices will vary store to store, and also depending on where you live.

I haven't had any problems using oxi-clean on our colors. Of course, always expect *some* fading from washing on a regular basis, but I have not found this recipe to speed up the process. Hope that helps :) Have a great day!

Hi Rikki! I do still use fabric softener because my hubby loves the smell of the dryer sheets I buy, but I'm trying to wean him off of them and use wool dryer balls instead ;)

This is, essentially, the recipe I've been using for years (minus the Downy & baking soda)and I have never had it clump. Give it a shot!

I also have never had a problem with it clumping, and I oftentimes leave the cover off my container, and still no clumping. Just make sure to mix well when you're making it, and I don't see you having any problem.

I personally wouldn't leave it out. This recipe works well, and baking soda is a large reason why. And my motto in this case is, "Why fix it if it ain't broke?" ;) I'm no expert, so there may be a more scientific answer, but I know that baking soda acts as a softener and is >>>GREAT<<< at removing stains and smells.

SO happy to hear that! Please let me know how you like it :) Thanks for stopping by!

Do a Google search - you can change baking soda to washing soda by baking it! I don't recall the details, but it's worth a look.

I would suggest checking Amazon.com or WalMart.com. They both sell Super Washing Soda :)

Both are available at Home Hardware Stores in Canada.

Thanks for stopping by! Please let me know how you're liking the laundry soap. I've had others make this with the Purex crystals as well, and they like it just fine. I'm just partial to the delicious smell of the UnStopables ;)

Thank you so much for the tip, Jeannine! I will definitely look into that. Anything to save some money :)

Happy New Year, and thanks for stopping by! I've been using this for a long time now, and I'm still loving it. I'm sure you will, too!

Good tip about putting the washing soda in with the soap. Thanks for sharing :)

I buy the 13.2 oz. size. That's the only size they sell in the stores I buy it at, so I didn't know it came in more than one size. That's good to know! Because it's purely a scent booster, you can get whatever size you'd like :)

Hi, Autumn! You sure can use essential oils :) Just make sure you mix it well to distribute the oil throughout the whole batch.

How well does this mixture work for sensitive skin?

We have a couple family members with sensitive skin, and we haven't had any problems with it. Just our personal experience, and we've been using this for a long time now :)

Hi, thanks for stopping by! I didn't ever think I'd give up my favorite, and was even a little leery about trying this, but I'm so glad I did. I use it on all of our clothes... old and new... and it's fantastic :)

Hi Lois! I started putting it directly in the tub, because that's what the lady who inspired me to make my own does it that way. I have heard that in some front load washers the soap can leave a little bit of residue, so people put in the tub to prevent that. Others put it right in the dispenser and have no problems. I suppose it's a matter of personal choice, but the consensus seems to be to throw it in the tub. I sometimes put it in before the clothes, sometimes after. Whatever is easier for you. It all gets mixed up in the tub anyway ;) Just my opinion. Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by :)

Hi Jessica! You would use all of the ingredients listed. In addition to the Fels Naptha and UnStopables, you would use the whole box of super washing Soda, the whole box of baking soda, the whole box of borax, and all of the Oxi-Clean (either 2 1.3 lb containers, or 1 3 lb container.)

what size boxes of borax, & washing soda

76 oz box of Borax, 55 oz box of Super Washing Soda :)

Hi, Kimberly! I have heard good things from people who use both HE and top-loading washers :)

Hi, Holly! We have a couple people in our home with sensitive skin, especially me, and we've had no problems with this laundry soap. Just my personal experience. :)

Hi Lindsey! I use the big bottle. :) They smell so amazing, I oftentimes use 2 big bottles, when I don't mind spending a little extra, that is!

Hi, Saralyn! No grime on my machine, but I make sure to clean my washer once a month :)

You can use a grater if you don't have a food processor. They're very inexpensive. I've even seen them at dollar stores :) Yes, the borax is the 76 oz box.

Yep, sure do! :)

Hi Erikka, I've personally never used Dove... strictly Fels Naptha in our house... but I have heard of people using it. I can't honestly say one way or the other if it would be okay, but I would be cautious if you have an HE washer. You want to be sure to use something that doesn't create a lot of suds so you don't ruin your washing machine. If you try it, come back and let us know how it works for you! :)

I've never used Zote, mainly because I'm a creature of habit. My mom always used Fels, so I use it. ;) Thanks for sharing what you use. Variety is the spice of life and I know people will find it helpful :) I have read that the scent in Zote lingers on clothes a while. Some may love that, but I'm sensitive to smells, so I'm curious if this is true?

Hi Marisa! I use the 3 pound container of Oxi-Clean (or two 1.5 pound containers of the generic version); 76 ounce box of borax; 55 ounce box of Super Washing Soda; 4 pound box of baling soda; the 13.2 ounce bottles of UnStopables; and the Fels Naptha bars only come in one size as far as I know.

Also, do you use any additional softener as well? Thanks!

Hi, Morgan! Great questions! I've never had problems with any of the ingredients settling to the bottom. I don't even worry about mixing it between loads of laundry. I just scoop out what I need and I'm good to go. As for an alternative to the Unstopables, and I don't know if they're any cheaper, but Gain and Purex also make scent boosters. I've also known people to put essential oils in theirs. With this dry winter air, I have been using dryer sheets, but adding vinegar to the rinse cycle is a great way to soften clothes! :) I like wool dryer balls, too!

Having been at this well over 5 years now I prefer the Zote over Fels Naphtha for two reasons, one it's natural, not loaded with chemicals which cause problems for those with allergies and skin sensitivities and two should you decide to save even more money and forgo the unstoppables you can make it an all natural laundry soap because the Zote smells really nice and clean. Aldo for those with hard water issues, just add 3 regular size boxes of any brand of baking soda to the mix, it'll soften the water allowing the detergent to do it's job.

Having been at this well over 5 years now I prefer the Zote over Fels Naphtha for two reasons, one it's natural, not loaded with chemicals which cause problems for those with allergies and skin sensitivities and two should you decide to save even more money and forgo the unstoppables you can make it an all natural laundry soap because the Zote smells really nice and clean. Aldo for those with hard water issues, just add 3 regular size boxes of any brand of baking soda to the mix, it'll soften the water allowing the detergent to do it's job.

I started putting it directly in the tub, because that's what the lady who inspired me to make my own does it that way. I have heard that in some front load washers the soap can leave a little bit of residue, so people put in the tub to prevent that. Others put it right in the dispenser and have no problems. I suppose it's a matter of personal choice, but the consensus seems to be to throw it in the tub.

Hi Amanda! I've been using this recipe for years and have never had a problem with it clumping. :)

Thanks for the tip, Jamie! :)

Hard to get away from that sometimes. Everyone needs to weigh their options to make an informed decision for their family. It received a score of C, which is better than many other laundry detergents. Thanks for sharing :)

Hi, Jennifer! I've never used liquid softener. Depending on the item(s) being washed, I either use vinegar in the rinse cycle, or I'll throw a dryer sheet in the dryer. :)

Hi Brittany! I know sometimes error codes pop up when the washer detects too much soap or detergent. I'm not sure why you're getting an error message, as I've never run into that problem, and don't know much about the workings of the machine itself. I'm curious if you're still getting that error code, now that it's several months later. (Note: I also put the soap directly into the drum.)

Hi, Lorrie! Thanks for the feedback. :) I'm glad to hear you like it!