Powdered Laundry Soap

So this is not to be taken internally, but it is a recipe none the less and I didn't want to lose it and have to hunt it down again.

This is from one of the groups I am in and it is followed by the chemistry of why it works.

Powdered Laundry Soap

Here's the recipe:

1 55 oz. box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

1/2 cup Mule Team Borax

2 Cups Oxygen Cleaner-She recommends Sun ($5 @ Dollar General)

1/2 cup Simple Green--I USED HOLY COW MYSELF--later in the thread she said

the any multi purpose cleaner will do.

1/2 cup Calgon Water Softening Powder (or one capful liquid)

Empty all into a bucket and mix together with your hands. Use 1 heaping

scoop (like in the oxygen cleaner) for diapers, 2 scoops for regular

laundry.

The detergent must be dissolved in HOT water before adding to the

washer (it's too abrasive on fabrics if it isn't).....so I bought a

pitcher, I fill it half full with HOT water, add a scoop of detergent and

use a wisk to mix until dissolved, then pour it in the washer.

If you can't find Washing Soda - Call 1-800-524-1328. They can tell you

where to find it locally, or you can order directly from them.

If you can't find the powdered Calgon, use a capful of liquid, but you'll

have to add a box of baking soda to counter act the extra liquid.

So, how and why does it work.....the chemist had to explain.

Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate)- Strong enough to actually change organic

compounds (food, grass, etc) and keeps them suspended in the water so they can

easily be washed away. It is a naturally occurring compound free from

enzymes, dyes, and perfumes, and is the main ingredient in most powdered

laundry detergents.

Calgon - Softens water and, therefore, prohibits buildup of minerals on fabrics that is common in hard water. If you have especially hard water, you may need to add some Calgon Water Softener to each load (1/3 of what it says on the package)

Borax - whitens and brightens without phosphates and enzymes. Borax is too

harsh, both to fabric and sensitive skin to be used in large amounts, and

tends to not rinse out well. Less is more with Borax in laundry. (makes and

excellent household cleaner, though)

Oxygen Cleaner - stain remover and whitener. Oxygen cleaners do not react

well with extremely hard water and will add to scum build up. If you have

extremely hard water, as noted above, add additional water softener.

Simple Green - Provides the necessary surfactants- to lessen the water

tension and allow the detergent to become a part of the water and actually

get into the clothes. I'm not sure if I understand that, but I'll take her

word for it.