A few months ago my family decided to try making detergent at home. Not only is homemade detergent inexpensive, it is also extremely easy to make and contains less chemicals that can irritate skin. If there is one supply you make at home it should definitely be laundry detergent.
Ingredients:
1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing Soda
1 bar soap (We use Fels-Naptha, but other soaps work just as well, you can even use homemade soap!)