Modern industry produces a wide range of detergents of various consistencies, shapes, colors and aroma. Commercials offer new household chemicals from TV screens with enviable regularity. However, in almost every home there will certainly be a piece of laundry soap, often nondescript in appearance and not smelling the best . Nevertheless, it is he who helps solve many problems not only at home, but also at the dacha, and in public places.
Composition of laundry soap
The first and main component is fat. The following varieties are found in the final product:
- solid animal, consisting of saturated acids (beef, lamb, pork);
- natural liquid, based on unsaturated acids (sunflower, olive and other oils, fish oil);
- food lard, artificially synthesized from vegetable oils. Under the influence of very high temperatures and catalysts, it is saturated with hydrogen and acquires a solid consistency with an increased melting point. An example of this is margarine, obtained mainly from cheap palm, coconut or palm kernel oil;
- technical trans fats – waste obtained from the production of lard;
- saturated synthetic fatty acids obtained artificially;
- Soap stocks are by-products formed as a result of refining (purification) of vegetable oils;
- synthetic oils, for example, based on rosin.
The bulk of fats in soap making are first broken down into fatty acids.
By the way! In Russia, when making laundry soap, animal fats are more often used as raw materials, in Western Europe - vegetable fats.
Additional required ingredients are alkali - sodium carbonate (soda ash), potassium carbonate (potash), caustic soda (caustic soda), and table salt.
To soften and partially neutralize the drying effect of alkali, glycerin, citric acid and other substances are often added to the product.
Some manufacturers, wanting to give the soap a more pleasant smell, use essential oils, food flavorings or synthetic fragrances.
Very rarely, in some cases, dyes are included in the formulation, as well as surfactants that enhance soap-forming and cleaning characteristics.
65, 72 - what does this percentage mean?
Numbers are usually imprinted on a soap bar. They indicate the percentage of fatty acids contained in the product. GOST suggests three groups of laundry soap:
- III – with the lowest fat content, but not less than 64 g per 100 g of product (65%);
- II – with an average fat content, but not less than 69 g per 100 g of product (70%);
- I – high in fat, but not less than 70.5 g per 100 g of product (72%).
The higher the percentage of fatty acids, the better the soap: better foaming and cleaning ability . However, the aggressive effect on the skin is somewhat higher.
Reference. A 200-gram bar of 72% laundry soap contains approximately 144 g of fatty acids.
Production technology
The industrial process consists of two stages:
- cooking;
- treatment.
At the first stage, the so-called soap glue is obtained. Premium raw materials, such as rendered animal fat, are saponified in a kettle. It is heated, mixed with caustic sodium or potassium, and boiled for several days. Low-quality fatty acids are boiled down and then salted out, freeing and purifying the soap core from unwanted impurities to obtain a high-quality product.
At the second stage, the product is given a marketable appearance: cooling, drying, molding, pressing, cutting, labeling, etc. occurs.
Production of laundry soap
Real laundry soap, according to GOST, is produced in two stages: cooking the soap itself and forming bars for launching for sale. And soap is made using two simple methods: direct and indirect.
The direct method involves processing all components to a glue-like state. Soda is added to this soap glue, boiled and left to dry. After this, the resulting soap sheet is cut into pieces, which are packaged in wrappers from the manufacturers and delivered to stores. The content of fatty acids in such brown soap reaches from 40 to 70%.
When producing laundry soap using the indirect method, the viscous mass obtained during cooking is treated with a saline solution, therefore, the indirect method is also called salting out. As a result of this production, a soap core is obtained in soap lye. The last step is re-processing with saline solution for higher quality. This detergent contains more fatty acids than those produced by the direct method.
Properties of laundry soap
The product has a number of characteristics that make it an indispensable assistant. He:
- foams well (soaps);
- effectively washes and cleans;
- disinfects surfaces: destroys germs and bacteria;
- removes dirt, grease and stains of varying complexity from fabrics;
- works even in cold water;
- completely decomposes without harming the environment;
- thanks to natural ingredients it does not cause allergies;
- safe for both adults and children (when used correctly as directed).
In addition, its price is so affordable that people of any income can purchase it.
Another significant advantage is the long shelf life .
By the way ! Laundry soap does not deteriorate for a long time under certain conditions. It should be stored in a dry, ventilated room at positive temperatures, protected from direct sunlight and not in contact with aluminum and galvanized steel.
The scope of its application is extremely wide. With it you can:
- Wash dishes, vegetables and fruits, floors and walls in the house.
- Wash yourself and bathe children.
- Sanitate combs, toothbrushes, and children's toys.
- Soak and wash both adult and children's clothes (even newborns).
