Branch Basics Laundry Concentrate vs. Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate)

Materials

• Plant and mineral-derived surfactants
• Purified water

Common claims

• EWG Verified
• Non-toxic
• Works for all laundry types

Concerns / watch-outs

• Higher cost per load than conventional detergents, though the concentration offsets this

Notes

Branch Basics' laundry concentrate earns EWG Verified and is widely cited as one of the cleanest options. The same concentrate works for all household cleaning — convenient for low-tox households.

Cleaner alternatives

• mollys suds laundry powder
• fragrance free laundry detergent

Materials

• Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃)

Common claims

• Natural water softener
• Cuts grease
• Boosts detergent power

Concerns / watch-outs

• Highly alkaline; irritating to skin and eyes in powder form — wear gloves when handling
• Can damage wool, silk, and other delicate fabrics

Notes

Washing soda is the active ingredient in many clean laundry boosters. Effective at softening hard water and boosting cleaning without synthetic additives. Store safely away from children.

Cleaner alternatives

• oxi boost powder
• powder laundry detergent