I think liquid soap can be used with anything. It acts as a sticker/spreader, but isn't as good as a real sticker/spreader. Others can confirm/correct my view.

A lot of it depends on the size of your load, the soil level, the rinsibility of the detergent, capacity of your washer, and water conditions. For example, I have hard water that varies between 8 to 10 grains. My washer is a Frigidaire Affinity FL which is big enough to wash comforters in. If I were using Tide HE liquid and doing a full very soiled load, I would fill to line 2 or 3 and then use extra rinses. If using the same Tide I was washing a full load that was not heavily soiled (just basic stuff like mild body oil and such), I would only put in half way up to line one. It would work out the same with other brands too, but you would have to experiment with what amounts get what loads clean. I merely used Tide HE as an example as it is the #1 selling HE detergent on the market and I had tried it along with many other brands when I first got my FL. I hope this helps.

You thinking of this thread by chance? There's a bunch of different recipes for laundry soap but they're all similar. Some prefer a powder detergent while others prefer the liquid/gel. Some add OxiClean, some add Cascade or similar to get some enzymes in there for an added boost, some add vinegar, some have added Calgon or other softener, although Borax will help soften the water.

I don't use pump lotion. My favorite lotion doesn't come in a pump. However my soap dispenser is always white in both the bathroom and kitchen. If I were to keep both I would make some of those beaded glass identifiers that they use for wine glasses, with a big bead in the center that I could write either an L for lotion or a s for soap. They have gold or silver pens that would work for that, just make sure the bead is not too glossy or it won't take the ink. They could even match the rooms decor. Anyway that's my idea. If you like it then go for it