Washing Series, Detergents

Not all detergents are created equal. When washing diapers you want one that is fragrance, chemical free, additive, softener, whitening agent, brightening agent, and oil free. Most of all you want one that is cloth diaper compatible and gentle on skin.

Each person will have a favorite detergent that works best for them, their washer, their water and their childs skin. Everyone has different washing needs, from hard water to soft water to everything in between. 

Here is a really great article for referencing detergents, the chart is very indepth and will tell you everything you need to know. 

http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/detergentchoices.htm

I find the above chart more in depth and informative, but if it is too intimidating then this one is more simple and maybe an easier read while still being a great reference. 

http://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-chart.html

So how about making your own detergents? A few notes, when doing so you will be using a bar soap grated up. Make sure it does not have oils or things that will cause repelling, and make sure it does not have ingredients that will cause irritation to sensitive skin.

Use only as much as the recipe indicates for washing laundry, or less.

Borax is great stuff but has little shelf life when mixed with water. If using borax it will maintain properties longer if used as a powder, but... borax and washing soda both dissolve best in warm water. If you need to wash in cold and use powdered, dissolve your homemade detergent in hot or warm water, then add to your wash. This will prevent undissolved detergent in your laundry. You can of course make liquid detergent and it should still work well, but know that the borax is likely not going to maintain it;s washing properties as the liquid sits on your shelf.

Here is a compilation of 5 recipes.
 http://thehumbledhomemaker.com/2013/05/homemade-laundry-detergents.html

This offers a powdered and liquid version. This is again the recipe I have used, had great results, no build up, odor, and stuff got clean. This was safe on our sensitive skin. Just watch which bar soap you use, to make sure it is cloth diaper safe and won't cause irritation.
http://wellnessmama.com/462/how-to-make-nautral-homemade-laundry-detergent/

Here are a couple dry ones.
Three ingredients, very easy, this is the version I have used. Just make sure you use a cloth diaper safe, no residue soap and you are set.
http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2012/10/homemade-laundry-powder-3-ingredients-10-minutes.html

Fancy dancy extra ingredient version. I can;t vouch for this, I don;t use these additives.
 http://happymoneysaver.com/making-your-own-laundry-detergent-worth-the-cost/

Liquid
Here is a liquid recipe, they are all about the same.
http://www.mrshappyhomemaker.com/2012/09/homemade-liquid-laundry-detergent-plus-a-free-printable-label/

Step by step tutorial, but really same recipes here.
http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2011/02/make-it-homemade-liquid-laundry-soap-1/