Know about washing soda? Here are 10 brilliant uses

Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate or soda ash, is a versatile household ingredient that offers a range of practical applications beyond its conventional role in laundry. With its alkaline nature and powerful cleaning properties, washing soda has earned a reputation as a staple in many homes. Derived from naturally occurring minerals, this compound is a must-have addition to your cleaning and DIY toolkit. In this article, we will explore 10 brilliant uses of washing soda that go beyond the laundry room.

Washing soda, chemically known as sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), is a white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water. It is commonly found in the form of large granules or a fine powder. This compound is distinct from baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) due to its higher alkalinity and its use in more heavy-duty cleaning tasks. Washing soda is often used as a water softener, a degreaser, and a cleaner, making it a powerful ally in various cleaning and household projects.

Washing soda and baking soda are two distinct chemical compounds that share similarities but also have important differences in terms of chemical composition, properties, and uses. Here's how they differ:

Chemical Composition:

Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate): Chemical formula Na2CO3. It is produced by mining or processing naturally occurring minerals like trona or soda ash. Washing soda is a stronger alkaline compound compared to baking soda.

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Chemical formula NaHCO3. Baking soda is created through a chemical reaction involving sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide, and water. It is a weaker alkaline compound compared to washing soda.

Washing soda is more alkaline than baking soda, which means it has a higher pH level. This higher alkalinity gives washing soda stronger cleaning and degreasing properties, making it effective for heavy-duty cleaning tasks.

1. Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

Combine washing soda with water, vinegar, and a few drops of essential oil to create a potent homemade all-purpose cleaner. This mixture effectively cuts through grease, grime, and stubborn stains on various surfaces, including countertops, stovetops, and tiles.

2. Unclogging Drains

Tired of slow-draining sinks? Pour a mixture of washing soda and hot water down the drain to help dissolve hair, soap scum, and other debris that can clog pipes. This natural alternative can be gentler on pipes than commercial drain cleaners.

3. Oven Cleaner

Create a paste using washing soda, water, and a touch of liquid dish soap. Apply this paste to the interior of your oven and let it sit for a few hours. The powerful cleaning properties of washing soda will help break down baked-on grease and grime, making oven cleaning a breeze.

4. Removing Carpet Stains

Stubborn carpet stains can be frustrating, but washing soda can come to the rescue. Mix washing soda with water to create a paste, then gently rub the paste onto the stain. Allow it to sit for a while before blotting the area with a clean cloth.

5. Degreasing Pans and Cookware

Washing soda's ability to cut through grease makes it an excellent option for degreasing pans, pots, and other cookware. Sprinkle a small amount of washing soda onto a damp sponge and scrub away tough grease stains.

6. Cleaning Tile Grout

Revive dingy and discolored tile grout by making a paste with washing soda and water. Apply the paste to the grout lines, let it sit, and then scrub with a brush to reveal cleaner and brighter grout.

7. DIY Dishwasher Detergent

Craft your own dishwasher detergent by mixing washing soda, borax, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. This DIY detergent can effectively clean dishes while reducing the use of harsh chemicals.

8. Refreshing Laundry

Add a cup of washing soda to your laundry to boost the cleaning power of your detergent. Washing soda helps remove odors, stains, and residues from clothes, leaving them fresher and cleaner.

9. Removing Toilet Bowl Stains

Tackle stubborn toilet bowl stains by sprinkling washing soda around the rim, allowing it to sit for a while, and then scrubbing with a toilet brush. Its alkaline properties help break down mineral deposits and stains.

10. Outdoor Cleaning

Washing soda can be used to clean outdoor surfaces like patio furniture, decks, and fences. Create a cleaning solution by mixing washing soda with water and apply it to the surfaces for effective cleaning.

How to Get Washing Soda From Baking Soda
You can convert baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) into washing soda (sodium carbonate) through a simple process known as "heating" or "calcination." Here's how you can do it:

Materials Needed:

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
Oven

Steps:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to around 400°F (200°C).

Spread Baking Soda: Spread a layer of baking soda on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. It's best to work in small batches to ensure even heating.

Bake the Baking Soda: Place the baking sheet with the baking soda in the preheated oven. Bake the baking soda for about 1 hour. During the baking process, the baking soda will undergo a chemical reaction called "thermal decomposition," which converts it into washing soda.

Stirring and Observing: Periodically stir the baking soda with a spoon during the baking process. You may notice some changes in the appearance and texture of the baking soda as it transforms into washing soda. The baking soda will release carbon dioxide and water vapor, leaving behind the converted washing soda.

Cool and Store: Once the baking soda has been heated for the specified time, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool. The resulting substance will be washing soda. Store the washing soda in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the air.

Important Notes:

Safety: While this process is relatively simple, it's important to exercise caution. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area or with good air circulation, as the process releases carbon dioxide gas and water vapor. Wear gloves and avoid inhaling any fumes that might be generated during the process.

Temperature: The conversion process is not extremely sensitive to exact temperature settings. The goal is to bake the baking soda at a temperature high enough to drive off carbon dioxide and water, leaving behind sodium carbonate.

Baking Time: Baking times can vary based on the temperature of your oven and the quantity of baking soda you're converting. The goal is to bake the baking soda until it has transformed into a more powdery and dull substance.

Testing: If you're unsure whether the baking soda has fully converted to washing soda, you can perform a simple test. Dissolve a small amount of the cooled substance in water. If it fizzes and bubbles, it likely still contains some baking soda. Washing soda should not exhibit this reaction when dissolved in water.