Laundry

Before the advent of detergents, the main products that were used on 'wash day' were Soda Crystals and Soap Flakes. Soda Crystals are used for softening the water and are ideal for helping remove stains – especially greasy ones and Soap Flakes are a great gentle cleaner.

Soap Flakes are still the product of choice for handwashing woollens and delicate fabrics, but are also ideal for outdoor and waterproof fabrics like Goretex and Isotex.

People are increasingly reverting to Soda Crystals and Soap Flakes because they have less environmental impact than detergents – especially biological washing powders that use enzymes. With skin sensitivities on the increase, many people have reported that using Soap Flakes results in far less skin irritation for people with sensitive skin. Surprisingly, many internet forums are littered with threads asking where they can buy Soap Flakes or Lux flakes.

Dri-Pak used to make Lux flakes until they were discontinued in 2003. They are now readily available under the Dri-Pak brand or you can order them from us by going to our 'buy' section. There is certainly no need to go to the lengths that some people have been going to and grating bars of soap! For the ultimate in ease of use, you could also try our new liquid soap.

Top Tip

Try our homemade laundry recipe - easy on the pocket and your conscience.

This homemade washing powder can be used in washing machines and for hand washing.

Simply add 16 tablespoons of Soap Flakes, 8 tablespoons of Borax and 8 tablespoons of Soda Crystals to an airtight container and shake up the ingredients. Use two to three tablespoons of the mixture in your washing load. The washing powder will last for approximately ten washes, with the average cost of 22p per load.