Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate) vs. Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder

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

Materials

• Sodium carbonate
• sodium gluconate
• non-ionic surfactant

Common claims

• Only 1 tablespoon per load
• No fragrance, brighteners, or fillers
• Works in cold water

Concerns / watch-outs

• Low-sudsing — may feel like it's not working if you're used to conventional detergents

Notes

One of the cleanest laundry detergent formulas available. No fragrance, no optical brighteners, no dyes. A top recommendation for sensitive skin.

Cleaner alternatives

• fragrance free laundry detergent
• dropps fragrance free pods