- Treat indoor and garden plants against rot, fungal diseases and pests.
- Fight many ailments (colds, acne, ulcers, burns, dandruff, etc.)
Attention ! Laundry soap, due to the excess alkali in its composition, dries out the skin, washing away sebum along with dirt. Therefore, precautions must be taken when using it. If the washing process takes a sufficient amount of time and the skin is dry, you must wear rubber gloves. In medicinal recipes, it is recommended to strictly adhere to and not exceed the dosage.
Laundry soap is used not only in household use, but also:
- in production for cleaning equipment;
- in medical, sanatorium-resort and children's institutions (kindergartens, schools, holiday camps).
Using laundry soap
This detergent has been actively used in solid and liquid form since the times of the USSR. When used correctly, the product will bring great benefits. It is worth noting that the natural composition is suitable for children and women during pregnancy. Skilled housewives can treat many diseases with the help of this remedy, use soap against insect bites, and against pests in the country. Reviews confirm the effectiveness of this inexpensive product.
In folk medicine
The antiseptic, regenerating, antifungal and wound healing effects of the product made it an excellent option for home treatment. Knowing how to make a soap solution from laundry soap, ointment or compress, you can cope with a variety of problems:
- Douching with a soap solution helps well against thrush.
- The product can be used as a suppository for constipation.
- For hemorrhoids, you can gently treat the nodules with soap and water to relieve pain and inflammation.
- For skin damage, a weak solution helps speed up the healing process.
- For nail fungus, it is recommended to take baths with soap shavings.
- For abscesses and blisters after burns, you can treat the damaged area with a soap solution.
- For a runny nose and sinusitis, you can lubricate the nasal cavity with a weak solution of soap to prevent the growth of bacteria and the spread of infection.
- This remedy is effective against influenza due to its antiseptic properties.
- For bedsores, it is recommended to treat patients' skin with cotton swabs soaked in soapy water.
In cosmetology
Since laundry soap consists of natural ingredients, it is widely used in cosmetology. For example, this product is suitable for solving the following problems:
- A prepared paste of water and soap shavings helps get rid of dandruff.
- Washing your hair with laundry soap helps normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
- Washing with soap is an effective way to eliminate acne.
- Baths with a weak warm solution of household soap shavings help get rid of cracked heels.
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At home
Using this product for household needs helps to cope with any contaminants, even oil paint and fuel oil. The use of soap for washing is especially important, because with its help any stains on clothes disappear, despite the fact that the composition does not cause allergies and is absolutely harmless. In addition, the soap solution can be used to combat garden pests: you need to spray trees with it or treat plant leaves.
The best manufacturers
The product is produced by both domestic and foreign companies. The latter, as a rule, do not use it on the body and are much more expensive. Most Popular:
- MMZ LLC (Moscow Soap Factory) and its solid laundry soap are a completely natural product without chemical additives (enhancers, dyes and surfactants). Eco-friendly and safe. Can be used for both household and hygienic needs. It cleanses well, but does not dry out the skin too much. Price – from 30 rub. per piece of 100 g. There is one minus - a specific smell.
- “Nevskaya Kosmetika” is a St. Petersburg brand that also produces “Universal” laundry soap. Light in color, with a neutral odor, it lathers and foams even in cool water, and removes stains well. It is made mainly from natural ingredients, contains 72% fatty acids and glycerin. The only alarming component is triethanolamine (a surfactant that sometimes causes allergic reactions). A 180 g bar costs from 30 rubles.
- "Aist" is another manufacturer of household chemicals. Concentrated laundry soap with glycerin is an environmentally friendly product of dark brown color with a pungent odor. “Long-lasting”, cleans well, removes fresh dirt, including stains, is a good antiseptic. Disadvantage: it is not too hard and gets wet quickly in water . Average price - 25 rubles.
- MiKo is a company producing eco-cosmetics, including Pure Water laundry soap based on sodium salts of coconut oil with the addition of citric acid. Snow-white in color, with uneven edges, without a characteristic odor, it is hypoallergenic and safe even for sensitive skin . Universal in use: can be used for washing dishes, body, laundry (except for delicate fabrics). It is economically consumed and does not swell in water. Price – 90 rub. per piece 175 g.
- Sodasan is a German brand that produces bile soap, which is positioned as a stain remover. “Works” equally well in both hot and cold water, removes the most complex and old stains from any fabric, does not wash out paint, and is completely rinsed. Suitable for frequent use, does not irritate the skin. It is considered one of the most effective in its niche . The only negative is that it is quite expensive, around 200 rubles. per bar.
