How to Use Sodium Silicate As a Detergent

Sodium silicate detergents reduce hard water buildup.

Detergents are used in cleaning household surfaces, dishes and washing laundry. Sodium silicate is a building agent used in many commercial detergents. The purpose of the sodium silicate to is prevent mineral deposits on surfaces after washing by removing water hardness. According to Laundry101.com it is especially effective on calcium ions creating an irreversible reaction. It is best to use sodium silicate with a surfactant that pulls dirt away from the material.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Sodium silicate
• Borax
• Airtight container (5 gallon)
• Bar soap
• Measuring cup
• Cheese grater

Instructions

1. Measure 8 cups of baking soda, 8 cups of sodium silicate, and 12 cups of borax. Pour all into container.

2. Grate 8 cups of bar soap with a cheese grater. Add this to the container.

3. Shake the container well, mixing all ingredients thoroughly. In the container you have sufficient surfactant cleaners with the borax, soap and baking soda. The sodium silicate will prevent hard water buildup and reduces the amount of detergent you need to clean clothes.

4. Store in the airtight container.

5. Use 1/8 cup of powder with every full laundry load.

Tips & Warnings

• Add essential oils such as lavender to give your detergent a fresh fragrance that isn't as "soapy" smelling.

• This contains hazardous materials and should be kept out of reach of children and pets who may consume the detergent.

References

• Cleaning 101: Types of Laundry Products
• Tip Nut: 10 Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipes
• Essential Industries: The Chemistry of Cleaning