If you are someone who DIYs your own cleaners, tub scrub, and laundry soap, you have probably come across the ingredient “washing soda”. Although it looks very similar, it is not to be mistaken for baking soda. Washing soda is more abrasive, has a higher pH value, making it more alkaline, and is better at stripping away grime. They are often used side by side in recipes because they clean well when together.
My laundry detergent has both of them because the sodium carbonate (washing soda) is able to bind with the minerals which create “hard water”. This allows the other ingredients (like baking soda) to get deeper into the fabrics and lift off dirt, grime, and stains.
While it is scentless and free from harmful fumes, it can be a skin irritant. Be sure to use gloves if you have sensitive skin and try to avoid breathing it in or it could cause you to cough.
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How to make washing soda
This chemical compound was originally made by burning plants which came from high sodium soil. Therefore, it is also called “soda ash”. Thankfully now we can either buy it or make it from one simple and inexpensive ingredient. Baking soda can be found in bulk which makes it even more affordable. That, and a little heat and time and you will have your own homemade washing soda!
1. Start off by taking two cups of baking soda and spreading them out on a unlined baking sheet. If there are any large clumps be sure to break them up.
2. Add it to a 400° F oven and bake for an hour.
3. Take it out and stir. There should be no clumps remaining and it will have a powdery looking texture (more so than the baking soda) and appear almost glittery.
4. If there are any chunks left then break them up and bake for another half hour.
5. Allow it to cool completely.
6. Label it and store it out of reach of children and pets. These canisters are perfect for it!
Effective uses for washing soda
Some of these I have personally tried, some of them have come highly recommended, but they all use the same key ingredient.
Cleaning
Make a batch of laundry soap. It’s my all-time favorite recipe and takes less than ten minutes to put it all together!
Due to the high alkalinity, it is a powerful stain remover. Combine 1/2 cup of washing soda with 1/2 gallon of water and soak clothes in it to remove stains. Repeat as needed.
Sprinkle a tablespoon onto greasy pots or pans to make washing dishes a breeze.
Scrub away soap scum and residue with washing soda. Just dust the tub with it and scrub with a wet sponge.
If you need a cleaning solution for patio furniture combine a 1/2 cup washing soda with 1 gallon of warm water.
You know all those stubborn water spots that are in electric kettles? Add a tablespoon of washing soda and two cups of water and allow it to come to a boil. Scrub and repeat if needed. Boil water and dump it at least three times to ensure all traces are gone and rinsed clean.
Shine tarnished silverware by lining a pan with foil and adding 2 tablespoons of salt and one cup of washing soda. Top it off with several cups of boiling water and add in the silverware. Let it sit for a half an hour then scrub away to reveal shiny silverware.
Other uses
It can be used to clear clogged drains as well. Take 1 cup of washing soda and get as much of it down the drain as possible. Follow it with two or three cups of boiling water and allow it to sit for about a half hour. Pour a few more cups of hot water and repeat as needed.
Something I read recently, but have yet to try, is that it can help natural dyes adhere to fabrics, especially plant-based dyes. I will eventually write a blog post exploring this topic, but it may be a while.
Take aways
This easy chemical compound is a staple in our home. I use it for scrubbing tubs and toilets, making laundry soap, and adding some scrubbing power for my dishes. I would much prefer to make it because I can toss it in the oven and just walk away until the timer goes off. Are you going to try to make your own washing soda? What jobs will it have in your home?
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