I have recipes for both liquid and powdered laundry detergent. The liquid will be cheapest to make. The powdered version is quicker to make and a bit easier to store and dispense. You will need the following ingredients:

1. Fels Naptha Laundry Bar soap

2. Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (do not use baking soda)

3. 20 Mule Team Borax

LIQUID LAUNDRY DETERGENT

3 pints water

1/3 bar Fels Naptha soap, grated

1/2 cup Super Washing Soda

1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax

2-gallon bucket

1 quart hot water

To make detergent: Mix grated Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap in large saucepan. Add 3 pints hot water. Heat on stove over low heat until dissolved. (Note: Do not allow to boil.) Stir in Super Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened. Remove from heat. Add 1 quart hot water to 2-gallon bucket. Add soap mixture. Mix well. Fill bucket with additional hot water, leaving a few inches at top. Mix well. Set aside for 24 hours or until mixture thickens.

To use detergent: Use 1/2 cup mixture per load. (Note: This recipe multiplies well, but you'll need a 5-gallon bucket.)

POWDERED LAUNDRY DETERGENT

1 cup grated Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap

1/2 cup Super Washing Soda

1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax

Mix all ingredients. Store in airtight container. For light loads, use 2 tablespoons. For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons.

Note: To make large batch, grate 6 bars of Fels Naptha Soap. Add 3 cups of Super Washing Soda and 3

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cups 20 Mule Team Borax. Mix well. Store in covered container.

Tip: These recipes will not make suds in your washer, so don't be alarmed. Fels Naptha is a pure soap, which makes it perfect for use in high-efficiency (HE) washers as well as traditional washers. The only proof you'll need of how well this laundry product works is to take a look at the dirty wash water. You may also notice the need either to reduce your laundry softener or even eliminate the use of softener completely.

Resources: Some supermarkets still carry these products in the laundry aisle, but they are quickly disappearing for lack of interest. Check online sites like amazon.com or SoapsGoneBuy.com.

You can find other ideas and recipes for making your own household solutions in the handy e-booklet "Cheapskate Solutions." Order it online at DebtProofLiving.com or send $7 for the paper booklet to Debt-Proof Living, Dept. CS, P.O. Box 2099, Cypress, CA 90630. Or call 800-550-3502 M-F, Pacific.

Mary Hunt is the founder of Debt ProofLiving.com. Write to her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com or Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723.