What is Washing Soda and its Uses?

Washing soda is one of those must-have products in a home cleaning cupboard. It has so many uses, from water softening to an effective drain cleaner.

We often find it as a key ingredient in homemade cleaning recipes. But its most popular use in homes would be to help clean laundry.

This useful product is readily available in most large stores. You will find it in the laundry aisle. It is cheap and easy to store and use.

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Using washing soda means you can stop buying more expensive proprietary products like drain cleaners and fabric conditioners.

What is Washing Soda?

Washing soda is the common name for sodium carbonate or which is a type of salt of carbonic acid. It is an alkali that is commonly used in laundry and household cleaning products because it will effectively remove stubborn stains and limescale.

Washing soda (sodium carbonate) has been around since ancient times, when people discovered how to extract it from ashes left over from burning plants and animals.

Ways to use washing soda in your home

We can use washing soda in a variety of ways in the home. It can remove stains on your clothes, clean countertops, and freshen and clean drains.

You can also use it as an ingredient when you are mixing up your own natural cleaning products. Here are some ideas for how to use washing soda when you’re cleaning:

All purpose kitchen and bathroom spray. Mix one teaspoon of washing soda with 16 fl oz water and 2 tablespoons of liquid soap. Add drops of essential oils you love the smell of about 30 drops. Then add 1/4 tsp of glycerine and place this in a spray bottle.
Add 1/4 cup of washing soda per load of laundry to keep whites whiter and colors brighter.
One part washing soda plus one part salt is a great abrasive for scrubbing pots and pans. Note of caution: never use washing soda on aluminum cookware.
Use in homemade cleaner recipes with either salt or vinegar to clean your oven.
Regular cleaning of driveways and garage floors
Make up dishwasher detergent powder recipes using washing soda and other ingredients like borax and citric acid.
Use as a pre-soak for tough stains, although this is not suitable for delicate fabrics.
Easy way to keep the limescale building up in your toilet.
Regular cleaning and deodorizing the washing machine
Helps to keep sinks and drains fresh and blockage free.
Removing moss and algae from paths & patios
Great for cleaning silver jewelry and small silver items like flatware.

Where you can buy washing soda?

You can find washing soda at most grocery stores. All you need to do is look for the box or package in the laundry detergent section.

How to store washing soda

You should store washing soda in a dry place that is not readily accessible to small children. Store your washing soda in a sealed well labelled plastic container.

Sometimes the soda crystals will become hard. This has not affected their cleaning properties. Either dissolve them in hot water or hit the crystals with a pastry roller until they resemble the original product.

Can I use soda crystals in the washing machine?

Yes, soda crystals can be used in the washing machine. Just follow the instructions on the box. You can also use washing soda for your laundry. You will just need to dissolve it first in water before adding it to the washing machine.

Read recommendations on how much of this additive should be used according to package directions.

Washing Soda Safety

Store well out of reach of any children.

Wear protective gloves and eye protection.

Can cause serious eye irritation. If you get any in your eye, rinse the affected eye with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses. Seek medical attention or advice if eye irritation persists.

Conclusion

Washing soda crystals is one of those must-have products in any home. Useful for so many cleaning tasks around the home. From helping to keep drains clean to acting as a clothes softener.

They are useful for homeowners looking for greener versions of store-bought cleaners that can be bad for the environment. They are a common ingredient in recipes for natural cleaning products.