- “Duru” is a “Clean&White” series from a Malaysian company. The soap is white, almost completely natural, if you do not take into account the presence of fragrance. It does its job well, removes grease and stains, but costs about 100 rubles. It is better not to use for washing .
- "Liby" is a Chinese company producing household chemicals. One of her products is a translucent, orange-tinged laundry soap made from coconut oil with a light floral aroma. It contains many components, including protective and softening ones, all of them are safe . It is used mainly for caring for things, it washes well and removes stains, and whitens. Available in bars weighing 100 and 240 g, costs from 35 rubles.
Laundry soap is an indispensable assistant for all occasions. However, when choosing it, you need to carefully read its composition. To avoid harm to your health, choose a quality product made from natural ingredients that does not contain surfactants, synthetic fatty acids, dyes or fragrances.
The best laundry soap according to experts Tehcovet.Ru
"Sandokkaebi" - with antibacterial effect
The product of Korean origin has a rating of 5.0 on Yandex.Market and has collected a large number of positive reviews online. According to buyers, this soap easily copes with even old types of stains, and is also easily removed by rinsing.
In addition, the manufacturer characterizes its product as antibacterial, which increases the popularity of Sandokkaebi among families with small children.
Release form | bar soap |
Fatty acid content, % | 72 |
Peculiarities | contains natural oils |
Purpose | for children's underwear |
price, rub. | 125 |
Advantages and disadvantages
- high washing ability;
- disinfectant effect;
- nice smell;
- does not require pre-soaking;
- economical consumption.
- not detected.
“Eared Nyan, anti-stain” - for washing children’s clothes
Despite the fact that the sample is intended for washing children's clothes, judging by user reviews, it also copes well with removing household stains - from kitchen towels and napkins. There are customer dissatisfaction caused by dry skin after using this soap. However, given the mandatory presence of alkali in the composition of any product of this type, all manufacturers recommend using gloves during washing.
It is also worth noting that the composition of “Eared Nyan, against stains” contains glycerin, which is used to soften the caustic alkaline environment.
Release form | bar soap |
Fatty acid content, % | 72 |
Peculiarities | contains glycerin, enzymes, stain remover |
Purpose | for children's underwear |
price, rub. | 39 |
Advantages and disadvantages
- does not cause allergies;
- neutral smell;
- washes well;
- Preserves the color of washed clothes.
- dries the skin of your hands.
"DURU, Clean & White" - created on a plant basis
The universal formula of the popular soap “DURU” is characterized by a mild cleansing ability, which is achieved thanks to the active destructive enzymes (enzymes) included in the product. The soap is 100% plant-based and contains salts of fatty palmitic acid, produced from palm fruits.
According to reviews from users who regularly use this product: it quickly and efficiently deals with dirt on white clothes, does not dry out the skin, does not lose shape and does not fall apart even after repeated washings.
Release form | bar soap |
Fatty acid content, % | 72 |
Peculiarities | contains stain remover |
Purpose | for hand wash |
price, rub. | 28 |
Advantages and disadvantages
- pleasant fresh aroma;
- budget price;
- contains glycerin;
- High efficiency of hand washing.
- quickly consumed.
“PURE WATER” is an environmentally friendly product
The hypoallergenic form “PURE WATER” based on natural ingredients is intended for washing, cleaning and even washing dishes. A distinctive feature of the brand is its highly environmentally friendly composition, thanks to which the product decomposes in the environment within 24 hours.
The laconic component composition does not include artificial colors, flavors and bleaches, but only natural ingredients, including: sodium salts of coconut oil, artesian water and citric acid.
Release form | concentrate |
Peculiarities | eco-product |
Purpose | for washing |
price, rub. | 129 |
Advantages and disadvantages
- visible effect;
- does not dry out or cause skin irritation;
- without adding hazardous chemicals;
- does not harm the environment;
- without smell.
- high price;
- uneconomical expense.
"Antipyatin, lemon" - an environmentally friendly product
Created on the basis of natural bile, “Antipyatin, lemon” effectively copes with all types of difficult and old stains. However, it works best on stains of fatty and protein origin. Based on customer reviews, we can conclude that the product copes well with traces and odors of sweat, greasy stains, and also removes dirt from white socks and tights.
Using this product requires first soaping the contaminated area of fabric (for 10-15 minutes), after which it is necessary to rinse it off with warm water or repeat the procedure.
Release form | bar soap |
Fatty acid content, % | 72 |
Peculiarities | contains stain remover |
Purpose | for spot washing |
price, rub. | 39 |
Advantages and disadvantages
- hypoallergenic;
- works even in cold water from +15 °C;
- preserves the structure and color of the fabric;
- reasonable price.
- not found.
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