Anyone make your own laundry soap/detergent for diapers?

[mamathellama]

Hi,
I am just starting out with cloth diapers and I've read the information that says to use detergent rather than soap to wash. Usually I make my own laundry soap (2 parts grated ivory, 1 part borax, 1 part washing soda) and technically I think it's soap rather than a "detergent". Has anyone used this successfully with cloth diapers? If it causes buildup, is it the kind of thing that I could wash with most of the time and then occasionally use All Free & Clear (my backup)?
Or does anyone have a recipe for something to make for washing cloth diapers that would work better?
Thanks!

[mommathea]

I use the 'homemade' soap. But I do a little different for my diapers. Take a sealable container. Mix 1pt borax, 1pt washing soda, 1pt oxi-clean baby(or equiveling), 1pt salt and 1pt baking soda. I know, I know, it is alot of stuff, but it lasts months.
I use 2 oxi-cleans size scoops + 1/8 cup of fels-naptha soap. I'm going to use Ivory on my next batch of soap.
They always come out nice and fresh. I also use vinegar in the rince cycle.

this soap is not good on synthetic diapers or covers, but I use prefolds, flats, and nylon pull over covers and it works wonderful

[Ifluffedthree]

Originally Posted by mamathellama

Hi,
I am just starting out with cloth diapers and I've read the information that says to use detergent rather than soap to wash. Usually I make my own laundry soap (2 parts grated ivory, 1 part borax, 1 part washing soda) and technically I think it's soap rather than a "detergent". Has anyone used this successfully with cloth diapers? If it causes buildup, is it the kind of thing that I could wash with most of the time and then occasionally use All Free & Clear (my backup)?
Or does anyone have a recipe for something to make for washing cloth diapers that would work better?
Thanks!

I used it for everything, inclusive of diapers. I don't buy commercial detergents as I have skin issues and the natural soaps are so much more gentle to my skin.
I use goat milk soap in place of ivory. But I started with Ivory and made the switch about 5 years ago.

It is so much better for the environment. Limited enzymes and phosphates and no detergents. For us -- a win win.

noting I used prefolds and fitted and nylon covers. for use worked great too.