10 Ways to Use Washing Soda

Not sure what to do with that box of washing soda in the back of your laundry room? Here are so many different ways how to use washing soda!

All About Washing Soda

Are you looking for an effective and affordable way to clean your home? Look no further than washing soda!

Also known as sodium carbonate, washing soda is a versatile cleaning agent that can be used for a variety of household tasks.

In this blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about washing soda, including how to make it, where to buy it, the difference between washing soda and baking soda, as well as some practical ways how to use washing soda in your home. 

Keep reading to learn!

What Is Washing Soda?

Washing soda is a highly alkaline compound (soda ash) used in various cleaning and laundry applications. It’s made by heating baking soda to high temperatures, which causes it to release water and carbon dioxide and transforms it into washing soda.

The result is a powder that is much more powerful than baking soda when it comes to cleaning tough stains and removing dirt.

How to Make Washing Soda

If you’re looking to make your own washing soda, it’s a relatively simple process. You’ll need to start with baking soda, a common household item you can find in any grocery store. Here’s how to turn baking soda into washing soda:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Spread a thin layer of baking soda on a baking sheet.
3. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 1 hour.
4. Stir the baking soda every 15 minutes to ensure even heating.
5. After an hour, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the baking soda to cool.
6. Store your washing soda in an airtight container.

Where to Buy Washing Soda

If you don’t want to make your own washing soda, you can easily purchase it from a variety of retailers, including Amazon! Look for washing soda in the laundry aisle of your local grocery store or online.

Some of my favorite brands of washing soda include Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda, Pure, and Earthborn.

Washing Soda vs. Baking Soda

While washing soda and baking soda may look similar, they have distinct differences in their chemical composition and uses. Baking soda is made of sodium bicarbonate, while washing soda is made of sodium carbonate. The primary difference between the two is that washing soda is more alkaline or basic than baking soda.

Because of this, washing soda has stronger cleaning and deodorizing properties and is used for heavy-duty cleaning tasks like removing tough stains, greasy build-up, and grime. On the other hand, baking soda is more gentle and is commonly used in cooking and baking, as well as for freshening up carpets, laundry, and refrigerators.

TIP: It’s important to note that washing soda should not be used on aluminum, fiberglass, or polished/waxed surfaces as it can cause damage. Baking soda, on the other hand, is safe to use on most surfaces and materials.

Ways to Use Washing Soda

Now that you know what washing soda is and how to make it, let’s look at some practical ways to use it around your home.

If you feel more comfortable, you can use gloves while cleaning with washing soda, but it’s unnecessary unless you expect a chemical reaction with all of the cleaners you are using. You also may want to wear gloves if you have sensitive skin or get any kind of skin irritation when using any regular cleaners.

Washing soda is safe to use around pets and small humans. However, like any cleaner, keep out of reach of children.

Laundry Detergent

Using washing soda as a laundry detergent is a great way to get your clothes clean and fresh without any harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Not only is it gentle on fabrics, but it is also effective in removing stubborn stains (like coffee and tea stains) and odors.

Simply add your washing soda mixture to your washing machine with your laundry and let it run through a normal cycle. You’ll be amazed at how clean and fresh your clothes will smell and feel. Plus, washing soda as a laundry detergent is an eco-friendly option that reduces environmental impact.

Tip: Wondering how to turn washing soda into laundry detergent? Read “How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent” for step-by-step instructions!

Laundry Booster

Washing soda is not only a great laundry detergent but can also be used as a laundry booster for those not yet ready to make it their primary detergent. Adding washing soda to your regular laundry detergent can boost its cleaning power and effectively remove tough stains and odors.

The benefits of using washing soda as a laundry booster include its ability to soften hard water, neutralize acidic odors, and increase the pH level of your detergent, making it more effective. To use washing soda as a laundry booster, add ½ cup to 1 cup of washing soda to your regular laundry detergent or your wash water before starting the wash cycle.

Carpet Cleaner

Washing soda can also be used as a carpet cleaner. This is a great way to remove tough stains and odors from your carpets without the use of harsh chemicals. Simply mix washing soda with water to create a paste and apply it to the stained area. Let it soak into the area for 30 minutes to an hour, then use a brush or sponge to scrub the area. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow the area to dry.

The washing soda helps to break down the stain and neutralize odors, leaving your carpets looking and smelling fresh. This method is also safe for use on most carpets and doesn’t leave any harmful residue behind.

Tip: Read this post on How to Make Homemade Carpet Cleaner.

Oven Cleaner

Using washing soda as an oven cleaner is a great natural alternative to traditional oven cleaners that contain harsh chemicals. Washing soda can effectively remove baked-on grease and grime without leaving any chemical residue behind.

To use washing soda as an oven cleaner, mix it with hot water to form a paste and apply the washing soda solution in an even layer to the oven’s interior. Let the paste sit for a few hours or overnight to loosen the grime, then scrub the surface with a sponge or brush and rinse with water. Not only is this method effective, but it is also eco-friendly and safe for your home and family.

