Hammer and chisel...

I wonder how much the detergent might have lost of its strengh (which is not unlikely to happen if washing powder becomes that damp).

Alex

The same thing happened with my borax, empty it into a pail and crush it up with your hands. I now store it in a tupperware air tight container. I dont think mine lost any of its cleaning ability's.
Christine

Some chemicals / components that are hygroscopic (attract moisture) can degrade over time to other substances when exposed to water ... so cleaning ability may already be dropping on a progressive reduction curve even if not yet reduced enough to be noticeable.

Front loading washers and mold

You know those dessicant gel packs that are frequently found in shoe boxes and medicine containers? I reuse those by putting them in the powder laundry detergent box...other people use uncooked rice wrapped in thin fabric....once it has turned so completely...I don't know if it will help but it would be worth trying.

Walmart sells something near the clothspins and ironing boards, and I can't remember the name of it maybe damp rid, but its made to absorb moisture, also if you have a damp laundry area its probably a good idea to put powder detergent in a air tight plastic container. I agree with Dadoes the dampness may have already caused the chemicals to degrade, you won't be able to tell by suds action, but you'll know if your clothes don't get clean lol.

Lol this thread is 2 years old most likely the detergent in question is long gone.

I'm melting it in hot water

I tried chopping it with a knife and scraping the chunk with the little measuring cup which helped a bit. Lastly I put hot water in the bag and let it sit about 20 minutes and then I was able to crush the lumps with my fingers. (my hands and fingernails are sparkly clean :) It was so easy,

I wonder if bread would work to soften itbup like i do to keep my brown sugar feom becomng hard.

A potato masher would work wonders.