What Is Washing Soda and How Is It Used in Household Cleaning?

Washing soda is one of the most versatile and effective cleaning agents you can have in your home arsenal. Often featured as a key ingredient in DIY laundry detergent recipes, washing soda—also known as sodium carbonate or soda ash—has been used for generations to tackle tough cleaning challenges. Most washing soda available in stores is sold under the Arm & Hammer brand and can typically be found in the laundry aisle of grocery stores and supermarkets.

This powerful cleaning agent shouldn’t be confused with its milder cousin, baking soda, though they share some common origins. If you’re looking for an economical, effective, and environmentally friendly cleaning solution, washing soda deserves a prominent place in your cleaning cabinet.

What Exactly Is Washing Soda?

Washing soda is a chemical compound with the formula Na₂CO₃, commonly known as sodium carbonate or soda ash. It’s a highly alkaline substance with a pH of around 11, making it significantly stronger than baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), which has a pH of about 9. Both compounds contain the mineral trona, but washing soda has undergone additional processing to create a more potent cleaning agent.

The high alkalinity of washing soda makes it particularly effective at breaking down acidic substances, cutting through grease, removing stains, and softening water. These properties make it an invaluable tool for tackling a wide range of household cleaning tasks, from laundry to kitchen degreasing to bathroom maintenance.

How Does Washing Soda Work?

Understanding the science behind washing soda helps explain its cleaning prowess. As an alkaline substance, washing soda effectively neutralizes acids, which makes it particularly good at tackling acidic stains like coffee, tea, and wine. Its high pH also helps it break down proteins and organic matter in stains.

One of washing soda’s most valuable properties is its ability to act as a water softener. Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that can interfere with cleaning products, reducing their effectiveness and potentially leaving deposits on fabrics and surfaces. Washing soda binds to these minerals, effectively “softening” the water and allowing detergents to work more efficiently.

In laundry applications specifically, washing soda works in several ways:

• It softens water to help other cleaning ingredients lift soil from fabrics
• It suspends dirt particles in the wash water, preventing them from redepositing on clothes
• It removes residues of oils, minerals, and fabric softeners from fibers
• It boosts the cleaning power of detergents, allowing you to use less product

Key Uses for Washing Soda

Laundry Applications

Washing soda truly shines in the laundry room, where its cleaning and water-softening properties make it an essential addition to your washing routine:

• Laundry booster: Add ½ cup of washing soda to your regular detergent to enhance cleaning power, especially in hard water areas.
• Stain remover: Create a paste with washing soda and a small amount of water, apply to stains, and let sit for 15-30 minutes before washing as usual.
• Pre-treatment soak: For heavily soiled or stained items, soak in a solution of 1 cup washing soda dissolved in a tub of warm water for about 20 minutes before laundering.
• DIY laundry detergent: Combine washing soda with other ingredients like grated soap and borax to create an economical homemade detergent.
• Stripping agent: Use washing soda to strip residual detergent, fabric softener, and mineral buildup from fabrics, particularly helpful for cloth diapers and towels.

Kitchen Cleaning

The degreasing power of washing soda makes it particularly valuable for kitchen cleaning tasks:

• Oven cleaner: Create a paste with washing soda and water, apply to oven surfaces, let sit for 20-30 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.
• Pot and pan degreaser: For stubborn, burned-on food, add ¼ cup washing soda to a sink of hot water and soak cookware before scrubbing.
• Drain cleaner: Pour ½ cup washing soda down drains followed by hot water to help clear grease buildup and prevent clogs.
• Dishwasher booster: Add a tablespoon of washing soda to your dishwasher to help remove greasy residues and enhance cleaning.
• Grill cleaner: Soak grill grates in a strong solution of washing soda and hot water to effortlessly remove burned-on food and grease.

Bathroom Cleaning

Washing soda excels at removing soap scum, limescale, and mineral deposits, making it perfect for bathroom cleaning:

• Tile and grout cleaner: Make a paste with washing soda and water, apply to grout lines, let sit for 15 minutes, then scrub with a brush.
• Shower door cleaner: Dissolve washing soda in warm water and use the solution to cut through soap scum on glass shower doors.
• Toilet bowl cleaner: Add ¼ cup washing soda to the toilet bowl, let sit for 30 minutes, then scrub to remove stains and mineral deposits.
• Sink and bathtub cleaner: Sprinkle washing soda on damp surfaces, scrub with a sponge, and rinse thoroughly to remove soap scum and water spots.

