Another homemade product I have begun using in my efforts to be frugally natural is dish detergent for my dishwasher.  I really enjoy this recipe*see bottom of post, the only flaws I have found is that you still need to add something for hard water and you have to shake it before each use as it separates as it sits.  I originally got the recipe from here

Bring 8 cups of the water to a boil.  Remove from heat and stir in washing soda, borax and liquid castile soap.  Continue stirring until completely dissolved.  Stir in remaining 8 cups of water and allow to cool.  Pour cooled dishwasher detergent into container of choice.  It will ‘gel’ up over the next 24 hours.

Prior to using, shake up detergent.  I use approx 2 Tbs in the detergent dispenser, but experiment to see what works best for you.  This lasts a VERY long time.

*editing on 6/6/13 to say: This was a great starting recipe for me to use, however, since then I have begun using the Natural Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Tabs with much greater success.  I honestly don’t see me using anything else but these in the future.  They work better and they are both easier and cheaper to make.