homemade detergent working fine

[BubblingBrooks]

I am curious about something.
I have been cloth diapering for a little over 3 months now. Have a blend of fitted and prefolds.
We are on a well, and I have been using homemade detergent the whole time.
Diapers are clean and smell clean as well.

I have read over and over that the homemade never works, and that diapers need stripped off and on regardless of detergent.
Why am I not finding this to be the case?
Is it our water?

[Galatea]

It is b/c you are using fitteds and prefolds, and maybe your water quality.  Natural fibers are not as picky about detergents b/c they are not as susceptible to buildup.  This is what I tell my customers (b/c this question ALWAYS gets asked in our class):

IF:

-You have normal or soft water,

AND

-You use only natural fibers,

AND

-You do a good job making the detergent so that all the soap actually turns into detergent,

THEN, you will not have a problem with homemade detergent or soap.

BUT, IF:

-You have normal to hard water,

AND

-You use synthetic fibers, esp. pocket diapers,

THEN, you will get some serious buildup with homemade detergent or soap.

[Petite Bottoms]

I totally agree with the above poster. Most of the time when I hear about stink issues it's from the people that are using synthetic diapers. All natural fibers are much easier to care for and last longer in my opinion. :)