General Household Cleaning

The versatility of washing soda extends to many other household cleaning tasks:

• Floor cleaner: Add ½ cup washing soda to a bucket of warm water for mopping tile, vinyl, or sealed wood floors.
• Outdoor furniture cleaner: Dissolve washing soda in warm water to clean plastic or metal outdoor furniture.
• Trash can deodorizer: Sprinkle washing soda in the bottom of trash cans to neutralize odors.
• Paint remover: For small areas, make a paste with washing soda and water, apply to paint, let sit until paint softens, then scrape away.
• Driveway oil stain remover: Sprinkle washing soda on oil stains, wet slightly, scrub, and rinse.

DIY Washing Soda Recipes

Basic All-Purpose Cleaner

Create an effective all-purpose cleaner by dissolving 2 tablespoons of washing soda in 2 cups of warm water. Transfer to a spray bottle and use for general cleaning throughout your home. For extra cleaning power or pleasant scent, add a few drops of essential oil like lemon or lavender.

Heavy-Duty Scouring Paste

For stubborn stains and grime, make a paste by combining equal parts washing soda and water. This paste works wonders on tough kitchen and bathroom stains. Apply, let sit for 15-20 minutes, scrub, and rinse thoroughly.

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Create your own economical laundry detergent by combining:

• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax
• 1 bar of grated soap (like Castile or Fels-Naptha)

Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load, depending on size and soil level.

Safety Considerations

While washing soda is a natural product, its high alkalinity means it requires some safety precautions:

• Always wear gloves when handling washing soda to protect your skin.
• Avoid inhaling the dust; consider wearing a mask when measuring out powdered washing soda.
• Keep washing soda out of reach of children and pets.
• Never mix washing soda with acids (like vinegar) as this can cause a dangerous reaction.
• Store washing soda in its original container or in a clearly labeled airtight container.
• When using washing soda solutions, ensure adequate ventilation in the area.

Environmental Benefits

One of the appealing aspects of washing soda is its environmental profile. Unlike many commercial cleaning products that contain synthetic chemicals, washing soda is a naturally occurring mineral compound. It breaks down into harmless components and doesn’t leave persistent chemical residues in the environment.

By incorporating washing soda into your cleaning routine, you can reduce your reliance on specialized cleaning products, many of which come in plastic packaging and contain ingredients that may be harmful to aquatic life. This makes washing soda an excellent choice for environmentally conscious consumers looking to minimize their ecological footprint while maintaining a clean home.

Washing Soda vs. Baking Soda

Though they sound similar and are related chemically, washing soda and baking soda have distinct properties and uses:

While both can be used for cleaning, washing soda’s stronger alkalinity makes it more effective for heavy-duty cleaning tasks but also means it requires more careful handling. Baking soda, being milder, is more versatile for gentle cleaning, deodorizing, and even personal care applications.

Where to Find Washing Soda

Washing soda is widely available in grocery stores, supermarkets, and hardware stores, typically in the laundry aisle. The most common brand is Arm & Hammer, though store brands may also be available. Online retailers also carry washing soda, often in bulk quantities that may be more economical for frequent users.

If you have difficulty finding washing soda, you can actually make your own by heating baking soda. Spread baking soda on a baking sheet and heat at 400°F (200°C) for about an hour, stirring occasionally. The heat converts sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to sodium carbonate (washing soda).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can washing soda damage fabrics?

Washing soda is safe for most washable fabrics when used as directed. However, its alkaline nature means it should be avoided on delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and leather, as it can damage these materials. Always check fabric care labels before use.

Is washing soda the same as OxiClean?

No, OxiClean is primarily sodium percarbonate, which releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water. While both are effective cleaners, they work through different mechanisms. OxiClean works through oxidation, while washing soda works through its alkalinity and water-softening properties.

Can I use washing soda on colored fabrics?

Washing soda is generally safe for colorfast fabrics, but it’s always wise to test in an inconspicuous area first. For bright or delicate colors, use a reduced amount of washing soda to minimize any potential fading.

Is washing soda safe for septic systems?

Yes, washing soda is considered safe for septic systems when used in recommended amounts. It breaks down into natural compounds that won’t harm the beneficial bacteria in your septic system.

How should washing soda be stored?

Store washing soda in its original container or in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Keep it away from moisture, as it can absorb water from the air and become clumpy. Always keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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