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Laundry Detergent PowderUpdated 10 days ago

How many loads are in one Laundry Detergent pouch?

90 loads.

What are the ingredients for the Laundry Detergent powder and what do they do?

The ingredients and purpose for each ingredient in the Laundry Detergent powder are:

  • Sodium Carbonate- helps to remove dirt, grease, and stains from fabric

  • Sodium Percarbonate- removes stains and brightens colors

  • Sodium Gluconate- builder, chelator, anti-redeposition agent and corrosion inhibitor

  • Decyl Glucoside- foaming agent, cleansing agent, and conditioner

  • Sodium Metasilicate- improves the cleaning efficiency of the surfactants and bleaching aid

  • TAED (Tetraacetylethylenediamine)- bleach activator to help remove stains and disinfect

  • Protease- an enzyme that breaks down compounds for stain removal

  • Amylase- an enzyme that breaks down starchy stains

  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate- a surfactant that creates a foamy lather as it cleans, and is very effective in removing oil and dirt from clothes 

  • Poly (itaconic acid-co-AMPS) Sodium Salt- a polymer and water softener


The Laundry Detergent powder includes Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate. Is this the same thing as SLS?

No. Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate is not SLS.  It is referred to as SLSa. SLSa is not an ethoxylated ingredient like SLS, therefore there is no danger of contamination with 1,4 dioxane or ethylene oxide, which are both carcinogens. SLSa is used in the beauty industry in body care and in dentifrices. It is derived from coconut and palm oils and is classified as a safe skin friendly surfactant for both skin and hair because of its large molecular structure.

Is the Laundry Detergent powder Made Safe Certified or EWG Verified?

Branch Basics is pursuing Made Safe Certification and EWG Verification. Submissions are underway, but we do not have either yet. We have designed this product with the intent of obtaining both. 

What are the benefits of enzymes in the Laundry Detergent powder?

Enzymes break down stains and dirt on fabric. They work at lower temperatures, which can save energy and money, be more environmentally friendly, and allow for washing a wider variety of materials. Enzymes can also help clean delicate fabrics that might be damaged by hot water. 

While the enzymes in Branch Basics' laundry detergent are safe and rated a 2 on the EWG Skin Deep Database, if a person has known sensitivities to enzymes, or is just very cautious about using new products, then extra care should be taken. Make sure to not inhale any product dust when transferring  the powder from the bag to the washer, and wash small loads and or double rinse. 

If you want to avoid enzymes, our Branch Basics Concentrate Laundry Solution is a great alternative for our customers that have enzyme sensitivities.

Can I use chlorine bleach with your Laundry Detergent powder?

It is not safe to mix anything with chlorine bleach. It can have toxic reactions with many substances. However, we recommend using Branch Basics Oxygen Boost if extra whitening powder is needed.

Can I use vinegar or baking soda in my laundry with the Laundry Detergent powder?

It is not recommended to mix with vinegar which can neutralize the Detergent’s cleaning power. However, vinegar can be added during the rinse cycle, if desired.

Also, adding baking soda is not needed. A similar ingredient, Sodium Carbonate (soda ash) is already an ingredient in the Laundry Detergent powder.

Is Branch Basics a safe alternative to conventional laundry detergents?

Yes, Branch Basics is a human safe alternative to conventional laundry detergents. Read How To Toss Your Toxic Laundry Detergent for more on why conventional laundry detergents are harmful to your health. 

There are two options for doing laundry with Branch Basics that you can choose from, depending on your laundry routine and health needs. Both our liquid Concentrate Laundry Solution and Laundry Detergent Powder have their unique benefits, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Our Laundry Detergent Powder is incredibly convenient, requiring just one scoop per load with no additional products needed. 

On the other hand, our Concentrate Laundry Solution uses our Concentrate model, where you mix water with the Concentrate in a laundry bottle and add a scoop of our Oxygen Boost to the drum of the machine for extra cleaning power. For those who are extremely sensitive, this option may be best for you. The detergent made from the Concentrate is great for delicate fabrics, like wool and silk. 

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