HOW TO MAKE LAUNDRY DETERGENT

 

Powder laundry detergent has been a staple in households for decades. Whether you’re a seasoned soap maker or a beginner, understanding how to make powder detergent correctly can significantly affect the outcome of your detergent. You can also venture into powder soap production and make some cool cash. Let’s dive into the world of powder detergents and learn the measurements for making them.

 Chemicals needed and their measurements

1. P.K Oil 1 ½ liters  

2. Caustic Soda 1/4kg or 250g 

3. Soda Ash 1/4kg or 250g 

4. Hydrogen Peroxide 1/4kg or 250g

5. Ammonia NH4 1/8 liters or 125ml 

6. Foaming Agent (sulphonic) ¼ liter 

7. Color white 

8. Fragrance 100 ml

Equipment needed

1. Sieve

2. pot

3. 5 litres bowl

4. sack

 Carefully follow the production instructions provided below and make note of all the measurements given. By doing so, you will create an astonishing powder detergent.

Step 1: dissolve your Caustic Soda in 75cl of water and let it ferment for a full day, ensuring it is kept away from children.

Step 2: dissolve 250kg of soda ash in 75cl of water and let it ferment for 24 hours.

Once the fermentation is complete, combine your caustic soda and soda ash solutions. This will result in a 1.5 litres solution.

Step 3: add your ¼ kg of hydrogen peroxide (be cautious when handling this chemical) to the mixed caustic soda and soda ash solution. Stir thoroughly to create a homogeneous mixture.

Step 4: Now, gently warm up your 1 ½ litres of PK Oil in a pot for approximately 3 minutes. Avoid allowing the oil to fry. Lastly, acquire a bowl with a capacity of at least 5 litres and pour your 1.5 litres of warm oil into it.

 

STEP 5: Ensure that you measure out precisely 1.5 litres of the solution made from the combination of caustic soda, soda ash, and hydrogen peroxide, as the addition of hydrogen peroxide will increase the volume. Pour the1.5 litres of the mixture into the bowl containing 1.5 litres of PK Oil and thoroughly stir for 10 minutes to achieve a uniform blend.

STEP 6: Add 1/8 litres of ammonia to the mixture in the bowl and stir thoroughly to achieve a homogeneous blend.

STEP 7: Incorporate 1/4 kg of foaming agent into the mixture in the bowl and stir well to achieve a uniform blend.

STEP 8: Introduce the white color into the mixture in the bowl and stir thoroughly to achieve a uniform blend.

STEP 9: Finally, add your preferred perfume to the solution and stir well to achieve a uniform blend.

STEP 10: Place a sack on the floor and pour the entire mixture onto it without spreading it out. Allow the mixture to dry in the sun.

It is advisable to carry out this process during the daytime, so you can promptly begin the drying process once the mixing is complete. A daily task is to take the sack outside and expose the mixture to the sun for drying. The drying process typically takes 3 to 5 days, depending on the strength of the sun in your area. Simply flip the detergent from side to side while it dries. As it gradually dries, you'll notice it starting to crack. Pay close attention to the transformation from its initial state to its fully dried form, and you'll know when it's completely dry.

For the final step, there are two methods to turn your dried detergent into powder. The first is to blend the dried detergent, while the second involves gently pounding it in a mortar. After blending or pounding, use a sieve to filter the mixture, and you'll be left with the fine powder that is commonly known as powdered detergent.

Finally, you can package it according to your preference for personal use or for sale.