Reply #6: Hmmm...

[troubleinwinter]

he calls for "washing soda(water softener)". Washing soda would be 'Arm & Hammer Washing Soda'. It is considered a softener. 'Calgon' is basically the same thing, but with fragrance added. Arm & Hammer may be easier to find in the grocery store.

Tell ya a story about washing soda. I make rugs from recycled 100% wool fabrics, and one way to remove dyes from existing wool fabrics (in order to redye) is to use a soak of washing soda. Once, I soaked a little too long, and the lovely (expensive) wool came out feeling revoltingly slimy like seaweed, totally ruined. So beware to use washing soda carefully, it is a strong chemical.