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What Is Laundry Soap (and Why Is It Better Than Detergent)?

Most people reach for detergent without realizing it’s filled with synthetic ingredients that can cling to fabric and irritate skin. Laundry soap, on the other hand, is made from natural plant oils  – giving you a gentler, more effective clean. Read on to learn what natural laundry soap really is and why it’s different.

Traditional detergents are packed with tongue-twister chemicals like phosphates, sulfates, and fillers. Zum Laundry Soap skips the lab-grade stuff for a simple, cleansing experience.

When you know what’s in detergent, it’s easy to see why laundry soap is the better choice for your clothes, your skin, and the planet. Let's zum up some of the biggest differences.

What Is Laundry Soap, Exactly?


It’s time to air out the dirty laundry: soap and detergent are not the same thing. Laundry soap (the real MVP) is made the old-school way: by mixing natural fats and oils with lye. That’s it. It’s a simple, time-tested recipe that gets clothes clean without bringing synthetic nonsense to the party.


Laundry detergent relies on synthetic surfactants that clean aggressively but can irritate skin, damage fabrics, and pollute waterways. Laundry soap cleans just as well – without the harsh side effects.


Zum Laundry Soap skips the synthetic parade and sticks with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients that know how to treat your threads and the environment with respect. Our packing peanuts are biodegradable, too! No parabens, phosphates, or other tongue-twister chemicals. Just good, clean soap that’s gentle on everything from delicates to denim.


Why Choose Laundry Soap vs Detergent


Zum Laundry Soap isn’t just a feel-good choice—it’s a do-good, smell-good, treat-your-skin-good kind of soap. With plant-based ingredients and a no-nonsense attitude toward synthetics, it’s your laundry’s new best friend (and your washer’s, too). 


Gentle, Skin-Friendly Clean

No dyes, no preservatives, no drama. Zum Laundry Soap is made with *five simple, plant-based ingredients that rinse clean and leave your clothes feeling fresh – the way laundry should be. *Frankincense, Amber, 3125, and some holiday blends contain a paraben-free, phthalate-free fragrance oil. Please review the ingredient listings for each item before purchase.


No Residue Buildup on Clothes or Machines

Unlike a detergent that likes to overstay its welcome, real soap rinses clean. No leftover gunk, no weird, filmy feeling, and none of that “why do my towels smell like a damp basement” vibe. That means longer-lasting clothes, fresher fabrics, and a happier, funk-free washing machine.  Laundry soap rinses away completely, leaving no sticky film or funky smell. That means softer clothes, fresher fabrics, and a washer that stays as clean as your favorite tee.


Naturally Effective Cleaning


Soap made with saponified oils doesn’t need to come in hot with chemical abrasives to get the job done. It gently lifts dirt and oils while still going beast mode on everyday grime. Plus, many formulas (like Zum’s) come enhanced with extras like baking soda or essential oils to give your laundry a little extra love in every wash.


Why Choose Zum Laundry Soap?


If your laundry could talk, it’d pick Zum every time. Handcrafted with coconut oil, baking soda, and essential oils, and more Zum Laundry Soap ditches the fake stuff for pure, plant-powered cleaning. Each scent – like Patchouli, Lavender, or Sea Salt – turns laundry day into a mini aromatherapy session. Tough on grime, gentle on skin, and kind to the planet – that’s clean with purpose.


 How to Use Laundry Soap for the Best Clean


Natural laundry soap works a little differently from detergent – but that’s what makes it better. Zum Laundry Soap is concentrated, low-foam, and high-performance. Here’s how to make every wash count:

  • Use Less: Pour 1 oz. for HE loads, 2 oz. for standard.
  • HE Safe: Low-sudsing formula that won’t clog your washer.
  • Any Temp: Works perfectly in hot or cold water.
  • Gentle Care: Safe for delicates, wool, and baby clothes.

We met one-on-one with Mother Nature herself and came up with a solution. Laundry soap made with natural ingredients cleans clothes and softens fabric without those dirty ingredients.

Zum Laundry Soap is made with coconut oil soap and essential oils. The natural ingredients, like vegetable glycerin, will cling to dirt and remove those pesky stains, while the coconut oil will keep clothes feeling super soft. Baking soda removes the unpleasant odors. Each product label clearly lists all natural ingredients.

I’m sure you’re feeling a little irked by what you’ve just learned, and even more antsy to go out and get yourself some handmade, healthy, and clean-conscience laundry soap. Go get ‘em, tiger!

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