This was among the comments on the site above: "Homemade detergents may clean clothes but it leaves them getting stiff after the second washing. So bad that the clothes look really old and dull after they are dried." Of course I don't know what formula for home-made laundry soap they are using that makes clothes seem 'stiff, old and dull' but I can remember way back before the age of detergents, which is different than soap, when clothes came off the clothes line looking like that. Maybe it was because of the hard water that San Antonio has and washing soda and/or borax overcomes it. Any ideas? Here is a link that might be useful: Laundry detergent ...

Saving money at the supermarket is a concept that can extend to every item you frequently buy. This includes things such as dishwashing and laundry detergent, notes Bankrate. How to save money on laundry and dishwashing detergent? Some customers extol the virtues of single-use dishwasher and laundry detergent - aka pods or squares - but the truth is that regular dishwashing soap or even homemade detergent is cheaper. Using cheaper bottle dishwasher detergent or a homemade solution will save money, and in many cases, also be better for the environment, as less excess soap is flushed down the drain. This assumes that you�re using dishwasher detergents that are phosphate free, which is currently required by law in at least seventeen states.

I am afraid that will be really hard on your glassware - I think it might etch it after a while. I like to use the Finish Quantum tabs. That is the only thing that works for me and doesn't leave a film. It also doesn't etch the glassware. I have cheap Libby drinking glass and they go through the dishwasher every day. They are still clear as can be after a couple years of using the Finish Quantum. I am amazed! Any other dishwasher detergent I use leaves a film. Ugh! It must be my water.

I recently bought the cascade complete packets and like them so far, I too have a high end Kenmore with stainless steel that I am not fond of at all, I had a KitchenAid which looked very similar to this Kenmore at my other house and it worked beautifully. I have been very disappointed in this Kenmore. I truly have to fill up a sink of hot soapy water and hand wash everything before it goes in the dishwasher and with my hands that is extremely difficult and painful. the cascade complete have the blue and green liquid along with the white powder, this is how they are described on the website. (I had big hope since they say it takes off 24 hr old mess) "Cascade Complete All-in-1 ActionPacs� combines the best of powder and gel in one powerful pac to conquer tough food cleaning and greasy messes. It pre-treats, fights stains, and rinses away tough food particles; all while fighting through layers of residue and leaving nothing behind but shine.It powers away 24-hour, stuck-on food so you don�t have to. " Cascade Complete All-in-1