Powerful Homemade Laundry Detergent with Super Washing Soda

The Benefits of Super Washing Soda Laundry Detergent

Doing laundry is an essential household chore, but commercial detergents often contain unnecessary chemicals and fragrances. Homemade laundry soap offers an eco-friendly alternative using simple, natural ingredients you likely have on hand. The key ingredient that gives DIY laundry detergent its cleaning power is super washing soda.

What is Super Washing Soda?

Super washing soda, or sodium carbonate decahydrate, is a powerful water softener and cleaning agent. It breaks down stubborn dirt and stains by helping to separate particles from fabrics. Washing soda boosts the cleaning effects of soap without leaving irritating chemical residues on clothes. It is safer for sensitive skin than mainstream laundry products.

Benefits of Super Washing Soda Detergent

There are many advantages to choosing a natural laundry soap recipe with super washing soda over commercial brands:

• Environmentally friendly - Washing soda production has a lower carbon footprint than most mainstream laundry detergents. Homemade recipes don't require plastic jugs or chemical perfumes.
• Cost effective - Recipes only call for a few inexpensive ingredients in bulk quantities that last for months. Super washing soda is very affordable per load compared to liquid detergents.
• Cleans effectively - Super washing soda is a powerful cleaning booster. Homemade laundry soap with washing soda cleans just as effectively as conventional soaps.
• Naturally softens water - Washing soda prevents mineral residue buildup on fabrics. It softens hard water which improves sudsing and rinsing.
• Gentle on skin - Natural soaps don't contain masking fragrances, optical brighteners and harsh surfactants that can irritate sensitive skin.

Easy Super Washing Soda Laundry Detergent Recipe

This homemade laundry soap contains just three ingredients - washing soda, Castile soap and water. It makes enough detergent for 64 loads of laundry for only pennies per batch!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups super washing soda
• 4 cups Castile or other natural liquid soap
• 6 cups water

Instructions:

Making your own washing soda laundry detergent is simple:

1. Add the washing soda and Castile soap to a large pot, bucket or bowl. Glass or stainless steel containers work best.
2. Heat 6 cups of water until very hot but not boiling then pour over the washing soda and soap. This reaction causes the ingredients to solidify into a gel.
3. Stir vigorously with a spoon or whisk for 5-10 minutes until well combined with no powdery bits remaining. The mixture will be thick.
4. Cover and allow to cool completely then scoop into jars for use. Stir detergent before each load.

Using Your Homemade Laundry Detergent

This concentrated formula only takes 2-3 tablespoons per standard load. The same amount works for both front and top loading washers. Here are some tips for usage:

• Use cool or warm water for best results.
• Add powdered detergent directly in drum before clothes.
• For stubborn stains, pretreat with washing soda paste.
• Add 1 cup white vinegar to rinse cycle monthly to deodorize washer.
• Shake or stir detergent before scooping to redistribute ingredients.

Adjusting the Recipe

This versatile laundry soap recipe can be customized based on your needs and preferences:

• For a liquid formula - Don't allow finished detergent to solidify completely. Add more water until desired thin consistency.
• For added cleaning power - Double the amount of washing soda for extra water softening and stain fighting ability.
• For whiter whites - Add up to 1⁄4 cup lemon juice or powdered citric acid to boost brightening.
• For fragrance - Add several drops of essential oils before allowing detergent to set up.

Be creative and have fun developing your own signature laundry soap recipe with super washing soda! Adjust amounts based on your water hardness, machine size and cleaning needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Laundry detergent made with natural ingredients like super washing soda may be a new concept for many people. Here are answers to some common questions:

Is homemade laundry soap really effective?

Yes! Washing soda is an industrial strength cleaner and degreaser so it tackles tough stains. Natural soap cleans very effectively despite its gentle formula. Materials won't have chemical residue buildup over time.

Does it work in all washers?

This DIY laundry soap is safe for any washing machine - top loaders, front loaders, HE and standard. Adjust recipe amounts based on load size. The powder dissolves quickly.

How long does the detergent last?

This concentrated homemade laundry soap makes enough for approximately 64 regular loads. It lasts for several months stored in an airtight container. If mixture becomes too thick, stir in water.

Is washing soda bad for septic systems?

No, washing soda is generally considered septic safe and won't harm beneficial bacteria or clog drains when used as directed. It's a non-toxic alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.

The Benefits of Natural Homemade Laundry Soap

Doing laundry is necessary for sanitary reasons but commercial detergents often contain questionable ingredients. Super washing soda offers an effective eco-friendly alternative. Making your own laundry soap with simple wholesome ingredients ensures your family's clothes get clean gently and naturally.

FAQs

Is washing soda the same as baking soda?

No, washing soda and baking soda are different chemicals. Washing soda is sodium carbonate while baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. They have different cleaning applications.

Can you use powdered laundry detergent?

Yes, this DIY recipe works great as a powder. The washing soda helps the mixture remain in powdered form instead of liquefying. Just add right to drum before clothes.

Does homemade laundry soap clean colors?

Natural laundry detergent is very colorfast safe and won't cause fading like some commercial brands. However for brightly colored materials, wash similar shades together in cool or cold water first several times.

What about homemade fabric softener?

White vinegar makes an excellent natural fabric softener and anti-static rinse. Just add 1⁄2 to 1 cup of vinegar to the laundry tub before starting rinse cycle. No plastic bottles required!