Laundry Booster and Water Softener with Soda Crystals
A spoonful of Soda Crystals in the drawer softens the water, so you can halve your detergent.
Takes 1 minute
What you’ll need
- 20–60 g Soda Crystals
Method
Halve your usual dose of detergent and make up the other half with Soda Crystals in the detergent drawer. As a guide: about 20 grams in medium-hard water, 40 grams in hard water and 60 grams in very hard water. Your clothes will come out clean and fresh-smelling!
Shift stains and soften water
Soda Crystals not only clean your clothes and remove stains but also soften your clothes and the water in your washing machine, so less detergent is needed and you won‘t need a fabric softener.
Hard water minerals use up detergent before it can clean. Soda Crystals lock up those minerals, so your detergent goes further.
The science: Sodium carbonate (PubChem, NIH) → · Hard water and soap scum (USGS) →
Whilst Soda Crystals are a natural cleaning wonder, there are some things that should not be cleaned with them because of their abrasive properties (can scratch delicate surfaces).
Polished/Waxed/Lacquered Surfaces:
Due to its abrasiveness, Soda Crystals should not be used on fibreglass or polished/waxed surfaces as they may cause damage. The same applies to lacquered or varnished surfaces as Soda Crystals can damage the lacquer and leave a dull finish.
Aluminium:
Soda Crystals should not be used on aluminium products, such as aluminium pans, utensils, or window frames. This is because Soda Crystals can corrode aluminium and will discolour them.
Store Soda Crystals in a labelled airtight container in a cool and dry place, out of reach of kids and pets. Get a container with a tight seal, such as our glass jars to maximise its shelf life, but it also makes it easier to scoop out when needed for cleaning.
Whilst Soda Crystals are a very environmentally friendly and safe Natural Cleaning ingredient, it is important to bear in mind that it is still a chemical. As such the powder can still cause damage and irritation if handled incorrectly.
It is not edible, should not be inhaled, and can damage eyes (flush the exposed areas with large quantities of water). Wear gloves when cleaning with Soda Crystals as prolonged contact with the skin when used in high concentrations can also cause irritation.
B&M Pro-Tip 1:
Soda Crystals are a fantastic, safe solution for tackling all sorts of fabric stains, from ink to red wine and even grass. Just make sure your fabric is colourfast first! It’s easy to check: simply wet a small spot on your garment and blot with kitchen roll. If any colour shows up on the paper, it’s not colourfast.
B&M Pro-Tip 2:
If you want to master stain removal, check out our Stain Removal Guide for in-depth tips that will transform the way you handle stains forever.
B&M Pro-Tip 3:
Washing at 30°C uses about 38% less energy than 40°C. If you often wash cool, run a monthly Citric Acid maintenance wash. Hot or cold water? →
Quick questions
How do I know my water hardness?
Your water supplier lists it by postcode.
Can I use it on wool?
No. Not on wool or silk.
Try this next: Laundry Booster: Oxygen Bleach →
