Soap and Washing Soda

• This homemade laundry soap is one of the most inexpensive and natural ways to wash laundry. Bring two gallons of water to a boil in a large pot. While the water is heating, grate two bars of body soap with a cheese grater or similar device. When the water comes to a boil, pour it into a pail used to store the detergent. Next stir in the grated bar soap until it has dissolved, and add 2 cups of washing soda (found near the laundry detergent in supermarkets). Wash the laundry as you normally would, but instead of using retail detergent products, add 1 cup of this homemade laundry detergent to each full load of laundry.
  
  

Soap and Baking Soda

• This is another similar homemade laundry detergent solution. Bring two gallons of water to boil in a large pot, and grate one bar of body soap (your regular brand will do). Stir in the grated soap, and when it has dissolved, add 2 cups of baking soda. Stir again, then pour into a large container that will be used to store the homemade detergent. Add 1 cup to each full load of laundry.
  
  

Vinegar and Dish Detergent

• This solution creates a powdered detergent instead of a liquid detergent. In a medium-size bowl, pour 1/4 cup liquid dish detergent. Then stir in 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of washing soda. This will form somewhat of a paste. Slowly pour in 1 cup of white vinegar, and the solution will begin to foam. Continue stirring the solution as the bubbles will quickly dissolve. A thick paste will form, but as you continue stirring, the solution will quickly harden into a solid. Break up any chunks that form, as the goal is to have an even-textured, powdered detergent. Add 1/2 cup of this homemade laundry detergent to each full load, and store leftover detergent in a container.