Fels Naptha, a household name in laundry cleaning, has garnered a reputation for over a century for its robust stain-lifting capabilities that erases the stubborn remnants of grease, oil, and sweat.
But is there more to this laundry bar soap than meets the eye — can Fels Naptha also act as a bleaching agent?
In this engaging read, we’ll tackle these fascinating queries head-on.
Not only will we examine the bleaching potential of Fels Naptha, but we’ll also delve into understanding how this hardworking laundry bar works its magic (it’s ingredients).
Plus, you’ll learn tried-and-true methods on how to wield Fels Naptha effectively to banish stains from your beloved clothes.
Does Fels Naptha Cause Bleaching Of Clothes?
Contrary to some beliefs, Fels Naptha does not possess bleaching qualities.
Instead, this time-honored laundry bar is revered for its potent stain and odor removal abilities.
While it may seem like your clothes are bleached due to their renewal of brilliance after a wash, it’s merely the lifting of stubborn stains that give them a refreshed appearance.
Comprising an array of ingredients beyond mere soap, Fels Naptha includes elements like coconut oil.
Rather than merely cleansing, these components perform dual roles.
As they work to exorcise soiling agents from your fabrics, they simultaneously condition them.
The result?
A softer feel to your attire post-wash.
So, if you’ve been apprehensive about incorporating Fels Naptha into your laundry routine for fear of bleaching mishaps, cast those doubts aside.
This humble bar is here to serve as a relaible companion in your combat against stubborn stains and persistent odors, all while maintaining the integrity and luster of your clothing.
What Does Fels Naptha Do In Laundry?
Fels Naptha is a renowned brand of laundry soap that offers multiple uses for your home cleaning needs.
Whether it’s treating stubborn stains, hand-washing delicate garments or concocting a homemade batch of laundry detergent, Fels Naptha has got you covered.
This extraordinary bar soap shines in its ability to tackle those pesky oily stains which seem impossible to get rid of.
Few things are more exasperating in the laundry world than the dreaded ring-around-the-collar. Thankfully, with Fels Naptha by your side, such annoyances become less bothersome.
The real question isn’t “What does Fels Naptha do in laundry?” but “What doesn’t it do?” With its affordability and myriad uses not limited to just the laundry room, this vintage yet formidable soap should not be underestimated nor overlooked.
Your clothes will thank you.
Can Fels Naptha Be Used As Laundry Detergent?
Fels Naptha is a top-notch performer in laundry tasks, with multiple usage methods, even as laundry detergent!
You can grate it directly into your washing machine or bathtub if you’re hand-washing your clothes.
But for those who have an inclination towards homemade concoctions, turning Fels Naptha into a homemade laundry detergent is an excellent alternative.
Here is how to create your own custom-made Fels Naptha laundry detergent:
Start by grating one bar of Fels Naptha soap and putting it into a sizable pot with four cups of hot water.
Keep stirring over medium-low heat until the soap dissolves completely. Next, pour this dissolved mixture into a 5-gallon bucket.
Add 3 gallons of hot water to the soap mixture along with 1 cup of washing soda and half a cup of borax.
Stir well until all ingredients fully dissolve.
Further fill the bucket with hot water and stir one last time before covering it.
Let this mix thicken overnight to turn into detergent.
If clumps emerge after this period, use either blender or whisk to break them up.
Depending on the size and soil level of your load, use between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of this homemade detergent for each load.
You can also store this concoction in bottles for easier usage.
Does Fels Naptha Work On Old Stains?
Here’s what I’ll say: Fels Naptha truly is – a competent crusader against certain types and intensities of stains.
Fels Naptha excels particularly in banishing oily blemishes and the dreaded ring-around-the-collar.
Its effectiveness stretches to battle marks left by grass, mud, blood, red wine, coffee, chocolate and more.
So it’s fair to say this humble household soap punches above its weight when it comes to stain combat.
But there could still be some types of stains, especially really old stains that Fels Naptha would not be able to remove, and for these, you might have to take the clothes to the dry cleaners.
Wondering about how to use Fels Naptha for stubborn stain removal?
Simply rub a wet bar onto the stain, which you then allow to seep into the fabric for a few moments before laundering.
Before that, however, it’s always prudent to check the garment’s care label prior to utilizing Fels Naptha and consider conducting a small spot test — ensuring that no damage will be inflicted upon either the color or texture of the material.
Can You Use Fels Naptha On Your Body?
A number of individuals swear by using Fels Naptha for everything from hand-washing to poison ivy treatment and even insect repellant.
However, despite these anecdotal reports, there’s no scientific research that supports these claims.
In fact, Fels Naptha is primarily developed for laundry use and its formula might be too abrasive for our skin.
Like any foreign detergent or chemical cleaner, it has the potential to cause irritation or discomfort, especially when applied to sensitive areas like the face.
Moreover, there’s also a potential risk when it comes to accidental ingestion or eye contact.
Just like you wouldn’t want your daily cleanser or body wash to enter your mouth or eyes, the same caution should be taken with Fels Naptha.
Is Fels Naptha Good For Sensitive Skin?
Spoiler alert – it’s not the best idea.
Fels Naptha, though a stalwart in the laundry room, is not a skin-friendly product.
Especially when dealing with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or psoriasis, this soap could potentially exacerbate irritation.
How so? Its alkaline pH level coupled with a high concentration of solvents doesn’t make for a soothing balm but can provoke serious discomfort on tender skin.
Like treating fine wine with care, your skin deserves the same respect.
If you’re saddled with the task of grating this soap for a DIY laundry detergent mixture, make sure to glove up if you’ve been blessed with more sensitive dermis.
If you stumbled upon an unfortunate rash or any form of irritation post-Fels Naptha use, it’s advisable to visit a doctor immediately.
What Is The Active Ingredient In Fels Naptha?
At its base, Fels Naptha is composed of sodium tallowate and sodium cocoate – soaps derived from animal fats and plant oils respectively.
These two agents are incredibly adept at lifting grease and dirt from your fabrics.
Talc, a naturally occurring mineral, is also a significant component of Fels Naptha. Known for its moisture absorbing properties, talc assists in preventing stains from setting into your clothing.
The inclusion of terpene hydrocarbons introduces a strong odor that aids in breaking down stubborn grease and oil stains.
PEG-6 methyl ether, on the other hand, acts as a surfactant that suspends dirt and oil in water to facilitate washing it away.
Glycerin works as a humectant that helps keep skin hydrated during use, while sorbitol a sugar alcohol, ensures the soap does not dry out too quickly.
Sodium chloride – common table salt – is then employed to preserve the integrity of the soap by preventing it from melting.
Further enhancing stability are pentasodium pentetate and/or tetrasodium etidronate which act as chelating agents to remove metal ions from water.
This prevents our beloved bar soap from creating scum when used.
Lastly but certainly not least, titanium dioxide provides Fels Naptha with its distinctive color while added fragrance bestows upon it a pleasing aroma.