Bathroom Cleaner

Washing soda can be an excellent tool for cleaning bathrooms, as it effectively cuts through soap scum and grime. To use washing soda as a bathroom cleaner, mix it with hot water to create a paste. Apply the paste to surfaces such as sinks, grout, tiles, showers, and toilet bowls, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Scrub with a brush or damp sponge, then rinse thoroughly with water.

The benefits of using washing soda for bathroom cleaning are many, as it is a natural and non-toxic alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. It is also affordable and easy to find in most stores, making it a convenient option for eco-conscious cleaning.

Dishwasher Detergent

Washing soda can also be used as a dishwasher detergent, providing a natural and effective alternative to commercial products. Its high alkalinity helps to cut through grease and grime, leaving dishes and utensils clean and sparkling.

To use washing soda as a dishwasher detergent, add 2 tablespoons of washing soda to the detergent compartment of your dishwasher. You can also add a few drops of essential oils, such as lemon or lavender, to give your dishes a pleasant scent. Not only is using washing soda as a dishwasher detergent a more eco-friendly option, but it can also help save you money in the long run.

Tip: Learn how to make your own washing soda dishwasher detergent here: How to Make Homemade Dishwasher Detergent.

Dish Soap

Washing soda can also be used as a natural alternative to commercial dish soap. One of the main benefits of using washing soda as dish soap is that it effectively cuts through grease and grime, leaving your dishes clean and shiny. Additionally, it is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making it a great choice for those who want to reduce their exposure to harsh chemicals.

To use washing soda as dish soap, simply mix 1-2 tablespoons of your washing soda dish soap with warm water in your sink or a container. Then, use a sponge or brush to apply the mixture to your dishes and wash as usual.

While washing soda is safe to use on most of your pots and pans, do not use it on any aluminum cookware.

TIP: Back in 2013, I formulated this recipe for dish soap. To learn more about making dish soap, give this a read: Make Your Own Homemade Dish Soap in 10 Minutes.

Grease Stain Remover

Washing soda can also be used as a powerful grease stain remover. Its alkaline nature helps to break down and dissolve the grease, making it easier to remove from fabrics. To use washing soda as a grease stain remover, mix a small amount of the powder with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the grease stain, gently rubbing it in with a soft-bristled brush or cloth. Let the paste sit for a few minutes before washing the garment as usual.

Washing soda can be especially effective on tough grease stains such as those from cooking oils, motor oil, or engine grease. By using washing soda to remove grease stains, you can avoid the need for harsh chemical cleaners and keep your clothes looking their best.

Personally, I would steer away from using washing soda on silk or other delicate fibers.

Drain Cleaner

Washing soda can also be used as a natural drain cleaner. It helps break down grease, grime, and other buildups that can clog your drains. To achieve this, pour boiling water down the drain to soften any buildup. Then, sprinkle half a cup of washing soda down the drain and let it sit for about 30 minutes. After that, pour boiling water down the drain again to flush out the loosened buildup. Repeat the process if necessary.

Using washing soda as a drain cleaner is safer and more eco-friendly than harsh chemicals, and it can save you money on plumbing services.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Washing soda is an excellent all-purpose cleaner due to its high alkaline content. It can effectively remove stains, grease, and grime from various surfaces, including floors, walls, countertops, and appliances. Mix 2 tablespoons of washing soda with a gallon of hot water in a bucket to make an all-purpose cleaner with washing soda. Stir until the washing soda dissolves completely. Then, use a sponge or a cloth to wipe down the surfaces.

For tougher stains or dirt buildup, let the solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush or a scouring pad. The benefits of using washing soda as an all-purpose cleaner include its affordability, effectiveness, and eco-friendliness, as it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment.

Tip: Washing Soda can also be used as a jewelry cleaner to remove tarnish. Do not use on aluminum jewelry or any jewelry that you aren’t sure the composition of the metals. Here’s my recipe for Homemade Jewelry Cleaner.

---

These are just a few practical ways to use washing soda around the house. It’s a versatile and inexpensive cleaning product that can help you tackle a variety of household chores.

With all the ways to use washing soda, it’s clear that this multi-purpose cleaner is a must-have for any household. From laundry to kitchen cleaning to unclogging drains, the possibilities are endless. By learning how to make washing soda and understanding the difference between washing soda and baking soda, you can confidently use this natural and affordable cleaner in your home.

What do you use washing soda for? Make sure to share them below in the comments section.

Found this post helpful? Be sure and share it with your friends on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and through Email using the sharing buttons below!

---

Merissa has been blogging about and living the simple life since 2009 and has internationally published 2 books on the topic. You can read about Merissa’s journey from penniless to the 100-acre farm on the About Page. You can send her a message any time from the Contact Page.

---

 

This post on How to Use Washing Soda was originally published on Little House Living in July 2023.