Homemade Laundry Detergent
by Matt Jabs, http://www.diynatural.com/simple-easy-fast-effective-jabs-homemade-laundry-detergent/

Each batch yields approximately 32 ounces (between 32-64 loads based on how many Tbsp used per load). Washing Soda prevents hard water from bonding with the detergent, allowing for a more even distribution of the cleaning agent during the washing cycle. In addition, soda ash has demonstrated an ability to help remove alcohol and grease stains from clothing.

1 bar of bar soap (Ivory, ZOTE, Fels-Naptha), grated fine - 4.5 oz. bar?
1 cup of borax, such as 20 Mule Team Laundry Booster
1 cup of washing soda, such as Arm and Hammer

Be sure to grate the bar soap very fine. Your mixture should look like store-bought dry laundry soap. Thoroughly stir together for 5 minutes and enjoy the results! That's it folks…seems too good to be true, but it is true indeed! You only need to use 1 tablespoon of this homemade detergent per load, although you can use 1 – 2 scoops for heavily soiled loads

Regarding High Efficiency (HE) Front-Load Washers

You may have been told you need to use "special soap" for your HE front-load washing machine. Let me enlighten you as to why. HE front-load washers require "special soap" for one reason and one reason alone…low suds; because they use less water, they require soap that is less sudsy. The good news is, the homemade detergent in this recipe is VERY low suds. Just make sure you use the recommended amount of detergent.

I Have Hard Water & My Clothes Don’t Come Out That Clean, Suggestions?

Try adding baking soda or oxyclean or vinegar as laundry boosters, suggestions for baking soda are to start with 1/2 cup per load.

Can You Add Essential Oils For Fragrance To Homemade Detergent? If So, How Much Do I Add?

You bet! Essential oils are a nice touch to homemade detergents (freshly laundered clothes really don’t have any nice fragrance added with homemade detergent). How much you add depends on how strong the fragrance is that you’ve chosen and what laundry detergent recipe you are using. Experiment for yourself to see what you like best. For starters you can try adding 2 -3 drops of essential oil to the recipe above.