Washing Soda Alternative

Baking Soda

• Make your own washing soda and laundry detergent using baking soda in place of the washing soda. Grate a full size bar of soap with an old cheese grater. Pour the grated soap into a large metal pot and fill with enough water to completely cover the soap. Place the pot on a low heat and stir with a wooden spoon, until the soap melts into the water. Dump the soap and water mixture into a large plastic bucket and add 2 gallons of hot water. Mix the ingredients together and add 2 cups of baking soda, mixing again. Use 1/2 cup to 1 cup of the mixture to clean your clothes.

Borax Alternative

• Borax is a powdered material that is similar to washing soda. Make your own version of washing soda or laundry detergent by grating bars of soap until you have 8 cups of soap shavings. Pour the shavings into a pot, top with warm water and boil over a low heat. Pour the mixture into a plastic container and add 8 cups baking soda and 12 cups borax. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon, until it's well mixed. Use 1/2 cup of the mixture per load of laundry.

Vinegar Alternative

• Distilled white vinegar will leave your clothing with a light and fresh scent. Pour 1/4 liquid castile soap into a plastic bucket and add 2 cups baking soda and 1 cup distilled white vinegar. Continue stirring the mixture until the vinegar is distributed through and the mixture begins resembling soap flakes. Use 1/2 cup of the mixture with your laundry.

Proper Storage

• When making your own washing soda or washing powder, store the finished mixture in a plastic container with a snap-on lid. Place a wooden spoon inside the storage container. Before using the powder, stir the ingredients carefully with the spoon, making sure that the ingredients are well combined.