These are great tips!

-I don't think the laundry detergent would work well in hard water. There aren't enough water softeners and *shudder* you're using Fels Naptha, which is made from petrochemicals. (Blech!)

This recipe works wonders with our rock hard well water and makes my towels fluffier than any commercial detergent EVER has!
http://livinghiptoday.com/lht-blogs/green-space/58-homemade-laundry-detergent-and-benefits.html

This is my absolute favorite all-purpose homemade cleaner. I used to use Method all-purpose cleaner...this works just as well and costs pennies per batch.

http://munchkinfood.blogspot.com/2010/12/diy-non-toxic-all-purpose-antiseptic.html

April,

Thanks for the link to a hard-water-tested homemade detergent. I have hard water (more than 27 grains per gallon, yikes!) and I dislike having to always resort to the commercial stuff when I need something to actually get clean.

Have you ever tried Charlie's with your hard water? Have you ever washed children's clothes/diapers with your concoction?

Bless you little Worker. You are Clean...sincerely, mary

A friend just showed me how to clean silver with wood ash - it works!